Lamp Production

Many of you are aware that Schylling is currently looking to design new products for the lava lamp. What I'm about to say is conjecture, but what if this is an opportunity to have part of the production moved back to the US?

I've been wondering how the recent tariffs may be affecting the production of lamps in China. Lava lamps are exposed to the trade war and have already taken heavy hits because "lamps" are part of the items affected. Aluminum and steel as well. The tariff is 25%. This could influence the new designs.

25% is a lot and there is a loophole. If the materials are sourced un-assembled from China in a way that they are not yet a lamp most or all of this tariff could be avoided. The "savings" would then be used to finish the assembly in the US. The wax and the master fluid could be done in the US once again. It would make for a higher quality product essentially for the same price. A decrease in defect rates would also introduce new savings for the company and bolster the brand. It also better protects their formulas from the generic market.

The 25% tariff creates more financial incentive than ever to bring production back to the US. It was considered once before and should be again. Of course it would still be mostly made in China, but that's irrelevant. Perhaps the community should once again voice their desire for the production to come back to the US under such a model. Maybe they will listen. Now is the time to speak up as they work on new designs.

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Permalink Reply by Cowmatian on June 25, 2019 at 1:45pm

I have been hoping for a return to USA made (or at least filled) lamps for years now. Schylling doesn't seem too concerned with the brand, unfortunately. That said, perhaps the tariffs could make them care a little more.

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Permalink Reply by Blind Faith on June 30, 2019 at 6:54am

Well Spencer’s site got some new models. None of them have my interest except the oil slick one.

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Permalink Reply by Donald Besaw Jr on July 7, 2019 at 12:17pm

Blind Faith said:

Well Spencer’s site got some new models. None of them have my interest except the oil slick one.

I have the oil slick one and it is sweet. I have it on now. I'll post a pic when it starts flowing.

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Permalink Reply by James K. on July 8, 2019 at 3:59pm

I have the Oil Slick lamp too, its great. The base looks nice with a good finish and the wax is a really nice shade of blue that a picture just doesn't do justice to. Its also seems to operate very nicely for hours without the need for a dimmer, which has been rare for newer China made lamps.

(just starting to warm up)

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Permalink Reply by James K. on July 12, 2019 at 11:53am

I also got the Royal Foil lamp its really nice too

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Permalink Reply by Blind Faith on July 12, 2019 at 12:13pm

Which one is that, I haven’t been to Spencer’s lately

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Permalink Reply by Donald Besaw Jr on July 12, 2019 at 6:16pm

https://www.spencersonline.com/product/gifts-gags/lava-lamps/royal-...

I have this one as well. I actually have all 4 of the new models. They all look and flow great. The 14.5 inch ombre fire and ice was somewhat cloudy and hazy at first but has since cleared up pretty good.

As far as my favorite of the new lamps, I am torn between the oil slick and the rose/checkerboard. I am a sucker for checkerboard for some reason. That was a must have for me when I first saw it.