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   (PIJ's Hanhnemule prices have been updated and are now competitive)
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@...