It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to try to organize a committee that does nothing but organize group buys of bulk supplies & deliveries for DMS members.
Let me just throw that out there for discussion by the membership. What do you think?
BoD & committee chairs - is there anything in the bylaws which might prevent such a thing?
Could such a committee have items shipped to DMS for distribution to the DMS buyers?
Could we get some dedicated storage space to support such a thing?
And lastly, one thing I foresee as a problem - what happens to goods delivered that members then don’t pick up?
@lukeiamyourfather I’m not adverse to this position as the simplest, easiest solution. There have been group buys in the past, Adafruit (sp) I believe is the most common, and it seemed to work out well. I’d support something being worked out on at least a trial basis.
These are the rules that would be violated:
Personal deliveries to DMS aren’t supposed to be made. However, I can see an exception for group sanctioned buys (meaning a chair would have to approve, so it just isn’t someone having something delivered for their convenience) being permitted as this benefits the wider membership and promotes “making” at a lower cost, which would be reasonably within out mission.
Storage of personal property in other another assigned storage space awaiting pick-up by the member. I think this could be accommodated, and the approving Chair would have to figure that out, but my fear is it will quickly become material not being picked up with endless excuses for extended periods of times, then what to do it with it? If there were say a maximum of 7 days to pick it up, after which DMS can disposed of it in an unfettered manner. Some volume/size restrictions would be in order so DMS isn’t used as a place to just things delivered. Anything delivered to DMS would be totally at person’s own risk.
Not so much a “group buy” but I’ve done and continue to help members with products from my vendors.
Nicole needed large sheets of foam board for her high school art project and shipping 48 x 96 sheets would have been expensive - so she picked up the box of 20 at my store in Alan Wan’s old Chevy truck.
I supply one of the Space’s photographers with mats, foam board, museum glass and more as well.
I can start the first group buy. I’m going to be leading a group buy for Spirit of 76 Fireworks Product in March. Delivery will be in Glen Rose, TX at the PAT Spring Pyro Fest. It is an opportunity to buy 1.4 consumer fireworks at Wholesale pricing with a 20% discount. Think between 40% to 80% off even the “discount” prices you get at fireworks stands.
None of this would be purchased in DMS’s name and all storage and transportation of the product is on the individual at time of pick up. If you live in an area where you can not store or own these fireworks, you can still buy and shoot your fireworks at the Spring Pyro Fest Event. There will be open shooting available Friday and Saturday of the event. Also, you may be able to make arrangement with the other fireworks companies at the event for possible storage options.