(ET) coop fee to Bill (let's commit to him now)

["Clay Neville" <Clay Neville infast com>]

> Of the 263 subscribers, how many will send $100 to a designated
> someone to present to Bill as an annual fee to buy from him?   After
> talking to Bill this morning, he believes that only a handful (10-20%)
> of his customers would do so, which is not worthwhile.  He has a
> couple hundred people who have ordered from him in tha last year, many
> of whom have complained about his prices.  My impression is that this
> fee might work if presented in the right way, quickly.
> 
> He has a guy in Central America who may buy his stuff in bulk,
> containerize it and ship it down to him in the next couple weeks.  If
> this happens those parts are gone forever.  Personally, I don't have
> the $100,000 that it might take to buy him out (or the space), but I
> do have $100 to help convince him to stay in business for a year.  
> 
> I pay Sam's Club $35 a year to buy from them, and all their stuff is
> available elsewhere, so the $100 is well worth it for these otherwise
> unavailable parts. 
> 
> If we could get at least 200 people to send $100 (plus a stamped self
> addressed envelope, just in case he does not go for it) made out to
> Technical Services, to a designate, that designate could present
> $20,000+ and a corresponding list of names to Bill and see what
> happens.  I think he would stick with it for a year to see how it
> goes, and we can all order as needed, or even stock ourselves up on
> other items as desired (belts, switches,...).  If someone that is not
> on the list tries to order, Bill could add the $100 fee the initial
> order and add their name to the list.  
> 
> If Bill does not bite on this deal, everyone gets their money sent
> back to them.  I work about an hour from him in Sturtevant, WI.  I
> volunteer to be the designated person, or would be happy to let
> someone with more history on the board be the one.  But I believe
> whoever it is will need to present the money in person.  
> 
> Clay Neville
> 969 Deer Path
> Antioch, IL  60002
> (262) 206-4443
> 2 E20's (sold)
> 1 E8M HD
>