Could MTBS3D produce a group purchase section

[cgp44]

It looks like serious components are available
now but only with minimum amounts say 50 at least.

Would the MTBS3D boys be willing to host some sort of
group ordering facility?

[Neil]

How would such a thing work?

Regards,
Neil

[GeraldT]

either one person collects the money from enough interested parties, then orders and then has to deal with shipping the items out ... not seeing this happen on a regular basis

or MTBS could create some sort of order platform, do more or less the same. like having a sort of kickstarter like page where you have an item that is gonna be bought and delivered if there are enough orders for it from forum users.
this would be a very cool thing, but of course a lot of work so you would want to earn money with it and there the trouble starts ...

I think it is a great idea that is just too complex to create for a site the size of MTBS.

If you have a certain item in mind cgp44, then why not try go the first route? you can always ask Neil if it is okay to make a request post in a suitable forum (e.g. "Who would like to buy this 1080p 7" lcd screen for $89 plus shipping so we reach the minimum order amount?")

[cgp44]

Mtbs3d could act as an ordering interest centre where products of great
Interest to vr DYI'ers could be listed and the minimum ordering quantity specified.
There are a lot of good stuff available for single ordering, but some items have been
Identified not available to the consumer. Perhaps those who have wanted panel X , thing Y
Could mention them to see what could be purchased.
Once the counter is triggered, action can occur. Mtbs3d could Offer a payment system.
The other half is the distribution system. Hopefully the mounts and size of package could allow a garage based
Operation. Either mtbs3d or a trusted agent could take this role. We have an excellent community here.

[Neil]

It sounds complex, and I don't know the legal ramifications of something like this.

If you can come up with simple ways for the community to cooperate on something like this, I don't mind. I just don't want to be exposed to liability or a lot of extra effort that would get in the way of my other day to day stuff.

I am open to anything that would leverage our community for positive things.

Regards,
Neil

[BrightEyed]

It would be kinda neat if mtbs3d could offer something like that, it seams like a whole business unto itself. Why not something like indiegogo.com?