Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/01/18
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The concept of buying groups is not new. It is my guess that most independently owned camera shops are members of buying groups. For a buying group to work effectively the group must be very cohesive. The only way that a Leica Buying Group could be successful is to be able to control Leica's market share. It has to be a quid pro quo agreement: "We, the Lugger Group will do this for you Leica, if you do this for us." Or, another way to look at it is; "If you won't give the Lugger Group preferential pricing on Leica products we will purchase another brand." I don't think that this would ever happen. If the Lugger Group could make this commitment and keep it, I assure you Leica would be interested. This changes the whole perspective of the deal. Obviously Leica knows that this would not happen, therefore it wouldn't work. There are arrangements with the LUG Group that would be prudent for Leica to consider. 1. Quarterly or semi-annual meetings with a LUG Board of Directors. 2. A special newsletter (email or hardcopy) directed towards LUG Members 3. Quarterly specials on selected products to LUG Members 4. Perhaps a yearly special edition of a Leica LUG Camera. 5. Contribution to the LUG group for designated causes 6. A special travel package for LUG members to viisit Leica in Germany. 7. Survey of LUG members about Leica products, present and future. I am sure there are many more that I have overlooked. In my opinion these would be good marketing strategies by Leica. I agree with Tom that the implementation of this would be a very time consuming task. This group is made up of some very nice, creative and intelligent people but often disagree on many issues. There are some things that make sense but we could never be coordinated efficiently and effectively. Hmmmmm, on second thought this could be fun! Who wants to go to Leica headquarters in New Jersey? Bob Bedwell << This has been suggested. No follow through. Who do you propose to do this? If you think this is a good idea, do it. Set up a business and do it. (However, you will find it is quite unworkable). The logistics and economics do not work. Tom Shea << I don't have a clue how many people are on the LUG list. However, it seems that it is a pretty huge group with members from everywhere around the globe. To me, such a group of people put together could have some power to negotiate better deals on Leica gears directly from the company. I would like to know if any member has already made some approach in that sense. Thank you! >> >>