Group Buy Masks

Lbargaingod123 on 27/03/2020 - 11:18
Last edited 07/04/2020 - 17:31 by 1 other user

It has been very hard to get masks for people to get masks (mod: Removed unnecessary remark). I have a friend who started a factory in China to make masks and just got certified but she can only supply quantity greater than 2000 masks. Should I start a group buy deal to let everyone from ozbargain to have a go or this idea is stupid as it will be hard to organize at this time?

I got a small shipment for myself. I used tnt 2~3 business days service and it took them 7 business days to get her.
The standard is GB/T32610-2016 and I believe a higher surgical standard can be also obtained but my friends says the minimum quantity would be 20000 for that.
With my TNT shipment, I believe if you are ordering 200 or more, I can just arrange to post them directly to you from China with TNT.

Thanks to people's suggestion with PM, I would think the minimum quantity should be set to 100?
This is just an idea so people will get their masks at a fair price and wearing them to reduce the spread.

Update: 2020.3.31 The shipping cost has increased so much and it has become very hard to organize. I have replied to the PMs and the minimum quantity with be 200 with $1 each sent straight from China to your home via TNT or DHL or TOLL.
Thanks for the support from everyone and I'll try to do it in a better way if the first batch to though smoothly.

Update:2020.4.7 Just got TGA called back and created an account for me to submit the ARTG listing application form. The application and certification will cost $1020 each. For those who want to purchase large quantity or donate to the hospital, please PM am so we can decide whether to proceed with TGA or not.
The first 1000 masks were separated into 5 packages and 3 packages were paid for and sent out, these are now estimated to arrive this Friday but I suspect them may be delayed until early next week. There were two people booked for the masks and stopped replying hence I still have 2 of 200 masks package in my hand.

General Discussion

Comments

          • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 20:22
            +1

            @bargaingod123: I think you're looking in the wrong place if your intentions are to address equipment shortage in Australian hospitals. Forgive my suspicions but I'm not convinced.

            • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 20:31

              @JTTheMan: Sorry, for the hospital part I am just addressing what I am trying to do on that side.

        • whooah1979 on 31/03/2020 - 20:08

          The PRC doesn’t have a shortage of masks. OP is importing them for their personal use or selling them to the public or healthcare. Bunnings and the pharmacies have been doing this for years.
          https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-13/buffett-b…

          China, the world’s biggest mask producer, boosted manufacturing to 54.8 million units a day as of Feb. 22, about 2.8 times of that on Feb. 1, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

          • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 20:35
            -1

            @whooah1979: Yep, but no pharmacy has it in my local area and I Bunnings are selling $7.5 each N95 masks when I posted this. I found out my local Priceline has it now but they are selling it for $3 each for disposable mask and claim it is surgical (I'm sure they are not intentional as the shop assistant wouldn't know the difference ).
            PRC recovered from the situation quickly compared to European Country and multiple the production of masks as we can see and this is the only reason we are able to see some stock in limited pharmacies right now.

            • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 21:22

              @bargaingod123: Why do you need a mask if you're at home?

              • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 21:33

                @JTTheMan: For people who need to go to work and shopping. I had an old lady cough into me yesterday when I was shopping and I really feel uncomfortable, I know she didn't do it intentionally but yeah.

                • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 21:44
                  -2

                  @bargaingod123: That's why you shouldn't wander around in public within 1.5m of people and people shouldn't wander around in public coughing on people within 1.5m!
                  Masks won't help the situation but cooperation is the only answer! Everyone has to look after everyone.
                  Taking masks away from those who might save your life won't help the situation either!

                  • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 21:49
                    +1

                    @JTTheMan: Lol, you still haven't understood. I am not taking anything from people who might save my life!!!
                    Yes, we try to keep social distance but sometimes you can't control it in supermarket. Having something to cover your face from other people and cover yourself from spitting out with cough if you are not used to coughing into your elbow is never a bad idea.

                    • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 21:56
                      -7

                      @bargaingod123: Suit yourself, this is why police have to fine people $11000 for not listening.

                      If you ever put yourself into a situation where a stranger can cough on you in public and you catch COVID-19 then you are a big part of the problem. You don't need a mask you need to stay at home. If you need something from the supermarket then ask someone who knows how to keep their distance so they are not coughed on!

                    • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 21:59
                      -2

                      @bargaingod123: And there's nothing to LOL about.
                      Why are you anywhere close enough where someone can cough on you? You are responsible for where you place your nose or mouth.

                      • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 22:01
                        +2

                        @JTTheMan: Just go and live in your ideal world that you can make sure you will never have a distance less than 1.5m. The government also suggest to cough into your elbow and yeah the old lady didn't do it. I'm not blaming her as we are all not used to it.

                        • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 22:12

                          @bargaingod123: It's far from an ideal world at the moment.
                          The reason is people refuse to stay home. People think they can go about their normal business and don't care if they spread the virus in doing so. People think that if they buy a mask they will be safe so stuff everyone else. Buying a mask is just selfish and irresponsible. STAY HOME!

                          • spc12go on 31/03/2020 - 23:03
                            +3

                            @JTTheMan: Why would you think people that wears mask wonders around and touch everything. Also can’t keep a social distance from people and touch them self at the first opportunity they get.

                            I only go out to buy grocery and walk the dogs, unfortunately due to rationing I am forced to go to the shops every 2-3 days. I keep as far away from anyone as possible. 2m min from the people I can see. And I go when it’s quiet. Luckily the super market rush seems to be over. I still have to pay at the counter. I till have to touch stuff when I pick them up and when I pay. I don’t touch my face when I go out, and it’s hard to do as well. Luckily with no traffic I can get to the shops within 5 mins and home within 20. I was my hands when I get home, and after I pack everything away. Then I go have a shower and change all my clothes. Everything is put away before I shower. And I still wear a mask when I go out. Why because it’s called risk management. You want to reduce the risk been expose to the virus.

                            You should head the cry and scream of the people suffering from the virus and treatment then you will know the amounts of pain these people suffers. I do not wish for anyone to go through this painful experience. Search for it they are available in the internet.

                            Mask may or may not work and it could be placebo. But then again I could be carrying the virus with no symptom either so by wearing the mask for the limited time I have to go bloody shopping I minimise the risk of me infecting others and others infecting me. While doing all the right thing we are suppose to do. By managing your risk you are you are helping to reducing a strain on the system. And leave it to the people that need it.

                        • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 22:22
                          -7

                          @bargaingod123: That's a perfect example, I don't blame the old lady for coughing or not coughing into her elbow. I blame you for being close enough to her to receive her droplet. This is where you have to accept responsibility

                      • SnoozeAndLose on 31/03/2020 - 22:03

                        @JTTheMan: How does novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread and how can I stop myself from getting it?

                        https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/novel-coronav…

                        If you are so unlucky that someone infected/carrying walk by and cough, you would say bad luck.

                        Good luck to you.

                        • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 22:06

                          @SnoozeAndLose: You just don't get it. There's no "luck" involved if people refuse to social distance. Droplets can't spread in significant numbers more than 1.5m away.
                          If you are that close to a stranger and they cough on you then you are not "unlucky" you are stupid and you are irresponsible.

                          • SnoozeAndLose on 31/03/2020 - 22:09
                            +1

                            @JTTheMan: can you keep social distance in the supermarket when someone bumps into you at the corner of the aisle, also would you back up when someone coming opposite to you in the same aisle?

                            unless you wear this —> https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a31490476/coronavir…

                            • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 22:18
                              -1

                              @SnoozeAndLose: This is why we are where we are in this world.

                              You actually believe that when someone accidentally bumps in to you it is not your fault. You are just as responsible for being there since you have to keep your distance as much as they have to keep their distance. It takes two to tango. Cooperation is the lesson from this experience and the quicker people learn the quicker this will all be over.

                              • SnoozeAndLose on 31/03/2020 - 22:25

                                @JTTheMan: With your theory there are a lot of stupid and irresponsible people, how about the elder or less mobile people?

                                DO you think everyone is yourself?

                                I really hope you live long and promote your theory. I wish everyone from Ruby Princess, other cruise ships and the 4000 odd infected people know how to keep the social distance before they got infected. May be 800,000 people around the world are so dumb that they don't learn quick enough.

                                • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 22:51
                                  -1

                                  @SnoozeAndLose: The toilet paper situation is an example of how stupid people can be.
                                  Buying masks so they can freely wander around in public is another example.
                                  Going on a cruise ship is another example.
                                  Letting 200 COVID-19 +ve people off a cruise ship so they can wander around spreading the virus is another example
                                  Going on OzBaragain looking for ways to buy masks is another example
                                  There are a lot of examples of stupidity everywhere
                                  The problem today is your spudity can kill someone without you even knowing it

                                  And it's not about me or you living long, it's about everyone!

                                  • SnoozeAndLose on 31/03/2020 - 22:55
                                    +1

                                    @JTTheMan: So if everyone wearing a mask when going out, it reduces the spread with proven real-life example.

                                    https://www.maskssavelives.org/?fbclid=IwAR0EFdTzKLUbw9kOXgo…

                                    Even stupid people can avoid getting inflected if they use the mask correctly(smartly).

                                  • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 22:55
                                    +2

                                    @JTTheMan: I don't see how wearing a mask will kill people, sorry.

                                    • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 23:09
                                      -4

                                      @bargaingod123: Let me spell it out for you.
                                      In the current world climate having the attitude that “I will look after my self with a mask” so that you can freely avoid public health recommendations is dangerous. Everyone must simply follow the recommendations, don’t be close enough and a mask is totally unnecessary. Just like hoarding toilet paper is unnecessary.

                                      Masks are necessary for people on the front line full stop. If you don’t see that then you are part of the problem not part of the solution. You must see yourself as part of the community not just as an individual that has to survive. That is how masks kill people.

                                      • SnoozeAndLose on 31/03/2020 - 23:13

                                        @JTTheMan: follow the recommendations is stupid without looking at the fact.

                                        • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 23:16
                                          -1

                                          @SnoozeAndLose: Fact - droplets spread 1.5m when you cough
                                          Fact - if you stand within 1.5m of a person in public you are stupid and irresponsible

                                      • spc12go on 01/04/2020 - 09:32

                                        @JTTheMan: That is just pure ignorance. You are the only person with the attitude that mask makes you invisible. I don’t see anyone saying wearing a mask makes them invisible.

                                        People want to reduces the chances of been exposed to the virus and reduces the chances of them passing on the virus. Managing the risk is a good way to help the crippling health system. Just in case you didn’t know there are silent carriers and super spreaders. All symptoms free and in reasonably good health.

                                        This is in today’s SMH. Everyone could be wearing a mask in the USA when going out to public.
                                        https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/australian-expat-…

                                  • Ctn on 01/04/2020 - 09:26

                                    @JTTheMan: Please stop saying "don't buy masks".

                                    I'd say, regarding masks/respirators:
                                    - if you can find a N95/P2 or equivalent, buy one and wear it when you need to do a grocery run.
                                    - if you can't find the above, buy a surgical mask and wear it when you need to do a grocery run.
                                    - if you can't find the above, make one out of some similar material(be creative) and wear it when you need to do a grocery run.

                                    If everyone did this, the curve will flatten quicker.

                                    • JTTheMan on 01/04/2020 - 09:29
                                      -1

                                      @Ctn: Stay 1.5m away and there is zero need for a mask. Simple.
                                      The curve will flatten when people do this simple thing right.

                                      Please stop saying buy masks.

                                      • Ctn on 01/04/2020 - 09:32

                                        @JTTheMan: You can't guarantee this 100%.

                                        Any precautions people can take to slow the spread is better for everyone.

                                        • JTTheMan on 01/04/2020 - 10:26

                                          @Ctn: Not really, just taking the required precautions is more than enough. Anything extra just adds confusion, unnecessary confusion.
                                          It’s best to keep things simple that way people don’t panic and buy toilet paper and masks for no reason.

                                          Stay home, wash your hands, stay 1.5m away from people if you must leave the house for essentials. A mask is just a bad fashion accessory if you’re walking around town with one.

                        • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 22:14

                          @SnoozeAndLose: NO, he would say he is "a big part of the problem".

                          • SnoozeAndLose on 31/03/2020 - 22:15

                            @bargaingod123: Good Luck to him, just dont go out and order menulog on every menu and online delivery

                          • Kikkoman56 on 01/04/2020 - 10:28
                            +3

                            @bargaingod123: I feel like JTTheMan and OP are both being vigilant which in these times are 100% necessary.

                            JTTheMan has put his trust in the official public health recommendations which doesn't recommend wearing masks at all and that they're not necessary. There's research which says they're effective to varying degrees that's been referenced multiple times already. However it doesn't change the fact that as JTTheMan is focused on specifically what's been advised in official roles and deviating from that in his view is irresponsible.

                            OP and other people who agree with him however aren't advocating that wearing a mask means people can walk around with impunity, they're simply wishing to take that extra step in risk mitigation in conjunction with official advice. If they are though, then 100% they're being irresponsible and not doing the right thing.

                            Every person has what they see is acceptable levels of risk. Another person choosing to wear masks doesn't impact you or society as a whole if the mask they're purchasing wouldn't be the certified kind that a hospital would actually order. Moreover, wearing a mask doesn't instantly mean they're not following other advice regarding social distancing nor does it increase the likelihood of infection.

                            As has been said, masks have been shown to have some degree of protection - if not wearing one with social distancing gives you 80% protection and wearing one in conjunction with social distancing gives you anywhere from 80-95%, isn't it a good thing?
                            At the end of the day, we all just want the same thing - this coronavirus issue to be over with as soon as possible.

                            • JTTheMan on 01/04/2020 - 11:46

                              @Kikkoman56: The key point that I believe a lot of people are forgetting is this is no longer about individual choice, it’s not about whether you choose to wear a mask or choose to social distance. There is no choice, there is a responsibility. This is why police are being involved. You do not choose to go to the beach, you must stay at home. You can choose to wear a mask or not wear a mask, but you must stay home.

                              • spc12go on 01/04/2020 - 12:36

                                @JTTheMan: Yes it is all about individual choices, people choose to go out. Scomo’s wife choose to go out to buy the essential puzzles for her kids. You are free to choose to exercise at the beach and you are free to choose to exercise at the park. You are free to choose to buy take away from your favourite food joint. Those are all the choices we made so we can go out and not stay at home.

                                • JTTheMan on 01/04/2020 - 12:51

                                  @spc12go: No you cannot choose to go out in public for any reason. You do not have the choice. If you need food you can go to the supermarket and buy essentials while obeying social distancing laws and then you must go home. There is no choice involved. When you need to excercise you are allowed to go outside while obeying social distancing laws then you must go home. No where is there any need for a mask but you can choose to wear one, you can also choose to wear a g-string, suit yourself. This is about everyone, this is not about you. This is the lesson from Corona, the lesson is not about where to find masks.

                                  • spc12go on 01/04/2020 - 14:19

                                    @JTTheMan: Obviously you are living in a bubble. And not capable of listening to others input. Sick of taking to a brick.

                                    I’m am going to exercise my choice of buying essential jigsaw puzzles while strolling the local shopping centrer.

                                    🖖

  • isthisreallife22 on 01/04/2020 - 10:33

    I would be interested

  • Ctn on 01/04/2020 - 13:55
    +1

    https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/australian-expat-…

    It's gaining traction in the US.

    I really hope more and more Australians would start wearing masks.

    • bargaingod123 on 01/04/2020 - 14:50
      +1

      The info gov has given to Australian will be very hard to turn around.

      • Ctn on 01/04/2020 - 15:12

        True but not impossible. It needs to be done or this lock-down is going to be a long one.

        The focus of the Australian government is too narrow :(

        • bargaingod123 on 01/04/2020 - 15:17
          +1

          It is leading to have people like above comment thinking wearing masks is killing people and irresponsible.

          • Ctn on 01/04/2020 - 15:20

            @bargaingod123: I find it extremely sad and unfortunate that people can't see the bigger picture.

            If the government takes a lead and communicates appropriately, it just might work.

            • jennyy on 01/04/2020 - 17:45

              @Ctn: i agree! just saw the news where they are saying "wearing masks doesnt do anything and in fact will actually harm you instead" and "dont wear and waste them now, leave it for when you actually need it". Isnt it the COVID-19 crisis big enough that the right time to wear it is NOW? cant believe they are putting that on the news…

  • marieviv on 01/04/2020 - 16:19

    Hi I am interested to get masks

  • Stphen on 01/04/2020 - 18:47

    Might not get here, masks and other protective gear is being seized by Border Force.

    Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have intercepted several deliveries of personal protective equipment (PPE) that have been found to be counterfeit or otherwise faulty.

    One law enforcement official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, estimated the ABF had already seized 800,000 masks with a combined value of more than $1.2 million on the Australian market.

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-01/coronavirus-chinese-p…

    • bargaingod123 on 01/04/2020 - 18:54

      yeah, that would be a problem. I'm not sure if ABF is just robbing these masks or they are actually counterfeit. My masks have correct standard hence I hope they will be ok.

      • whooah1979 on 01/04/2020 - 19:37

        I don’t mind getting some of the counterfeit or faulty ones to do some gardening work during this period of isolation. Pack of 100 pieces probably last for three months.

    • nephilim on 01/04/2020 - 19:09

      Even aussie sites are selling these dodgy masks, check supercheapauto and such. $5 for a N80 mask that will do nothing.

      • bargaingod123 on 01/04/2020 - 19:17

        what is N80 haha, never heard of it. Sounds dodge

    • g0dskitchen on 01/04/2020 - 20:33

      my friend sent me 2 boxes (50 masks/box) N95 from overseas, i got them 2 weeks ago. maybe i was lucky

  • sidozbargain on 01/04/2020 - 19:08

    I am interested.

    • bargaingod123 on 01/04/2020 - 19:38

      PM me and we can sort it out

  • CalmLemons on 01/04/2020 - 21:54
    +5

    You should all be wearing masks if you go outside. There is a reason why there are 2 billion people in asia wearing masks atm. A third of the world is wearing a mask…

    And here now we have the US starting to think maybe we should wear masks….

    Literally every single factory in China now is geared towards making masks. Certified or not, it will be better than nothing. Least it will create a barrier between your face and your hand from touching your face.

    You wear a mask outside, no need to inside your house.

    • Kikkoman56 on 01/04/2020 - 22:41
      +1

      It's interesting that you bring up Asia wearing masks and the rest slow to get on the bandwagon. Have a look at where the vast majority of Australian cases of coronavirus contracted overseas came from direct from government statistics. Less than 20% from Asian countries with about half the cases contracted in Europe or America.

      Not trying to imply conclusive evidence of a correlation of mask wearing to a decrease in the spread of the virus but I'd at the very least give it some plausible credit.

      • TheOtherLeft on 02/04/2020 - 08:23
        +3

        I would also say as COVID-19 is infectious whilst the patient is asymptomatic then most people wouldn't even know they had it but are interacting with other people and potentially spreading it. So in one respect wearing a mask whenever outside does have it's benefits.

        • netjock on 02/04/2020 - 12:15

          If you are interacting with strangers for prolonged period then yes, because you have no idea who these people have been interacting or whether they are carriers.

          If you are walking around alert and keep your distance from people then no.

          I've said multiple times, people fall into multiple camps:

          1. I have a mask on even when I am isolated (like in the car or at home) because some how COVID 19 is going to hunt me down
          2. I wear a mask so I can go out wondering around confident I won't get it
          3. I have to perform a job which comes into contact with multiple strangers that I cannot be confident of their contact / medical history (which is quite a good reason to wear a mask)

          That is why government is asking people to stay home. So we don't create a mountain of medical waste / take away medical equipment from front line health staff.

          When the peak does come look at Italy and US, we'll run out of PPE very quickly so we're try to preserve stocks not run them down right now.

          • bargaingod123 on 02/04/2020 - 13:51

            @netjock: Only wear "camp" 3 is the right way to do it guys. No masks needed when you are alone or at home and it is not a cure for everything.

      • CalmLemons on 03/04/2020 - 20:34

        Just unfortunate the general populace is pretty ignorant. They don't use ozbargain AND they don't use masks. Tsk tsk.

  • goms on 02/04/2020 - 00:56

    How do we know if it's legit?

    There is news about substandard masks being imported to Australia
    https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-01/coronavirus-chines…

  • bargaingod123 on 02/04/2020 - 13:48

    1 spot left for 200 masks at $1 each delivered to your home sending out today. PM if you want please.

    • blobb78 on 02/04/2020 - 14:30

      Hi, i'm interested. PM sent.

  • paul11 on 03/04/2020 - 15:47

    200 masks for AU $182 delivered https://covid19.nonda.co/

    • bargaingod123 on 03/04/2020 - 15:57

      Yeah, I was also subscribed to their email due to last hand out. These are a good price and it is going to go up next week so make sure you buy it before next Monday.
      These are also pre-order hence not sure when exactly we can get them.
      Other than that, good choice and let's arm up.

  • bargaingod123 on 07/04/2020 - 17:31

    Update:2020.4.7 Just got TGA called back and created an account for me to submit the ARTG listing application form. The application and certification will cost $1020 each. For those who want to purchase large quantity or donate to the hospital, please PM am so we can decide whether to proceed with TGA or not.
    The first 1000 masks were separated into 5 packages and 3 packages were paid for and sent out, these are now estimated to arrive this Friday but I suspect them may be delayed until early next week. There were two people booked for the masks and stopped replying hence I still have 2 of 200 masks package in my hand.

  • bargaingod123 on 25/04/2020 - 18:04

    Update:2020.4.7 I believe the orders that I got are all received and it is up to them to review the product if they want, still have two packages in the shipping company.

  • bargaingod123 on 20/07/2020 - 13:37

    Update:2020.7.20 There are still two packages of 200 in the storage in the shipping company. I almost forgot about them until the news said it is now become mendetory in Victoria. If anyone wants them in Victorica, feel free to message me and I'll figure out the postage cost for you.

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