Group Buy Masks

Lbargaingod123 on 27/03/2020 - 11:18
Last edited 07/04/2020 - 17:31 by 1 other user

It has been very hard to get masks for people to get masks (mod: Removed unnecessary remark). I have a friend who started a factory in China to make masks and just got certified but she can only supply quantity greater than 2000 masks. Should I start a group buy deal to let everyone from ozbargain to have a go or this idea is stupid as it will be hard to organize at this time?

I got a small shipment for myself. I used tnt 2~3 business days service and it took them 7 business days to get her.
The standard is GB/T32610-2016 and I believe a higher surgical standard can be also obtained but my friends says the minimum quantity would be 20000 for that.
With my TNT shipment, I believe if you are ordering 200 or more, I can just arrange to post them directly to you from China with TNT.

Thanks to people's suggestion with PM, I would think the minimum quantity should be set to 100?
This is just an idea so people will get their masks at a fair price and wearing them to reduce the spread.

Update: 2020.3.31 The shipping cost has increased so much and it has become very hard to organize. I have replied to the PMs and the minimum quantity with be 200 with $1 each sent straight from China to your home via TNT or DHL or TOLL.
Thanks for the support from everyone and I'll try to do it in a better way if the first batch to though smoothly.

Update:2020.4.7 Just got TGA called back and created an account for me to submit the ARTG listing application form. The application and certification will cost $1020 each. For those who want to purchase large quantity or donate to the hospital, please PM am so we can decide whether to proceed with TGA or not.
The first 1000 masks were separated into 5 packages and 3 packages were paid for and sent out, these are now estimated to arrive this Friday but I suspect them may be delayed until early next week. There were two people booked for the masks and stopped replying hence I still have 2 of 200 masks package in my hand.

General Discussion

Comments

          • spc12go on 31/03/2020 - 12:56

            @pandasrandomchoice: You may or may not agree with what I’m about to say here. But it is something that I have observed. The only reason I reference your background is because of the followings. I could be wrong, and I apologise if I offended you.

            Chinese people are able to criticise the government where ever they live without hesitation. However when it comes to anything remotely related to China, they will not say a single word of negativity and claims any negative news is an act of racism and the western media bias towards China.

            No one and no government is perfect, Australian government screwed up on the handling of the pandemic, by thinking this virus will only happen in China it won’t get to Australia. As a matter of fact it is an act of arrogance and racism, thinking it only happened in China due to hygiene and behaviour. Therefore they didn’t take any action till it’s too late. The famous “I will be going to the footy this weekend” Those countries that took action early managed to keep it under control. The likes of Japan, Singapore, South Korean and Taiwan.

  • greenhj on 28/03/2020 - 17:37

    Let's see if Mr.Dutton will hold up what he said about punishing those who hoarding and exporting etc.
    My best guess only the small public will be held responsible, the big chinese guns with deep pocket unlikely to be dealth with.

  • Misha Bakunin on 28/03/2020 - 17:38

    As I posted on my site, masks are probably not that useful anyway. Better to wash your hands and use sanitizer. I have a guide to making home made sanitizer on there btw: https://www.bugoutsurvivalkit.net

  • Thorn69 on 28/03/2020 - 18:15
    -1

    I'm going to post my, last two centseven of it gets me called racist and down voted, before the virus flight exploded I was in japan,I past many chemists being bought out of masks by Chinese to parallel sell back to Chinese in China at a massive hike, we all know they do this with formula and so on but all this did was hurt the locals and their own fellow countrymen ok China, I'm not taking shots at them but if you can get some masks do it, it will minimize the spread however, another concern is money even if your washing for hands your going to have to wash your hands every time you handle money too such actions are not in place which should be and a food service business your going to have to wash your hands a few hundred times a day or get someone to specifically handle money or a machine

    • exp1 on 28/03/2020 - 18:45

      Is there any real evidence of chinese people buying masks at retail stores and shipping it back? This sounds more like hearsay.

      I think if chinese people were to ship back supplies it would be conducted at the wholesale level: 1. Bigger scale, 2. Higher profit margins, and 3. Convenience and access to stock. Isn't this the basic business model of a export business?

      I understand the concern of precious medical equipment being exported but what if it happened to us?

      Can you imagine if they starting seizing covid testing kits at the border destined for Australia because they thought it was in the national interest to do so? It would undermine trust in the country imposing the laws to be able to uphold private agreements.

      • Thorn69 on 29/03/2020 - 10:12
        +1

        It's not heresay this was back in January as besides they bring them back via duty free on return to China hell they even get rebates this way they do it with just about everything that can profited off whole gutting the country they buy from,

        Supplies are low they where and some of said that used masks are being resold, they are , china,taiwanare prime example it had hit the news

    • whooah1979 on 28/03/2020 - 18:52
      +1

      https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-13/buffett-b…

      China, the world’s biggest mask producer, boosted manufacturing to 54.8 million units a day as of Feb. 22, about 2.8 times of that on Feb. 1, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

      https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-27/coronavirus-covid-19-…

      "We were making about maybe 2 million masks a year and all of a sudden now we're potentially looking at, with added machines, making as much as 50 million masks a year,

  • Wallyt99 on 28/03/2020 - 19:55
    +1

    You won't be able to ship them here. China now has limits the export of masks to quantities of 100 or less.

    As per the post above…. The reason Asians have masks is because they are now being sent from China by family / friends.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 28/03/2020 - 19:55

    Are the Chinese property developers selling the masks back to us?

    https://amp.macrobusiness.com.au/?url=https://www.macrobusin…

    https://en.brinkwire.com/news/shocking-footage-shows-90-tonn…

    • bargaingod123 on 28/03/2020 - 21:12

      pretty sure not, they sent these masks in Feb when China was hit most.

    • Kegsta on 28/03/2020 - 21:55

      We already sold it back to them and now it's our turn.

  • spc12go on 28/03/2020 - 21:45

    This deal was posted and got mark spam yesterday.

    https://www.jasgood.com/products/disposable-face-mask-with-e…

    Use the coupon Easter bring it’s down to 20 usd shipped. I haven’t bought them and I am not even sure if they are any good. Pay with PayPal and then dispute it if it’s not up to scratch.

    • bargaingod123 on 28/03/2020 - 21:49

      that's acually great price!!!

      • spc12go on 28/03/2020 - 22:03
        +6

        The issue is if you check the CE certificate, then you may change your mind. The website alleged to be in Canton Provence. The certificate is issued to another company in another provenance. Every man and his dog is now masking masks due to high profit margins.

        A box of 50 masks used to cost around $5 AUD. This is for masks that is compliant to Australian standard level 3. Now it cost up to 80 for a box that isn’t any where near it (I am not implying the same about the product you sourced). Everyone is now trying to make a quick buck off the pandemic. According to Lisa Simpson’s Crisis is also opportunity in Chinese isn’t it. Source http://www.worldwidewords.org/turnsofphrase/tp-cri2.htm

        Yes there is a constrain on the raw materials of the mask due to many countries banned export of them. Wether it’s worth it or not is up to each individual.

        • wombok2 on 30/03/2020 - 03:56
          +1

          Source that it was AU$5 for a box of 50 mask that was level 3?

          • spc12go on 30/03/2020 - 05:15
            +1

            @wombok2: Most links to masks have been removed from the commercial supplier. As there are no stocks at all since the mid Jan.

            Below is from my previous orders and none of my order from mid Jan and they don’t know when it’s coming.
            https://imgur.com/a/SKdU111

            • m2000 on 30/03/2020 - 10:41

              @spc12go: I don't think it's level 3 (?) or does not mention it is level 3.

              • spc12go on 30/03/2020 - 14:24

                @m2000: It doesn’t have those info on the invoices, but in the actual product description it does have compliant to Australian standard and if you check here standard it adhere to level 3. However all the links have been removed due to general public buying them. So it does proof that the price is mask has risen significantly hence everyone is now trying to cash it on this. Mostly from converted factories, they need be be produced in clean room type of environment to guarantee standard.
                And I highly doubt all the new supplies popping are can meet those standards

                I order them regularly for work and a few suppliers.
                All masks sold through proper channels need to adhere to Australian standard. And normally is level 2 and above.

            • Save Medicare on 30/03/2020 - 16:42

              @spc12go: footmedics lmao

    • pegasusx on 28/03/2020 - 22:30
      +1

      Its ironic all these standards are coming out. These were in place for ages in China but no one trusts them and their "certificates". Hence there was a huge demand to purchase non-China standards / made overseas at the start of the outbreak. US N95 / NIOSH, P2 from Ozland, DS from Japan. First ones to disappear from our stores were the Proshield N95, can't miss them as they were orange.

  • Kegsta on 28/03/2020 - 21:54

    I think you'll have a lot of trouble getting them shipped quickly, China is now only allowing 1 plane per airline per city per day to land and freight price has increased more than 6 fold so far with heavy competition for space.

    • spc12go on 28/03/2020 - 22:05

      Good way to prop up the airlines. Should forward it to Scomo, Joyce and co

  • whirlpool_guy on 28/03/2020 - 22:29
    +3

    BBC ran a piece about Why some countries wear face masks and others don't. Nice balanced reporting.

  • Aerith-Waifu on 28/03/2020 - 23:14

    200 is way too small, they are going crazy in the EU.

    I can get the N95 ones with CE Certificate for around 15 RMB shipped (give or take)

    The minimum order is 2000 pieces.

    I am was thinking of ordering the minimum and selling them at cost price (No profit, just helping those who want to wear them).

    Problem is, where to sell them? eBay and Gumtree both don't allow masks to be listed now.

    • spc12go on 28/03/2020 - 23:18

      Ozbargain classified?

      • Aerith-Waifu on 28/03/2020 - 23:24

        Pretty sure it's not allowed, as its large quantities

    • whooah1979 on 28/03/2020 - 23:40

      Is 15 RMB FOB or delivered?

      • Aerith-Waifu on 28/03/2020 - 23:53

        The price given me is 15RMB including DHL delivery + GST (Per piece) with min order of 2000 pieces

        • bargaingod123 on 29/03/2020 - 00:48

          How is the DHL working out? How did they certify this? Please PM me and help out.

          • Aerith-Waifu on 29/03/2020 - 01:52
            +1

            @bargaingod123: DHL is not good at the moment, there is no planes arriving so its either stuck in customs or its never left the airfield, I have 3 boxes (not face masks) sent on the 9th March and still stuck in HK at the moment

            • bargaingod123 on 29/03/2020 - 11:27

              @Aerith-Waifu: Oh, the TNT I planned to use just slowed down due to congestion and now DHL too? this group buy idea my end here

            • Kikkoman56 on 29/03/2020 - 13:56

              @Aerith-Waifu: That's weird, my mother in law sent us some from China via DHL just last saturday and it arrived by wednesday…

  • beefmaster on 29/03/2020 - 07:56
    +3

    Is not easy for Chinese national to get a large quantity of mask in china so I will doubt the authenticity of any large quantity mask.

    Not trying to discredit OP but feel people should becarefull

    • pegasusx on 29/03/2020 - 11:52

      In China yes. Out of China say Hong Kong / Quasi Shenzen it's easy to ship out

      • beefmaster on 29/03/2020 - 13:17
        +1

        I never mention shipping. I am more concern authenticity when someone can offer me high qantity. So many people claiming they are able to procure mask from china because they have this "friend".

        I can easily ship out of China using DHL because the company uses their own jet.

        EDIT: I should add, by authentic I mean mask manufactured using procedure that ensure the mask is sterilise and packaged. Is not difficult to manufacture n95 mask but if you want mask that is sterilised (the one used in hospital) during the manufacturing process then these mask will be difficult to procure in high quantity.

        • pegasusx on 29/03/2020 - 13:35
          +1

          Yup true. Plenty of fake / CE certified masks around. Not even sure you can trust KN95 locally certified masks coming out of China.
          Look at their test kits sent to other countries which fail the 80% accuracy certifications, ending up as 30%.

          Hence why the masks like those 3M made in US are $25 EACH and Proshields medical masks are around $8 each

  • serpserpserp on 29/03/2020 - 09:34

    It has been very hard to get masks for people to get masks

    I ordered some off of Joybuy pretty easily. They have plenty of types too.

    • deadpoet on 29/03/2020 - 20:24

      I saw the ads for those as well. TBH they sound super sketchy (the masks, not Joybuy).

      • serpserpserp on 31/03/2020 - 20:34

        They have a lot of different types.

    • isthisreallife22 on 01/04/2020 - 10:36

      I noticed them yesterday too. Any word on shipping times?

      • serpserpserp on 01/04/2020 - 20:35

        Got mine under two weeks. That was when the panic was in full swing too.

  • suudo on 29/03/2020 - 10:26

    interested for personal use let me know what further plans are

  • Jugganautx on 29/03/2020 - 11:52

    How do you know someones not white?

    They'll tell you

  • CY express on 29/03/2020 - 12:20

    Hope everyone keep safe and healthy.
    I have buy some mask from crazytech_com_au, share to you who need masks.

    • whooah1979 on 29/03/2020 - 12:32

      $70 is expensive for single use face masks.

      • CY express on 29/03/2020 - 13:43

        Most of pharmacy is selling $2 each.
        This one is 50pcs $70 included postage. So it is cheaper than pharmacy. Anyway I just share information to someone need face mask to protect their family.

        • whooah1979 on 29/03/2020 - 13:48

          People that have to go out for work or buy necessities are better off with getting a reusable respirator. It is cheaper in the long run and better for the environment.

    • whooah1979 on 29/03/2020 - 13:12

      https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=905420366541679

      Which is carrying 100 tons of donated items.
      Local dairy milk company A2 Milk donated 12 tons of goods to the flight.
      The vast bulk of donations comes from mums and dads around Australia.

    • pegasusx on 29/03/2020 - 13:12
      +2

      This was almost 1.5 months ago when China was at its peak and no regulations in place with PPE.

      • spc12go on 29/03/2020 - 17:11
        +2

        They would have kept going except there’s literally nothing left in Australia

    • Aerith-Waifu on 29/03/2020 - 16:48
      -4

      What's the point? At the time any country that hasn't affected would do the same.

      More Chinese hatred by the West as usual…………

      • Yorkshire-Man on 29/03/2020 - 21:09

        No, just by the minority, not the majority :)

    • CalmLemons on 29/03/2020 - 18:06

      Purely clickbait by news.com.au, getting that ad revenue.

      Last time I checked we were a capitalist society. I doubt those australian suppliers were complaining about it.

      Back then we didn't have a need for the masks here. Question is, if the Chinese government was doing it, why wasn't our government?????

      Our government should have been stockpiling it since the bushfires, but they sat on their hands and did shit all, literally.

      • spc12go on 30/03/2020 - 05:06
        +1

        I doubt anyone knew who they were selling it to. Those commercial supply don’t supply to public. They supply to industry that requires protective masks. On top of that they wouldn’t know they were been exported to another country. To export that kind of quantity requires permit and license.

        The national stock pile would have been heavily depleted after the bush fire season. The private stock were to be used by Dentist, nail salon professional and anyone that requires them for work.

        If Australian companies in China sent all their staffs out to buy up all the medical masks, hand sanitizer and PPE gear in China and send it back to Australia charter plane. I wonder what would happen to those involved.

  • Stphen on 29/03/2020 - 18:29
    +1

    I hope that the masks people have bought are working as intended.

    Netherlands recalls defective masks imported from China
    The recall concerned nearly half of the shipment of 1.3 million masks, known as FFP2 - 600,000 had already been sent to hospitals, the public television channel NOS reported.
    France's Health Minister Olivier Veran has announced that he had ordered more than a billion masks, from China,

    https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/coronavirus-nether…

  • pilotyuan on 29/03/2020 - 20:23

    Hi Op, good for you to come up this idea. I would just want to put my 2 cents here

    GB standard is not recognized in Australia so you might be in trouble to sell or import in large quantity (say 2000+). The customs might asked for certs as it is a commercial import. EU has loosed the standard requirements due to the circumstance but I don't see the same here. You might need to factor in the risk here.

    TNT is not stable, DHL is always a better option in AU.

    The mask production in China is climbing up now. Last time I saw the news they can produce 1.8 bil masks per day and still climbing so the price may be varied in the coming weeks. You might need to factor in the risk of price drop when your masks are still on the way.

  • MessyG on 29/03/2020 - 20:43

    For anyone wishing to import masks for medical use please note they will not be allowed to be used without TGA approval as they classed as medical devices.

    • whooah1979 on 29/03/2020 - 21:53
      +1

      Sell them as beauty, hygiene, personal care, health care, anti-dust, breathable face masks.

      • MessyG on 29/03/2020 - 22:00

        That's absolutely fine, I meant that post for the people wanting to bring them in for GPs and other health providers - they wont be allowed to use them.

        • [Deactivated] on 30/03/2020 - 13:08
          -2

          Health providers would already know this…It's for general public

    • bargaingod123 on 29/03/2020 - 23:27

      Yeah, I'm going to call TGA tomorrow regarding to this. Any info on how to get them certified? The masks have CE certification on them.

      • spc12go on 30/03/2020 - 05:21

        Need to comply to Australian standard level 3.
        Which means it may need to be tested and certified

        https://imgur.com/a/CrznV7b

        • Kamsi on 30/03/2020 - 10:18

          By that time the virus probably be over. I'm not saying it shouldn't be certified but as you know the Australia government works like a turtle.

  • anonymous01 on 29/03/2020 - 23:17
    -5

    While you are trying to make profit and persuade people to buy masks from you, I would like to point out how little difference masks make. They will not protect you against the virus, and they are very minimal at reducing the risk from spreading the virus from you towards others. What is your fair price? What are the working conditions for those making the mask? I know this seems like unnecessary details, but I have seen the videos where poverty stricken towns and village people are sewing these masks and throwing on the muddy/wet floor because they are in a rush to make them to meet the demand. Will they be washed with chemicals before getting to you? Do you have to do it yourself? Sorry but I can't let anyone use me for my vulnerabilities and fears until I know all these details, the price of the mask, the conditions in which it was created, the proof of that condition etc. etc…. Remember, human life is worth more than any business opportunity you might see at this moment. Don't be selfish, but it's all up to you.

    • bargaingod123 on 29/03/2020 - 23:28

      I am persuading people to buy masks, not getting profit though.

      • bargaingod123 on 29/03/2020 - 23:29

        One reason I tried to organize group buy is that I knew these masks are well made.

      • anonymous01 on 30/03/2020 - 00:46

        If that is the case, can you please answer my questions and post pictures as proof of what conditions these masks are created in?

        • bargaingod123 on 30/03/2020 - 01:04
          +3

          Do your study on how masks are made nowadays first. The masks are made by machines and there are no steps called 'sewing'. Depend on the standard, some of the masks are coated with a spray that doesn't allow water to go through and they are also done by machine.
          Yes, I'm trying to convince people to wear masks when they go out to reduce risk. No, I'm not trying to have a business opportunity here as I'm not even trying to make profit.No, I'm not using your vulnerabilities or fear and you have all the right not to wear them. Please don't discriminate people who wear them to protect themself on the street and that's all I can ask from you.
          I'm not been selfish as the time I have spent on this could easily be paid back if I try to do something else.

          • anonymous01 on 30/03/2020 - 12:59

            @bargaingod123: I don't open my mouth until I have done my study. Here is one of the videos I was talking about how they are made in poor countries: https://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/fppjya/if_you_ever_ask…

            You still haven't replied to any of my questions.

            Proof of photos of the factory and condition?

            What is your fair price? They literally cost few cents per mask to manufacture. How much are you selling them for?

            • pilotyuan on 30/03/2020 - 14:36

              @anonymous01: To be fair, I don't think that an efficient way to produce masks even with cheap labor.

              FYI, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71vQtw2eZog

              • anonymous01 on 30/03/2020 - 14:45

                @pilotyuan: Not efficient at all, but some people can't afford those machines. That is why I was asking OP regarding the production of the masks. If his/her friend has one of these machines, then great, but I wouldn't want people wearing masks manufactured in poor conditions that will make them more sick rather than help.

            • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 01:15
              +1

              @anonymous01: https://youtu.be/8plwHKyqXzg
              Here you go, just got the video from her. Please don't be so aggressive next time.
              Regrading to price, as I replied to the private messages, it will be $1 each for a 200~300 package shipping straight from China. The shipping cost for such a package has increased to $60 ~$70 for TNT or DHL or Toll. Manufacturing wise, I'm not sure about what is her actual cost but it isn't a few cents due to the sky raise the price of raw material.
              I consider the price fair as I went to my local pharmacy and they are selling the mask at $3 each if they have them.
              Hope this will clear your thoughts and I am not pushing you to buy them. You are more than welcome to go to your pharmacy to get them and I actually hope you get them from my deep heart.
              I wouldn't start thinking of such a thing if I don't have a friend that I trust who makes these and I am hurt that you think I would put up something like you shown on your video to my beloved ozbargain community.

              • whooah1979 on 31/03/2020 - 05:19

                @bargaingod123: The setup looks clean enough for the average consumer.

                • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 10:23

                  @whooah1979: There's one more step for disinfect after this to be able to meet the standard.

              • anonymous01 on 31/03/2020 - 18:18

                @bargaingod123: Thank you for coming through with the proof. Also I apologise for coming across as aggressive and causing you any hurt :(. I am seeing a lot of people taking advantage of this Corona virus situation and take advantage of those vulnerable people. So it is my fault I assumed you are also one of those people. Just last night I saw a video on how YELP is doing this sh*t business as well. Here's the video if you want to see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tIYrjBEczE&feature=emb_logo

                • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 18:30

                  @anonymous01: Yeah, take advantage of these sort of things are really unethical. I just update the status that I will be able to supply only 5 people with 200 masks each with $1 each mask sent straight to their home from China to reduce the change over in transition and TGA called me back and I'm working on how to get the proper certification to import these as medical devices.
                  TGA told me that if these are not used as medical device, I can import them freely and be able to donate or used in hospital, I need AS standard. Just applied and we'll see how we go. My friend's mask passed the CE (Europe) test so there shouldn't be problem passing TGA tests.

  • wildmx on 30/03/2020 - 01:24
    +1

    Some Bunnings stores still have P2 masks. New stock come in frequently but get sold out within the day. A Bunnings employee told me Stores update their stock as soon as they come in and it shows online. Keep checking online and when you see a store has stock, ring them up to confirm before driving there as sometimes when they have only a few left and the masks are misplaced. Also when online shows they have stock but when you ring they'll assume they don't have stock, so ask them to check on their computer and quote the item number.

    I just bought 4 P2 masks last Friday at Alexandria store and their website shows it still has stock. They had only about 30 left when I was there.

    Also, you might also want to try other hardware stores such as mitre10

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/protector-multimate-carbon-dispo…

    PS though disposable p2 masks are meant to be used for 8 hours, you can reuse them after sanitise them in oven set at 70*C for 30min

  • Kamsi on 30/03/2020 - 10:12

    Got some mask for the family but still couldn't convince the older generation to wear mask, it like convincing my kids stop playing games for too long.

    • bargaingod123 on 30/03/2020 - 10:37
      +2

      Just let the older generation stay at home and they should be fine. You wear the masks when going out will protect them.

  • coolroy on 30/03/2020 - 10:46
    +1

    Sorry but with the number of Chinese made masks being returned by various countries governments around the world due to failing to meet their specifications & or product failures, I strongly suggest people do not look to China supply for masks.

    Especially please don't look to a new manufacturer based in China with unknown product/QA control.

    • Yorkshire-Man on 30/03/2020 - 21:12
      +1

      Painting every manufacturer in an entire country with one brush is wrong. There's good and bad manufacturing in every country…

      • spc12go on 30/03/2020 - 21:25

        Yes this is a true comment. I totally agree.
        However everyone is now trying to cash in on the mask boom. Most of the masks you see for sale claiming to meeting CE certification and if you check the certificate they all belong to one particular company. This is a very worrying trend.

  • Neptunesblood on 30/03/2020 - 18:11
    -6

    Masks don’t do shit. Keep your distance, wash your hands and don’t touch your face.

  • Hardly Normal on 31/03/2020 - 02:34

    Call me sceptical but I will be sticking to known brands that comply with Aus standards.

    https://www.businessinsider.com.au/coroanvirus-holland-recal…

  • oO0Dam0Oo on 31/03/2020 - 12:30

    Seems crazy to be purchasing PPE when front line workers worldwide do not have sufficient supplies to carry out their jobs safely. This is the one of the reasons why elective surgeries have been cancelled so that more supplies can be diverted to the front line.

    No need for the general population to be wearing masks when most are not educated in how to wear them and parade them like a fashion accessory. Keep your distance and wash your hands is what people should be focusing on. We should be supporting those who support us and put their lives at risk during such events.

    • pilotyuan on 31/03/2020 - 14:29
      +1

      On the other hand, I am also confused why the front line medical workers don't have PPE while the public can purchase online.
      Can't the hospitals source them directly with the factories?
      Maybe they have higher standards?

      • spc12go on 31/03/2020 - 14:34

        Put it simply, hospital PPE need to come from certified distributor, distributing PPE that meets or exceed particular Australian standard. The stuff we can can get easily, however doesn’t need to meet any standard. Anyone can sell over the web and I don’t think anyone questions the local shops where they source the mask.

        • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 17:22

          You are exactly right. From the research I have done, for medical use, it will take TGA to certify the masks and it takes time. I believe the situation will be relieved soon if TGA can certify these PPE as fast as possible

  • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 19:48

    So OP your looking for advice on how to hoard masks when people who actually need them are struggling to get one?
    Please think about how selfish you are!

    • whooah1979 on 31/03/2020 - 19:51

      Op isn’t hoarding if they are the importer.

      • JTTheMan on 31/03/2020 - 19:57

        They are looking at importing for their own purpose or financial gain not to meet shortage where these are actually needed. The general community does not need masks.

        Stay at home!

        • bargaingod123 on 31/03/2020 - 20:04

          Lol, to make this clear.
          Firstly, I may actually lose money by doing this as the Australian dollar fluctuating so badly, hence not for financial gain certainly.
          secondly, I am still trying to figure out a way to get these certified hence these masks will end up in the hospital and will not affect your shortage situation from the hospital while by arranging the group buy now may allow me to figure out what process I need to take to get PPE for hospitals.
          Thirdly, general community do need masks from my perspective, you make have your ground but I don't see why masks will protect doctors but will not help the general community. If masks are effective in some way, we should do it.

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