Group Buys
Buying keyboards works differently compared to most products because of the nature of limited production runs—we call these Group Buys. For those coming into the mechanical keyboard hobby for the first time, it may be daunting to learn the ins and outs of getting your keyboard together and going from finding what you want to getting all the parts in your hands. In this course, we’ll be explaining what exactly a Group Buy is and how to participate in the process.
Syllabus
Group Buy — What is it?
Timeline — Breakdown of the process
Common Questions
What is a Group Buy?
A Group Buy (GB) is a pre-order for a product before the production process. Typically, custom keyboards, keysets, and apparel are made-to-order in batch sales. This means that the manufacturer doesn't begin production until a vendor collects purchases and places a one-time order with the factory. Once placed, orders go through production, QC, and distribution.
This whole process often takes six months or longer due to production timelines.
In Group Buys, the minimum order quantity (MOQ) refers to how many pre-orders are needed for a product to be made.
Sales are accumulated through a key vendor and partner vendors who serve as “proxies” around the world. For example, the main vendor responsible for all the logistics may be based in North America and serve North American customers; customers in Europe would buy from a European proxy that handles customs fees and provides a lower shipping rate.
Key Terms
group buy (GB): a pre-order for a product before it gets made
minimum order quantity (MOQ): how many pre-orders are needed in order to manufacture a product
3D render of Portico keyboard in Terminal Green.
Since Group Buy products don’t actually exist when they’re available for pre-order, the product images you’ll see are 3D renders. Photographs usually don’t emerge until after customers get their items and start posting pictures.
Group Buy Timeline
Interest Check (IC)
Before a Group Buy begins, the designer first checks if their product has enough interest to be successful and reach MOQ. The length of an IC will vary, and some may not make it to the Group Buy phase. During this phase, the designer and vendor will finalize costs, proxies, product changes, and a timeline.
Group Buy (GB)
When a GB is open, customers can place their pre-orders. A GB typically lasts about a month. Keysets are usually unlimited in how many can be ordered. Some keyboards are unlimited as well, while others operate with a maximum and can be either first-come-first-served or sold as a raffle.
Production
After the group buy is finished, vendors place the order with the manufacturer. Extras are added to the final number to account for potential QC issues and if the vendor plans to sell extras after fulfillment.
Fulfillment
After production, the manufacturer ships out the completed product to the vendors. Vendors inspect the product and then ship them out to their customers.
Optional phases after Group Buy
Extras — Vendors sell any product extras they have, which they purchase on top of however many Group Buy pre-orders they get. Extras are limited in quantity.
Round 2 (R2) — Highly popular sets will often be run as a Round 2 or 3 at some point after the fulfillment of the initial group buy. Successive rounds will likely undergo alterations from the original.
For example: DSA Magic Girl originally ran in 2019, and returned for Round 2 with a new Dark Magic Girl colorway and updated kit options in November 2020.
Common Questions
What happens if a product doesn't reach MOQ?
Designers and vendors have two choices in this scenario: cancel the buy and potentially rerun it in the future, or buy out the remaining numbers to ensure that the product is made, with extras being sold after fulfillment.
What causes a GB product to be delayed?
The exact date of fulfillment isn’t set in stone. Things that could affect it are:
Factory workload and production issues
QC issues requiring the product to be remade
Customs
What is the difference between buying during a GB phase and afterward during the Extras phase?
Prices during a GB are always lower than prices for extras.
GB customers receive their products sooner.
Being able to buy during the extras phase isn’t guaranteed. They are limited in quantity and may be sold first come first served, or raffled off.
Current & Upcoming Group Buys
Brought to you by The Key Company—
Limited Group Buy open until April 23.
Group Buy open until April 30.
