Tips for purchasing smart strings

[kjam22]

Ok, I decided to add smart strings to my display.  I just finished my ether dongle and I want to order some nodes from ray.  Any tips on ordering?  I looked all over and couldn't find anything helpful but I remember seeing a thread last year that talked about placing an order then emailing to get a revised price / shipping discount.......

[dpitts]

Try this thread. You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[peteandvanessa]

What I did, was to Email Ray and tell him how many and which LED strips I wanted. He then gave me a discount on the strings and shipping for that higher volume. He can then upload an invoice for the order.
The order then got shipped to me and after I was happy with the product he shipped, I paid the invoice.

If they are LED Flexible strips, get some extra end caps for both the input to the strip and end caps for the strips (needed if you are cutting up the strips into shorter lengths. And also order some waterproof connectors (pigtails go between the input to the flex strips and the smart string controller).

[rwave]

How big an order do you need to place to get a discount?  And how much does Ray discount for a given order size?

Richard (from SoCal)   

[Mike Hill]

Richard,

If you don't meet the minimum amount for discount let me know.  I would like to pick up a few more sets of the flex strips.  I travel to So CA often and can arrange for pickup.  I will pay you by paypal prior to your order placement too.  Just an offer if you need it.

Mike H

[kjam22]

If there any plan for a "coop" on smart strings to drive the price down?  Especially if we could order enough to get a good break in shippig

[peteandvanessa]

How big an order do you need to place to get a discount?  And how much does Ray discount for a given order size?

Richard (from SoCal)   

Not sure how big a discount for different numbers of Flexstrips, I can only comment on my order.

I ordered 15 Flexible LED strips here:
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Looking at his site now, the cost including shipping for 15 is $72.76 (each) = $1091.40

My invoice back in Jan 2012 was $57.62 (each) which included shipping = $864.24

Savings were therefore $227.16

[rwave]

@Pete
That is a substantial saving . . . about 20%.  THANKS for the info.

@Mike
My problem is I have just received hardware from my first coop . . . a few etherDongles.  I have no hub or SSC.  My understanding is you can escrow your PayPal payment with Ray up to 30 days to check out what you received.  I currently have no way to test smart strings; thus, It will probably be a while before I can order.  BTW, if you ever have some time on a SoCal visit, I would love to meet you (and anyone else).  This whole holiday lighting thing is new to me and would love to chat with those who know more.

Also, an early post by me was edited by RJ when I suggested a group buy from Ray.  There seems to be some history/philosophy which I don't fully understand, but I don't relish another PM from RJ.   

Richard (from SoCal)   

[dpitts]

You could get one of Rays controllers to test strings.
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[rwave]

You could get one of Rays controllers to test strings.
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

I considered this controller, but decided against it for the simple reason that since the most expensive part of this hobby is Ray's lights (DIYers, by definition, don't value their time . . . right?), it must work with RJ's equipment regardless of whether or not it works with Ray's.

Besides, I feel lucky (bought me Mega Millions lottery tickets) and am hopeful to get into the hub and SSC coops.  If not, more time to make bread!

Richard (from SoCal)   

[kjam22]

Sorry you wasted your money one the tickets, the lady at the store said I had the winning numbers

[rwave]

Sorry you wasted your money one the tickets, the lady at the store said I had the winning numbers

Since we BOTH could have the winning numbers, I have no regrets.  GOOD LUCK!   

Richard (from SoCal)