Group Buys - what's the verdict?

[Caleb]

Group Buys have more recently become a feature in this forum as developers and consumers profit from the advantages of bulk purchases with smaller margin over higher margins on a potentially smaller number of purchases.

The lowering prices quite often entice fence-sitters into making purchases they would not have ordinarily made (eg z3ta or sonic synth 1 etc..)

This is great for the developers and has the advantage of being quite a saving for the people purchasing as well.

I personally like the concept of the Group Buy as it gives me (the consumer) the opportunity to purchase something for less. It also seems that some companies like eSoundz use the Group Buy to offer something that is not part of their regular product range. This can really suit me if it's targetted at my current burning needs.

However someone has recently highlighted a downside of the concept: it seems to promote alot of mass marketing by users either by multiple posts in multiple forums or posts within other threads. There was a suggestion that we may need to establish some sort of etiquette with these sort of things.

Although the comments at the time were related to a post of mine and I vehemently deny any wrong-doing . I also fully appreciate the sentiment expressed.

So I thought it might be a good idea to start this thread on Group Buys in general and in particular - how they pertain to our experience on K-v-R as forum dwellers.

Developers may well be interested in the opinions expressed about this topic.

So what do you think about Group Buys?
Do you think they're working (are they working for you)?
What do you think about their potential to become junk mail in our threads and forums? And if so, do you think there should be any particular guidelines regarding Group Buys to help prevent it?
What do you appreciate/not appreciate about them?
Are you just sick of seeing them?
etc...

I know this isn't as interesting as a 'what is the worst...' or 'what is the best....' thread, but it may still be rewarding - you never know.

Caleb

[Lunch Money]

I like the concept, though I haven't gotten in on one yet. I think that any problems (spam, etc) associated with them are a reasonable trade-off, as it's rare to see a whole list of "Group Buy" threads in the Main Forums list to the right. Even if there were 3 at a time (haven't seen it yet!), it's a worthwhile trade-off. When I click "My Latest Topics", Marketplace isn't in there, so I'm STILL getting a proper overview of the topics I'm interested in.

Right now, lots of people have gone into Group Buys, so their funding is tapped. I don't think developers watching this forum should get the impression that they should just 'give up on it', though-- if they become a mainstay, then consumers will be learning how to go for the offers that appeal to them, only. I think it'll become increasingly rare to see a group buy reach its end target, but as long as the developer offers an initial discount (they all seem to!), how can it be a bad thing?

I definitely appreciate seeing them, because at least it gives me an option and something to consider. The eSoundz offers, in particular, seem spectacular VFM, and also offer something unique (man I wish I hadn't missed out on those Trons).

I say keep 'em coming. Don't see any real need for etiquette enforcement yet, either.

Greg

[VariKusBrainZ]

I have "saved" easily over a thousand euoros thanks to group buys and special offers, but then I wouldnt have thought about buying some of this stuff because of the original pricing eg Ohmforce and kjaerhus. In fact i cant remember the last time I paid full price for something and Ive bought shit loads of software recently

[Midiworks]

I think it s going over the top, specialy here on KVR.

Some developers are overdoing it out of greed...

Sad they kill a great idea.

[Caleb]

I think it s going over the top, specialy here on KVR.

Some developers are overdoing it out of greed...

Sad they kill a great idea.

So you feel that the developer is getting more benefit from it than us as potential consumers?

One thing I guess is that Group Buys maximise cash flow in the short term for a company and perhaps even permanently over the lifetime of that product in some situations.

Also it can provide an avenue of income for products that are basically passed their used by date and beyond further earnings due to other newer products.

But do you think this is to the detriment of us at K-v-R?

I'm not sure I see it myself although the 2 Group Buys that I've participated in very recently were very well suited to my current needs so I may be totally blind to a darker side here.

Caleb

[whyterabbyt]

Yeah, people selling their stuff cheaper than usual, sometimes more than 50% off. How greedy can you get?

Funny how nobody particularly thinks of brick-and-mortar stores as 'greedy' when they have limited-time sales, though.

[Caleb]

Funny how nobody particularly thinks of brick-and-mortar stores as 'greedy' when they have limited-time sales, though.

Maybe they do and you're just opening a big can of worms.

Caleb

[whyterabbyt]

Maybe, but how do you consider someone selling stuff cheaper to be greedy compared to someone buying stuff they wouldnt have bought just because its cheaper....

"Ooh, look Gladys, enema hoovers are two-for-one today"
"But Ethel I dont want an enema hoover"
"But Gladys... they're TWO FOR ONE"

[vurt]

"Ooh, look Gladys, enema hoovers are two-for-one today"
"But Ethel I dont want an enema hoover"
"But Gladys... they're TWO FOR ONE"

where?i been looking for a couple of enema hoovers

[DwarfNebula]

Maybe, but how do you consider someone selling stuff cheaper to be greedy compared to someone buying stuff they wouldnt have bought just because its cheaper....

"Ooh, look Gladys, enema hoovers are two-for-one today"
"But Ethel I dont want an enema hoover"
"But Gladys... they're TWO FOR ONE"

[projectdan]

Its a great thing, Im not sure it will save me money, but it will allow me to buy more for my money

I may even spend more overall because of it, but Ill be happy about it.

I dont think its got out of hand (on this forum), most of the threads are limited to market place and even the ones that arent, have obvious titles so you can steer clear if you want.The only potential problem is if people buy at a certain price then a few days later its offered cheaper, that can create bad feeling.

I think the group buy concepts a great one overall, developers need a set amount of money to get by, if they can make it by selling more but at a reduced price its a win win situation.

These special deals have certainly made me buy stuff I either, probably wouldnt of got round to buying, or might of bought but at a later date.

Im happy with it

[whyterabbyt]

vurt quoth

where?i been looking for a couple of enema hoovers

Nah, it was ages ago. You're better off making your own... xoxos' had instructions I believe, using a lawnmower engine, a fish tank aerator, a showerhead, 15 metres of plastic tubing and two rolls of gaffer tape. Destroy robot capitalism now!

[crazed one]

vurt quoth

where?i been looking for a couple of enema hoovers

Nah, it was ages ago. You're better off making your own... xoxos' had instructions I believe, using a lawnmower engine, a fish tank aerator, a showerhead, 15 metres of plastic tubing and two rolls of gaffer tape. Destroy robot capitalism now!

[Caleb]

Nah, it was ages ago. You're better off making your own... xoxos' had instructions I believe, using a lawnmower engine, a fish tank aerator, a showerhead, 15 metres of plastic tubing and two rolls of gaffer tape. Destroy robot capitalism now!

Caleb

[CypherOne]

group buy = good thing.

I've only taken part in one for RMIV and the whole process was entirely easy and painless. It was quite funny seeing how upset people got by small delays in receiving their CDs thru the post, people are sooo impatient.