We are now at 42 boards. If you're counting you'll notice that the numbers don't actually match. This is because I'm adding in another 10 boards in case someone wants one or two after we close the buy and make the actual order. It'll happen!
As we are at 42 boards, the cost per board today through JLCPCB is $2.01. I'd like to take a suggestion from other threads and add $1 (or whatever the group feels is the right value) and donate it to diyaudio.com. I have no idea how they keep this place running but I enjoy it and am here every day. At any rate, that makes the cost of boards today $3.01. This includes JLCPCB shipping, but not the shipping from my location in the Seattle, WA area to you.
I'll likely use JLCPCB for the order. Their website was easy to use, but I can't help wondering if we could save costs by having them manufactured in the US so we could save on shipping. Are there any PCB manufacturers in the USA that we collectively trust?
Here's the current list of interested members:
As we are at 42 boards, the cost per board today through JLCPCB is $2.01. I'd like to take a suggestion from other threads and add $1 (or whatever the group feels is the right value) and donate it to diyaudio.com. I have no idea how they keep this place running but I enjoy it and am here every day. At any rate, that makes the cost of boards today $3.01. This includes JLCPCB shipping, but not the shipping from my location in the Seattle, WA area to you.
I'll likely use JLCPCB for the order. Their website was easy to use, but I can't help wondering if we could save costs by having them manufactured in the US so we could save on shipping. Are there any PCB manufacturers in the USA that we collectively trust?
Here's the current list of interested members:
| Member | Location | Requested |
| bhjazz | us | 4 |
| quantensprung | eu | 2 |
| rikiheck | us | 2 |
| redjr | us | 2 |
| bOTL | us | 2 |
| kannan_s | us | 2 |
| sov | eu | 2 |
| chris jones KS | us | 2 |
| blek stena | eu | 4 |
| aljordan | us | 4 |
| randytsuch | us | 2 |
| von Ah | us | 2 |
| marxist | us | 2 |
| spares, just in case | us | 10 |
TOTAL | 42 |
I suggest JLCprice_per_board + 50 percent + shipping and customs and VAT and "accommodation fees" charged by shippers and national post offices. You'll need to buy spares to handle lost-in-the-mail orders and my-board-is-cosmetically-imperfect replacements. You'll also need to purchase bubble mailer envelopes and pay for printer ink to create shipping labels. And fuel if you drive to the post office, chocolate croissants if you get there by cycle.
Remember: Why are you are doing all the work? Because buyers would rather pay you to order the boards for them, than to place the order themselves. So don't be shy about charging more than JLC's per-piece price; you truly are providing a value-added service. At the very least, you are allowing people to purchase fewer than JLC's minimum order size, and that has value all by itself.
It's admirable to donate any excess monies collected, after all boards are received and accepted, to diyAudio. But it's not necessary. Your time has value and people are paying you to do something they have decided not to do themselves. There's nothing immoral, illegal, or fattening about accepting compensation for a useful and beneficial service you have performed.
Remember: Why are you are doing all the work? Because buyers would rather pay you to order the boards for them, than to place the order themselves. So don't be shy about charging more than JLC's per-piece price; you truly are providing a value-added service. At the very least, you are allowing people to purchase fewer than JLC's minimum order size, and that has value all by itself.
It's admirable to donate any excess monies collected, after all boards are received and accepted, to diyAudio. But it's not necessary. Your time has value and people are paying you to do something they have decided not to do themselves. There's nothing immoral, illegal, or fattening about accepting compensation for a useful and beneficial service you have performed.
I'd like to commit for 2 boards, if possible -- central US destination. And a substantially higher price would not put me off.
Thanks for undertaking this.
And, Thanks for the project, MJ.
Cheers
Thanks for undertaking this.
And, Thanks for the project, MJ.
Cheers
Last edited:
Thank you, Mark. As a first-timer these things likely would have become too clear too late. I really appreciate the advice.
By the way, do you think 10 extra boards will cover me for "lost in the mail" issues? If so, I'll add those to the count.
Rick, I have added you to the list.
I'd order an extra ~ 10% to be prepared for replacements due to scratches or lost-in-the-mail. Then add as many or as few "bhjazz takes a financial risk" extra boards, that you think you might want. You can sell (or give away) these extra boards after the GB is closed. Possibly weeks or months later. They are your own personal inventory, paid for with your own money.
I'd also suggest you collect all the money before placing the order. Announce a deadline by which members MUST pay, otherwise they are dropped from the GB and receive no PCBs. Usually, a few people will balk at PayPal; have your answer ready.
I'd also suggest you collect all the money before placing the order. Announce a deadline by which members MUST pay, otherwise they are dropped from the GB and receive no PCBs. Usually, a few people will balk at PayPal; have your answer ready.
@bhjazz, I agree with Mark, the extras and your time are worth something! $3 for any board is dirt cheap. I'd suggest a purchase price of at least $6/PCB. Everybody can afford $6. Shipping to other countries will add up quickly and in some cases be more than the actual cost of the PCB. If there's any way I can help with mailings please PM me. Would be happy to contribute in any way I can.
Edit: I don't think you can beat JLCPCB form a production standpoint. They are fair, fast and efficient, and the quality IMO is superb. Yes,shipping is a little high, but they know people nowadays expect 24-48hr turnaround. 🙂 Also, their technical support is first rate.
Rick
Edit: I don't think you can beat JLCPCB form a production standpoint. They are fair, fast and efficient, and the quality IMO is superb. Yes,shipping is a little high, but they know people nowadays expect 24-48hr turnaround. 🙂 Also, their technical support is first rate.
Rick
Mark, this is the path I had roughed out for myself, so I'm happy to see I was heading the right way. Also, I definitely will be using Paypal. I am never crazy about the extra 3% but it will allow me to organize all funding (both incoming and outgoing) into one place.
Rick, thanks!
And to the rest, thanks so much for making me feel at home. What a great community!
rtan, intojazz, manniraj and mordicai - you have been added to the list.
I was just in a small group buy where the organizer collected a deposit first that covered most of the cost. Then, when he was ready to ship, he collected the small remaining balance. Since costs can be hard to predict, gives some flexibility to the process. And if someone has already sent 90% of the payment, unlikely they will not send the remainder.
Randy
Randy
Interesting idea, Randy. How were the payments handled?
BEYoung - your have been added to the list.
He made a spreadsheet with the estimated costs and the deposit amount, and had everyone paypal the money for the deposit.
So pretty much like a normal group buy, but with two payments instead of one.
After he got the boards and calculated actual shipping costs, spreadsheet was updated and everyone paid their balance.
May have cost a little extra for the 2nd paypal payment, but no biggie.
Thanks, Randy. I like this idea. It gives me a get-out-of-jail-free card in case something goes wrong, and represents a reasonable step-based approach.
Rolandonng, you have been added to the list.
Rolandonng, you have been added to the list.
