Photographer
129 Imaging
Posts: 438
Jacksonville, Florida, US
SayCheeZ! wrote:
Many people here have stated how much they love their AB's. Yeah, I get that.
I'm just trying to figure out how and why the units consistently sell for about the same price as a brand new unit directly from the company.
Yes, I know "auction fever" can come into play. I understand that it may be cheaper to have a private person ship it outside of the continental USA. In reality, those may be contributing factors, but unlikely to be a factor in a majority of cases.
For the people that just want to come here and say nothing more than "I love my AB's", thanks, but that's not really what this thread is about. I'm really interested in finding out why people are paying so much for them... so now I'll pose other more specific questions to help find the answer to my original post.
IF YOU PURCHASED USED (or "preowned"), AND PAID CLOSE TO RETAIL (within 10% of the price of a new unit):
Why did you purchase them at the price? Did you feel that the need to save $25 or so outweighed the need for a brand new, shiny object with a full warranty?
Was it because it was available from someone close to your location and can get them immediately? Were they out of stock at PCB? Or was it another reason?
Tnx! My main point was not that I love them but that it has been this way for yrs. The love of the product and company is part of the ans though. Look at Apple, why are they able to get so much? Like someone else said compared to what most strobes cost the ebay prices are still a deal to the buyer. I think they know what the price is cuz I dont remember seeing anything go for more than the PCB price but they will get right up to it (maybee the thrill of winning is a bonus for em.) The reputation of the product, as time has shown, makes people pay, even on ebay, thats all I have to say, have a great day. 
Photographer
JC Dalman
Posts: 94
Ventura, California, US
O I love them bees. Been using it for years now I replace them with einstein. And I love them even more. And I sold my old Bees just knocking off $40 after years of used and in pristine condition they hold their value alright.
Photographer
redbanana
Posts: 779
Lexington, Kentucky, US
I discovered this issue when I went to pick up a coupe used AB and discovered how much used went for. I didn't waste time buying 2 year old units for $30 cheaper than new. Needless to say I bought brand new ones and ended up saving money as they discount the more you buy.
Photographer
Chris Addams
Posts: 1242
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, US
After 5 years, I've had three of my four AB1600s die on me due to some serious abuse. $40 a piece, and they're all repaired.
Just get them fixed. PCB has great service!
Photographer
Fialkowski Photography
Posts: 54
Meridian, Idaho, US
I picked up my 1600's for about 80% of retail via eBay. The only reason I got them that cheap was the auction ended during the Super Bowl. Not as much competition.
Photographer
BEHOLDER Art
Posts: 103
Monroe, Louisiana, US
I love my Alien Bees.... now i just need to get the new mini power pack!
Photographer
Robb Mann
Posts: 12327
Baltimore, Maryland, US
Chris Addams wrote:
Just get them fixed. PCB has great service! PCB needs great service to stay in business! Personally I'd rather buy something that never needs to go in the shop vs something that will break often but has a good warranty.
Photographer
rey sison photography
Posts: 1805
Los Angeles, California, US
Ebay is like poker. Some people just don't know when to fold.
Photographer
Bill Tracy Photography
Posts: 2322
Montague, New Jersey, US
Robb Mann wrote:
PCB needs great service to stay in business! Personally I'd rather buy something that never needs to go in the shop vs something that will break often but has a good warranty. I've had mine for nearly 10 years - on and off location, dropped dozens of times - and no problems yet (knocks on wood desk).
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Bill Tracy Photography wrote:
I've had mine for nearly 10 years - on and off location, dropped dozens of times - and no problems yet (knocks on wood desk). I have several speedotron packs that were used commercially in a high voulme multiple photographer studio for over two decades without an issue. I am %100 positive ABs could not handle the same workload in the same environment. The real issue is are they good enough for you and not if they are professional grade (they are not).
Photographer
A-M-P
Posts: 18465
Orlando, Florida, US
Photographer
JMHSPhoto
Posts: 412
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
AJScalzitti wrote:
I have several speedotron packs that were used commercially in a high voulme multiple photographer studio for over two decades without an issue. I am %100 positive ABs could not handle the same workload in the same environment. The real issue is are they good enough for you and not if they are professional grade (they are not). Horse Pucks.
From Elinchrom packs to ProFoto packs and heads, I've been through $18,000 in lighting (and rented others) in the last 15 years. To try and let on these units are any more 'professional' than the AB units or E640's is laughable.
I've had all makes of these units go tits up on me at some point in time, it's one thing or another. With an E640, I get all the flexibility needed in the field or in studio I could ever want and not have a 5 or 6 thousand dollars tied up in gear.
I had an Elinchrom unit sent out with socket issues. Dam near $1,100.00 not including shipping to repair it. You probably can show me these units that have been running problem free for that long. And I can show you all those makes with the horror stories, and repair bills to prove it.
With well over 15,000 - 30,000 exposures on the E640 units, only a modeling lamp needed to be replaced. AND.. I have the added bonus of being able to adjust my lights in a visual manner via PCB CyberCommander without tripping over wires. I couldn't do that for 6 grand of wires, heads, sockets and huge repair bills. I also get the MINI Vagbond units that can be used for just about anything as another added perk to buying into this completely flexible system.
My point is this. If your banging away at the quality or the usability OR the functionality of the PCB units, your barking up the wrong tree and clearly have not used any of these units personally. I've been shooting in house since 1980 and have not had better equipment for the buck (and even that notwithstanding) in all those years.
Photographer
Adam Chilson
Posts: 350
Hesperia, California, US
ABs are not high performance, primo photography gear. However, you can beat the crap out of them, use them forever, and take them places you'd be afraid to risk your expensive gear. If you do happen to break them, repairs are easy and inexpensive. It's like that beater pickup truck or car that never dies. Even if you don't use it every day, you keep it around just in case. I'd imagine that's why resale value holds where it is.
Photographer
PTPhotoUT
Posts: 1961
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
I think as soon as my PCB coffee can White Lightenings wear out, I'll replace them with Alien Bees.
Photographer
Jay Leavitt
Posts: 6745
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
PTPhotoUT wrote:
I think as soon as my PCB coffee can White Lightenings wear out, I'll replace them with Alien Bees. +1
Though I hope they come out with a bee version of the x3200. I'd love a newer 1320ws / 340ws strobe.
Photographer
Per R
Posts: 161
Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
AlienBees cost a lot more in Europe than in the US. My guess is people make a small profit buying from the US store and selling on ebay with shipping to Europe.
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