I like www.lightingdirect.com especially because of the free shipping and no sales tax, at least for me in Texas. They carry a lot of brands and collections, and their customer service is top notch.
I have also been pleased with lamps from Pier1. I custom ordered some very pricey ceiling fixtures from Home Depot. Never again. There was nothing wrong with the products; it's their poor customer service which keeps me from ordering more.This message has been edited. Last edited by: aychihuahua,
I prefer to shop for lamps locally. That way I can see them in person (scale, weight, coloration, etc.), gain expert advice if needed, and it's easier to return if necessary. Of course, one can research lamp styles/brands on line and take that info w/ them to local lighting places as some can order (learn their return police and if there's a restocking fee tho) or may even have the model in stock. If you find a good price on a lamp you love, print out the sheet w/ pricing info and take it w/ you to local dealers. Some are willing to meet or beat the Web deals.
Posts: 16738 | Location: Right here, duh! ;) | Registered: Nov 03, 2005
Of course, one can research lamp styles/brands on line and take that info w/ them to local lighting places as some can order (learn their return police and if there's a restocking fee tho) or may even have the model in stock.
I've done the opposite, with excellent results. The local lighting store we have in our small city charges considerably more for their lighting than the same items online. (This is understandable as they have a high overhead and are not volume buyers. Most items must be custom-ordered, as it is.)
For instance, when remodeling my home several years ago, I custom-ordered several pricey fixtures from Minka-Lavery after seeing the items in the showroom. Boy, was I chagrined to find out I could get the same M-L fixtures at 15-20% cheaper, with no shipping fees and no sales tax, by shopping online through lightingdirect.
So, that's what I do: I shop my local lighting store and buy online. (They have been unwilling to meet the online prices; their loss, my gain.)
www.lightingdirect.com is my go-to source. We also like their sister company www.faucetsdirect.com Because of the volume we buy from them, they give us an additional percentage off on most items. I can't buy them wholesale any cheaper. We've been using them for years and have had fantastic service.
If you are searching for a specific item and it's not on their website, that doesn't mean they can't get it for you. Occasionally a client will find something in a magazine and my salesman from Lighting Direct always manages to locate it for me.
aychihuahua, you make a valid point tho it's not been my personal experience...in fact, quite the opposite. Bottom line is that pays to do your research both locally and on line to find the best deal.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,
Posts: 16738 | Location: Right here, duh! ;) | Registered: Nov 03, 2005
I find the best place to check first is used/resale stores (like Salvation Army). You can find unusual things and some that just need a little work to be quite nice. And the price can't be beat.
Posts: 5972 | Location: North MN & Northern AR | Registered: Oct 01, 2002
Originally posted by Froo Froo: aychihuahua, you make a valid point tho it's not been my personal experience...in fact, quite the opposite. Bottom line is that pays to do your research both locally and on line to find the best deal.
Yep. Due diligence is what's it's all about, especially if you are a cheapskate like me.
I take very seriously the old adage: "Never pay retail."This message has been edited. Last edited by: aychihuahua,
I have had good results using local dealers. In fact, I replaced every overhead fixture in my house, except the kitchen, for about the same price as I would have at HD or Lowes. They helped me find the style I wanted and then helped me find the affordable knock-off. I'm sure they'd do the with lamps.
It has been my experience that online lighting (plumbing, hardware, etc) sources are always less expensive than local retailers, even the box stores. When I have taken quotes from an online source to a retail store, they are never able to match the price. Not paying sales tax is a plus too. My two favorites are www.lightingdirect.com and www.lightinguniverse.com
One of my favorite sites for lighting inspiration is here altho I've never purchased from them as I seldom shop online.
My favorite source for lamps is in second hand venues (yard sales, thrift stores, antique shops) and my sources for installed fixtures are local lighting stores and big box stores when they have sales, which they always do.
Lucky
"I have always had an aversion to the concepts of in style and out of style." ~Rose Tarlow
I am a chandelier gal and have purchased a few beautiful ones at gallery84.com. Their customer service is very responsive and speaks English, though I believe the products I purchased are imported. Be prepared to put together the lights with little direction other than a few pictures with arrows. I am female and by no means an electrician, but figured it out without assistance. And their prices make that worth it more than you can imagine.
I find the best place to check first is used/resale stores (like Salvation Army).
This is also how I have acquired most of my lamps. Although I do have one ceiling fixture from Home Depot and my kitchen ceiling lights are from Renovation Hardware.
I have also received lamps as gifts, bought them at yard sales. My d.r. chandelier is from a junk shop and I painted the lampshades to match my china.
Sources of lighting really depend mostly on one's decorating style. The rather random way of acquiring things some of us prefer might not work in really elegant or really contemporary homes.
We ordered appliances, lights, plumbing and other items online when we undertook a major remodeling of our home back in 2007.
Lighting Direct is my go-to lighting source. Online shopping is easy: free shipping, excellent customer service and well-stocked withall major brands. It's true about competitive pricing with big box and local showrooms. Many times I will check out the fixture in person and then order online.
