Xiaomi 365 Scooter Bulk Buy? (Maybe $450?)

lsdbeta on 13/01/2019 - 19:19

Hi Guys,

Been looking for a Xiaomi m365 for ages, but Aussie prices (and just about any prices outside China) are pretty insane.

Can get one retail in China for about $400AUD, however by the time you get it all here, $200 is added on almost as a requirement of shipping, taxes, customs clearance.

Me and a few friends who want an m365, want to have a go at getting a group buy on these things and want to have them landed and delivered individually for under $450.

I figure at $450, I can personally justify the price for myself, as Lime scooters (which are just xiaomi m365s) cost $20 per hour to ride. 20 hours of riding later and I've made my money back.

My background: I requisition tech and equipment for universities so I've got some experience in getting stuff through customs etc.

Say we'd need 100 units committed to buy to get the price down to that, you guys reckon there'd be the demand?

p.s. I don't have a store or anything and would have to figure a way to set something for the group buy. (hit me up if anyone wants to help?)

Electrical & Electronics Scooter Xiaomi

Comments

  • whooah1979 on 13/01/2019 - 19:36

    Say we'd need 100 units

    Are you thinking of importing 100 pcs and sell them in Australia?

    • lsdbeta on 13/01/2019 - 20:32

      No, I'd be getting 100 people to commit to buying it before I'd start the import process. If I had enough money buy 100 of them I'd just sell them on ebay for like $600 like the other sellers and make money.

      The idea is that this is a group buy and we all want a good deal. importing 1 has the same paperwork as importing 100 these days and no GST savings anymore for under $1000.

      • whooah1979 on 13/01/2019 - 21:50

        I'm confused. Are you organising a group buy from a supplier, but processing orders individually?

        • lsdbeta on 13/01/2019 - 21:52

          what do you mean?

          • whooah1979 on 13/01/2019 - 21:55

            @lsdbeta: Do you intend to import 100 pcs from a supplier and have the supplier ship them to 100 locations in Australia?

            • lsdbeta on 13/01/2019 - 22:14

              @whooah1979: tldr: No (your question is contradictory)

              If I'm importing 100pcs, the supplier would not be the one shipping them individually.

              If they're being shipped individually, it is not me doing the importing.

              If what you're asking is "is this a drop ship?" then also no. If anyone can find a dropship for even around the $500 mark I'd totally just buy that and save myself the hassle.

  • skipuwet on 13/01/2019 - 20:23

    I just need the one unit :) hoping you're in Melbourne though for a pick up.

    • lsdbeta on 13/01/2019 - 20:33
      +1

      I'm trying to get it shipped to everyone for like 450 total. I think it's doable.

      • skipuwet on 13/01/2019 - 21:30

        In that case, I'm in.

  • gooddealmate on 13/01/2019 - 20:24

    I'd be keen at that price. Count me in.

  • Benjamin7711 on 13/01/2019 - 20:42

    I'd be keen on 3. My partner and I and my little brother have been looking for anything under $600 really

    • JimmyF on 13/01/2019 - 22:22
      +1

      looking for anything under $600 really

      The Xiaomi 365 can be had for $595AUD

  • outlander on 13/01/2019 - 22:08

    What city are you in OP? If theres a cluster of people close by you could have a meet up. It would reduce the instances of packages getting lost in transit

    • lsdbeta on 13/01/2019 - 22:18

      Brissy. Cluster of people is great and all, except unless everyone can pick up, no point in having a meetup.

      From last time I checked, something that weighs 15kg can be shipped across east cost for about $60 unless that's changed a lot.

      • lsdbeta on 13/01/2019 - 22:20

        with that said, any pickups would be actually great cos it means less domestic handling.

        So on second thought, yeah I'd totally be onboard with pickups.

      • JimmyF on 13/01/2019 - 22:22
        +2

        15kg can be shipped across east cost for about $60

        Your math is so bad then, so $400AUD to buy scooter, and $60AUD shipping, but you can do it for $450AUD?

        GST? Customs, import costs? Hmmmmmm

        • lsdbeta on 13/01/2019 - 22:27

          lol

      • Benjamin7711 on 14/01/2019 - 00:51
        +1

        As mentioned above I'd be keen on 3. I also live in Brissy :)

  • JimmyF on 13/01/2019 - 22:19
    +3

    want to have them landed and delivered individually for under $450.

    Hmmmm but as you said yourself

    Can get one retail in China for about $400AUD, however by the time you get it all here, $200 is added on almost as a requirement of shipping, taxes, customs clearance.

    As a group buy, you'll be hit for GST on the $400AUD, so thats $440AUD, I doubt you'll get them shipped, through customs and into the hands of all the people for $10AUS.

    So how are you going to reduce the costs from $200 for a single purchase down to $50?

  • tranter on 13/01/2019 - 22:39

    That seems to be a lot of time and trouble just for a $150 saving.

    • lsdbeta on 13/01/2019 - 22:44

      well I personally would be saving 7 of the $150s cos that's how many I'd be in for with my lot at least.

      By that time the amount of work to import is about the same as importing a bunch more.

      Like I said, if I can get one here for $500 I'd be in already.

      • tranter on 13/01/2019 - 22:49

        You're personally buying and paying for 7?

        Time and work involved is a lot more for 93 extra scooters when you need to find buyers, manage the finance and distribute the goods. So is the risk.

        Just but one now and enjoy it.

        • lsdbeta on 14/01/2019 - 01:46
          +1

          To each their own. I import things all the time in my work so this isn't a big step up. The finance and distribution is the only thing extra which will probably be third party or if someone wants to lend a hand.

          "Just but one now and enjoy it"

          Did you miss the part where I said I'm buying 7? :P

          • tranter on 14/01/2019 - 07:16
            +1

            @lsdbeta: It's all good, we are all different. If it was me I'd want the scooter as soon as possible so I can use and enjoy it. Organising a big order like that takes more time and work and there's always the risk of delays.

            I wish you best of luck with the project.

      • chumlee on 14/01/2019 - 07:26

        Are you taking deposits, full payments etc as people saying yes i want one & paying up are 2 different things.

        On the flip side, if you take a deposit, or upfront payment what guarantees do you provide that people will get what they paid for or theybever hear from you again?

        • tranter on 14/01/2019 - 08:08

          I was thinking along the same lines. Sounds like a nightmare on a number of levels. I could hand over $450 today but when will the 100th buyer do the same?

          There's also the issue of handling returns if something is broken or there is an issue. Can you trust the buyer to be honest in this regard and can the buyer trust you to do the right thing?

          Delays invariably happen with these types of things which means many unhappy people.

          In my opinion way too much hassle for both buyer and purchaser for relatively little saving.

  • jaypee06 on 14/01/2019 - 00:23

    I'm down for it. Based on GC

  • pegaxs on 14/01/2019 - 08:44

    And no one has mentioned warranty issues? Is the $200 saving (that I doubt exists after doing some of the maths) worth it to risk not having any warranty? Or is OP going to take care of that?

    The sheer magnitude of obtaining, shipping and redistribution once they get here is an enormous task, not to mention a massive financial outlay. I mean, what are you going to do with the shipping container that they would need to be packed in? You can’t just leave that at the docks while you sort out what scooter goes where.

    I think it’s a great exercise to look into it for the sake of experience, but not really to go ahead with it. You will find that there is no way you could have these picked, packed, posted, unpacked, labeled and resent for $450. This doesn’t even include costs like GST, import duties, storage… I just don’t think it’s as simple as you might think it is.

  • ModernPowerSolutions on 14/01/2019 - 10:34
    +6

    As a director of a company that imports and resells the Xiaomi scooter, your figures are more or less correct. You should be able to get when purchasing 100x of these at about ~$450 landed. However, the biggest problem most people don't realise (I certainly didn't years ago) is the maintenance and warranty of a product like this. It's not like a standard consumer product such as a TV or fridge. Because of the nature of the product, being a vehicle and having many moving parts, faults are substantial. Out of 100 units, we would expect ~15-20 warranty claims within the first year. (any other resellers of Xiaomi scooters can confirm this?).

    • lovepub on 14/01/2019 - 10:46

      15% is a lot for repair returns
      Troublesome when Xiaomi has no physical store here in Australia

    • samytheseal on 14/01/2019 - 11:51

      Sounds like there could be some interest from a few people - perhaps not 100 for OP but maybe @ModernPowerSolutions could put a deal together?

      • ModernPowerSolutions on 14/01/2019 - 13:41
        +1

        Maybe in the far future! But unfortunately not in the near future. We cannot compete with prices of overseas or other sellers that do not provide warranty. It is a big deal with this type of product

        • lsdbeta on 14/01/2019 - 15:12

          How do your warranties work? Do we send it back to you and you replace the item while sorting it out with the supplier?

          Cos all manufacturers/suppliers offer the same warranty. It's dealing with them by nature of them being overseas that's the difficulty.

  • lovepub on 14/01/2019 - 10:46

    Also OP, you looked and compared Alphawise to M365?

    • lsdbeta on 14/01/2019 - 13:51

      I haven't. Is it a decent comparison? Which model etc?

      • lovepub on 14/01/2019 - 15:43

        I can't find a lot of info yet.
        Its alfawise by the way, I think it's almost identical to m365 but at gear best selling 495AUD
        Not sure postage.

        Search it up see if it's to your spec

  • lovepub on 14/01/2019 - 16:24

    https://youtu.be/B8yI5kO_U7c

    Interesting comparison.

  • boomramada on 14/01/2019 - 16:35
    +1

    OP, you might need to add insurance, incase shipment caught on fire, we talking about 100s of lithium-ion battery packs :)

  • lainey13 on 14/01/2019 - 22:39

    And how do we know you're trustworthy enough to send you $450?

    • lovepub on 14/01/2019 - 23:37

      His username is not roboguy

  • H E B on 15/01/2019 - 09:43
    +1

    I'm not knowledgeable on most things but why can't you just approach a seller who's willing to put up a group deal for us at X price if it hits 400 buys or even say 1000 - 2000 buys internationally surely there be a small saving to be had and most love a bargain.

    Dunno about all the way down to $450 though as I'm not sure there'd be such an excess of stock ready to ship. Maybe $525 as a starting price?

  • shd123 on 15/01/2019 - 14:37

    Hell yeah i'd be in, also the brissy pickup is bonus.

    • lovepub on 15/01/2019 - 15:58

      Count me in if you are going ahead with your project

  • Opulentus on 15/01/2019 - 21:20

    Sounds interesting, I think I might be able to gather a few orders too.

  • H E B on 15/01/2019 - 22:37
    +1

    Just do it. Once you get it up, ozb will upvote and it will go gangbusters!

  • karkashian on 15/01/2019 - 23:09

    I’m in for x2 - Melbourne

  • sachinruk on 16/01/2019 - 10:35

    Is there a way for you to buy them and sell it on ebay? I'm happy to pay upto $600 (which was the best price I've seen on OzBargain).

  • Hinee on 16/01/2019 - 12:24

    Another Brissy local relatively keen with possible extras. Keep us updated.

  • Jxdos on 17/01/2019 - 09:26
    +1

    Although this might not solve your main problem of warranty, I have built a website that allows interested buyers to initiate deals you want to group buy, and each name your price E.g. $450. Retailers such as @ModernPowerSolutions would be able to see the bids and consider if to offer a lower price in bulk. Would this be of interest to everyone?

    • lovepub on 17/01/2019 - 10:20

      What's your website

      • Jxdos on 17/01/2019 - 11:17
        +1

        LaterDeal.com

        If you try it out and feel like there is anything you would like to see/change let me know.

        I think it should be quite useful for group buying initiatives like this.

  • soc on 20/01/2019 - 00:28

    I'd also be in for 1. Brissie based.

    • soc on 21/01/2019 - 23:07

      Retracted. I pulled the trigger on this deal

  • lhickson2 on 20/01/2019 - 21:11

    I'd also like one in based in Brisbane.

  • lovepub on 20/01/2019 - 21:23

    OP you still going ahead with your project?
    Or you gave up already?

  • ripprind on 21/01/2019 - 13:59

    I'd def go for 450!

    • lovepub on 21/01/2019 - 14:11

      Already bought from ebay 10% ..

      But will buy another if at 450

  • happychild100 on 21/01/2019 - 18:46

    Would be keen at $450. Brissy pickup too.

    • happychild100 on 11/02/2019 - 14:39

      Ended up caving early and bought one from ebay. Good luck in sourcing a seller!

  • butterjudge on 21/01/2019 - 21:14

    Keen for this as well, Based in melbourne

  • sixthsense on 21/01/2019 - 22:00

    keen to buy @ Melbourne

  • lsdbeta on 22/01/2019 - 23:50
    +3

    Update:

    Still looking to push on ahead. Putting something together from the ground up isn't easy so I'm just talking to suppliers and looking at their availability right now.

    I'll likely partner up with someone with an existing e-commerce setup for the transactional parts of it for those wondering if it'll be a cash handover and a promise lol.

    • VirviVR on 02/02/2019 - 04:12

      Hey. One of my friends also wanted to buy in bulk. He waited for a very long time, he talked with suppliers for about two months. As a result, the party pushed, where half was spoiled.

  • markdownhunter on 25/01/2019 - 13:22

    +1 in Sydney

  • rustyaxe on 31/01/2019 - 12:36

    I'd be keen at $450 - I'm in Brisso too - thanks for trying to organise it

    • rustyaxe on 20/02/2019 - 21:25
      +2

      Have to count me out I'm afraid. Just bought one via the recent ebay deal for 585. Is going to save me $36 a week on my commute and couldn't wait any longer. I appreciate you trying to pull it together for us.

  • jamball on 31/01/2019 - 22:13

    I am keen and from Brisbane

  • sub7er on 09/02/2019 - 09:58

    I am in too and from Brisbane. How and when do we place an order?

  • aromatase on 11/02/2019 - 01:23

    I would also be keen, +1 in Perth

    • aromatase on 21/02/2019 - 03:15

      Sorry, will have to count me out also I'm afraid. Recent ebay deal also for 585. Appreciate you trying to work this out however. Here's hoping the laws will be more reasonable. And for fellow scooter riders, lets use common sense and start off on the right foot :)

  • Baysew on 04/03/2019 - 17:18

    I'm currently working on an Oil Rig in Bass Strait and want to get one for my son who is graduating from Bond university. I will pay $600.00.

    • lovepub on 04/03/2019 - 20:32

      I dont mean no respect for the OP.
      But if you like, you might want to jump on the Ebay 10% deal now.

      • peterpeterpumpkin on 04/03/2019 - 20:39

        I don't mean no disrespect for you or Baysew, but I assumed it was a joke (the classic "I can't answer calls since I'm currently stationed in the Gulf of Mexico, but meet my shipping agent, Barry, who makes the same grammatical mistakes as myself" scam).

  • d39833 on 06/03/2019 - 20:20

    I just got my self a Zero 9 which is way better than the Xiaomi!

  • soc on 07/03/2019 - 19:45

    It's now $460 on gearbite eBay. Comes down to $414 with Studentedge 10% off. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/442653?utm_source=searchal…

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