Thanks all.
If you’re curious here’s some of the emails I exchanged with Bella.
Please excuse the flowery language.
That is the culture of China but my Mandarin is not very good any more so I used English.
Price went to 36.99 + 1.25 shipping. I think she forgot to remove the shipping.
My original order did not include the shipping costs.
She also can’t add or more likely was very flustered as shown by her email below.
My final cost would be $27.30 per light, unknown driver, XML T6, acrylic AR lens.
For a host I would take them. For a light I want to do non aggressive mods there may be better choices.
Now I have to decide to take these OR get the one from Deal Extreme which only has a 1800ma driver (I’ve read it’s actually much higher, but don’t remember where) with a XL-M2 T6 (preferred) and glass lens. $36.68
http://www.dx.com/p/couru-l2-cree-xm-l2-t6-600lm-3-mode-white-flashlight-black-1-3-x-18650-279608#.U8bN6SgUM4U
OR the one from KD with no drive specs, but gotta be at least 1800ma, a XM-L2 U2 and coated glass lens. $38.33
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S022823
If I can keep these stock except for springs, wiring, tail cap mod, centering ring, cleanup, AS thermal, driver, if needed (I want 4-5A), basically everything except changing the LED, heatsink and the series mod I’d be happier.
My soldering station got stolen in my last robbery and I don’t feel like buying another even IF I could find one here. A cheap soldering pencil will do the other work.
All opinions appreciated, especially from the experts . . . . . hmm, that’s all who have responded so far.
Thanks all. Never knew this could be so complex.
Rich S.
emails below cut and pasted and appear with newest at top.
2014-07-16 00:39:27
Hello Bella,
Jīntiān nǐ yǒu fàn? 今天你有饭?
Hurry and change your price.
I told some people about the light and they may be buying it.
It sounds like an honest mistake to me.
I lived in Shenzhen in 2007, near the north HK gate, and know how hard you have to work to earn money.
Much competition. Thank you for your kind offer to correct the mistake and I will probably accept it.
But your figures are wrong. You must have been in a hurry.
145+50=195(not 190)*1.1=214.5 RMB or 34.60 USD.
19.99 OR 21.24 if postage was charged to my credit card.
If postage was NOT charged to my credit card you need to fix your system.
I will have to check if the postage was charged or not and email you tomorrow.
I believe I will have to send you more than $13.
Postage charged 34.60-21.24=13.36 postage not charged 34.60-19.99=14.61.
For now I am going to sleep sweet dreams.
Do not worry . . . . . . all will be well.
Rich
Life Easy
2014-07-15 23:11:37
Dear Richard ,
Nice day!
Many thanks for your kindly reply.
As a small seller, we really need to pay more attention to avoid this situation.
Sincerely sorry to let bear of the news.
I edit the wrong price, As the cost of flashlight is RMB 145 instead of RMB 45.
The net weight of the flashlight is 500g. To Mexico the postage of item is RMB 10 per 100g.
SO the postage of each flashlight is 50RMB.
The commission charging of aliexpress is 10%… the exchange rate between RMB and us dollar is 1:6.2
So the total cost of the flashlight is: (145+50)+(145+50)*0.1= 190+19= 209/6.2=USD 33
Sincerely sorry for my stupid mistake. Please accepte my sincerely apology.
In order to show my sorry, I’d like to bear the half for you.
As you have pay for them price at USD 20 each one.
So I’d like to bear 33-20=13/2= USD 6.5
So each flashlight price at USD 26.5.
dear Richard, as a small seller, we will pay more attention to avoid this kind of mistake…
If you think the you still need them, hope we can get your forgive and send us more USD 13 for two piece of flashlights.
If you don’t need it at this price, I can understand you, after all , it’s my fault.
I can help you to cancel this order.
Please advice me…
Any other inquiry, please don’t be hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely sorry for any inconvenience cause by it.
Best regards
Bella
Rich S.
2014-07-15 11:07:02
Hello Bella,
Good day to you,
Thank you for correcting the shipping address.
UCL® is a trademark owned by a lens company and below is their site showing their acrylic lenses.
UCL® glass lenses transmit 99% of light.
UCL® Acrylic (resin) lenses transmit 97% and can melt with very hi power bulbs.
With the LED used in this flashlight a resin lens should work well.
I’m old fashioned sometimes. I prefer glass. But that is just my preference. I know resin works well.
No screen protectors wanted, but I thank you for the offer.
You are doing enough checking the flashlights.
I think I will be happy with these flashlights and am looking forward to receiving them.
Rich S.
Life Easy
2014-07-15 01:54:01
Dear Richard ,
Nice day!
Many thanks for your kindly purchasing and message.
I have advise your shipping address. please don’t worry it anymore.
I understand your worry about the returning.
As a realiable seller, we usually check every items before send them out. please give us more trust…
About the UCL Lenses, I think you have a misunderstand with it.
UCL means Ultra clear lens, it usually made by resin instead of glass.
It is a new material for lenses.
Actually, Lenses made by UCL is more lighter than glass, and it is not easy be crashed.
As the impact resistance of UCL lenses is better.
The transmission of light of UCL is equally to glass lenses.
We can send two pcs of 7 inches screen protectors to you. if you need.
Any other inquiry, please don’t be hesitate to contact me.
I’m of your good service all the time.
Have a great year!
best regards
Bella