Hi All,

       A few weeks back I sent out the below message on my offer to help
     orchestrate the group purchase of SA grills.  To date, only three
     people have responded.  That is not enough to offset the customs and
     shipping charges.  So, unless alot more people of the original eighty
     or so that showed initial interest let me know otherwise, I am not
     going to put any further effort into this offer.

     Regards,

     Vince

     P.S. One of things I talked about with the broker was insurance to
     cover the financial cost of the parts in case some how they disappear
     before we get them.  That is part of the $1500 to cover customs and
     shipping.

     _____________________Original Message_________________________

     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.