Buying custom keyboards typically works differently from buying most mass-produced keyboards due to their limited manufacturing runs. One of the ordering custom keyboard methods is called group buy. In this article, we'll answer the question “What is group buy?” and give you some must-know tips for joining one.
What does a keyboard group buy mean? It is a kind of pre-ordering where a group of people pool their funds to purchase a product before production, often due to the limited availability of mechanical keyboards in small quantities. The minimum order quantity (MOQ) determines the number of pre-orders required.
A group buy period typically has two dates: a start date and an end date. Once you join a group buy, you must be familiar with certain phases that occur during this period.
The following are 4 main Group Buy phases:
An interest check usually comes first in group buys. Before posting a group buy, these interest checks are a technique for making sure that there is enough interest and demand for their items to meet the MOQ.
Each group buy has a different timetable, and not all group buys that are conducted will achieve the required MOQ.
Pre-orders will begin to flood in once the dealer starts a Group Buy. It can last up to a month in a typical situation. There may be a maximum number of keyboards or keyboard accessories that may be pre-ordered, but there are no limits on other items.
Following the completion of the group buy process, the designer contacts the manufacturer to start production. If there are any extras left from the pre-order, the seller can then sell them off. In most cases, these additions are few.
In this case, the manufacturer sends the finished product to the seller for inspection before it is sold.
Extras: The merchant may invite more orders once the item has been completed. Only if the vendor places large enough orders at the manufacturing stage will this happen.
New Group Buy: After successfully fulfilling an initial group buy for a product, the vendor has the option to initiate a new one. This is commonly done with popular items that have proven financially successful and sometimes involves slight modifications to the original design.
Group buys require a minimum number of buyers to be successful, while preorders are individual orders that do not depend on other buyers. Group buys also require a collective order size, and potentially make buyers face delays, cancellations, or quality issues.
On the other hand, pre-order offers products that will be sold later at a regular price or with incentives. So, pre-orders carry less risk and have shorter waiting times, more likely to be received on time. On the flip side, individuals participating in group buys may encounter extended waiting periods attributable to the manufacturing process.
In general, if you want exclusive and limited products, and don’t mind waiting for a longer time, group buys are more suitable. Of course, you have to be willing to take on more risk.
On the other hand, pre-orders are more suitable for people who don’t want to wait for a long time which minimizes the risk. These people may want to buy products at a regular price or with some incentives.
Here is the table that shows the different factors to compare group buys and pre-orders in keyboard and keycap buying:
| Group Buys | Pre-orders | |
| Order size | Collective order that requires a minimum number of buyers | Individual order that does not depend on other buyers |
| Product availability | Exclusive and limited products that may not be available again | Products that will be sold later at a regular price or with some incentives |
| Risk level | More risk for the buyers, as they may face delays, cancellations, or quality issues | Less risk for the buyers, higher probability of receiving their products punctually and as expected |
| Waiting time | Longer waiting time, as they need to reach the minimum order quantity and go through the production process | Shorter waiting time, as they are already in production or ready to ship |
Assistance for small manufacturers: In the keyboard community, group buys frequently provide support to tiny manufacturers and craftspeople, enabling them to promote their distinctive products.
There are so many benefits, so what is a group buy difficulty? In fact, group buying has many risks to buyers:
Thus, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the product, the vendor, and the group buy's terms and conditions before participating in the purchase. It's also a good idea to have patience and be cognizant of any obstacles that can come up throughout the group buy procedure.
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MechGroupBuys is a popular website for purchasing keycaps and keyboards through group buys. The buying process at MechGroupBuys is straightforward. You pay upfront for the product, which is manufactured and delivered later. The frequency of group buys at MechGroupBuys varies, but there are currently three live group buys available on the site.
As per the website, you can reach out to the organizer of the group buy for any additional inquiries about it. The platform provides a range of products, encompassing keyboards like Reflection, Haitun40, and Dymium65.
Keycaplendar is a website that tracks group buys for keycaps and keyboards. The website presents an exhaustive inventory of all the keycaps accessible for the upcoming year or thereabouts. The site offers a variety of keycaps in unique designs, and you can find the latest and most unique keycap designs here.
The vendors will only have a prototype or a 3D image of the product. You will be placing an order for a keycap set, and it will be dispatched to you within a few months. Group buys have the newest and coolest designs but fetch a high price. The products that can be purchased at Keycaplendar are limited to group buys for keycaps and keyboards.
Keycapsets is a website that offers a wide range of keycaps and keyboards for group buying. Group buys are held frequently on the site, and you can check the site’s calendar to see when the next one is scheduled.
At Keycapsets, there is a strict no-refund policy, so be sure to double-check your order before completing it. You can find keycaps in different colors, materials, and designs, and keyboards in various sizes and layouts in this site. You can also find accessories such as keycap pullers, switches, and stabilizers.
Kono Store is a popular online store for mechanical keyboards, keycaps, and enthusiast accessories. The website offers many products, including keycap set group buys, and much more. The buying process at the Kono Store is user-friendly in that you can add to your cart the available designs, and proceed to checkout.
Kono Store offers live group buys, updated regularly on their website. The website has received acclaim for its outstanding customer service, prompt delivery, and top-notch products, according to satisfied customers. You can purchase a wide range of products at the Kono Store, including keycap sets, mechanical keyboards, and enthusiast accessories.
CannonKeys offers a wide range of products, including keyboards, keysets, and other keyboard-related accessories. The purchasing procedure is simple, and you can still participate in ongoing group buys and pre-orders. However, make sure to check the listing you’re interested in for an end date to ensure you don’t miss out.
The site has a dedicated page for group buy status updates, which you can visit for more information. The frequency of group buys varies, so it’s best to keep an eye on the site for updates.
KBDfans is a popular site for purchasing keycaps and keyboards. Group buys are held frequently on the site, with new ones being added regularly. When buying from KBDfans, it is important to note that the site is based in China and shipping times may vary depending on your location.
You should divide your purchase into many ones if you order more than one item so the shipping is inexpensive or free. It's beneficial that the entire order won't face a blockade even if certain items are out of stock.
KBDfans offers a variety of products, including keyboard DIY kits, keycaps, switches, and accessories. You can find more information about KBDfans and their products on their website.
ClickClack offers an extensive range of products, including monitors, switches, keycaps, and accessories. The website frequently offers group buying; you can check the impending Groupbuys page to be informed about impending group buys.
It's crucial to remember that ClickClack only takes PayPal payments when making purchases. Furthermore, none of the products on the website are eligible for returns or refunds, so before finishing your transaction, be sure you are happy with your purchase.
The Vertex Arc60 keyboard kit, the Aeroboard70 (65%+5%) keyboard kit, and the Great Artist Lotus keycaps are a few of the items that may be purchased on ClickClack. A comprehensive inventory of items is offered for sale on the website's Group Buy and Keyboard Kits sections.
Yes, keycap, keyboard, and switch group buys are quite safe. Buying products from there allows you to try out various tools without spending a lot of money.
We’ve updated the list of the group buys you can join here:
When you join keycap & keyboard group buys and switch group buys, it is non-refundable and non-cancelable.
Order changes are not allowed, and the non-cancellable rule only becomes null and void if a vendor is unable to meet the MOQ.
Lead times for various group buy items vary. Group buys are generally unpredictable and may go on for a while. Even though the seller may provide you with an estimated time, unexpected problems might arise and lengthen the time it takes to complete your order.
Unquestionably, there is always a trade-off to getting something unique, especially if it comes from your idea.
Ordering your desired custom-made keyboards or keyboard accessories through a group buy is not also the exception.
Before making a decision in any group buy, remember to ask all questions that will satisfy your curiosity. There is nothing better than doing thorough research before dumping money out of your pocket.
Hope you get the items that are worth all the risks!
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