Names Chinese retailers choose.
Who's the "greatest" retailer in the world? (Profit margins, efficiency, market share, control over their suppliers etc.) Who's business model is dissected and analyzed by every marketing MBA course in North America, maybe the world?
Walmart
So if I'm a new Chinese start up, hoping for strong US sales volumes, what company name might break through the clutter and get people's attention?
Wal... (maybe wall+buys?)
Mart... (maybe Tmart)
Just a thought...
(I'm sure you'd see "Apple" in some of the Chinese storefront names if Apple hadn't registered it up the ying yang world wide.)
Not to defend wallbuys in particular, but we're buying in a wild west kind of market here. Eventually competition and consolidation will weed out many of the players, and we'll be left with better communication, better customer service, and HIGHER PRICES.
My attitude is take your chances now and enjoy the game. If we want a better customer experience we already know where to get it...
Illumination Supply
Outdoor Store
MD-Lightsource
Lighthound
Doing Outdoor
Going Gear etc. etc. (I'm sure I've left out a bunch)
Maybe I'm weird, but I actually enjoy the process of purchasing budget lights!
When will it get here?
What shape will it be in?
Boy I think I got a great deal!
What a cool light!
Explaining to my wife why it was CRITICAL to have this light (develop your creative negotiating skills)
Wow I forgot I even ordered that! (Pleasant surprise)
The one "budget" company that really impresses the hell out of me at the moment is Fasttech. Great pricing, responsive customer service, truly fast shipping, good process for dealing with issues post delivery, clear and easily navigated website...
Seems like everyone's waiting for them to slip up? (Skyray King clone, soggy batteries,??)
BTW I did buy their black Skyray King.
Is it as bright as my "true" King (whatever the hell that is)?
No.
Is it a great light for what I paid?
Absolutely!
Will I continue to take chances with these Chinese start-ups? (Aura Buy seems like the latest one.) Yes!
The suspense of the process is just too much fun to pass up :)