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frankie5aces New user Nowhere 77 Posts |
So.. Let's just say I wanted to get some linking rings. Classic trick. Simple materials... and online shops are charging anywhere from 30 to 100 dollars for a set.
Knowing what I know about manufacturing, I'm seeing a ridiculous mark up here. And as much as I would like to support my local shop. I have mouths to feed and can't find the heart to hand an extra 50 bucks over the counter for the sake of supporting the industry. I'm seeing some props online from China and Indonesia and the like for a fraction of the price . Anyone done this before? Successful steals? Horror stories? |
Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
Frankie5aces, you do get what you pay for when it comes to magic. Early on when I returned to magic, I purchased at least a dozen or so Indian versions of the classics...Silk Cabby, Squared Circle, Cups and Balls etc. The quality was awful...poor finishes, bad glue jobs, ill-fitting wood joints...the list goes on...but I kept getting seduced by the savings, thinking the next purchase would be the one where I "got one over on the man." I've learned my lesson and now save to invest in effects that will last.
I'm not saying that there isn't over-priced magic out there, or bad buys...there are many. But if you do your online research regarding feedback and reviews before buying (including coming here to The Café), you'll usually find that paying more for a better made effect will sting a little in the beginning, but make you feel a lot better in the end.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
And when you perform with a set of Owen's 12-inch rings, you'll never buy another set! There ARE reasons you pay a bit more.
Doug |
Ihop Inner circle Glen Spey, NY 1604 Posts |
I was also seduced by the prices for products from China.
I bought a few and was disappointed each time. I learned my lesson.
Ihor
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RobDougherty New user 89 Posts |
I'm definitely in the "you get what you pay for" state of mind also. I've only ever bought one "bargain price" item for use with magic and was disappointed with the product. I'd say it's better to wait and save and get quality whilst working on cheaper effects (cards and coins won't break the bank) than buy the cheaper versions of good props. Also don't forget to look on ebay etc as you'll often find the more expensive items for a fraction of the price second-hand.
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Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
Or, after a few more posts frankie5aces, you'll be able to access the sale section here on the Café (you need 50 posts). I've found many a bargain here from trusted sellers, who know quality.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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gomerel Elite user 458 Posts |
I always try to buy American, not because I think our stuff is necessarily better but to support our economy. I do not have the money to buy expensive things of any kind. My magic is mostly for grand kids, etc. not to make money. I can't write anything off.
You get what you pay for is a great rule of thumb in life but it is NOT always true. Sometimes you are paying extra for a name. At the grocery or drug store, do you always buy the expensive, name brand stuff? I don't. |
Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
Yes. So true gomerel, and that is why I am encouraging folks to do their own research regarding purchasing an effect before they buy.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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zoescout New user Washington 48 Posts |
I purchase a few things from China and they were clearly copies. Not only is that not fair to the magicians and companies that create these wonderful tricks, but the quality and useability on the items I purchased was very very poor. Really almost none of it was useable. I would never purchase again. Instead I will just do my research and save up to purchase only quality items.
Check out the forums here, many reviews on products so you can make smart purchases. |
allabtkrish New user 2 Posts |
I was about to buy some cheap stuff. Thanks to this thread for the alert.
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Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
Smart move allabtrkrish. The situation hasn't improved unfortunately.
You can always ask folks here about particular dealers, makers, and obviously effects, and you'll always get more answers than you need to make an informed decision. There are a ton of threads on the Café that are geared toward buyers.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
I like to buy from people I know. Mike Rubinstein, Meir Yedid, Rungs N Things, etc. and Penguin! Randi Rain, Michael Baker, in fact, scroll down to see his The Crystal Prison of Serica:
http://www.themagiccompany.com/cat_main.html Now, tell me...still want stuff from China? LOL! Doug |
Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
Don't be discouraged about the SOLD OUT stuff. He is making more! Look at the stuff! There are great things for a new magician!
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