Bulk Purchases

[johnrt]

I had this misfortune of catching the last 10 minutes of the "One Show" last night and they ran a feature on bulk purchases and how people were grouping together to get better prices.

This reminded me of something I have sone a couple of times with other members of a marine aquarium forum where there were bulk orders for expensive items, lights, pumps etc as well as everyday items like salt.

We were able to get quite reasonable discounts with retailers compared to the regular high street prices. The retail of aquarium equipment is in a lot of ways similar to astronomy, often expensive low margin specialist items.

Could this be applied to astronomy? How it would work, or what kind of items would be included I'm not sure, but just a general idea that popped in to my head as I'm sat here doing nothing!

[Capricorn]

There is a group purchase of ATM equipment on Cloudy Nights so it does occur.

Did wonder myself why it doesn not occur more. Longperrng (I think it was them) were at one time stating they would sell to individuals. Wondered why 5 or 6 people didn't decide to get a scope each from them and put in an order. It would have to be the same scope I would expect but the savings could be pretty good.

One of the companies over in China have I think a 5 unit minimum.

It would need a bit more investigation but could be an option if a few people agreed and I would say pay the money into a fund before the order is placed so that someone could request one then drop out and leave the group with a scope.

Lets face it it is from these companies that places like Telescope Service source their items.

[Horus]

I operate group buys on my forum ........