Could someone post an "Important" thread here explaining about group deals? Just info like, how they work, who to pay, etc... General Info for those not used to group deals, like myself.

 

Do I qualify to explain the basics of a GD? After all, I handled one of the longest post-whored threads (95-96 red/clear tails) a while ago

About the seller:
The seller can be either the person who makes/sells the item or act as the 'salesperson' or middle man to the deal.

About the buyer:
The buyer is you. In most cases, payment dictates your spot in a GD especially when quantities are limited. Saying you'll buy it isn't the same as sending payment. Payment terms is dictated by the seller & some will charge more if you pay by credit card using Paypal.

How it works:
1) Deal will be offered for a lower price depending on how many people participate (e.g., 10+ = $400, 20+ = $380, 30+ = $360, etc); or
2) Deal is offered for fixed quantities at fixed price. Depending on the seller, they might not fulfil the GD if they cannot reach the quantity they are targeting.

Some typical questions:
1) Cost ... seller should post the price clearly
2) Shipping ... because of different shipping destinations, shipping rates can either be fixed or vary according to your zip code. Check with the seller if you are not sure
3) End date of GD ... seller should inform approximate dates for when the GD will end and when the items will be shipped. No one wants to wait 6 months for items purchased

If you are organizing a GD:
1) Post photos if possible, everyone wants to see what they're buying.
2) Provide enough information or link to manufacturer's website ... otherwise, you'll end up with a very messy thread where questions will be asked over & over.
3) Post price, payment due dates and approximate shipping dates clearly.

Liability:
Maxima.org is a forum & is not liable for any fraud that happens on the forum. It is your responsibility to decide whether to send your money to another org member. Many seasoned org members are familiar with each other's screen names and do not hesitate to buy items. However, many items are offered for sale or through GD's by "Lurkers" & "Newbies" ... many of them are companies that came across the org and decided to offer their products at a discounted price - thank you. Use your discretion. If the seller is a company, please provide phone # and website if available so we can check out what else you have.

Suggestions:
The GD organizer should continue to edit their first post to reflect the status of the GD instead of posting a new reply everytime something changes. Items to include in the first post are:
1) Is the GD still open?
2) Members who are already in the GD
3) Status update
By doing this, members will not have to wade through pages and pages of posts to check the latest news.

Others:
1) GD forum is not moderated. Do not abuse it. After your GD is completed and everyone is satisfied, post that the thread will be deleted in 1 - 2 weeks. If anyone has any objections, they will indicate so in the thread. Otherwise, delete it so the GD forum isn't cluttered with old deals. This should also hold true in the For Sale/Wanted forum.
2) When replying, do not hit "START NEW THREAD" ... otherwise, you will become a floater ... this happens quite often.
3) All IP addresses are logged and in the event of fraud, org administrators can provide this information to the proper authorities. Please do not abuse this forum at the expense of other Maxima enthusiasts.

Edit for spelling

 

Nice Write-up pocketrocket.

 

Thank you

 

geek

 

rudeness nice wheels

 

Haha! I agree. I've learnt to ignore Craig.