What? Where in my last post did you see me state ANYTHING about not liking the last group buy?
***GTSPEC Front Brace(s) Group Buy***
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What? Where in my last post did you see me state ANYTHING about not liking the last group buy?
so, why didn't you guys ask for prepay with the last GB? why the change?
Simply because it wasn't required last time, but it is required this time. Last time the bars were produced way in advance of the introductory special that we ran for this forum. I am going to go out on a limb and say that someone was willing to front the cost of the first production run regardless of how many sold due to the relatively inexpensive price of the rear brace. With that said we are still sitting on a few front strut braces from that special. This time around due to the increase in price we and GTSpec need to have a confirmed amount of orders before these braces can be manufactured.
Thank you for understanding.
that's all I wanted to know... the "fronting the cost" part. prior to your last post, I thought maybe we did something wrong... and perhaps the last group buy didn't go as well as expected or something...
I also didn't know that the rear bars were made well in advance... simply because it took so long... I thought that they were being manufacture, thus the wait.
I also didn't know that the rear bars were made well in advance... simply because it took so long... I thought that they were being manufacture, thus the wait.
The first batch of rear braces were made prior to our first group buy. Right now there are currently none in stock and the next run is being made to order as well. You really can't expect GTSpec to make a ton of any of these braces as these are not the most popular vehicles to upgrade for improved handling. I would venture to say outside of those who purchase these braces through these group buys that we have been offering anyone who orders any of these braces will have to do it via special order through GTSpec.
Yes, the minimum number of 20 is pretty much etched in stone. Of course if we are a brace or two away from meeting our requirements we will just order the remaining braces for our own inventory.
To add to Doc's post: Maybe it's better to lower the required # of braces BUT keep the price at listed one? Honestly, I don't think there are 20 people here that will fork out >$400 or the other way, 40 people that will pay >$200... IMO, you will barely reach 12-15. I think many wouldn't mind paying $20 more to see this GB commence and you can keep a discounted price for those who want both pieces..
Oh, and the interested list was there just in case a limited run happened like in the previous one. Nobody wanted to be left out if that happened.
edit: A personal opinion: You shouldn't be upset if this GB doesn't get completed. We're not driving a completely performance oriented vehicle. Most see the FX as a luxury vehicle that can be improved performance-wise. Naturally they will jump on any good deal with simple installs and naturally they will hesitate & wait at any deal that doesn't "feel" attractive. See how many FX users have headers or FI and you'll understand what I mean..
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The rear braces were entered into the market as a first. The front strut braces were the 4th version of said front strut brace we've seen so far, and most already had one, whether it be NRG, Stillen or Strong Strut. That is solely the reason why you are still sitting on a few of those.
I understand fully where you're coming from in regards to footing the bill and praying for results. This is the first group buy I've come across that required payment up front, to answer your question regarding my last post.
I appreciate the suggestion and your comment. If this group buy doesn't happen than it doesn't happen. Its really not that big of a deal, at least for us.
I understand what you are saying. However, I myself have never seen a group buy constructed any other way at least not far a part or parts that are essentially "special order."
Just to throw my two cents into the hat. I don't think anyone expected Z1 to have had to pay the initial costs to produce. The group buys that I have taken part in usually went this way:
1. A list of interested people put their name down for a potential group buy before prices or details were available. This was non binding and people could back out at any time.
2. After a GB price and minimum order was establishes a new list (using the original as a guideline) was started with serious buyers willing to pay the announced price.
3. Once the minimum pieces required has been reached everyone on the list sends in their payment and the pieces are either produced or shipped out if already made.
4. If the deadline for the GB passes and the minimum isn't reached the GB ends there and no money has to change hands unnecessarily.
I'm not trying to knock the current setup on this GB, just adding my unsolicited opinion.
Thanks, Z1, for introducing more aftermarket parts for us FX'ers!
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Just to throw my two cents into the hat. I don't think anyone expected Z1 to have had to pay the initial costs to produce. The group buys that I have taken part in usually went this way:
1. A list of interested people put their name down for a potential group buy before prices or details were available. This was non binding and people could back out at any time.
2. After a GB price and minimum order was establishes a new list (using the original as a guideline) was started with serious buyers willing to pay the announced price.
3. Once the minimum pieces required has been reached everyone on the list sends in their payment and the pieces are either produced or shipped out if already made.
4. If the deadline for the GB passes and the minimum isn't reached the GB ends there and no money has to change hands unnecessarily.
I'm not trying to knock the current setup on this GB, just adding my unsolicited opinion.
Thanks, Z1, for introducing more aftermarket parts for us FX'ers!
:top:
The only difference between the way we are conducting our group buy and the way Aiya has illustrated how he has seen group buys done previously is that we are eliminating his step #2. Instead of going from and interested list -> actually interested and going to pay list -> payment collection -> order placement, we are going to be more direct which is ultimately going to help get these braces to the community much faster. What is the difference between us collecting payments now and us collecting payments after people put themselves on a second list? Just because someone puts their name down on a list doesn't mean they are committing to anything. Commitments are shown through actual payments.
Z1Performance
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I'll explain why very simply. On the last group buy, the parts were already produced and sitting in inventory. On this group buy, the product has not yet been produced outside of a sample and neither GT Spec, nor Z1 want to be stuck sitting on braces that no one is going to buy. The product has received a good reception so far, and if it is to materialize into a an actual product that FX owners have to install on their car, then this GB is the only way for that to happen. If we can't even get 20 of these sold, then I think that's the best indicator in the world that this is not a worthwhile product to produce or market. As such, both GT Spec and Z1 would rather put the resources into other more viable projects.
The fact of the matter that this is a very, very, very small ownership base, and I think we should be lucky that there is a manufacturer willing to even look at such a small run of product. The development and manufacturing runs are not cheap to do, neither are the freight costs. I can't think of another company with the history and reputation of GT Spec that would even consider doing such a small run of product. Now, if these parts had farther reaching platforms, then perhaps it would be different. But given that these products were developed solely for the FX platform, and those modding their FX's represents a tiny % of the total #'s of FX's sold, I think you can see why the terms are the way they are
As far as aiya's post, that is precisely how the GB has been conducted. The list was started the other day, and was not even solicited by any party involved in the manufacturing or distribution of the product. 23 people (from only this message board) to date expressed interest, which is terrific! Keep in mind that first list was based on retail pricing and made no allowances for a group buy discount or shipping costs....and still 23 people signed up immediately! Pretty good if you ask me. Now that we have the required # of interested parties, , the discounts have been set, the shipping costs factored into the price, and it's time for the payments to be made - we are currently at step 3 of aiya's posted proposal. The next step is the production of the braces and the distribution to the people who moved ahead.
The difference again between this GB and others is that in this case, it's a brand new product that does not yet exist except in sample form. If the GB was for an item already in inventory, it would work differently, we would have a lower # of people needed, etc. If I remember correctly for the first GB there were a ton of guys who kept asking "what about the fronts", or "I want the fronts and rears at the same time" - well, here is your chance!
Hope that helps to explain it, and we look forward to introducing yet another innovative product to the FX community
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I understand what Z1 wants to do with this group buy. If you all can remember with the group buy with the rear strut bars we had people complaining that they were skipped and they were on the list before others that were closer to the bottom and i can go on forever.
If thats how they want to see us the front strut bars then so be it.
Advisory - i am not supporting the company in anyway, Just keeping it real.
If thats how they want to see us the front strut bars then so be it.
Advisory - i am not supporting the company in anyway, Just keeping it real.
Couple of comments:
22 slots on that list formed BEFORE Laxman posted the retail prices. If all those people were interested in retail pricing and advanced payment you wouldn't get 22+ people like you don't right now.
I understand that GTSpec requires you to collect the payment for 20 of each brace but if you use a "committed" list, you'll see how many people would be willing to go for which brace. For instance, the moment I saw the retail prices I realized I WON'T be getting both. Many are probably in the same league with me as they don't want to spend $440. If this is the case, which probably is, you WON'T get that 40 orders. And since your requirement is that, this GB will probably won't go through. Add the early payment + 1.5 month wait and you have a handful of people who'd comply with your requirements.. Simple like that..
Form a new interested list with the retail prices or prices you calculate for 10-20-30-40 braces and you'll see how we can do this group buy or how we can't....
22 slots on that list formed BEFORE Laxman posted the retail prices. If all those people were interested in retail pricing and advanced payment you wouldn't get 22+ people like you don't right now.
I understand that GTSpec requires you to collect the payment for 20 of each brace but if you use a "committed" list, you'll see how many people would be willing to go for which brace. For instance, the moment I saw the retail prices I realized I WON'T be getting both. Many are probably in the same league with me as they don't want to spend $440. If this is the case, which probably is, you WON'T get that 40 orders. And since your requirement is that, this GB will probably won't go through. Add the early payment + 1.5 month wait and you have a handful of people who'd comply with your requirements.. Simple like that..
Form a new interested list with the retail prices or prices you calculate for 10-20-30-40 braces and you'll see how we can do this group buy or how we can't....
The "Real" is that it's hard to see 20 people paying $440 and waiting 1.5 month. We need some flexibility if it CAN be done..
I propose this question to the guys at Z1.
What if you don't get 20 people for the group buy, are they still going to get there front struts braces or are they going to get there money back?
I understand what the guys at are sayin. I'm just trying to figure out why it takes 10 different posts to get to the real question. (unless it has already been asked)
is the waiting part of the problem
What if you don't get 20 people for the group buy, are they still going to get there front struts braces or are they going to get there money back?
I understand what the guys at
are sayin. I'm just trying to figure out why it takes 10 different posts to get to the real question. (unless it has already been asked)is the waiting part of the problem
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