PlayingCardForum.com - A Discourse For Playing Cards
Playing Card Chat ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ => Playing Card Plethora => The Pasteboard Bazaar - Sales, Trades & In Search Of (STISO) => Topic started by: montecarlojoe on December 03, 2013, 04:43:17 PM
-
With international shipping in the US sky rocketing, it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify buying one or two decks at a time.
One way around this is to buy in bulk and sell them on later - but this is pricey and risky.
Don suggested banding together with other UK buyers for the holiday deals - unfortunately I fell off the map for the last week or so - so missed that boat, but there's no reason not to do so in the future!
So if you're in the UK (or even the EU) make your self heard here and we can look at making a few quid savings by buying as a group. I'm happy to act as a "hub" and make the orders if others are ok with that. (Though I'm not a Club 808 or Black Club member so I wont be able to do so for any club exclusive decks) - Kickstarters would also have to be looked at on a case by case basis.
To get the ball rolling, I did manage to get online at work for a few minutes on Friday and have half a brick each of Legends 2.0 and BlackJAQK each coming. I only really want one of each for myself, and I'll be selling on the rest at whatever the market value establishes itself at. However - for UK collectors I'm more than happy to pass them on at cost (max one of each per person, and first come first served)
They'll be a little under £6 each + UK mainland shipping (Happy to give a detailed breakdown)
Give me a shout if you're interested!
-
Well I'm up for this :D Just ordered from E this morning though, could have known about this!
I'll take a BlackJAQK and a legends 2.0 :)
Thank you :)
-
No worries - I'll let you know when they arrive!
-
Sounds like a good idea to me. I'm always buying decks from the US. I try and wait until I have a decent order, as to make it worth my while shipping wise!
I've picked up the blackJAQJ & legends v2 already so i'm not looking for any if these but in the future I'd be well up for clubbing together.
-
This sounds like a very good idea. I have an S&M deluxe edition box set I want to sell for £40 inc 1st class signed for.
Also, I'm a member of club 808 and black club so I'll be happy to help anyone out with exclusives.
-
Good man - I'll certainly be interested in a Cigar and an Espionage at some point!
-
Best way to deal with this for the present, in terms of efficiency:
Go through the major US shops, one at a time, including major retailers like pokerstud52 at eBay and the1eyedjack.com.
Create a shopping list for whatever the group wants in each shop - if the list is long enough, it's worth it; if not, keep it on hold until there's more interest.
Pool the cash via PayPal, make the purchase - wait for the decks and start shipping!
You can also save any transaction fees from PayPal by making deposits directly into each other's bank accounts in the branch office near you. I've done that before to send cash to relatives.
-
That's the general idea - though starting with paypal is probably the way to go. Whilst we can do bank transfers for free, I'm basically a stranger at the moment and the extra odd 30p for paypal buyer protection is probably worth the piece of mind... Later once trust is established we can look at more direct methods.
I'll be looking to organise / collate decks and sources over the weekend.
-
Well I'm always up for this!
Need some new decks, just got some brown rounders, LTD and a red artifice uncut off of E and it's set me back a large chunk, would love something like this to help save a bit :)
-Benny
-
If you guys can keep this topic lively on a regular basis, I'll make it sticky for you. Let's see how this works out.
To paraphrase, "Let's get down to it, shoppers!"
-
I had a similar idea a couple of years back but didn't really know how to go about it. the framework you've laid out seems like a good start building a network of UK collectors would also be good for future sales or Trades.
Oh, and I'll take a black jaqk if theres one going
-
Awesome teamwork here for you folks. Would be a huge coup for all of you if you could get this thing into full swing.
-
This sounds awesome! The method I've been using at the moment is too do one big shop (from a mass retailer like BMPW, Pokerstud, etc) where I get numerous brands and then set off the shipping against the number of decks - 5 decks runs me like $30 shipping, 50 decks is $50. I also buy extras and sell them on to cover shipping ~ for example I picked up some extra theory11 decks (Black JAQK's and some other things) and I may still buy some stuff from E, in which case I will try to sell the red arcane for what the shipping cost me. It normally works out... But it means I pay more per deck (buying in the aftermarket isn't cheap, and I normally always miss kickstarters because I refuse to pay $20 for a run of the mill custom deck. $20+ are for special decks, or decks I need to complete a sub group of my collection) and I also take the risk of not selling the stock on (a White LTD to me is worth £40-£50, but to everyone else it might be worth £5 and there's me here with a red arcane and white LTD trying to recoup £80 or whatever without anyone biting. This isn't too bad if I can enjoy them in my collection, unless I already have one of the decks and so it's dead weight).
Long story short; Happy to be considered for a group buy (obviously not going to commit to buying everything), will have some pretty decent extras to sell on, bring on the New Year!
-
I had a similar idea a couple of years back but didn't really know how to go about it. the framework you've laid out seems like a good start building a network of UK collectors would also be good for future sales or Trades.
Oh, and I'll take a black jaqk if theres one going
Done!
3 of each left for grabs!
It's great to see everyone getting on board :)
-
I should probably have added that I'm club808 and might be going black club next year as well. Happy to act as a hub for those or others if you need me!
-
MCJ can I order one of each?
-Benny
-
Would it be worth contacting some of the better known US resellers? For example Aceking, the1eyedjack and BMpokerworld to see if they'd be willing to offer discounts for larger orders?
-
Not sure if they would do anything special - I've ordered a 72 deck order from BMPW before which was $55 or something - way cheaper than the $18 for 12 scaled up (that was what it used to be before shipping increases) now it costs:
Up to 17 Decks INT - $27
Up to 72 Decks INT - $66
If you wanted 12 decks it would cost you $27 shipping, if you could order with others it would cost you $11 shipping plus uk shipping (which might bring the cost back up to $27!
From what I can tell with the big names, they don't seem to make much on the shipping, and I doubt they'll take a loss.
-
Not sure if they would do anything special - I've ordered a 72 deck order from BMPW before which was $55 or something - way cheaper than the $18 for 12 scaled up (that was what it used to be before shipping increases) now it costs:
Up to 17 Decks INT - $27
Up to 72 Decks INT - $66
If you wanted 12 decks it would cost you $27 shipping, if you could order with others it would cost you $11 shipping plus uk shipping (which might bring the cost back up to $27!
From what I can tell with the big names, they don't seem to make much on the shipping, and I doubt they'll take a loss.
You should look into the costs of a consolidation service such as shipito.com. You could place orders with multiple retailers and send them to a central location in the US, reducing the shipping there. Then they send you one large package, often at a discounted price compared to what retailers usually charge. It could add up to a savings for your buyers' group.
-
Hmm in theory it seems a good idea - just a bit unsure since never used it and it seems a bit complicated - would definitely work if I was ordering on my own (get 3 parcels and shipping in one) but if enough people are ordering in the group, the discount should be good enough.
-
Interesting idea Don.
I was thinking more of a discount on the cost of the cards themselves. I've always found John at Acekingcards to be incredibly helpful and willing to negotiate.
I'm sure that if we were to offer to order exclusively from one dealer and to order a minimum Quantity per order, i'm sure they'd be willing to do something/ Even if it was only .10c to .15c of each deck. every little helps.
-
Oh, well yeah I wouldn't be surprised. I mean, look at all those who have provided discount codes for members of this board! Speaking of UKer's, in the next few weeks I think I am going to place an order with my Club808 membership - if anyone wants anything, email me at: barryhurton@mail.com, or pm me on here!
-
Update on the Decks: Legends are here, just waiting on the JAQKS
Update on the project:
Thinking on the comments above, a consolidation service certainly makes sense for an individual - but really this idea is looking at bulk orders from single suppliers, so I don't think we'd see the benefit.
Some resellers are mentioned - do you think we'd see the same savings? We'd have to take into account their profit margins etc. But i guess if decks simply aren't available elsewhere...
Anyway here's a little something I've put together based on the big names:
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=E0F8A9746CD7F28F!1284&authkey=!AM_Rzh3hiGvn5hk&ithint=file%2c.xlsx (https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=E0F8A9746CD7F28F!1284&authkey=!AM_Rzh3hiGvn5hk&ithint=file%2c.xlsx)
The idea here is that by adding "wants" to the want list, availability is automatically calculated and the summary screen shows how many decks we are collectively looking for from each supplier. Once we hit a threshold (say a 12/brick) we can look at making an order.
If anyone wants an addition to the wishlist, spots a mistake on the availability page, or can recommend other suppliers post or pm and I'll update the sheet.
Any other feedback would be welcome too.
The cost calculator page should give some insight into my calculations for passing the decks on.
The proposed process would be:
1. Update the sheet until we hit a threshold for a supplier
2. Double check with those listed that hey are still interested
3. Update want list accordingly
4. Fill the shopping cart at the supplier to get a quote of cost and shipping total.
5. Run the figures and quote individual prices (I can create a fully itemised quote if people don't mind their "order" shared with the buying group )
6. Collect money! (Would prefer paypal - since I will essentially be acting as a seller you should be protected if I get hit by a bus or am driven mad by power)
7. Make order and update wantlist (remove relevant lines)
8. Wait for arrival and redistribute
As this is still experimental, if this takes off I'd like to do one at a time for a while (not least because the figures involved could snowball...!
(NB Pressers seems like a good starting point ;) )
A final thought - what if we qualify for "free" rare decks for a large order... I guess we'll work that out as it happens. Perhaps some sort of lottery between participating buyers? We'll cross that bridge when it comes!
-
Sounds like a solid method of running this. Respect for taking the time to think this through & set the ball rolling.
I am definitely in on the idea.
Can I take the last legends v2 decks you have available?
Thanks
Jay
put me down for
3 pressers
1 red exquisite
2 blue exquisite
-
Updated with Wilko's wants.
-
Thinking on the comments above, a consolidation service certainly makes sense for an individual - but really this idea is looking at bulk orders from single suppliers, so I don't think we'd see the benefit.
I mentioned it because we all know manufacturers charge a serious mark-up on international orders from the US. The margin's a little tighter for domestic orders - call it saving them the trouble of filling out customs forms. While I couldn't say this with authority, it's distinctly possible that shipping domestically to a central location, then shipping internationally from there to the UK, could add up to some savings. You'd have to do the math. For a ballpark figure, factor that a deck of cards (3.3 ounces by itself) will weigh about 4-5 ounces with packing materials. Then see what the assorted companies charge for international and domestic shipments and figure out what a reshipment service charges.
Make a sample deck order from two or three different companies. Calculate this:
1) International shipping directly to the UK.
2) Domestic shipping to shipping service and shipping service's charge for consolidating and shipping to the UK.
Using the ballpark estimate I gave you and assuming three companies, four decks each, each shipment from the deck companies will weigh 12-15 ounces, while the consolidated shipment will weigh about 48-60 ounces, or about 3lbs to 3-2/3 lbs.
There's also another alternative. If you could work through a UK-domestic company, oh, I dunno, maybe someone like THIS (http://jpplayingcards.com/), maybe he'd be willing to tack your orders onto his own orders for a possible savings on shipping - and he's also got fulfillment locked in and ready to go. He might be willing to help out his fellow members for a smaller premium than he charges at retail, since you could pay him up front. No need to personally calculate anything - just ask him what he'd charge and how often he orders from whom. Mind you, this is all hypothetical...
-
Put me down for:
1 pressers
You also know I already stand for an order off of you :)
-Benny
-
Thinking on the comments above, a consolidation service certainly makes sense for an individual - but really this idea is looking at bulk orders from single suppliers, so I don't think we'd see the benefit.
I mentioned it because we all know manufacturers charge a serious mark-up on international orders from the US. The margin's a little tighter for domestic orders - call it saving them the trouble of filling out customs forms. While I couldn't say this with authority, it's distinctly possible that shipping domestically to a central location, then shipping internationally from there to the UK, could add up to some savings. You'd have to do the math. For a ballpark figure, factor that a deck of cards (3.3 ounces by itself) will weigh about 4-5 ounces with packing materials. Then see what the assorted companies charge for international and domestic shipments and figure out what a reshipment service charges.
Make a sample deck order from two or three different companies. Calculate this:
1) International shipping directly to the UK.
2) Domestic shipping to shipping service and shipping service's charge for consolidating and shipping to the UK.
Using the ballpark estimate I gave you and assuming three companies, four decks each, each shipment from the deck companies will weigh 12-15 ounces, while the consolidated shipment will weigh about 48-60 ounces, or about 3lbs to 3-2/3 lbs.
There's also another alternative. If you could work through a UK-domestic company, oh, I dunno, maybe someone like THIS (http://jpplayingcards.com/), maybe he'd be willing to tack your orders onto his own orders for a possible savings on shipping - and he's also got fulfillment locked in and ready to go. He might be willing to help out his fellow members for a smaller premium than he charges at retail, since you could pay him up front. No need to personally calculate anything - just ask him what he'd charge and how often he orders from whom. Mind you, this is all hypothetical...
Don makes a very valid point, at least one to look into. I've been doing some proxy shipping/trading to Canada for bhong and it's been working out great. From what he tells me, and I'm sure he can chime in, even with having items shipped to me 1st then off to him is saving him quite a bit. Now that being said, we have been acumulating decks and then sending one shippment flat rate to keep the cost down. Someting to consider and I'm sure the savings are there for you if you look into it.
A basic example, since I see some of you brought up club 808. Shipping to me in the states from 808 for 22 decks is $9.99........yes, $9.99. For me to ship those same decks to Canada after receiving tham is $41.00, Flat Rate Priority. So if those 22 decks were split between 4 people lets say...........each person would be paying approx. $12.00 Shipping via Priority mail for 5 or 6 decks.
Of course you would all need to look into it, but again, take the time to do so, it could be beneficial. ;)
-
I thought I'd chimed in a bit since Sparkz mentioned me.
I think the most important thing is to do your search to see with which company you'd save more a bulk order directly to the UK and which you'd save more by having a proxy to re-ship it to you in the UK. Just for shipping to Canada, I find that Theory11, Ellusionist and Dan & Dan have relatively the same shipping prices give or take a dollar or two. If I order enough decks, it averages out that with the shipping price, I'm paying a dollar more than the listed price since the initial cost to ship 1 deck is pretty high, close to 8-10$, but with each additional deck they only add 1-2$ more on top of the initial shipping so it really does pay to buy in bulk besides the bulk deck savings.
Others like CARC or Club 808 or Kickstarter decks, the bulk shipping price is really low or next to "nothing", especially for CARC as the shipping is included in the deck price. These ones are good to have someone be a proxy to re-ship decks to the UK, but part of that is finding out how much it cost to ship over there in a flat rate box and how much you can jam into it. Obviously, the more you can jam in the more you save when you average everything out.
The other issue that needs to be address is custom fees. I honestly don't know what gets charged what in the UK. I know for Canada, any playing card order's who listed value is under 100$ is normally pretty safe. This might be another area where the initial cost is higher, but each additional item is only a small increment increase so for a longer order, the cost averages out on a large order to be only a small additional cost.
My suggestion, like Don's, is to do the research and work to see what would really cost what and what is the best saving.
-
I think, legally, its any order under £135 isn't liable for tax. The main problem with it is we still have shipping this end as well - we'd have to pay for it to be shipped to the proxy, and then shipped from the proxy to someone over here, and then have them distributed... It is some serious number crunching.
-
I think, legally, its any order under £135 isn't liable for tax. The main problem with it is we still have shipping this end as well - we'd have to pay for it to be shipped to the proxy, and then shipped from the proxy to someone over here, and then have them distributed... It is some serious number crunching.
If it can save you money, the numbers should be crunched, no? Business Economics 101. In the end, it's up to you folks, but you shouldn't be afraid of a little math when trying to track down the most efficient, least costly way to get stuff from points A, B, C and D to point UK.