[IC] Cheap Doubleshot ABS colored keycaps

[Techno Trousers]

The way the last Tai Hao group buy went, I have a feeling there would be no problem getting to 100 orders of each of those combos.

I say bring on the group buy!

[CommonCurt]

I'd be in for a olivetti set. Even though I'm not a fan of OEM for $10 I could find a place for them.

[GhostofHarry]

Before we confirm starting this gb
I think shipping is another issue that we should discuss about?

Will anybody be proxy or shall I simply mail them out by HK post?
(thats what tinnie shared with me the way he send ppl stuffs)

As the price of the keycaps are cheap, it would be pretty ridiculous if the shipping cost is higher than the product.



I am now asking taihao for more info, especially about the 7x spacebar and tsangan
What they have replied me ATM is that, the 4th generation taihao(olivette, dolch and granite) does not contain and has never produced 7x spacebar, and 1x R1 key.
If we would like to add these into the set, the MOQ will be 500

[Pacifist]

Before we confirm starting this gb
I think shipping is another issue that we should discuss about?

Will anybody be proxy or shall I simply mail them out by HK post?
(thats what tinnie shared with me the way he send ppl stuffs)

As the price of the keycaps are cheap, it would be pretty ridiculous if the shipping cost is higher than the product.



I am now asking taihao for more info, especially about the 7x spacebar and tsangan
What they have replied me ATM is that, the 4th generation taihao(olivette, dolch and granite) does not contain and has never produced 7x spacebar, and 1x R1 key.
If we would like to add these into the set, the MOQ will be 500

proxy all the way

300+ caps def needs one
also just add the extras to the gb, if we hit the 500, good, if not, whatever

[MOZ]

500 MOQ might not be such a problem since we need 2x Ctrl, 2x Alt, 2x Win.

Maybe we can workout a lower MOQ, and each set contains 2x Ctrl, 2x Win, 2x Alt and 2 spacebars, so we only need half MOQ.

[Hak Foo]

I really like the TaiHao Dolch... if for no other reason than because the typography looks crisp and modern.  And do I see a stepped lock key?

[GhostofHarry]

Yo!
Further info for u guys
An i think we now have a pretty complete picture for our gorupbuy.

But firstly, please allow me to show u what colour of keycaps taihao has offered to me
Different Generation has different price!!!


First Generation
White on Red/ Green/ Blue/ Yellow/ Black

More

MOQ(When in stock) : 100          Delivery Time : 4weeks
MOQ(When out of stock) : 300    Delivery Time : 8weeks
Price: $11



You may also refer to elton5354's first taihao groupbuy
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43745.0

2nd Generation
Azure, Apple Green, Purple

More

MOQ(When in stock) : 100          Delivery Time : 4weeks
MOQ(When out of stock) : 300    Delivery Time : 4weeks
Price: $12

3rd Generation
The Whites (They only offered Black, Green and Red on white, in the 1st, 4th and 6th row)

More

MOQ(When in stock) : 100          Delivery Time : 4weeks
MOQ(When out of stock) : 300    Delivery Time : 8weeks
Price: $13.5

4th Generation
Olivette, Dolch, Granite

More

MOQ(When in stock) : 100          Delivery Time : 4weeks
MOQ(When out of stock) : 300    Delivery Time : 8weeks
Price: $14

For all the above sets, they include basic 105 keys, as u can see from the picture.
and also a stepped capslock key (confirmed for 4th generation, inquiring for the first 3 generations)

Special Orders such as tsangan

Taihao replied me that we can order the following special R1 keys from them as they have these moulds
The MOQ is 500, but the price can not yet be confirmed as it depends on how many kinds of key we are adding, and how we are gonna package them

The following are the special keys that we CAN add (as long as we got 500 MOQ of each kind of them in ONE colour)
a. Space Bar-  x7, x6.25, x5    (wow.....5x)
b. Ctrl   -  x1.25, x1.5
c. Alt    -  x1.25, x1.5
d. 3 windows key – x1.25        (i think its 2 win key and 1 menu key)
e. Blank key  - x1

Please remember these add-on keys MOQ are independent from each colours



I think the best way to do this is to start a GB post now and collect the numbers of order with the current price.
While at the same time provide the tsangan key as an add-on and see if we have enough ppl to order them.

While we invoice ppl after we got the final amount and quote the price again from taihao
by then we can also obtain the delivery cost and share it among each keyset we have ordered

[RESPRiT]

Wow, so many options! We should get a poll up on what people are interested in

[MOZ]

Word of advice: Control the number of choices, too many choices means dilution per set and not meeting MOQ on either. Do a poll perhaps.

[GhostofHarry]

Word of advice: Control the number of choices, too many choices means dilution per set and not meeting MOQ on either. Do a poll perhaps.

thx moz

indeed it dilutes the order and we may fail

its my first time to hold a gb and i hope i can control the number of orders or im gonna have a bad time processing orders

We still need to find proxy or maybe money collector too

[gigibecali]

I'd buy 4th gen.
Maybe 3rd gen also.

[berserkfan]

Word of advice: Control the number of choices, too many choices means dilution per set and not meeting MOQ on either. Do a poll perhaps.

thx moz

indeed it dilutes the order and we may fail

its my first time to hold a gb and i hope i can control the number of orders or im gonna have a bad time processing orders

We still need to find proxy or maybe money collector too

Harry

Our poll should offer ALL choices (Even the 1st gen, which I understand some people want). Since at this point we've committed nothing. The poll should offer multiple votes, so that you can +1 for each set if you so please.

This will tell us the extent of interest.

Then we basically eliminate anything that doesn't meet MOQ and take a second poll for the top 4-8 color schemes. The second poll is primarily to see if we can meet MOQ for tsangan and other modifier layouts.

I totally don't need tsangan, winkeyless and what not, but I think it's helpful for many people. If possible, we should have at least 3 sets which offer more layout opportunities, and 3 sets that are more conventional.

[morpheus]

Question:

I'd be up for Olivetti and Dolch, but it seems like they have 7x spacebar, am I correct?

If so, then wouldn't any other size just look awkward on let's say a QFR or another board with standard 6.25x space bar?

Would I need to get different special keys as well (win, alt, ctrl), and if so, what size?

[MOZ]

Only 1st gen has 7u space bar, others have the 104 key ANSI layout.

[elton5354]

Only 1st gen has 7u space bar, others have the 104 key ANSI layout.

Why's that? Tai Hao fixed the 7u space bar since my group buy and a recent Korean group buy (gen 4?) did it with their fixed 7u space bar.  They had it included with the main set.  I think it was around $15

[morpheus]

Only 1st gen has 7u space bar, others have the 104 key ANSI layout.

Then I'd definitely be down for at least 3 sets.

[MOZ]

I'm just saying based on what has been posted above.

It is mentioned others can be made with 500 MOQ.

[GhostofHarry]

well...with enough orders, anything is possible 

but im thinking shall we include a 7x spacebar only?
or shall we order a full tsangan set with 1.5x alt*2   1.5x ctrl*2   1x blank *2 and 7x spacebar
i have ordered the first generation taihao(not from elton's gb) and it does contain 7x spacebar, and 2 1x blank keys, but no 1.5x keys as i remember

as the price we have now is of MOQ 100, it is the highest possible price we will get so as long as we have more than 100, price should drop.
and we have more space to add other stuff into our set.


but first we should start a poll and check which colours we are going for as concerns of dilution of orders raised by moz and resprit may happen

To me, i think ordering 1st generation red, 3rd generation red one white, olivette and dolch would be the best go (or 1st gen green and 3rd gen green on white? )
as this provide a cheap way to obtain RA,CCnG, olivette and dolch,  which i think its the most appealing option of all

http://poll.pollcode.com/11747473

Is there any suggestion for online poll websites...? or maybe we shall do it with google form?
this doesnt seems to meet our need

[MOZ]

Google forms.

[LechnerDE]

Maybe it's a dumb question, but what is a Tsangan Kit good for without a stepped capslock key?

Who uses a board that has 1.5 Modifiers and a 7.0 Spacebar but doesn't require a stepped capslock?

I mean we added all these keys to Elton's GB and then nobody used them anyway...

[GhostofHarry]

Maybe it's a dumb question, but what is a Tsangan Kit good for without a stepped capslock key?

Who uses a board that has 1.5 Modifiers and a 7.0 Spacebar but doesn't require a stepped capslock?

I mean we added all these keys to Elton's GB and then nobody used them anyway...

we now have a stepped capslock

[LechnerDE]

Oh, you didn't mention it in your previous post

For the record:

I am in for one of each (except the 5 colors I already have from Elton'S GB)

[MOZ]

Maybe it's a dumb question, but what is a Tsangan Kit good for without a stepped capslock key?

Who uses a board that has 1.5 Modifiers and a 7.0 Spacebar but doesn't require a stepped capslock?

I mean we added all these keys to Elton's GB and then nobody used them anyway...

we now have a stepped capslock

Please confirm location of the stem on that stepped caps lock.

[GhostofHarry]

Maybe it's a dumb question, but what is a Tsangan Kit good for without a stepped capslock key?

Who uses a board that has 1.5 Modifiers and a 7.0 Spacebar but doesn't require a stepped capslock?

I mean we added all these keys to Elton's GB and then nobody used them anyway...

we now have a stepped capslock

Please confirm location of the stem on that stepped caps lock.

u can expect that its the same as the cherry ones
as what they say its "cherry compatible stepped capslock"

[MOZ]

Okay, because elton ones post a photo and they were compatible since it had a 0.25u step, rather than a 0.5u step.

[elton5354]

Yeah, TH had them fixed for the recent Korean GB.

[whiskytango]

If you're going to put together a tsangan kit, is the MOQ for a single key? In other words, we need 500 1.5 Alt keys which is enough to make 250 tsangan sets, correct?

If this is true, then we need to order at least 250 tsangan kits and each would come with two 7x space bars. I'm going to go ahead and assume that it might be difficult to get 250 orders for tsangans. So to get pricing for them, go ahead and assume we'll order the minimum 250 kits. Get the total price, and then break it down in pricing tiers to show how much each set will cost depending on how many people order. If we don't get all the way to 250 orders, then we can figure  out later what to do with the extras. Perhaps have a raffle to see who gets the extras, or sell them and donate proceeds, whatever.

For argument's sake, lets say the kits cost $4 at the minimum order quantity of 250. So $4 x 250 = $1000. So breakdown would look like this:

Quantity              Price
250                      $4
200                      $5
150                      $6.67
100                      $10

[GhostofHarry]

If you're going to put together a tsangan kit, is the MOQ for a single key? In other words, we need 500 1.5 Alt keys which is enough to make 250 tsangan sets, correct?

If this is true, then we need to order at least 250 tsangan kits and each would come with two 7x space bars. I'm going to go ahead and assume that it might be difficult to get 250 orders for tsangans. So to get pricing for them, go ahead and assume we'll order the minimum 250 kits. Get the total price, and then break it down in pricing tiers to show how much each set will cost depending on how many people order. If we don't get all the way to 250 orders, then we can figure  out later what to do with the extras. Perhaps have a raffle to see who gets the extras, or sell them and donate proceeds, whatever.

For argument's sake, lets say the kits cost $4 at the minimum order quantity of 250. So $4 x 250 = $1000. So breakdown would look like this:

Quantity              Price
250                      $4
200                      $5
150                      $6.67
100                      $10

yes   u are rite, the MOQ is for a single key

I will try to quote the price of minimum 500 moqs for the tsangan kit tmr


btw, i think the maximum number of colours we should order should be around 5-6, or otherwise the orders will be too diluted

[Pacifist]

dolch for sure

also olivetti as the MOQ is low and its awesome

[whiskytango]

I strongly agree that colors should be limited.

[Linkbane]

I would love an Azure set.

[morpheus]

Hi guys
i have contacted taihao recently

For your info, they got some new colours  included

latest generation of colour inlcudes blue on beige and dolch, and granite

from what i have quoted, MOQ is 100 for each colour 
and the price is around $14 usd, only for the product itself, exlcuding tax and any transport fee
this includes 105 keys, with the standard 104keys and a cherry stepped capslock




if enough guys are interested maybe I can hold a taihao round 2?
as theres 3  new generations of colours since the last gb we had in gh

these are the photo from taihao

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

and some more from tb

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

As I'm from Hong Kong, I know many of the guys from China has got the 2nd and 3rd generation of taihao already,
and if u mix and match with all the colours, u can really have a lot of possibilities
like the famous red alert, using the first generation white on red, and 3rd generation red on white

Show Image

a photo taken by my friend rabbit, posted in a chinese keyboard forum enjoyclick
of taihao RA

If this GB does go ahead, would the keycaps look exactly like this in the pictures?
Also, can you direct me to the Chinese website for these pics?

Thanks

[GhostofHarry]

Hi guys
i have contacted taihao recently

For your info, they got some new colours  included

latest generation of colour inlcudes blue on beige and dolch, and granite

from what i have quoted, MOQ is 100 for each colour 
and the price is around $14 usd, only for the product itself, exlcuding tax and any transport fee
this includes 105 keys, with the standard 104keys and a cherry stepped capslock




if enough guys are interested maybe I can hold a taihao round 2?
as theres 3  new generations of colours since the last gb we had in gh

these are the photo from taihao

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

and some more from tb

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

As I'm from Hong Kong, I know many of the guys from China has got the 2nd and 3rd generation of taihao already,
and if u mix and match with all the colours, u can really have a lot of possibilities
like the famous red alert, using the first generation white on red, and 3rd generation red on white

Show Image

a photo taken by my friend rabbit, posted in a chinese keyboard forum enjoyclick
of taihao RA

If this GB does go ahead, would the keycaps look exactly like this in the pictures?
Also, can you direct me to the Chinese website for these pics?

Thanks

yea they do look like so

am i allowed post links of shops here actually?

u can search "taobao" in googles, then copy 太豪二色 in the search engine and u may find plenty of ppl selling taihao 
in a comparatively high price ofcuz

More

http://s.taobao.com/search?q=%CC%AB%BA%C0%B6%FE%C9%AB&suggest=0_1&wq=%CC%AB%BA%C0&suggest_query=%CC%AB%BA%C0&source=suggest&spm=a213y.6633709.5803581.d4908513&sourceId=tb.index&search_type=mall&ssid=s5-e&commend=all

[GhostofHarry]

latest info

i have asked taihao to quote for tsangan kit and the keysets with moq 500

for tsangan kit, the price is $2.5 with moq 500, including 2* 1.5x ctrl, 2* 1.5x alt, 2* 1x blank key, 1* 7x spacebar

for the keysets, they claim that moq does not matter
unless we got a few thousands of orders

[berserkfan]

latest info

i have asked taihao to quote for tsangan kit and the keysets with moq 500

for tsangan kit, the price is $2.5 with moq 500, including 2* 1.5x ctrl, 2* 1.5x alt, 2* 1x blank key, 1* 7x spacebar

for the keysets, they claim that moq does not matter
unless we got a few thousands of orders

Price is good enough; I think now it's more important to have the logistics sorted out. Elton Chan did an amazing, amazing job last time but I"m sure he's exhausted.

[adrl]

I'll join in for the 3rd gen red on white 

[Battou62]

Very interested, but my money just keeps bouncing off the screen

[GhostofHarry]

latest info

i have asked taihao to quote for tsangan kit and the keysets with moq 500

for tsangan kit, the price is $2.5 with moq 500, including 2* 1.5x ctrl, 2* 1.5x alt, 2* 1x blank key, 1* 7x spacebar

for the keysets, they claim that moq does not matter
unless we got a few thousands of orders

Price is good enough; I think now it's more important to have the logistics sorted out. Elton Chan did an amazing, amazing job last time but I"m sure he's exhausted.

Sorry i didnt join the GB
did elton find proxy for each area?   or what have elton done about logistics in the previous gb?

[ericdrum]

Interested for sure!

[berserkfan]

latest info

i have asked taihao to quote for tsangan kit and the keysets with moq 500

for tsangan kit, the price is $2.5 with moq 500, including 2* 1.5x ctrl, 2* 1.5x alt, 2* 1x blank key, 1* 7x spacebar

for the keysets, they claim that moq does not matter
unless we got a few thousands of orders

Price is good enough; I think now it's more important to have the logistics sorted out. Elton Chan did an amazing, amazing job last time but I"m sure he's exhausted.

Sorry i didnt join the GB
did elton find proxy for each area?   or what have elton done about logistics in the previous gb?

Elton did the bulk of the work; he did have local proxies in a few countries IIRC. EG Takaki proxied for Singapore, back before he turned into Persona Non Grata. [I still feel gratitude to Takaki, so I feel very bad that he turned evil/ irresponsible and screwed over people in his acrylic group buy.]

If you go to his thread I believe you can see his photos of tons and tons of boxes, where he was packing for CONUS/Canada. Stuff like this separates the men from the boys.

[GhostofHarry]

latest info

i have asked taihao to quote for tsangan kit and the keysets with moq 500

for tsangan kit, the price is $2.5 with moq 500, including 2* 1.5x ctrl, 2* 1.5x alt, 2* 1x blank key, 1* 7x spacebar

for the keysets, they claim that moq does not matter
unless we got a few thousands of orders

Price is good enough; I think now it's more important to have the logistics sorted out. Elton Chan did an amazing, amazing job last time but I"m sure he's exhausted.

Sorry i didnt join the GB
did elton find proxy for each area?   or what have elton done about logistics in the previous gb?

Elton did the bulk of the work; he did have local proxies in a few countries IIRC. EG Takaki proxied for Singapore, back before he turned into Persona Non Grata. [I still feel gratitude to Takaki, so I feel very bad that he turned evil/ irresponsible and screwed over people in his acrylic group buy.]

If you go to his thread I believe you can see his photos of tons and tons of boxes, where he was packing for CONUS/Canada. Stuff like this separates the men from the boys.

Wow so there is much pressure if I'm gonna hold a gb then....

anyways   lets check what colours that you guys would like if we are starting a GB


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XLxaHpm18ZTXXBWl5zXavRzJQPRUOgVM25CBVUgMJC0/viewform

[MOZ]

Star a new IC with poll in OP and [POLL] in title, it will help evaluate things much better.

[GhostofHarry]

Star a new IC with poll in OP and [POLL] in title, it will help evaluate things much better.

waiting for approval

[katushkin]

That green, holy ****.

[berserkfan]

Star a new IC with poll in OP and [POLL] in title, it will help evaluate things much better.

waiting for approval

Harry, let me give you a warning first. It's friendly, so don't get me wrong.

HKers live in teeny weeny little spaces. Assuming you are not ultra rich (since you are getting involved in a cheapo group buy), you will need space in your house for a GB, and you will need space to sort things and store things for a while because there's no way you are going to get the stuff shipped out day after you receive them. You will have lots of boxes.

If any of them is going to cause major disaster in your life (such as parents or girlfriend issuing ultimatums) then it might be better handled by someone else.

I love group buys but I also know the extent of my capabilities. I can't handle 10000 emails/ PMs. I want group buys to be sustainable for the organizers and not burnt out by their experience!

[GhostofHarry]

Star a new IC with poll in OP and [POLL] in title, it will help evaluate things much better.

waiting for approval

Harry, let me give you a warning first. It's friendly, so don't get me wrong.

HKers live in teeny weeny little spaces. Assuming you are not ultra rich (since you are getting involved in a cheapo group buy), you will need space in your house for a GB, and you will need space to sort things and store things for a while because there's no way you are going to get the stuff shipped out day after you receive them. You will have lots of boxes.

If any of them is going to cause major disaster in your life (such as parents or girlfriend issuing ultimatums) then it might be better handled by someone else.

I love group buys but I also know the extent of my capabilities. I can't handle 10000 emails/ PMs. I want group buys to be sustainable for the organizers and not burnt out by their experience!

thx for ur advice bersekfan, there should be an empty office for me to sort out stuffs and do the shippings.
So the space needed should not be a problem

The whole process of GB should be able to carry out, but I'm not sure if I can get the lowest price possible.
For example, Like shipping, I can simply send out all the orders through HK post, but the shipping fee will be sky high for each order.
What I may need are advice from experienced ppl, and the helps from others such as proxies so that we can run the whole gb smoothly.

I will try to list out everything and make a Q&A when GB starts to try to lower the questions and PMs





 

[Latin00032]

I'm still waiting on Sherry to let me know he is alive.

I ordered the purple set from him a long time ago.

Sadface.

[berserkfan]

Star a new IC with poll in OP and [POLL] in title, it will help evaluate things much better.

waiting for approval

Harry, let me give you a warning first. It's friendly, so don't get me wrong.

HKers live in teeny weeny little spaces. Assuming you are not ultra rich (since you are getting involved in a cheapo group buy), you will need space in your house for a GB, and you will need space to sort things and store things for a while because there's no way you are going to get the stuff shipped out day after you receive them. You will have lots of boxes.

If any of them is going to cause major disaster in your life (such as parents or girlfriend issuing ultimatums) then it might be better handled by someone else.

I love group buys but I also know the extent of my capabilities. I can't handle 10000 emails/ PMs. I want group buys to be sustainable for the organizers and not burnt out by their experience!

thx for ur advice bersekfan, there should be an empty office for me to sort out stuffs and do the shippings.
So the space needed should not be a problem

The whole process of GB should be able to carry out, but I'm not sure if I can get the lowest price possible.
For example, Like shipping, I can simply send out all the orders through HK post, but the shipping fee will be sky high for each order.
What I may need are advice from experienced ppl, and the helps from others such as proxies so that we can run the whole gb smoothly.

I will try to list out everything and make a Q&A when GB starts to try to lower the questions and PMs

Well, ok, since you are enthusiastic and have access to an empty office, let me throw in what I can. I hope my brainstorming helps a bit.

1)   You ought to familiarize yourself with some softwares that make your work easier. EG you need to have all the names on a spreadsheet, you need to print labels from them easily, etc.
2)   Using an older list, or not properly closing your orders and using the latest list, makes for bad mistakes.
3)   You should familiarize yourself with the relevant post options. Sometimes it is cheaper to mail via an expensive service like FedEx.
4)   Some post options get dramatically more expensive with just one weight step, after which the distance to the next weight step may be something fairly large. I just sold Boost a Filco TKL and was quite annoyed to discover that sending two TKLs to him in NY would have cost about the same. Your problem is that if you don’t quote the right shipping, you can make losses- or lose friends.
5)   You need to procure a digital scale.
6)   For your sanity, I would suggest that you check whether Tai Hao can ship all the orders for one country directly. Then you can get proxies in different countries or regions and that greatly reduces your work as well as shipping costs.
7)   Labor costs in China are low, and shipping costs from China tend to be very moderate. Tai Hao produces in China. I wonder if Xuanwumen can be persuaded to help – he’s a pretty good guy. If we pay him $1 packing fee per set, I think most people will not begrudge that. Putting in a big order from Tai Hao through him may also be a win-win for Xuanwumen since it helps him establish a business relationship and buy things at wholesale cost, without needing to commit too much cash.

I can’t do proxying because I am quite disorganized and make mistakes. But I can promise assistance in other ways. I consider everything here a discretionary purchase, so I can buy less or none and live happily, or I can buy more to help a friend. I will probably order 6 sets. I’m perfectly happy with zero if your group buy winds up with insufficient sets. I will also commit to buy 3 additional sets if someone backs out. This should make your life a bit easier. ;-]

[GhostofHarry]

Star a new IC with poll in OP and [POLL] in title, it will help evaluate things much better.

waiting for approval

Harry, let me give you a warning first. It's friendly, so don't get me wrong.

HKers live in teeny weeny little spaces. Assuming you are not ultra rich (since you are getting involved in a cheapo group buy), you will need space in your house for a GB, and you will need space to sort things and store things for a while because there's no way you are going to get the stuff shipped out day after you receive them. You will have lots of boxes.

If any of them is going to cause major disaster in your life (such as parents or girlfriend issuing ultimatums) then it might be better handled by someone else.

I love group buys but I also know the extent of my capabilities. I can't handle 10000 emails/ PMs. I want group buys to be sustainable for the organizers and not burnt out by their experience!

thx for ur advice bersekfan, there should be an empty office for me to sort out stuffs and do the shippings.
So the space needed should not be a problem

The whole process of GB should be able to carry out, but I'm not sure if I can get the lowest price possible.
For example, Like shipping, I can simply send out all the orders through HK post, but the shipping fee will be sky high for each order.
What I may need are advice from experienced ppl, and the helps from others such as proxies so that we can run the whole gb smoothly.

I will try to list out everything and make a Q&A when GB starts to try to lower the questions and PMs

Well, ok, since you are enthusiastic and have access to an empty office, let me throw in what I can. I hope my brainstorming helps a bit.

1)   You ought to familiarize yourself with some softwares that make your work easier. EG you need to have all the names on a spreadsheet, you need to print labels from them easily, etc.
2)   Using an older list, or not properly closing your orders and using the latest list, makes for bad mistakes.
3)   You should familiarize yourself with the relevant post options. Sometimes it is cheaper to mail via an expensive service like FedEx.
4)   Some post options get dramatically more expensive with just one weight step, after which the distance to the next weight step may be something fairly large. I just sold Boost a Filco TKL and was quite annoyed to discover that sending two TKLs to him in NY would have cost about the same. Your problem is that if you don’t quote the right shipping, you can make losses- or lose friends.
5)   You need to procure a digital scale.
6)   For your sanity, I would suggest that you check whether Tai Hao can ship all the orders for one country directly. Then you can get proxies in different countries or regions and that greatly reduces your work as well as shipping costs.
7)   Labor costs in China are low, and shipping costs from China tend to be very moderate. Tai Hao produces in China. I wonder if Xuanwumen can be persuaded to help – he’s a pretty good guy. If we pay him $1 packing fee per set, I think most people will not begrudge that. Putting in a big order from Tai Hao through him may also be a win-win for Xuanwumen since it helps him establish a business relationship and buy things at wholesale cost, without needing to commit too much cash.

I can’t do proxying because I am quite disorganized and make mistakes. But I can promise assistance in other ways. I consider everything here a discretionary purchase, so I can buy less or none and live happily, or I can buy more to help a friend. I will probably order 6 sets. I’m perfectly happy with zero if your group buy winds up with insufficient sets. I will also commit to buy 3 additional sets if someone backs out. This should make your life a bit easier. ;-]

That's some good advice for me 
Thx berserkfan

And thx for your support too.
Hope I won't mess up stuffs

[berserkfan]

Star a new IC with poll in OP and [POLL] in title, it will help evaluate things much better.

waiting for approval

Harry, let me give you a warning first. It's friendly, so don't get me wrong.

HKers live in teeny weeny little spaces. Assuming you are not ultra rich (since you are getting involved in a cheapo group buy), you will need space in your house for a GB, and you will need space to sort things and store things for a while because there's no way you are going to get the stuff shipped out day after you receive them. You will have lots of boxes.

If any of them is going to cause major disaster in your life (such as parents or girlfriend issuing ultimatums) then it might be better handled by someone else.

I love group buys but I also know the extent of my capabilities. I can't handle 10000 emails/ PMs. I want group buys to be sustainable for the organizers and not burnt out by their experience!

thx for ur advice bersekfan, there should be an empty office for me to sort out stuffs and do the shippings.
So the space needed should not be a problem

The whole process of GB should be able to carry out, but I'm not sure if I can get the lowest price possible.
For example, Like shipping, I can simply send out all the orders through HK post, but the shipping fee will be sky high for each order.
What I may need are advice from experienced ppl, and the helps from others such as proxies so that we can run the whole gb smoothly.

I will try to list out everything and make a Q&A when GB starts to try to lower the questions and PMs

Well, ok, since you are enthusiastic and have access to an empty office, let me throw in what I can. I hope my brainstorming helps a bit.

1)   You ought to familiarize yourself with some softwares that make your work easier. EG you need to have all the names on a spreadsheet, you need to print labels from them easily, etc.
2)   Using an older list, or not properly closing your orders and using the latest list, makes for bad mistakes.
3)   You should familiarize yourself with the relevant post options. Sometimes it is cheaper to mail via an expensive service like FedEx.
4)   Some post options get dramatically more expensive with just one weight step, after which the distance to the next weight step may be something fairly large. I just sold Boost a Filco TKL and was quite annoyed to discover that sending two TKLs to him in NY would have cost about the same. Your problem is that if you don’t quote the right shipping, you can make losses- or lose friends.
5)   You need to procure a digital scale.
6)   For your sanity, I would suggest that you check whether Tai Hao can ship all the orders for one country directly. Then you can get proxies in different countries or regions and that greatly reduces your work as well as shipping costs.
7)   Labor costs in China are low, and shipping costs from China tend to be very moderate. Tai Hao produces in China. I wonder if Xuanwumen can be persuaded to help – he’s a pretty good guy. If we pay him $1 packing fee per set, I think most people will not begrudge that. Putting in a big order from Tai Hao through him may also be a win-win for Xuanwumen since it helps him establish a business relationship and buy things at wholesale cost, without needing to commit too much cash.

I can’t do proxying because I am quite disorganized and make mistakes. But I can promise assistance in other ways. I consider everything here a discretionary purchase, so I can buy less or none and live happily, or I can buy more to help a friend. I will probably order 6 sets. I’m perfectly happy with zero if your group buy winds up with insufficient sets. I will also commit to buy 3 additional sets if someone backs out. This should make your life a bit easier. ;-]

That's some good advice for me 
Thx berserkfan

And thx for your support too.
Hope I won't mess up stuffs

Definitely urge you to talk to Xuanwumen. He would prefer if you can talk to him in Chinese too.

I think there’s a lot of opportunity for a business solution here.

Sent a longer PM on a proposed business plan. I believe it could revolutionize the way geekhackers organize keycap group buys, and turn into a system/ machine that we can use all the time to buy keycaps at a low cost and with minimal waiting times.

When we have trashed out how the business plan works, you can post it and we'll see who we can get to sign up, as programmers, organizers, and vendors/ our China-located man on the ground.