DSF

It is hard to know what people's expectations are, as there is a high range of users on this forum, some who will buy 1 mug at a time, through to others who regularly buy in pallet or even container loads. Add to the mix that we don't all use the same design/shape of mug.

For the markup you can put on a bog standard chunky mug, and the relatively low cost they are already, I'm not sure there is going to be much savings to be had compared to what is already available. I think there are good savings to be had by buying in larger quantites once you have established your business and know how many mugs you go through per month, and are then able to work out how quickly you could sell a pallet worth, and whether you have the cashflow (or credit card) to buy in those quantities (and of course storage space.

Sorry guys (and gals) I did pen out a lengthy response to this and found it sat on the Blackberry waiting to be sent Anyhoo, it's gone now so I'd better start again!

I did look at Co-Op buying a while back and haven't discounted this but there are a few obstacles that would need to be overcome and even then problems as mentioned above are abundant.

I've always tried to keep then forum about the members and getting them (you) the best deals I can in return for keeping Premium fees as low as I can. Other discounts are on the way...by the way. I've had offers from Suppliers to partner with them on one level or another in the past but haven't felt this was in the best interests of the members. I'm always open to suggestions from members and indeed suppliers.

I guess the big question is, if we were to negotiate deals what would be in it for everyone involved? What would be in it for the members primarily but obviously it needs to be beneficial to the suppliers and also the forum (me) Negotiating a good price on mugs isn't difficult but if the supplier is having to discount customers he'd be getting anyway it's little incentive for them.

Regards getting a decent quality mug. I ran tests on all suppliers mugs several years ago. Whilst the results aren't really relevant to today's current blanks it proved very interesting. Currently, I have a supplier that will sell mugs for £25 for 36. The mugs are excellent and wash well, not quite as straight/flat as the more expensive mugs but well worth the price. Personally I like to give my customers the best possible mug and if this means paying a little more then so be it.

Very interesting reading everyone's comments and suggestions here. I don't know what the solution is, I do have a few ideas to follow up on but please do feel free to contact me with your own