Q: I want to join group orders, but everything confuses me? How do I start out? Help!!

Let’s start with the basics:

A group order is buying in bulk in order to save money. Group orders are used in countries overseas where buying solo would be MUCH MUCH more expensive. When buying in bulk, you can split the bill. Group orders, most of the time, are referred when buying FANSITE merch (merch that fansites (idol photographers) sell in order to make money for events, birthdays, etc.). This does not mean group orders are limited to just fansite merch. Albums can be bought in bulk, to save money. Other examples can be idol related unofficial merchandise.

In a group order, you have 3 parties: YOU, GROUP ORDER MANAGER, and SELLER (in this case, FANSITE/WEBSITE).

You and the Seller, are the minor roles, while the manager is the major role. Group order managers will have their set areas of shipping, for example, one manager will usually originate in AMERICA, and ship only (will be explained later) TO AMERICA. Some managers will be open and ship to other places. Thus, UK managers, will ship to the UK. And so on.

The group order manager is the bridge between you and the seller. They do everything for you besides paying. Please read their FAQs and forms before asking them with questions. They have lives as well, this is their choice to help, PLEASE ALWAYS RESPECT THEM as they do this for free. Their tasks are: Communicating with fansites Updating on orders Setting forms up for orders Packing items for shipping

Important! This is the one that usually confuses people:

Group orders have 3 payments:

First one: You want something, you will send money to the group order manager’s account (paypal mainly, maybe venmo). This is just paying for the item itself. Think about it as if you were going to the store and buying it there. That’s basically how the payment is, except you don’t get the merch. FIRST PAYMENTS are never the overall payments! They are just the merch. You will receive an email in 24-48 hours. Patience is virtue.

Keep in mind, you will mostly, NEVER have contact with the fansite. That is the group order manager’s job.

Second one: EMS is express mail shipping, fast shipping basically. Korea would take a long time to ship to these areas, which is why ems is the option. EMS is based on weight. The HEAVIER the product, the more EXPENSIVE the ems price. And of course, the LIGHTER the product, the CHEAPER the ems.

The only time this may not be so, is when their are a lot of orders. Which is why single managers for one specific countries are best. It keeps ems low.

EMS is not determined until the money from the first payment is sent to fansite ( usually days after deadline). The group manager will divide EMS equally, or according to your purchase.

Third and Final: This is the last payment. Yay for you. This is when the merchandise all the way in KOREA has arrived in your COUNTRY at the group order manager’s home. You are now paying for the shipping from the group order manager’s home, to your home. Again, this is based on weight.

PLEASE ALWAYS CHECK YOUR EMAILS.

Overall, you’ll get the hang of out. It’s easier the more you order, and you’ll catch on. If you are confused, leave a comment on the section and I’ll clarify.