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SOAPMAKING101 CO-OPS/FAST BUYS Cold Process
ADDITIVES CRAFT SHOWS |
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What is a Co-Op, Fast Buy and Special Sale?
Good question! Let's examine each. (be sure to read the Word of Caution at the bottom of the page) Co-OpIn a co-op, you have a host/hostess. This person has agreed to sell a certain item for a certain price. This price is less than you would normally find it elsewhere ~ this is because it is a bulk buy. The hostess has gone direct to the manufacturer and has agreed to buy XYZ amount of the product. The manufacturer, in turn, has agreed to give a discounted price to the hostess. The host/hostess passes the savings on to you. Sometimes there is a nominal hostess fee involved (usually 10% of less) as the hostesses do a lot of work. (been there, done that -there is an amazing amount of work involved in co-ops!) Once the price has been agreed to, he/she announces the sale. The "co-opees" then send the money into the host/hostess. Once all the money is in to the host/hostess, they order the product. The manufacturer ships to the host/hostess. In turn, they bottle (repackage, etc.) and ship out to the "co-opees". Upside of Co-ops: Great pricing! Downside of Co-ops: Lead-time (they can average from 1-2 months before you get your product) Fast BuysVery similar to Co-Ops in that you have a host/hostess who has wrangled a reduced price from the manufacturer. However, the host/hostess already has that item on hand and is ready for immediate shipment. The pricing, while reduced from standard manufacturer's pricing, is slightly higher than a Co-Op. Upside of Fast Buys: Good pricing, quick delivery Downside of Fast Buys: Higher prices than Co-Ops Special SalesAgain, similar in concept to Co-Ops and Fast Buys, there is a host/hostess in these sales. Special Sales usually have a unique feature to them - once in a lifetime buys, specialty items, etc. Upside of Special Sales: Unique items Downside of Fast Buys: Sometimes pricing is higher than a Co-Op, etc. Lead time can also be questionable. WORD OF CAUTION: With all of the people on the internet, you never really know who you're purchasing from. It's wise to get references from those doing the buys. Check around, ask your fellow soapers if they've purchased from the host/hostess before and what they thought. Oftentimes a good host/hostess has a reputation and a following. |
