re: Anyone ever set up a Group Buy?

Consider forming a cooperative for misc. buys of wood, finishes, tools and equipment.

If you wanted more buying power, you might consider a non-profit (501c) corporation. Of course, there is paperwork involved, but if you group is large enough, it could be worth while.

The dealer pit falls noted above aside, you may only have to make a buck profit, and be limited to sales within your group.

Most the time, people will jump on the opportunity to profit, if only through savings, is someone else does all the work. Even more so, if the others absorb expenses. As such, you may have to keep some them honest by membership dues.

For dues, you could take a Lloyd’s of London approach and divide actual expenses up between members, or tack them on to resales to cover mileage, fuel and wear and tear on vehicles.