Group Buys - How do we proceed?

Post by **QuantumJohn** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:17 pm

Agree with everything dazzer has said and think Gavster's idea is great. I often have a few quid left over in the paypal account which is going nowhere fast and would be happy to know it is better spent in RS246 coffers.

Also not sure how this works but could the site not time out when writing a post? It just timed out while a wrote a huge long essay on this thread and so asked me to log in again once I pressed submit. Of course, everything I had written then disappeared and the back button didn't retrieve it.

If I get time I'll try and remember all the points, suggestions and praise I had for the forum that were in it!

John

Post by **ChrisG** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:20 pm

Crew
There are a number of us who are happy to give money, We get a lot out of the site - I especially like the flashing light

Agree with Dazzer's points 3,4&5

Post by **TarmacTerrorist** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:54 pm

lol @dazzer...flashing lights indeed.

Post by **TarmacTerrorist** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:59 pm

Quantumjohn,

I have the same problem when writng a long post (lost count now how many times but it has become annoying). I think you basically get logged out after 15mins if you are not active on the site. typing text into the box does not recognise you as being active so logs you out. Spoke to phil about this the other day abnd he recommends using the 'remember me' box when logging in. Either that or 'copy' your text before you hit the preview/submit button.

Post by **PhilT** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:12 pm

Re logout, might be better in another thread

Post by **QuantumJohn** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:22 pm

Yes, sorry Phil, I guess in good forum etiquette I should have started another but it was just a small aside to my post about this thread.

Just out of interest, John mentioned that some people had had to be banned due to this recent matter. What was it for? I didn't really read the thread in question and I don't want to know who, it just seems a shame that it's gone that far.

John

Post by **johneroberts** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:33 pm

Certain people have been using the site (non Profit making BTW) to make money or make there plight easier shall we say, and when asked not to repeatedly, still ignore the wishes of the CREW. Measures were taken to ban them for the time being, while we ascess the situation, and not cause further trouble on here.
jr

Post by **QuantumJohn** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 7:19 pm

John,
Thanks for the info.

Here's my thoughts that got lost the first time round (because I was too slow!):
I think the site has placed itself in a difficult situation. A lot of people use it for technical help and advice on what after market products and services to buy. Hence, naturally it supports buyers interest but at the same time it entices dealers to purchase advertising rights thereby adding a sense of obligation to particular dealers that are bidding for our custom.
I am not saying this is the right or wrong position to adopt, and I know there are other factors that contribute to this. However, it is difficult to view the site as completely impartial when it comes to group buys which seems to be against the open ethos of the rest of the forums.

I see only two options available regarding group buys:
1) Have no more group buys other than those created, arranged and offered by the administrators themselves. Why not add a couple of quid to each one to help contribute to the site?
2) Disassociated the site with any GB that is arranged on it. If the RS246 name cannot be used it can not be held responsible for any dealings that then go on and the RS246 reputation is safe.

Whatever the decision I’d like to say thanks for a well run site. I, probably like most, came to this site for the like minded people on the forum and that’s what makes this a great site – not the group buys.

All the best,
John

Post by **PhilT** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 7:56 pm

Thanks John.... There is light at the end of the tunnel

Option 2 is in force, but I think we would rather go with option 1 once this has been cleared up.

Post by **johneroberts** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:05 pm

ditto
jr

Post by **simple1** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:09 pm

Sounds good to me too

Post by **s4woody** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:51 am

why not do a group buy at a rs246 meet/trackday..when u organise a track day or large meet u take names,deposits etc.. well if u also included
details on who would be there selling there goods i,m sure the people that turned up would buy direct from them with the forums blessing as a group buy.. that way u mite have more control over things and less falling out..just a thought..

Post by **johneroberts** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:16 pm

we have done this many times before
do you realise how much time and effort goes into organising that...
i do
And 9 times out of ten one person has to put there "Nads" on the chopping block, if it all goes tits up.
ie They want full payment up front, and people dont pay or turn up on the day!
Ive had some very interesting moments i can tello you.
Cheers
jr

Post by **Nige_RS4** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:38 pm

And 9 times out of ten one person has to put there "Nads" on the chopping block, if it all goes tits up.

Nobody wants anyone from this forum to be in that situation. Usually, GB only work if a minimum number do actually buy (and hand over the money) - this is usually where they fall flat, as there is no means of knowing how much definate interest there is. Has anyone considered creating an rs246.com bank account and holding the money there until we reach the minimum level, then transferring it over to the supplier. If it falls flat, then transfer it back to the individuals.

The idea of a small mark-up is fine by me BTW.

Nige.

Post by **derdle** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:35 pm

The idea of a customer or client account to hold funds is fine - except it'll entail the Crew (or someone) spending time in administration. Most people have enough to do without handling this too.

The site is a great site and I've found it both interesting and very helpful. The idea of PayPal donations seems good (with flashing lights of course). I'll chip in.

As for GB's, well site sponsors should be given first crack of the whip.

Members can then settle with the suppliers by phone (credit card) or PayPal. It's no different to mail order. As for risk - I guess many of us use ebay and think nothing of the risks there.

In fact there spawns an idea....."Broker" the GB on the forum and then the chosen vendor could set up the GB on ebay for settlement by forum members? If it all goes horribly wrong then the feedback will be quite negative?

That's my 2d (I'm old enough to remember "d" 's!!!

Paul

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Group Buys - How do we proceed?

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