Group buys

[CajunChuck]

Very familiar with group buys. Have done quite a few on my cigar forum that I frequent. Last cool one was a group buy for SS SAK (swiss army knife). As stated above, it is a fair amount of work for a person to organize one, esp when you are reaching 50+ orders.

The way that we had payment were either money orders (that way you can have an address w/ payment) or paypal for "wedding gift" (+3% for fees) and a deadline to have payments in or you miss out on the group buy.

On a note...it is just tough finding something that everyone wants, can use and could get enough in bulk to buy to get a decent discount to be worth the group buy hassle for the organizer. There are also "shipping/mailing" issues that may occur and money or items can get lost in the process. Sorry, I don't mean to sound like a buzz kill, but these are things that I have seen happen with GB's in the past.

On a positive note, I love group buy's and usually participate in them esp when dealing with knives and various accessories, eventhough I am a "newbie" to this site. Hope this helps...

[FearSheeple]

I too love group buys, i do them all the time on my car forum, and have run several my self. They're hard work but it's worth it if the savings are enough :) Don't know what we'd havea GB on here, but if i see one and i need it i'll be in!

[BAC]

Consider the type of group buys that this community would participate in. Ammunition - never a lack of demand for ammunition. Receivers and other common rifle parts - not only high-demand, but a potential gold mine pending the political climate. Specify them a little and see what 1911 owners tend to want most (a popular grip safety or sights or something). You get the idea.

I agree that they are work, but considering I paid half on an AR-15 receiver I would have paid otherwise because of a group buy I'd say they're well worth it.


-B

[AZ Husker]

With a diverse crowd like here, it's going to be tough to decide on a common item. In the 1911forum, it's easy. Ammo is a great idea, but shipping might be a determining factor. We have group ammo buys on ArizonaShooting.com and get free delivery (pick it up at the gunshow), no sales tax because we bought from out of state, and discount prices.

[Bumper]

We may consider it at some point, but for now, I simply don't have the time available. And, I agree it would be tough to decide on a common item(s)....

[LenS]

Like many things, there are numerous ways to run group buys.

- It can be run by the Admin folks - don't recommend it, as it is a LOT of work and they have their hands full just managing a busy forum.

- It can be run by ANYONE who is a member of the forum, with approval of Admin. From personal experience, this is what I'd recommend. It is a lot of work for whoever undertakes the task (BTDT but never got the T-shirt), but if different folks run them, the burden is "spread out".

- It can be run by a Dealer affiliated with the forum. Also a good idea.

It's easy to "pick the group buy". You just throw up a "trial balloon" of "who's interested in _______?" and let it run a week or two. If interest is sufficient, then you post a "for real" thread for "I'm in" and details on payment/pickup/delivery.

Some examples:

- I ran a group buy of radar detectors back when I was at DEC (this was mid-1980s). I think that everyone had to pick them up from me at my office IIRC, or I may have shipped 1 or 2 out.

- I ran a group buy for trigger spring gauges ~1 year ago. I delivered most (it was off a regional forum), but trans-shipped some.

Keep in mind that shipping costs have gotten ridiculously expensive, especially with UPS/FedEx. Since we are a "national forum" here (and perhaps beyond, but State Dept. export rules cause problems with non-US shipments), you need to keep that in mind if any trans-shipment is required. Total cost to the participant may not be a bargain after paying that additional shipping expense. E.g. Ammo group buys aren't likely to save money unless all participants are local to each other (IMNSHO).

[PatrioticRick]

Think Flashlights........... I'd be in for a good led flashlight. Anyone and everyone can use a flashlight. JMHO

[Fast Cloud]

I've only done one on the snipers hide and it went very well...good deals to be had.

I'm all over a flashlight...One of the members here owns Mallard Spring which sells Fenix. An LD2Q5 would suit me perfect. He already gives an 8% discount to forum members so I kind of feel like he might be up for it. (crosses fingers)

[INTJ]

Go for it. I'm always up for saving money.

If you got a group buy item wouldn't the logical place to post it be over in the Marketplace-Member Buy, Sell & Trade forum. You might wanna ckeck with management first but, I suggest naming the post something like "Group Buy For (fill-in the blank.)" List the details price, shipping, etc. and pm or email anyone who responds.

[Kerbouchard]

So, how about it Mods? Are unofficial/unsanctioned group buys permissable in the Buy, Sell, Trade forum?

An 'at your own risk' trial period, so to speak?