Author Topic: Franky's sales thread  (Read 274333 times)

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Offline iloveelectronicsTopic starter

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Franky's sales thread
« on: June 09, 2014, 04:05:27 pm »
My other UT61E thread has recently started going off topic (as I ended my UT61E sale) and as many of you know me as a seller anyway, I thought it was about time I set up a separate thread for all the stuff that I sell from time to time, so people can post questions and etc. all in one place. I'm not sure if this is going to work very well (may get very disorganised) but we will see how this goes.

First off, a link to my eBay store :) http://stores.ebay.com/99centHobbies

I will soon be "rebranding" as http://www.franky.com to make it easier for everyone to remember the URL, as well as opening up possibilities to sell through other channels besides eBay. The URL works now but at the moment there's nothing more than a link to my eBay store.

I will recap some of the off topic questions and answers from the UT61E thread below in the next post.
My email address: franky @ 99centHobbies . com
My eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies
 

Offline iloveelectronicsTopic starter

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #1 on: June 09, 2014, 04:06:11 pm »
Thanks, I've bought many alligator clips from many places to only find flimsy construction or obnoxious design; I don't mind paying a bit more for good quality clips. I'm looking for two different types, a set of closed type (where the entire jaws are covered by a boot) and an larger open type, where the jaws are open all the way to the pivot point.

My personal favourite are these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=171220194350
They just feel very well made in terms of quality. The spring is not very strong, but it's just the right springiness for me. The only one thing is that they don't have a lot of teeth near the front so depending on what you're trying to grip onto sometimes they may not be the best solution.

I also like these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=201061867934
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=171281675000
I know some people don't like the boots which could slide around sometimes when you try to open the jaws, but it's not a big issue for me. The copper materials used on them are very solid. The springs are also not overly strong.

For use in higher power situations you could try these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200877470970
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200903199217
Both of these have very strong springs. You don't want to clip them onto your fingers!

And I must also mention these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=171302315753
These Brymen made clips are of really good quality! If you're looking for something to attach to multimeter probe tips these would be the ones I recommend.


================================

iloveelectronics, do you have sources for 230V FX-888D's (or maybe it's a problem because it's a Japanese company)?

Yes, I do have a few sources for genuine Hakko products. They are 220V rated instead of 230V though, as that's the voltage for China and Hong Kong, and they come with the Chinese style mains plug (very similar to the Aussie one).


================================

That should not be an issue using them in Europe though, right? Any information about the prices perhaps?

Yes, I think 220V rated devices should generally work fine in 230V countries. In terms of pricing it would be around $94 before shipping, and shipping (air parcel) would be roughly between $40-60 depending on location. You will probably find much cheaper ones on Aliexpress, etc. but I'm guess many of those would be fakes/clones.

================================

Thanks for the info! I'm pondering if I should order one internationally.

Why aren't you selling these on eBay, BTW? There seem to be a demand for ~230V/50Hz versions, and you have good rep, so it might work despite AliExpress and the US-based sellers of the 120V version.

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that the authentic Chinese version is still somewhat different from the EU versions (maybe to reduce costs?). I don't remember where I saw it, though. At least, there seems to be a potential distinction on the power PCB between 220V and 230V (there's 220V, 100/230V, and 110/120/240V?!), but I can't see why 220-240V would be different versions, assuming they're all 50Hz, which is the case in China.

I wouldn't be surprised if the authentic Chinese version is different from the EU version as China is an extremely price sensitive market so they would probably have to do something to reduce the price in order to stay competitive with all the other locally made products. Main reason I have not started selling these, and other bigger and more expensive equipment, is the size/space and the actual effort it takes to package and ship these things. I know there are sellers who sell things they don't even stock and only order or drop ship when an order comes in, but I don't approve that sort of operations myself. There's also the concern of potential problems that could come up. Returns and repairs etc would be difficult to deal with for these heavy items, especially when I only act as a reseller instead of an official distributor.

Having said that, I have privately sourced heavy equipment including power supplies, electronic DC loads, scopes, rework stations, etc. for many of my customers. I have in fact also going to start selling a new Yihua 2-in-1 rework station: http://www.yihua-gz.com/Products_detail.asp?id=460&sortid=271 More details to follow in a future post.
My email address: franky @ 99centHobbies . com
My eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies
 

Offline zapta

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #2 on: June 09, 2014, 04:09:56 pm »
Hi Franky, looked at your store the other day. You have a list of your products that fit this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silicone-Test-Leads-Right-Angled-and-Straight-Shrouded-Banana-Plugs-1-Pair-/170985687131
 

Offline iloveelectronicsTopic starter

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2014, 04:25:21 pm »
Hi Franky, looked at your store the other day. You have a list of your products that fit this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silicone-Test-Leads-Right-Angled-and-Straight-Shrouded-Banana-Plugs-1-Pair-/170985687131

I was hoping I would get questions that I could answer in a line or 2  ;D

Probes:
Test Probes Stainless Steel Tip  - http://www.ebay.com/itm/170997180341
Test Probes Sharp 1mm Stainless Steel Tip - http://www.ebay.com/itm/200901433108
Test Probes Extra Thin and Sharp 0.7mm Stainless Steel Tip - http://www.ebay.com/itm/200922717139
Test Probes with Removable Insulation Caps - http://www.ebay.com/itm/171093306576
Test Probes Sharp Tip with Long Insulation Sleeve - http://www.ebay.com/itm/201001709192
Test Probes with Banana Plug Style Tip - http://www.ebay.com/itm/200899650831

Crocodile/Alligator clips:
56mm Crocodile/Alligator Clips for Shrouded Banana Plugs - http://www.ebay.com/itm/171220194350
10A Rated Copper Crocodile/Alligator Clips - http://www.ebay.com/itm/200877470970
10A Rated 4mm Banana Plug Crocodile/Alligator Clips - http://www.ebay.com/itm/170991550361

Other connectors:
4mm Shrouded to Unshrouded Banana Plug Converters - http://www.ebay.com/itm/200904597758
7.2mm Spade Connectors Fork Terminals - http://www.ebay.com/itm/201036308297
4mm Spade Connectors / Fork Terminals - http://www.ebay.com/itm/200987760101
Female to Female Banana Connectors for Leads Extension - http://www.ebay.com/itm/200903221008 (**This may either not fit or be an extremely tight fit on the shrouded banana plugs!)
Silicone Test Leads with Sprung Hooks and Female Banana Connectors - http://www.ebay.com/itm/200906287163

I hope I didn't miss anything...

[EDIT] - I did miss one, the last item on this list now added.
« Last Edit: June 09, 2014, 05:10:49 pm by iloveelectronics »
My email address: franky @ 99centHobbies . com
My eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies
 

Offline zapta

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #4 on: June 09, 2014, 05:06:13 pm »
Thanks Franky. This is very useful.

Edit: just placed an order for a pair test leads and and a few oattachments.
« Last Edit: June 10, 2014, 01:49:28 am by zapta »
 

Offline Monkeh

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2014, 11:56:54 pm »
Having said that, I have privately sourced heavy equipment including power supplies, electronic DC loads, scopes, rework stations, etc. for many of my customers. I have in fact also going to start selling a new Yihua 2-in-1 rework station: http://www.yihua-gz.com/Products_detail.asp?id=460&sortid=271 More details to follow in a future post.

It'll be very interesting to see how well built those are and how they perform.
 

Offline Dave

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #6 on: June 10, 2014, 01:51:19 am »
What I would like to see in your store: These, but in green and yellow.
Possible? :D
<fellbuendel> it's arduino, you're not supposed to know anything about what you're doing
<fellbuendel> if you knew, you wouldn't be using it
 

Offline iloveelectronicsTopic starter

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #7 on: June 10, 2014, 02:21:33 am »
What I would like to see in your store: These, but in green and yellow.
Possible? :D

Yes, possible. Many of these leads I sell in my store can actually be customised to your specifications - different lengths, colours (red/black/yellow/green/blue), gauge sizes, connectors, etc. I don't assemble them myself but my supplier does at their factory, and they will do it for me with no minimum order requirements. The only thing though is that as I don't stock every single possible combination of these a customised order would not be available for immediate shipping and may take up to a week before it's ready. It may cost slightly more too than the usual stocked items.
My email address: franky @ 99centHobbies . com
My eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies
 

Offline lpc32

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #8 on: June 10, 2014, 06:11:56 pm »
Main reason I have not started selling these, and other bigger and more expensive equipment, is the size/space and the actual effort it takes to package and ship these things. ... There's also the concern of potential problems that could come up. Returns and repairs etc would be difficult to deal with for these heavy items, especially when I only act as a reseller instead of an official distributor.
I suppose that makes sense.

Quote
I have in fact also going to start selling a new Yihua 2-in-1 rework station: http://www.yihua-gz.com/Products_detail.asp?id=460&sortid=271 More details to follow in a future post.
Your impressions will be interesting.


 

Offline iloveelectronicsTopic starter

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #9 on: June 11, 2014, 02:16:37 am »
Quote
I have in fact also going to start selling a new Yihua 2-in-1 rework station: http://www.yihua-gz.com/Products_detail.asp?id=460&sortid=271 More details to follow in a future post.
Your impressions will be interesting.

I'll post some pictures later this week, both outside and inside.
My email address: franky @ 99centHobbies . com
My eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies
 

Offline hammy

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #10 on: June 11, 2014, 08:55:02 am »
Hi Franky!

I have in fact also going to start selling a new Yihua 2-in-1 rework station: http://www.yihua-gz.com/Products_detail.asp?id=460&sortid=271 More details to follow in a future post.

interesting, especially for small workbenches.  ;)
What type of soldering tips are available for this soldering iron? It would be great if you also sell a matching set of these in your shop. (1x round, 2 sizes chisel, 2 sizes round sloped, 1x conical, 1x SMD)

You have a nice shop with interesting items!  :-+

Cheers
hammy
 

Offline con-f-use

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #11 on: June 11, 2014, 01:31:39 pm »
Having said that, I have privately sourced heavy equipment including power supplies, electronic DC loads, scopes, rework stations, etc. for many of my customers. I have in fact also going to start selling a new Yihua 2-in-1 rework station: http://www.yihua-gz.com/Products_detail.asp?id=460&sortid=271 More details to follow in a future post.

Shame that there's no desoldering iron/gun for it. I could use a small, decent hot air + desoldering solution.
 

Offline kripton2035

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #12 on: June 11, 2014, 01:59:13 pm »
can you sell the yihua 853AA station ? if yes at what price, with shipping to europe ? thanks.
 

Offline HackedFridgeMagnet

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #13 on: June 11, 2014, 02:18:19 pm »
was it hard to get franky.com?
 

Offline iloveelectronicsTopic starter

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #14 on: June 11, 2014, 03:53:11 pm »
can you sell the yihua 853AA station ? if yes at what price, with shipping to europe ? thanks.

I can get the older 853A (no hot air gun) but the 853AA is a newer product and there will be minimum order requirements so it doesn't look like I can custom order only one unfortunately.
My email address: franky @ 99centHobbies . com
My eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies
 

Offline iloveelectronicsTopic starter

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #15 on: June 11, 2014, 03:55:06 pm »
was it hard to get franky.com?

I wouldn't say it's "hard", but it cost me a fortunate. I got it through an auction many years ago.
My email address: franky @ 99centHobbies . com
My eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies
 

Offline SeanB

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #16 on: June 11, 2014, 05:17:04 pm »
I also got my name somain years ago, when the registry opened. Has nothing there other than a mail service, but it is registered to me via a ISP contact. Nice is that is is currently a free to register TLD.
 

Offline iloveelectronicsTopic starter

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Re: Franky's sales thread - CEM DT-337 clamp meter
« Reply #17 on: June 12, 2014, 01:13:39 pm »
This is a customer returned CEM DT-337 clamp meter I just received yesterday. It was reported as not working in the current ranges. I test all these meters I sell before shipping so I was rather puzzled why it didn't work. When I got it back yesterday I immediately tested it and indeed it didn't work. Didn't bother sending it back to the supplier as I was guessing that it had to be something simple like a loose connection or something during the air journey. I opened it up and surely enough I saw the loose flat flex cable connecting the sensors in the clamp to the PCB.

Here are a couple of internal pictures showing the loose flat flex cable (click for larger image):



And here are a couple of pictures showing a 1.0A DC measurement using a cheap PSU and a simple DC load set to draw 1A. The DMM used is a Brymen BM-521:



Here's my original eBay listing for this clamp meter (currently out of stock): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=201047070957

Martin did a review of this meter a while ago:


First $45 takes it. Worldwide shipping with tracking included. Package includes all original accessories as shown in the eBay listing. Assume no warranty.

Cheers,
Franky

My email address: franky @ 99centHobbies . com
My eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies
 

Offline HackedFridgeMagnet

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #18 on: June 12, 2014, 03:13:46 pm »
I'll take it if you haven't sold it yet. I'll PM you.
 

Offline xquercus

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Re: Franky's sales thread - CEM DT-337 clamp meter
« Reply #19 on: June 12, 2014, 05:14:49 pm »
This is a customer returned CEM DT-337 clamp meter I just received yesterday.

Franky, do you mind me asking how you handle overseas customer returns?  Is it complicated or expensive to handle returns from customers in the US? 

From a buyer's perspective, the HK ePacket system is just magic.  I live at least 2 days away (shipping-wise) from the closest city where overseas mail is received and I still receive your shipments in about 7 days.  It's truly amazing.
 

Offline iloveelectronicsTopic starter

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Re: Franky's sales thread - CEM DT-337 clamp meter
« Reply #20 on: June 12, 2014, 05:31:18 pm »
Franky, do you mind me asking how you handle overseas customer returns?  Is it complicated or expensive to handle returns from customers in the US? 

From a buyer's perspective, the HK ePacket system is just magic.  I live at least 2 days away (shipping-wise) from the closest city where overseas mail is received and I still receive your shipments in about 7 days.  It's truly amazing.

Any return would mostly mean a loss for me as I will either have to send the customer a new item as replacement, which means more shipping costs, or issue a full refund, which means lost shipping costs in the original shipment. The customer would of course have to spend a bit extra for the return shipment to me as well. If it's a T&M device of some sort (instead of other stuff like test leads etc) I will then decide whether to send the item back to the manufacturer for repair. If it's something simple like the above clamp meter I would prefer to have a go myself and save the trouble shipping back and forth (and lose more money). In almost all cases I will sell the returned/repaired item at a much lower price just like I did here, or through an eBay auction like I did with a Brymen BM-257 last week, just so I can recoup a percentage of my costs.
My email address: franky @ 99centHobbies . com
My eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies
 

Offline SeanB

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #21 on: June 12, 2014, 05:41:33 pm »
Great service, great prices, what more could we want. Just have to wait for the stuff to arrive to give good feedback.
 

Offline gdewitte

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #22 on: June 12, 2014, 06:26:25 pm »
Who makes that DC load, and how good is it?
 

Offline joun

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #23 on: June 12, 2014, 06:38:25 pm »
^^ I am also interested in that..
 

Offline aroby

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Re: Franky's sales thread
« Reply #24 on: June 12, 2014, 06:55:30 pm »
^^ I am also interested in that..

+1
 


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