Hi, I just like to voice out how i feel, no offence in anyway.
I was introduced to this Forum by my friend and have also bought a number of items from the BPs which I thought were quite good deals.
Quoting what Chin Leng posted earlier, the reason why a fee was charged is because they no longer need to differentiate whether the BP is for business a not, besides they do not have the capacity to do that either.
My understanding of this sentence is that the moderator has also "close their eyes" on people organising BPs for business purpose, so there's no point arguing if BP threads are allowed for business a not, right?
If BP organisers are charging a lower price than what we can get from the outside market, I feel that I'm perfectly fine in them earning abit for the hardwork they put in.(I guess everyone can see that it's really tough organising a BP) It's a win-win situation for the buyers and sellers isn't it? ---> This excludes sellers marking up the prices and selling more expensive than retail prices, these are unethical.
Like Itsy Bitsy who is selling Pedoodles shoes. Many of us knows that she has an online shop selling at RRP. However her BP is selling at only $42 which is
SO MUCH LOWER as compared to buying from Pedoodles directly, which can cost about $65-$70 per pair inclusive of shipping charges. This is cost savings of more than $20 so who would mind if there is profit involved? Mommies like me who's looking out for great deals definitely don't mind.
Personally, I feel that mommies who organise BP without earning a single dollar are saints. I salute them. Imagine all the hardwork and coordination put in and what if there are unforeseen circumstances such as shipment delay, product defects, lost mail? They won't get any "Thank You" for helping to organise the BP, they will only get more work upon themselves, tons of pressure or maybe even negative comments.
Bottomline, it all rounds down to mommies themselves to decide whether they want to purchase from these BPs a not. I will still buy, but I'll do my homework and be careful.
Cheers!