[wlug_org] Current Poll, Sales & Money

[Tony Wills]

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At 23:44 3/08/04 -0700, you wrote:
> > Yes I would like to see the group use its bulk buying numbers to get good
> > deals on things to sell to members.
>
>Difficult with a no advertising policy. I'm not sure enough members want the
>same items to really offer any bulk buying power. Even Linux case badges would
>only be a bulk purchase of $40 odd once every few months at best. Not 
>likely to
>save members much....

If you can get ten people to purchase ten of the same item then I expect it 
would be worthwhile for everyone concerned.  And as for the no-advertising 
policy, either do it via the website or another mailgroup.

> > No I don't think the group should use this as a fund raising exercise.
>
>I don't see why the LUG shouldn't make a nominal profit ...

It ought to go without saying that the LUG has to cover expenses and not 
make a loss so might add a markup to cover expenses etc, but the word 
'profit' shouldn't come near it, I expect whatever this group is, it IS a 
not-for-profit organisation.

>To have a few badges/mouse pads etc available at meetings, at around cost 
>... I think would be
>a "good thing" which would be taken advantage of by members.
>
>If I bought 20 odd, & turned with them for sale at a minimal profit, I think
>most would be happy. As the LUG has $$ to play with, I think using them to
>provide such extras is a good idea. I'd sooner the LUG did this for members
>than someone like me made a few $$ (or not). I think it is also better for the
>LUG to be seen to provide this service rather than individual members, as such
>things (IMHO) help raise the value of the group itself to the wider 
>membership.

Agreed. There is the point of whether the group wants to purchase and 
resell such stuff and risk being left with surplus goods that no one buys 
(and therefore making a loss).  Here are two solution: one is to have 
people club together with money up front before the order, the second is to 
have someone underwrite the purchase so they guarantee to purchase 
remaining stock after a fixed period.
The first would be appropriate for say a bulk buy of harddisk drives, the 
second say for purchase of a collection of linux case badges (eg if I 
underwrote it I might end up with a small pile of badges that I'd 
eventually use up).

>I certainly don't see it as the LUG getting rich from the poor destitute
>members by charging horrendous margins....

So why do you suggest it ;-)

> > ie I don't think the 'group' (whatever that is) should seek to make a
> > profit from such sales.
>...
>With the volumes we are looking at, that isn't an issue- .... Covering costs
>for the LUG, is no different to covering costs for the individual....

We agree :-)

> > 3) You don't have to think up creative ways to spend the money (the 
> current
> > funds question indicates there is no pressing need for more money)
>
>Nor a pressing need to spend it?

Yes, I think we have ample evidence of that :-) 

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