Discussion regarding future requirements for group buys

**larry** · 08-03-2011,07:20 PM

The forum does not endorse any seller or buyer for group buys.
We do nothing more than provide a space for posting for our members to join together to save money.

Because of recent issues with group buys, what do you believe should be required of buyers and sellers to participate.

For instance, should the forum require tracking numbers from the shipper (e.g. USPS).

Please discuss so that we can do our best to improve.

Any buyer or seller that breaks any of these policies will have their account terminated.

I hope that this will help in the future. Thanks.

**arattin** · 08-03-2011,08:49 PM

Believe that group buy organizers should:
1) Be allowed to run one group buy at a time, and initiate another only after all orders have been received by all participants.
2) Provide tracking numbers on all shipments.
3) Share weekly accurate updates with all participants.
4) Provide crucial contact information.
5) Share participant feedback much like that on eBay (may be asking way too much here).

**Boomalator** · 08-03-2011,08:51 PM

So, in essence, this asks, "should the forum impose a rule that increases the cost of all future group buys?". I think this is unnecessary. It might be nice if there were options for shipping so that I could choose whether or not I want my package tracked or sent more cheaply. Because I don't live in the US, sometimes shipping an item costs more than the item is worth. Arbitrarily increasing the cost of group buys may prevent me from participating in them (depending on the item).

What might be more useful might be:

1. To organize/advertise a group by you must:
a) have been a forum member for XXX months or have YYY posts.
b) publish real contact information (or make it available privately to moderators or each participant), such as real name, postal address, contact phone/email.

2. Create a list of FAQs/warnings like:
"there is always risk in any transaction. some risk is outside the control of the gb organizer, but some can be controlled or mitigated. we recommend that group buy organizers:
a) use a payment system that includes a dispute resolution method
b) offer a shipping method that can be tracked
c) provide real names and contact information to participants
d) exercise caution in dealing with buyers who are unknown or brand new.

Likewise, we suggest that buyers:
a) exercise caution in dealing with sellers who are unknown or brand new.
b) use a payment method that includes a dispute resolution method
c) consider using trackable shipping options for large value items"

...etc...etc...

I don't think it's the forum's job to police or restrict it, and if you take on that role, then you become a party to the transaction and liable.

Those are my thoughts, anyway.

**nightrideproductions** · 08-03-2011,08:56 PM

I think that tracking numbers should always be given out. Insurance should also be an option for an additional fee. That way, the buyer knows that the item was shipped, and if it is lost in transit, it will the the carrier's responsibility, and not the GB organizer's problem.

Of course, PayPal, Google Checkout, etc. should be used for any transactions.

**Boomalator** · 08-03-2011,08:58 PM

Tracking numbers, insurance, and paypal all add costs. The point of a group buy is to reduce costs.

**larry** · 08-03-2011,09:06 PM

Please keep all input coming. I appreciate feedback.

I do agree and always... Group buys are buyer beware ... seller beware. The forum never has and never will have anything to do with group buys. We will respond if a member breaks rules, but only provide a place as requested by our members. I hope that this discussion evolves where members will create these group buy policies and suggestions for future buyers and sellers then we can post.

My personal opinion... I would rather pay an extra $5 on anything I bought anywhere to protect myself from fraud. I buy a lot of stuff online and believe in e-commerce. I trust my credit card more online than with a waiter at a restaurant. I always want that protection though.

**scubaspook** · 08-03-2011,09:23 PM

Tracking number optional- if buyer wants tracking then pay the actual fee not those outragous fees some sellers ask for on ebay.

Insurance- optional only cost a couple dollars

Updates of when the seller is expecting package if possible seller should be able to get a tracking number from the supplier at no extra fee usually.

Ship the item do not hold off for more group buy orders to come in before shipping as shipping was charged for each gruop buy.

**billman** · 08-04-2011,05:23 AM

Originally Posted by scubaspook

Tracking number optional- if buyer wants tracking then pay the actual fee not those outragous fees some sellers ask for on ebay.

Insurance- optional only cost a couple dollars

Updates of when the seller is expecting package if possible seller should be able to get a tracking number from the supplier at no extra fee usually.

Ship the item do not hold off for more group buy orders to come in before shipping as shipping was charged for each gruop buy.

I totally agree with this!

..but If it comes down to tracking number or no tracking number. I choose tracking number.

**Dark lord** · 08-04-2011,06:22 AM

UPS & FedEX automatically come with tracking, USPS for a couple bucks - my experience is that USPS has tracking that they never seem to update most of the time until it gets to you - or least this is what I experience with them.

I personally would rather have tracking & I always insure for anything more than $20, - UPS & Fed have 1st $100 covered, but then they cost a couple $$'s more I feel that USPS...........I understand we're trying to keep the cost of a purchase down, but if it's lost what did you save in product & hassles.....??

The group buys here are nice & I think that only members that have good track records here to be allowed to head up a buy, if they new or questioned, then really your taking a chance.....

& each buy should be finished & received before starting another by the same person.

Updates & real names & contact info as suggested between actual persons involved in it - buyer & seller -

Yes actual fee's only - this isn't EBay or the like......if your trying to profit then it's a business sale, not group cost-cut buy

Tracking & ins option, if ya don't get it don't complain you chose the cheaper route.........personally i feel it covers the seller from the BS that comes with it when there's a problem, let the carrier be responsible - as they lost or damaged it, not the seller !

As always - any transaction not done in person is a risk, so if you don't feel safe, then don't participate !

I do a lot of online transactions from EBay to online stores & it's always a head ache if there's been a problem.....way of our 22nd century world that we have created..........to get something for less online.

My 2 cents.

**wrasse** · 08-04-2011,09:46 AM

I think that this would best be answered by the group buy organizers as they know first hand the pit falls of having to deal with all of the issues involved with these buys. If there are to many rules and regulations inpossed on these people, I would not blame them for arranging any buys in the future. It seems to me that a few complainers are spoiling it for the rest.

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