Gauging Interest for HDN Group Buys

[samdavies]

Pole to gauge possible Interest in HDN Group Buys for Manta Lab and/or WeET, hosted by myself, if @Wreck is amenable.

I am UK based, but the GBs would be open to HDN members worldwide, as they were with my Astro Creations Annihilation GB. TBD whether shipping would be retailer direct, or via a hub.

My preference would be for international orders at least to be shipped direct, if the retailers are willing. If not, I do potentially have hub contacts in CN/SK and EU, which may be an option for non-UK orders (also TBD, will need to discuss with them).

No guarantees or promises. This is purely to gauge interest so that I know if an allocation would be a worthwhile endeavour.

Thanks

 

[NateDog]

I don't like that buying direct is so difficult now, so would I like the option to have an easier route to get them? Yes. GBs may be an issue but if it's that or buying from scalpers on eBay then I know what way I'm going. I wanted WeEt's Interstellar but had to go with a GB to secure one, nothing else I could do. But I got Mad Max direct as I figured it'd be easier. Can't always do the "right" thing if it means you're going to miss out so often.

 

[Flloydo]

"LAZY" is a bit harsh... WeET goes live 5am UK time which can clash with those on shift work and the number of midday Manta's I've missed because work meetings have overrun (Kill Bill being my latest miss)...

I do try and buy direct but not wanting work/life to get in the way has got nothing to do with being lazy.

I know man. I feel you. I’ve missed too because of these things. Weet especially is a harsh one. But how many times a month do we have to wake up that early to order? Barely a handful of times a year. It’s all part of the fun in a way. But some do lazily use them. I said it. And some genuinely use them because of time difference and not being available. But also my main grudge is people who use them and also go direct. Another GB makes direct EVEN harder than what it is now. None of what I’m saying is new. We’ve had this conversation/ debate for years. I’ve never changed my opinion. I’ve also called out retailers for pandering to GBs too much. I’ve always said a certain amount of stock should go to GBs and the main clux to the website.

I got angry in this thread this morning because of being accused of something which I’ve now sorted it with that person due to mixed wires and got a bit more fiery especially when that brown nose scum wished weird spiteful sh!t on me. Only people to call that out that person was @hatredhorror & @TheWildEye but everyone else jumps on my comments lol. I’m used that though especially when people don’t want to ruin the possibility of having a GB. Just wish people were more honest here instead of worrying that it might affect them falling out with a GB host. Happened all the time with the other host back in the day. People stay silent to lower risk

 

[Noodles]

 

[samdavies]

I know man. I feel you. I’ve missed too because of these things. Weet especially is a harsh one. But how many times a month do we have to wake up that early to order? Barely a handful of times a year. It’s all part of the fun in a way. But some do lazily use them. I said it. And some genuinely use them because of time difference and not being available. But also my main grudge is people who use them and also go direct. Another GB makes direct EVEN harder than what it is now. None of what I’m saying is new. We’ve had this conversation/ debate for years. I’ve never changed my opinion. I’ve also called out retailers for pandering to GBs too much. I’ve always said a certain amount of stock should go to GBs and the main clux to the website.

I got angry in this thread this morning because of being accused of something which I’ve now sorted it with that person due to mixed wires and got a bit more fiery especially when that brown nose scum wished weird spiteful sh!t on me. Only people to call that out that person was @hatredhorror & @TheWildEye but everyone else jumps on my comments lol. I’m used that though especially when people don’t want to ruin the possibility of having a GB. Just wish people were more honest here instead of worrying that it might affect them falling out with a GB host. Happened all the time with the other host back in the day. People stay silent to lower risk

Well, if it helps at all, I couldn't gaf who sweet talks or talks sh!t to me. It won't make any difference to a GB allocation lol It's still fastest finger first, as it should be imo.

I don't need members to be chummy with me to keep their orders in. It doesn't hurt not to be a total prick, but I'd only actually cancel an order/ban someone if they broke the rules.

 

[Flloydo]

Well, if it helps at all, I couldn't gaf who sweet talks or talks sh!t to me. It won't make any difference to a GB allocation lol It's still fastest finger first, as it should be imo.

I don't need members to be chummy with me to keep their orders in. It doesn't hurt not to be a total prick, but I'd only actually cancel an order/ban someone if they broke the rules.

It was always the brown noses who would use Anivs GBs but too afraid to call him out for scalping. I can’t see you taking stock to sell at extreme prices. I do think GB hosts should get a freebie for their own collection whether it’s a single slip or OC. I always assumed that was the deal anyway but so many used to bite their tongue on his behaviours. Can’t see you being the same at all so these weren’t hidden comments toward you. I’ve already said I’d take you instead. It’s like Andy too, great host, nice guy. Would rather deal with you types of guys.

 

[samdavies]

It was always the brown noses who would use Anivs GBs but too afraid to call him out for scalping. I can’t see you taking stock to sell at extreme prices. I do think GB hosts should get a freebie for their own collection whether it’s a single slip or OC. I always assumed that was the deal anyway but so many used to bite their tongue on his behaviours. Can’t see you being the same at all so these weren’t hidden comments toward you. I’ve already said I’d take you instead. It’s like Andy too, great host, nice guy. Would rather deal with you types of guys.

There's a line with it all, and I won't defend scalping for extreme prices, but it can be a needs must situation with some hosts. You do end up with excess stock of certain releases, that either stick around for an age, and/or you eventually sell at a loss. That loss/cash-flow halt does need to be picked up somehow, and either hiking your fee on more desirable titles or selling a few editions at inflated prices seems be the common way to manage it. I have no intention of that, but we'll have to see where we land and how/if things pan out. The aim for me would be to secure an allocation for you guys on the forum, small fee for my trouble, and a guaranteed hassle free copy if I wanted one - which I think is a reasonable approach.

 

[Gandolf]

Yes

 

[KarlieFloss]

 

[eLviS1987]

 

[K1SK1S]

I’ve also called out retailers for pandering to GBs too much. I’ve always said a certain amount of stock should go to GBs and the main clux to the website.

This.

I vote "yes" to HDN group buys but "no" to Manta increasing they're overall allocation to group buys...

Albeit might make a dictator elsewhere a little... psycho

 

[PlightOfTheInnovator]

Come on man it’s already hard enough to order from Manta & Weet without more copies going to another GB. Which will also mean more greedy cũnts trying their greedy luck on the day too.
Last week everyone wanted to contact manta to ask them to stop giving so many copies to GBs LOL. So which is it?

Fũck these GBs and order direct you lazy useless fücks. Sick of it

So, it's a "NO" from Mr Flloydo

 

[tono06]

Well guys I’m super lazy dog and that’s why I love GBS so yeah im
For it! I need my beauty sleep lol

 

[GeoRattray]

Vote cast.

 

[leelee17]

I don't order direct...
I dont use group buys...
I buy from the bay, so.....

 

[leelee17]

Go have a cold beer or a w*nk to chill out.

Unless you're doing them simultaneously...

 

[Lee0308]

Pole to gauge possible Interest in HDN Group Buys for Manta Lab and/or WeET, hosted by myself, if @Wreck is amenable.

I am UK based, but the GBs would be open to HDN members worldwide, as they were with my Astro Creations Annihilation GB. TBD whether shipping would be retailer direct, or via a hub.

My preference would be for international orders at least to be shipped direct, if the retailers are willing. If not, I do potentially have hub contacts in CN/SK and EU, which may be an option for non-UK orders (also TBD, will need to discuss with them).

No guarantees or promises. This is purely to gauge interest so that I know if an allocation would be a worthwhile endeavour.

Thanks

If you get a positive reaction to this (it seems that way to me for the most part) how long would this take to set up as I’m sick of missing out direct and I don’t wanna use the Facebook GB he’s a rip off merchant

 

[JGCramp]

My thoughts are that group buys are a reality and that’s not going to change regardless of what happens at HDN. So, if they help people here secure releases, then I don’t really mind them. But it also helps that I’m at the point where if I miss a title then I just don’t really care.

But I will add this one point about WeET: Buying directly from them is risky because their customer service is total garbage. If you receive a damaged copy then you might get lucky and receive help from them. But it’s just as likely that they will ignore you and do nothing. Purchasing a WeET release via group buy at least means you’ll probably get help if there’s an issue.

 

[TheWildEye]

If you get a positive reaction to this (it seems that way to me for the most part) how long would this take to set up as I’m sick of missing out direct and I don’t wanna use the Facebook GB he’s a rip off merchant

Think this was just a litmus test for interest so it's likely to be a while I'd imagine. If at all.
As mentioned by some of the older members yesterday, even if this goes ahead (and I'm not sure it will to be honest) but even if it does, there would have to be some solid, robust rules on joining the GB.
Were that to completely rule me out of the joining for now, then I would still want that to happen to stop abuse of the system for everyone's sake and sanity

 

[samdavies]

If you get a positive reaction to this (it seems that way to me for the most part) how long would this take to set up as I’m sick of missing out direct and I don’t wanna use the Facebook GB he’s a rip off merchant

I can't comment on timescales (if at all), but if you're talking about Triggers/Debossed GBs - he's not a rip off merchant to anyone except the uninformed. He's been doing this a very long time and it's impossible to run a GB the way that he does, with the demand he gets, in such a way that makes everyone happy.

Prices have been creeping up, but it's not like that's him raking in major profit, and remember, it is a business. £69 shipped for weet interstellar slips (£62 for fury road) vs £57.50 direct. £76 shipped for manta kill bill slips (£70 for SM2) vs £62.50 direct.

Sure, there'll be a bulk shipping discount for multiple GB copies going to the UK hub, but the flipside is he'll also have to pay UK customs charges, paypal fees, and forward p&p. So, there just isn't room there for much more than a nominal GB fee per slip.

 

[Lee0308]

I can't comment on timescales (if at all), but if you're talking about Triggers/Debossed GBs - he's not a rip off merchant to anyone except the uninformed. He's been doing this a very long time and it's impossible to run a GB the way that he does, with the demand he gets, in such a way that makes everyone happy.

Prices have been creeping up, but it's not like that's him raking in major profit, and remember, it is a business. £69 shipped for weet interstellar slips (£62 for fury road) vs £57.50 direct. £76 shipped for manta kill bill slips (£70 for SM2) vs £62.50 direct.

Sure, there'll be a bulk shipping discount for multiple GB copies going to the UK hub, but the flipside is he'll also have to pay UK customs charges, paypal fees, and forward p&p. So, there just isn't room there for much more than a nominal GB fee per slip.

£45 more for a one click is a rip off don’t care what anyone says. Those sort of prices are criminal I’d rather miss out than pay that. His Weet pricing doesn’t go up that much direct so why does the manta prices it’s because they’re popular, I’m not having the usual excuses they don’t add up