Co-Operative Buying

[Justin]

I'm thinking about approaching a few suppliers to try and get forum members special rates by using a co-operative buying plan. Simply put this would mean you getting a better than usual discount on blanks etc. providing we could get enough orders between us to buy in larger bulk.

Quick example, say we could get a supplier to sell us 1000 coasters with a set discount. I would post the offer on here asking you to indicate how many boxes of 40 you would definately buy. Once we meet the 1000 mark (25 boxes total) the order could be placed and then shipped to each individual. Maybe it would be something simple like free postage which is often a problem putting in smaller orders. We'd have to look at the payment situation but these are all things we can look at in more detail.

Just thought I'd throw it out there to see what you all think. Obviously we're still a young forum with not many members and to get the best deal we'd need many more members with greater buying power but this may well attract other members to us.

If you like the idea, please indicate the type of items you'd be interested in buying, coasters, mugs, mouse mats and so on.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Justin

[GoldRapt]

I think I would like to be part of this.

[castlegategiftcreations]

sounds like a good idea.

[accdave]

Not sure how workable it would be but I'm interested. It's not a million miles away from my thinkng when I posted about the transfers

[Justin]

I'd need to sit down and work it all out that's for sure but it's certainly do'able!

Justin

[Justin]

Maybe group buying is a better term?

[GoldRapt]

Not sure how workable it would be but I'm interested. It's not a million miles away from my thinkng when I posted about the transfers

5 yards maybe

[JSR]

I'm interested.

The only question would be time frame. For instance, waiting around for a batch of coasters until there's enough to order could lead to us buying from elsewhere if we're in a rush and then we wouldn't want the ones we'd say we would have wanted in the first place.

But if we can work out the kinks, count me in.

[gorgall]

Sounds good to me.

[Justin]

I'm interested.

The only question would be time frame. For instance, waiting around for a batch of coasters until there's enough to order could lead to us buying from elsewhere if we're in a rush and then we wouldn't want the ones we'd say we would have wanted in the first place.

But if we can work out the kinks, count me in.

yes, timeframes may be an issue. It would be great if we could all look inture our crystal balls and see what we'll need in a month or two's time! We'll have to iron a few things out but I'll see what potential deals we can get, even if it's just reduced p&p or discounts for members.

Justin