Wackfunky
10/16/2006, 08:02 PM
Those sneaky bass turds are at it again with name changes and new companies.
I took a chance on a "New 2007 Model" Odyssea 20" MH. I exhaustively read all of the threads, looked at the pictures of melted capacitors, heard about the endless run-arounds and name changes of Aquatraders and said "I got ta get me one of those!
In actuality I found one on eBay thinking that I was avoiding Aquatraders. I noticed that it was a 20" 250w with dual 24w PC. It also claimed to be a new "2007 Model". I went to the Aquatraders web site to compare and they didn't have anything but the 175 in that size, with 18w PCs. So I enquired to this "other" eBay company named Hombby. They were quick to reply. I asked if it was truly 250 and not 175 or 150. I also inquired about the fire prone ballast and the warranty. The response was, "guaranteed 250w.... new electronic ballast.... multi cords for each component....30 day retailer and one year ballast warranty by the manufacturer". I decided to give it a try. It was $169.00 shipped.
After I sent the pay pal, I noticed the name of the person that the payment went to and the location. Elvis Mak in San Francisco, CA.
A chill ran down my spine. Hadn't I read a few postings that mentioned the name Elvis at Aquatraders? After a quick search I came across this:
still waiting.. old elvis at aquatraders billed me for a set of lights a week ago and it was supposed to be shipped out the following day.. I called and everyone is right the lady that answers the phone IS clueless.... she told me to talk to elvis later when he got in.. from donald altman in the thread:
Anyone using these lights?
I know that I have seen that name in other postings about Aquatraders. Coincidence? I think not. How many Elvises do you think are selling odyssea fixtures in CA?
Well I have no personal opinion of Elvis yet as he has been very prompt with communication with me so far. If the lights arrive in the next couple of days in one piece, I won't be complaining. As far as odyssea, sure they are cheap but if the ballast is truly upgraded to an electronic 250w, I'll be stoked. Now don't get me wrong, I'm no idiot, I'll still probably build a small fire box out of bricks around the ballast box and put an extra fan on it at all times, run the lights mostly when I will be home.
So as I think about this situation I say kudos to you Mr. Elvis (if that truly is your name). Way to grab the American dream by the bowls by staying one step ahead of customs, the better business bureau, the humane society, any law suit or liability, 1000's of customers, remorse, your own conscience, probably IRS and lets be real, most likely immigration! Kudos to you sir! I am more than happy that my purchase can help a thriving entrepreneur such as Elvis keep the dream alive.
And for all of you who would flame anyone who doesn't by only American, well as many have said before me, "Which is better, buying a product manufactured in America for a foreign company or subsidiary or buying a product made in a foreign country for an American company. I hate to be a cynic but I have a box of Made in America stickers that I could put on just about any product and take advantage of a patriotic consumer. At least when someone buys an odyssea they aren’t trying to full themselves about where it was made!
Bottom line: eBay’s Hombby = Aquatraders? You decide.
Cheers
I took a chance on a "New 2007 Model" Odyssea 20" MH. I exhaustively read all of the threads, looked at the pictures of melted capacitors, heard about the endless run-arounds and name changes of Aquatraders and said "I got ta get me one of those!
In actuality I found one on eBay thinking that I was avoiding Aquatraders. I noticed that it was a 20" 250w with dual 24w PC. It also claimed to be a new "2007 Model". I went to the Aquatraders web site to compare and they didn't have anything but the 175 in that size, with 18w PCs. So I enquired to this "other" eBay company named Hombby. They were quick to reply. I asked if it was truly 250 and not 175 or 150. I also inquired about the fire prone ballast and the warranty. The response was, "guaranteed 250w.... new electronic ballast.... multi cords for each component....30 day retailer and one year ballast warranty by the manufacturer". I decided to give it a try. It was $169.00 shipped.
After I sent the pay pal, I noticed the name of the person that the payment went to and the location. Elvis Mak in San Francisco, CA.
A chill ran down my spine. Hadn't I read a few postings that mentioned the name Elvis at Aquatraders? After a quick search I came across this:
still waiting.. old elvis at aquatraders billed me for a set of lights a week ago and it was supposed to be shipped out the following day.. I called and everyone is right the lady that answers the phone IS clueless.... she told me to talk to elvis later when he got in.. from donald altman in the thread:
Anyone using these lights?
I know that I have seen that name in other postings about Aquatraders. Coincidence? I think not. How many Elvises do you think are selling odyssea fixtures in CA?
Well I have no personal opinion of Elvis yet as he has been very prompt with communication with me so far. If the lights arrive in the next couple of days in one piece, I won't be complaining. As far as odyssea, sure they are cheap but if the ballast is truly upgraded to an electronic 250w, I'll be stoked. Now don't get me wrong, I'm no idiot, I'll still probably build a small fire box out of bricks around the ballast box and put an extra fan on it at all times, run the lights mostly when I will be home.
So as I think about this situation I say kudos to you Mr. Elvis (if that truly is your name). Way to grab the American dream by the bowls by staying one step ahead of customs, the better business bureau, the humane society, any law suit or liability, 1000's of customers, remorse, your own conscience, probably IRS and lets be real, most likely immigration! Kudos to you sir! I am more than happy that my purchase can help a thriving entrepreneur such as Elvis keep the dream alive.
And for all of you who would flame anyone who doesn't by only American, well as many have said before me, "Which is better, buying a product manufactured in America for a foreign company or subsidiary or buying a product made in a foreign country for an American company. I hate to be a cynic but I have a box of Made in America stickers that I could put on just about any product and take advantage of a patriotic consumer. At least when someone buys an odyssea they aren’t trying to full themselves about where it was made!
Bottom line: eBay’s Hombby = Aquatraders? You decide.
Cheers