Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Joint buying

I bought a case for iPad2 for $80 (including protective screen). Someone said that a similar cover cost about Amazon.com. I check and found that, if the mailing cost is included, the total cost would amount to $80. However, if 3 people were to buy at the same time, the cost would reduce to $60 as the high mailing cost would be shared. The problem is arranging the logistics for this service.

If there is a website to bring people together to buy collectively (say 3 or more pieces) of any product, it may be worth the trouble. One of the buyer could be the coordinator to contact and deal with the other people. They have to sort out the payment and collection arrangement, as the item would be delivered to one person. This arrangement has to work on trust, i.e. that the other buyers will pay for their share of the product when it is received.

Do you think that this type of arrangement can work, perhaps for items where the saving is worth the trouble? Perhaps, some students may wish to earn some money by providing this service for a fee? What are your views?




2 comments:

  1. rex comments as follows,

    here is the link to the good buy for ipad2 case:

    http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/BLACK-LEATHER-360-DEGREE-ROTATING-STAND-CASE-COVER-SCREEN-PROTECTOR-IPAD-2-/180786854385?pt=UK_iPad_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item2a17bc79f1

    rex

    ReplyDelete
  2. there are online shopping sprees where people will consolidate their orders and then share the delivery cost... eg children clothing... prices are a lot cheaper and the clothing are a lot nicer... rental and other overheads are costing sporeans ... my wife usually buys clothing for our son thru this method...

    ReplyDelete