Digital BW, The Print

Hi Folks,

I'm interested in determining how many people will commit to
participating in a group purchase of paper in order to secure a 
sizeable discount. I've arranged with Photoinkjet.com to secure a
ONE-TIME discount of between 20-40% off their advertised web 
prices (excluding sales and special offers). The final price, of
course, will be dependent on the quantity that we all purchase and 
individual manufacturers markups. Although we've decided to "limit"
the selection to what seems to be some of the leading papers 
listed below, if you have another preference and there's enough
demand, please let me know and we may be able to add it to the mix.

The papers are as follows:

Somerset Velvet Enhanced
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag
Hahnemuhle German Etching
Hahnemuhle William Turner
Hahnemuhle Alegretto
Brightcube Satine
Extreme Gamut Satin (Limited sizes - will be discontinued in several
months)

Here's how it'll work - 

1. Every participant must make a FIVE pack/roll minimum order AND
subsequent purchase. This can be a mix of ANY brand, size, 
weight, etc. Five letter size (8.5x11) packs would work. Take a look
at PIJ's website for an idea of what's available - http://
www.photoinkjet.com/

2. Please send me an email stating what paper, size, weight, etc,
that your are COMMITTING to and I'll tabulate the total order and 
forward this to PIJ where we'll then determine the final prices. 

THE DEADLINE FOR YOUR INITIAL ORDER IS NOVEMBER 10 - FINAL PAYMENT
WILL BE DUE BY NOVEMBER 21

In addition to the volume the final price will be determined and will
vary according to the markups of the various manufacturers. If 
we are able to assemble an order of approximately 100 packages the
discount will be the  greatest.

3. Remember, your order MUST consist of at least five packs but can
be a mix of brands, sheet sizes, weights, etc. 

4. Once we have a final count and determine final prices you will be
notified via email. You will then contact PIJ with your billing 
info (shipping/CA sales tax/Duty/etc. will be added). As the prices
are determined by the final order it's IMPERATIVE that you 
seriously consider the quantity and estimated amount of your order
and make payment in a timely manner. The actual sale will not 
be processed until everyone is accounted for. If several people back
out at the last minute that may be enough to jeopardize the final 
prices for us all. So PLEASE, PLEASE give your initial order some
careful thought.  PIJ will not be giving the stuff away but I think 
that we can count on at least a minimum 20% discount if not more.

5. THE DEALINE FOR YOUR INITIAL ORDER IS NOVEMBER 10 - FINAL PAYMENT
WILL BE DUE BY NOVEMBER 21.

Please note: I'm not associated with PIJ, will not be making any
money from this and am volunteering my services for the 
betterment of all. I also assume no liability for any problems that
you may encounter with PIJ.  I chose PIJ because their prices 
seem to the some of the lowest, they have a wide selection and they
are willing to work with us. I've conducted and participated in 
successful group purchases on other forums and it's benefited
everyone. I will personally participate with a sizeable purchase. I 
hope that this doesn't turn into a major PITA. If we all cooperate
and is successful then I'm sure we can conduct another group 
purchase at a future date. And we can shop our order around. I don't
see why we can't extend our buying power towards ink, 
printers, scanners, etc. 

Finally - this is not meant to start a flame war over paper
selection/preferences, retailer/manufacturers allegiance, etc. etc.
If you disagree or are uneasy then please do not participate. The
intention is to be able to purchase our materials at a substantial 
discount so that we can all continue with our work. 

Feel free to spread the word to others who don't monitor the dig
printing e-groups.

Thanks,

Rick Murai
Northern Calif

rmurai@...