When i started to buy from Fasttech a bit more then four years ago, it was Chrismas everyday it seems. I could get the exact same vaping gear for a third of the price we had locally. Then i got the flashlight bug, discovered BLF and incidentally BG, GB, AE and other chinese sites. Great deals all the way…
However, as i’m watching what usually crapy lights are sold in stores around me, i’m starting to find products at almost the same price we can get them on those sites. That happened for small magnetic cob work lights, cheap “9 leds” kids lights, LED light bulbs and sometime tools…
I’m wondering… Did the chinese sites slowly raised their price because of the huge demand, or did stores over here lower their margins to keep up with them? It seems the gap is narrowing on some products?
Talking about flashlights, the cheap ones found their way to the stores. The quality ones turned ‘pro’ and slapped on a MRP, barcoded, fancy packaging etc which set a trend to a fixed price. I guess electronic switches, built in USB led to an increase in prices.
I don’t know enough about the global flashlight industry to comment on this product segment. However, I do have a better understanding on outdoor equipment, the prepping/survivalist market, FPV/RC products and car parts.
When I saw Gearbest posting their annual results and promotion pages I was quite surprised to see flashlights as one of the most popular items across various markets. Until recently I didn’t even own 1 flashlight and my life was totally fine (but my life has improved, now that I have acquired more than 10 lights ).
From my understanding and research, Chinese sellers have drawn quite a few more consumers from the EDC/preppers and survivalist segment. There were unfortunate events in the past in many countries that required flashlights, knives, outdoor equipment and similar products in order to deal with an adverse environment. Popularity might have been the reason why these products now come in a retail packaging rather than just a plastic bag (which was often the case before). Also, we on BLF can see the huge change in how the market researches, communicates and has grown in a very short time period. Designing a more professional product, creating marketing teams that engage with end consumers and social media, packaging, messaging and warranty requirements (ie for Amazon but also distributors) require money. You could say, the flashlight industry is “growing up”.
The newer product startups might also have learned from very successful Asian companies like DJI. If you are very good at creating a unique product, you can easily charge more. In other hobby segments (RC, FPV) IMO the prices have come down significantly. When drones and parts were expensive a few years back, you can now buy a comparable, complete product for less than 99 $US. I just bought an action cam that is totally acceptable for less than 20 bucks!
WTF….I just purchased Astrolux S1 for $24 shipped from the US site and now it shows $30 from China. Similarly, BLF A6 was available for $22 shipped from China and even that price has gone up to $30.
On top, the code that is advertised on the front page of banggood (8a955d) says “coupons expired”.
Definitely, something going on with sudden spike in prices….
The prices at Banggood and others will flow up and down within a range. I don’t know the cause or the reason, but it something you can clearly see. Check back every few days and you will likely see a reversal. Buy on the dips, as they say.
Buy my stocking-fillers throughout the year. Not depending on season, but on price. And that’s going up an down.
But I do have a feeling that with “low” prices there is a bigger chance you have to pay additional for shipping.
Edit: I don’t have a feeling any more. I’m quite certain. Plus: adding a small item to your order increases the shipping fee.
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