Rules for Group buys

[jakirby]

Those of us that have participated in group buys will know that they are a great way of getting top parts at top prices. However, we will also know that we end up handing our cash over to complete strangers with only trust in our mutual love of the MR2 as insurance.

I would therefore like to see a few rules (possibly as a sticky) posted in the Group Buys section.

I'm sure plenty of people will have suggestions, but I'll start the ball rolling:

1. Transactions should be entirely transparent. Everyone should know what part of the cost is going to each person. e.g. itemising postage costs.

2. Communication. Whoever is organising the group buy should be in regular personal and posting contact with the buyers. For example, PMs and updates of listings on payment. I WANT TO KNOW WHERE MY HARD EARNED £160 IS AT ALL TIMES. If an organiser is not able to maintain this level of conact, he should announce so on the thread. It is not acceptable to go AWOL with 000's of other peoples money, and then say "I've been really busy" or "I was on holiday"

Please note that this is not a rant at any one person. I have been involved in three group buys so far, and the two completed ones have been ultimately very good.

[Tiamat]

As you will be aware, IMOC does not get involved in polciing contracts between members, nor in the group buys - these are organised by club members themselves.

However I do agree its a good idea and will speak to the Committee about it.

[jakirby]

Ok, perhaps I should have used the word guidelines rather than rules.

I would take issue with the idea that IMOQ doesn't get involved though. The current GB for HID lights is using the IMOC bank account, therefore I feel that a court would see the committee as being responsible. I realise that this might prevent the use of IMOC's bank account in the future, but I would like to make it clear that I think that this a far more satisfactory arrangement than private individual's accounts.

[Tiamat]

Update: Guidelines are currently being considered and input from members will be requested in due course.

As I understand it IMOC is not directly involved in the Group Buy with HID the bank account is simply being used to facilitate the holding of monies - however I do not know enough to comment further. But your point is taken.

As part of the review the use of the IMOC bank account is also being considered, however if it will lead to the Committee being involved in any contracts then I can categorically state now it won't be happening.

Watch out for future developments....

[Speedy]

Indeed, the IMOC account is used for escrow before making the payment to the real purchaser. In the event of any problems with the goods etc then you'll be able to go back to the supplier, since thats who your actually purchasing them from, and who is fufilling the order.

This is a trial, if it turns out to be more trouble than it's worth, then we won't do it again.