[leviathan0]

For some time now, I've wanted to start a group order club since I always find myself wanting to order some fish or plants from a website, but never enough that it would justify the cost of shipping. I'm sure I'm not the only one. But, for all the same reasons an aquarium club never took off despite all the attempts, I'm sure one for group orders won't either.

But, I would like to propose something - that we start group orders here, even if it isn't as a club.

For example, maybe you want to order $10 worth of fish from Invertzfactory, but the $15 shipping cost wouldn't be worth it. Make a new post, "potential Invertzfactory group order" or whatever, post when you plan to order, when and where you can meet up with other buyers locally, and split the cost of shipping with them.

Or maybe you're putting down a $80 order with Foster&Smith and they have free shipping for orders over $100, make a post and say you need additional buyers to fill out $20 to get the free shipping. Similarly, maybe you already are making a $100 order that qualifies for free shipping, you could let others piggyback off you so they wouldn't have to pay the shipping fees had they ordered by themselves.

It's just an idea.

 

[ecotanker]

Hey Levi,

I think this idea is pretty good!

I am thinking of ordering 6 scarlet badis for invertzfactory and some nerite snails sometime this month, once they update their stock list. Anyone interested in ordering from them?

 

[Lnb]

For some time now, I've wanted to start a group order club since I always find myself wanting to order some fish or plants from a website, but never enough that it would justify the cost of shipping. I'm sure I'm not the only one. But, for all the same reasons an aquarium club never took off despite all the attempts, I'm sure one for group orders won't either.

But, I would like to propose something - that we start group orders here, even if it isn't as a club.

For example, maybe you want to order $10 worth of fish from Invertzfactory, but the $15 shipping cost wouldn't be worth it. Make a new post, "potential Invertzfactory group order" or whatever, post when you plan to order, when and where you can meet up with other buyers locally, and split the cost of shipping with them.

Or maybe you're putting down a $80 order with Foster&Smith and they have free shipping for orders over $100, make a post and say you need additional buyers to fill out $20 to get the free shipping. Similarly, maybe you already are making a $100 order that qualifies for free shipping, you could let others piggyback off you so they wouldn't have to pay the shipping fees had they ordered by themselves.

It's just an idea.

I think it's a good idea but certain details need to be worked out among the involved beforehand.

1. If you do a group order and someone has a DOA or a broken or wrong item. Who is responsible to follow through with the seller? I would say the actual buyer of that item but would you run into a problem since it's one person removed. Will the seller recognize the legitimacy of the sale since the names are different.

I don't see a problem with vendors such as Invertz and such but wonder about larger operations.

2. Regretitis and payments. Once an agreement is reached it should be treated as a contract and payment is due when the order is placed and payment is made to the vendor.

3. Timely delivery of goods. It is the responsibility of the piggybacker to make arrangement for pickup. I wouldn't want stuff at my house forever nor should the person doing the ordering be responsible for delivery of items. It should also be the responsibility of the one placing the order to inform others if something is back ordered, sold out or no longer available. Orders that cannot be complete should receive a prompt refund of monies. If this should change an order from "free" shipping to a shipping charge then the charges should be split fairly. Meaning, if your items are 3/4 of the order then you should pay 3/4 of the shipping fee.

Some of you may feel that I've thrown a bucket of ice water on this but to the contrary. This is just to enlighten everyone of the details that need to be worked out so this thing can work and to avoid any misunderstandings.

You could also say .......... WTF and do your own thing, your choice. :hihi:

 

[leviathan0]

This is one of the reasons why I think a club would never work out, because everyone has their own idea of what terms would be just. Whoever starts their own group-order thread should set their own terms.

 

[Lnb]

This is one of the reasons why I think a club would never work out, because everyone has their own idea of what terms would be just. Whoever starts their own group-order thread should set their own terms.

Agree .....

You could also say .......... WTF and do your own thing, your choice.

 

[kurosuto]

but nonetheless, it is definitely a good idea. check ptrader for ratings if anything as added "security."

If anything, someone can just start it, state terms, and if someone agrees, they join in.

But i definitely would vouch for that idea. Much better than going to LFS every week in hopes of something new.