Ebay store with cheap lights

[Les]

EDIT: eBay Store - Packaged Lighting: Decorative Lighting, Controllers, Fresnel Spotlights
(Did I really forget to add the link?!?)

I came across these people on ebay and they seem fairly new (with only 1 feedback).
The thing that strikes me is that I could get an 8' strip light for $250. Or a 3" ellipsoidal for $58, etc, etc... 3" fresnel for $38??

Seems like really cheap prices to me and the design of the instruments for the most part is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Some of those ellipsoidals look like they're right out of the 50s. What do you guys think is up with this and I wonder if I should look into getting some strips?

I wish they would get better photos. If they really want to sell these they should do that. I'm going to send them an email for more product info and asking for better pic's and see what happens...

[porkchop]

There are exceptions but the pic attached pretty much says what i think.

[cutlunch]

I had a quick look. I see what you mean about the photo's. Also using the same photo for different size Fresnels.

But at $38 excluding lamp if I were in the USA I would buy one just to check it out.

At that price you could afford to test it to destruction. It depends on the quality of the parts.

Theatre companies tend to put quite a high markup on the parts they use even if you could buy the same part at your electrical wholesaler. Like the price of a 500W linear Halogen bulb from a theatre supplier compared to the same thing at your local hardware store.

I am wondering if these are copies of expired patents?

If you get one could you do a report for us?

[Les]

Yeah, I might buy the 3" Fres. Just 'cause I have some par 16's and wouldn't they look cute. Kidding. But I am thinking of buying it. The shipping is reasonable too.

I had the same thought about expired patents actually.
As far as quality goes, they advertise it as having teflon wiring in a fiberglass sleeve, which sounds pretty standard.

And how many ways could you screw up a strip light? I'll do some research before I spent too much money. At least they need to carry a UL label.

I'll let you guys know if I order the Fresnel.

[Grog12]

Well the MR-16 borderlights they have its pretty easy to screw those up...on a semi-regular basis the metal contact in the base catches on the bi-pin posts of the lamp and pulls out...also if they don't seat well they arc out.

[Les]

Yeah, that's why I'm thinking more along the lines of a Par 38 strip. They say they have feed through wiring and everything. I'll see if they get back to me.

[Logos]

The style and concepts of these lights is so retro. It has a real 50's feel. Expired patents sound likely.
Chinese knock off?

[gafftapegreenia]

Oh they have a website too:
http://www.packagedlighting.com/

I've known about them for years....they just always seemed so...shady. I really want to know who they are and where they got their designs from, some of their stuff seems very, Kliegl-esque.

[Les]

Thanks for the link! I was googling them but had no luck. If you look on page 9 of their online catalog guess what you'll find. An 8" step lens ellipsoidal. I'm not sure where they're made but they seem to manufacture all their products and they have alot data available. It's their $250.00 8' 16 lamp Strip that floors me. And they seem to carry UL approval as well.

[mbandgeek]

very interesting to say the least.