Group buying for new parents

Retail Published on 9 February 2009 in Retail

Regular Springwise readers are already familiar with the benefits consumers can enjoy when they team up and buy as a crowd. Now, a site focusing on new and expecting parents provides a way to bring those advantages to buyers of baby and children's goods.

CrowdSprout lets groups of consumers interested in purchasing the same item band together to get a better price. Consumers begin by bidding on an item, thereby placing themselves in a buying group and committing to making the purchase if enough other buyers join. Product categories on the site include car seats, carriers, diaper bags, furniture, high chairs and strollers; for each product included, the merchant lists a reduced price, the minimum number of buyers needed and a deadline. Consumers then spread the word about their planned purchase, with the goal of increasing that group's size. Once enough buyers have joined the group, they then make their (reduced) payment through CrowdSprout and receive the item they wanted. If, on the other hand, the minimum number of buyers is not achieved in time, no one pays and the group disbands.

Whether it's to buy a stroller or a soccer team, crowd clout is making vendors sit up and listen. Those who don't may just find themselves getting crowded out... ! ;-) (Related: Shoppers team up for better dealsFurniture shopping with the crowdsCrowd clout meets eco persuasion.)

Website: www.crowdsprout.com
Contact: feedback@crowdsprout.com

Spotted by: @sweetbeets

Comments on this idea:

This sounds like a great idea, but can this give me the same advantages of being in a mom group or is it just hype?

Anything that can save me money is welcome!

Niiiiiiiiice

Isn't this a buying club? I'm all in favor, but buying clubs aren't exactly innovative -- many of us have belonged to them for decades. Love to see them gaining in popularity though!

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