New rules for Group Buys?

[HalloweenRick]

I hate to say it, given that I've participated in two (Bluckys and Fog Fluid, thank you Vlad and Jeff) but given the problems at another forum, should we close this category off? I know we have rules and regulations, but it still is a black eye that other haunters appear to be taken advantage of. Should we at least improve the rules so that:
1. Only one group buy by one leader at a time
2. Must be a halloween retailer (ie. Jeff at Frighteners or such)
I realize HauntForum would be completely neutral in group buys, and it is buyer beware, but still...maybe we'd be better off without the category as a whole?

[bradndez]

My 2 cents.....

Group buys are only as good as the participants. Every person should weigh how good a deal vs the service they may or may not receive is. If you do a buy and aren't satisfied then don't do one with that person again. The only problem I would have is if a person just took the money and ran.

By limiting who can host a buy (retailers etc) you cut out some good opportunities. You never know when someone comes across a good deal. And many times a retailer doesn't have the time or inclination to organize a buy. Besides the problem on the other forum is with a retailer so that rule would not have eliminated the problem.

I guess what I am saying is that due diligence is needed when doing a group buy. But that is where the money is saved by using a little sweat equity. So my vote is "Yes" we should do group buys.

[Dixie]

The reason I call Haunt Forum home, vs. some other forum, is the lack of drama.
Why we have to borrow their current drama and bring it here is beyond me.

[CreeepyCathy]

The reason I call Haunt Forum home, vs. some other forum, is the lack of drama.
Why we have to borrow their current drama and bring it here is beyond me.

I'll drink to that. :)

[jaege]

What happened elsewhere to turn you off to group buys?

[Frighteners Entertainment]

Dixie is right.
The advantage I have in group buys is IF I do have a few that might not come through on the purchase, have a much better chance of offing the merchandise.
The advantage to hauntforum group buy participants (when I organize it) do not have to pay up front (as long as you follow the posting rules).

[Chuck]

I believe group buys a great way to save haunters some cash. The rules should be simple. A member in good standing with a minimum amount of posts (other than off-topic posts) should be able to host a group buy. Also, they should only be allowed to host one at a time.

The problem on the other forum was the group buy host had like 5 of them going at the same time. A single person just doesn't have the time to handle this in a timely manner. One of the group buys has over 1000 foam skulls being shipped all over the country. Good luck getting those before Oct 31.

[Zombie-F]

In the years we've been doing the group buy forum, I can literally count on one hand (two fingers needed only) the times that I have been made aware that a group buy went wrong.

The forum will remain here as it is because we've never had any big problems with the buys.

We are in no way associated with the organizers of any of the group buys (unless it is organized by one of the forum leaders). HauntForum only offers a place to organize the buy.

It should still be said that group buys are buyer beware. If you don't know the organizer very well, can't take the risk of losing some money if it does go bad, or are just generally uncomfortable with the idea of a group buy I suggest steering clear of doing them.

If one does go badly, please report it to one of the forum leaders and we will help to either get things cleared up or -- in the rare event a resolution can't be met -- take disciplinary action against the offending member.

[Death Wraith]

I for one would hate to see an end to group buys. Those of us in more outlying areas don't have easy access to surplus houses and other outlets. I've had some great deals on stuff through GB and I've missed out on others that I would have bought into. I agree that the problems experienced seem to have stemmed from one person trying to do too many. One at a time per organizer is the way to go.

I remember in years passed some GB's being organized through the merchant, in particular the old Bucky group buys through Anatomical Supply that were arranged with Marilyn where forum members would call her directly for a special deal. That takes it out of the hands of any singular forum member and the merchant handles payments and shipping. Maybe that approach could be used more depending on the merchant and if we can get any deals just for the forum.

[scareme]

I will definitely join in on future group buys. I've gotten some great deals on props I would not have been able to afford otherwise. I'm one of the ones that may end up losing some money on a different group buy. But I chose to enter, and I'm responsible for the choices I make. I could buy the products elsewhere for more, but I like the idea of paying less, so I take the chance. If you don't understand that, don't join a group buy. But don't say others can't make their own choice by eliminating the option. Stepping down off the soapbox and offering it to the next opinion.

(Cathy, pass the bottle)

[Hauntiholik]

As Zombie-F said, the Group Buy forum will remain because we don't have problems with it here.

[Otaku]

Sounds good, Haunti - the two GB's that I was involved in went smoothly (Froggy's Fog Juice (Jeff) and a bunch of MP3 players (Turtle). I'd hate to see them go away.

[Victor]

I would say local group buys should be encouraged rather than trying to organize how to deliver the props around the country/world(since we are not all from the US) I would be interested in one of these but I would like to be a few hours drive from the person making the order.

[GothicCandle]

If someone doesn't want to do them, then don't. It's a personal choice but why limit those of us who might be interested in them?

[robp790]

I would not hesitate to join on a group buy if it was something I could use. I have had positive experience only in the ones I joined. Please keep this option.

[Hauntiholik]

I've changed the title of this thread since HalloweenRick wasn't really trying to get rid of the Group Buy forum (I don't think he was. Just a bad experience on another forum right?) and he brought up some suggested rules changes instead.

[halloween71]

I'll drink to that. :)

Me to!

[DeathTouch]

Plus I like the group buys that Jeff does. Saved me big money on the Transmitter. One day when Jeff kicks the bucket, I plan to do biz with his kids. Just so I can save big money on props.

[Lunatic]

I appreciate the honesty with the members of this forum. I didn't realize there was a problem with another site. That sucks. It's a respectable thing that members here host a group buy. Thanks for that.

[debbie5]

Going forward, I hear that Vlad will put all purchases on his credit card, and we can pay him back whenever we feel like it.

:)

[DeathTouch]

Going forward, I hear that Vlad will put all purchases on his credit card, and we can pay him back whenever we feel like it.

:)

Great! Jeff I would like to buy that big zombie thing you got. Put it on my Vlad Masterhaunter card please. I don't leave home without it! (Hello, This is Peggy)

[Headless]

I have a shopping list as well. Who should I email it to? LOL

[Vlad]

I hear that Vlad will put all purchases on his credit card, and we can pay him back

Yes, I'm sure there's some pay back due in Debbie's near future. hehehehe

[debbie5]

I need a How To Animate Your Halloweencrap book please and 20 wiper motors.

[Vlad]

I need a How To Animate Your Halloweencrap book please and 20 wiper motors

You finally getting around to building that wife you always say you wanted?

[debbie5]

You finally getting around to building that wife you always say you wanted?

If I were building that, I obviously would need a massager....

(insert Please Stay On Topic reminder here)

[PrettyGhoul]

Just butting in here but I've been involved in a couple of group buys and have always had a good experience. I had thought of doing one myself but I saw some errors in some past buys so held off.

[PrettyGhoul]

Oops, I mean from the setting up and selling standpoint. lol Buying is all good.