In a message dated 98-04-28 20:04:17 EDT, vince_pappalardo@om.cv.hp.com
writes:

<< Subject: Importing SA Quad Grills -- My Offer (Long)
 Author:  VINCE PAPPALARDO at HP-Corvallis,om1
 Date:    4/24/98 6:18 PM

      I talked to a customs broker today who deals with SA routinely.  We
      did a quick calculation on a very complex process to get an estimate
      of how much it would cost to get 50 grill assys. from the SA dealer to
      the US.  We came up with $1500; if split 50 ways that is $30 per
      person.  There would also have to be related charges to distribute the
      items to the various list members around the US.  I estimate that to
      be $25 per person.  So, for $55 dollars each on top of the cost of the
      grill, we could do this with out any help from any SA list member.

      I will offer my time to work out further details if others are still
      interested in this (assume the price of the grill is the reported
      higher price of $155 w/emblem).  The way I would structure it would
      be to get a nonrefundable deposit from each individual to cover the
      estimated $30 of customs charges (all of this money would go towards
      the shipping. Any excess balance would be disturbed equally to lower
      the overall price of the grills.  Any debit would need to be made up
      in the final payment to me).  I would use this as the basis to
      confirm the exact number of grills to be shipped.  From there I can
      come up with an exact price of the grills.  I would also seek a local
      bulk mailing company to distribute them to each of the participants.
      The final check to me would include the price of the grills, the
      shipping to the mailing company, and their fee to distribute them.

      It sounds complicated but it is the best way I thought of to minimize
the
      risk to me.  I also would be open to alternatives to this if anyone has
      them.  I was a participant in one of the group purchase of the heaters
and
      it went smooth enough not to discourage me from organizing this one.
So,
      what do all think?  How many are still interested under these or similar
      terms?  Does any one else want to pursue the Germany or Canada routes
(If
      you give me part number I will)?  Are there any other members actively
      pursuing this in any another way for profit or pleasure that would be in
      conflict with this?

      Let me know what you think.

      Vince Pappalardo.
  >>

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