I Have an Odd Request

[k-nano]

I'm trying to purchase a large volume of empty motion lamp bottles (full lamp minus wax and liquid), but want to purchase them straight from the manufacturer. Problem is I'm not sure who that is. I've found a lot of conflicting information about all this. Apparently, Lavalite is the U.S. manufacturer? But, when I contacted them about wholesale orders they directed me to Schylling Inc. Why? I've actually had better luck discussing purchasing large volumes from Bed Bath and Beyond. I find it strange that BB&B offers some of the lowest retail prices and is more willing to discuss wholesale numbers with me. My biggest concern is how to get the bottles empty. This requires me to go straight to the manufacturer, before the contents are installed. I've seen information that Lavalite manufactures in China, but was thinking about bringing some manufacturing back to the U.S. for quality reasons. Does anybody here know the full story?

[Carol]

Seems not fair that LL can sell outside the States but Mathmos can't, or is it that Mathmos chooses not to?

[Keith]

K-nano, I think you are right about the original agreement but things can get mixed up if the legalities are not clearly specified.  I don't know how the whole thing played out but LL products have been for sale at least within the last few years in stores in Great Britain.  And for whatever reason it seams as if Mathmos has not made a fuss about it.  On the other hand Mathmos will not sell the trademarked shaped lamps in the U. S.  Not even by mail-order.

It makes LL look like a bully and Mathmos a gentleman.

[Carol]

Sure does!!!  Maybe that's the idea!!  They come out smelling like a rose!

[Jonas Clark-Elliott]

Carol, Archie McPhee in Seattle has, or had, a bunch of 32oz. Lava Lite globes complete with heat coil. You might give them a call. American Science & Surplus had some, too. I have no idea where either got them, and nobody I asked at Archie McPhee's store, when I bought a few, had any idea where they got them, save that they were manufacturer surplus.