I don't get group buys - help me understand

X-Files · #11 03-04-2005, 03:37 PM

I am seriously thinking about getting in on the new group buy from TenPecenter as long as the final design looks as good as I think it will. 

• Paying cash upfront, perhaps a couple months in the case of a customized group buy

I do not have a problem with this. You should always check out all the information thoroughly.

• Paying cash (or Paypal) to someone you know primarily by a made up nickname on a anonymous discussion group on the assumption that they will send you something down the road.

This could happen with anyone you deal with on PayPal. Again, you should always check out all the information thoroughly.

• In the event of a customized design - agreeing to buy 500 chips based on a graphic design mock-up that you have little idea of how will look on an actual chip.

People are doing this now for the http://www.trademarkpoker.com/paulson.asp Paulson’s.

• In the event of a customized design - agreeing to a consensus designed chip, or one designed by the group buy organizer, which you have little say over - so essentially it's not really a customized chip, just someone else’s design that you get to approve upfront.

I guess this is the same as any chip you would by. Someone designed a chip and you like the design so you buy it. Here you get to at least give some input and in the end if you do not like it you can go elsewhere.

• In the event of a customized design - Not having the ability to add to your set or replace lost or damaged chips down the road because it's a one-time event.

This could be a possibility if it is a one time production run. But you would most likely know this ahead of time so you can plan ahead and order extras.

• Assuming the risk that the final prices could change and you're already somewhat pot committed as you've already paid the bulk of the purchase price.

Why would the price change? I guess a manufacturer could up the price on you but that would not normally happen if you had already agreed on a price. That would be like me ordering chips from you and then you would tell me that the chips are now $1.25 a chip instead of $1.00.

• Assuming the risk of a fradulent group buy.

There are scams everywhere. I guess you just need to use your better judgement.

• Giving up any degree of customer service in the event that their is a problem with the merchandise and/or the shipment gets lost in transit

So are you saying that if I ordered from you and you shipped USPS and I said the chips never arrived and you could not prove otherwise you would send another set out at your expense?

• Giving up the ability to return a purchase for a full refund

I would have to say you would know this fact up front so you know what you are getting into.

• Giving up the convenience and security protection provided by paying with a credit card

I guess it all depends on how the group buy was set up. 

My primary concern is this seems like too good a con for the average confidence man to pass up. Even if the majority of the people doing this are above board, that existence makes room for the con men of the world to swoop in and make a quick buck.

Everyone that sells plastic chips and says “Casino Quality” and “Clay” is pulling off a con. Just a little prudence will solve this problem. I would have to say most people on this board are not idiots.

"HEY, we're willing to make a lot of concessions for a 10-20% discount - including revoking our rights to return an item or get a refund of any kind, including our ability to pay with a credit card, including paying 2 months in advance, including revoking our claim to any form of customer service, including assuming the risk of a last minute price change after we've already paid 2 months in advance, including assuming the risks and hassles of dealing with UPS on any items lost in transit".

If that is indeed the reality, then poker chip retailers (including my company), need to recognize this consumer need and meet it with a solution. That's why I'm posting.

Buying from any online retailer is a risk. You offer a product that was designed by someone in the hopes that a lot of people will like the design and purchase it. I think a group buy is like this only on a smaller scale. I did not participate in any of the group buys. I bought my chips on my own through pokerchips.com and even that was a scary proposition because you have no idea when they will ship. You bring up some good points. I think that group buys will happen as long as the manufacturers allow these types of orders.

You do bring up good points that everyone looking to get into a group buy should think about.

By the way I think the way the label and the recess on the James Bond Paulson's is horrible looking.