Do NOT buy direct from Lava Lite

[Donald Besaw Jr]

Just warning others NOT to purchase lava lamps directly from Lava Lite unless you want to be left high and dry should you get a bad one.

Last week I ordered an 11.5 inch white wax/blue liquid lava lamp direct from Lava Lite AKA Schylling and received the lamp this past Friday. Usually my luck was pretty good at getting clear lamps but this time was different. Very different. This one was VERY cloudy. Pretty hard to tell at first due to the small size but obvious once you turned the lamp on. Not only is the liquid cloudy but once the lamp starts flowing, most of the wax blobs up in the top. I know this lamp is small but I have a few other 11.5 inch lamps and none of them do this.

Yesterday I called Lava Lite AKA Schylling yesterday on a break and talked to a customer service rep. I believe her name was Tracey. Told her what I was experiencing. Didn't offer any refund or replacement. All she wanted me to do was to try that half baked procedure of turning the lamp on and off in "short bursts" as they put it. If I recall correctly, this procedure is a crap shoot but from the general consensus, it does not work.

I tried being persistent about saying that I've heard this procedure didn't really work, she told me to take a pic of the lamp and send it to her to forward to her 2 managers. Today I get an email from her telling me to try the same "short burst" procedure but I know it probably won't do any real good. I haven't responded to her yet but when I do, I will probably tell them how crappy their company, products and customer service really is.

Sounds like to me they've had to replace too many defective lamps and probably got very costly for them. What I'd really like to know is what EXACTLY does the limited 90 day warranty cover. It obviously doesn't cover cloudy liquid or flow issues with the wax.

Sorry to turn this into a bit of a long rant but I really don't want to see anyone else get taken by ordering direct from Lava Lite. If you get a good one, great. If however you get a bad one, you will probably be left high and dry. Obviously buying local is best because if you get a cloudy lamp, you can just box it up and take it back to the store for a replacement or refund. If that is not an option, than I would recommend buying lamps from Amazon or other online retailers that have no hassle return policies should you be unsatisfied with your lamp.

All I can say is that I'm really glad this was an 11.5 inch lamp that cost around $17 including shipping. If this was a $100+ Grande, than I would be making a MUCH bigger issue. I would probably be disputing the charge with Paypal at that point. I would tell them that I was sent a defective product and the company wouldn't do anything about it.

Here is the Lava Lamp blunder in question.

However, I have to give a shout out to Claude J. This guy sells awesome lamps and the way he packs them for shipping, they could probably survive a nuclear blast unscathed.

I HIGHLY recommend checking out his Ebay store if you haven't already.

[Alfred]

I know it isn't the best answer, but just try the procedure and then call them back if/when it doesn't work. (I agree, based on your picture, I wouldn't expect a meaningful improvement.) If the lamp still doesn't work, insist on a refund or replacement. Worst case, call your credit card company and tell them you received a defective product and the store is refusing to let you return or exchange it.

That's about all you can do. This applies to any purchase, just about anywhere.

Just last week I had to have a credit card reissued because Home Depot was refusing to cancel an order I placed in the beginning of June with a promised delivery of July 7, and was holding a perpetual authorization against the card I used. Some stores that should really know better are not handling the current situation especially well.

The order is still open, of course, and after being assured no less than 3 times that the order would be cancelled, I'm secretly hoping Home Depot accidentally ships it (assuming they ever get the shelf I ordered back in stock) even though there's currently no way for them to charge me. I'm sure they wouldn't learn anything from it, but at least I'd have some compensation for the hours I spent dealing with their mess.

I'll second the shout out, though. I have a beautiful custom white Lunar from Claude sitting in the next room right now.

[Donald Besaw Jr]

Alfred said:

I know it isn't the best answer, but just try the procedure and then call them back if/when it doesn't work. (I agree, based on your picture, I wouldn't expect a meaningful improvement.) If the lamp still doesn't work, insist on a refund or replacement. Worst case, call your credit card company and tell them you received a defective product and the store is refusing to let you return or exchange it.

That's about all you can do. This applies to any purchase, just about anywhere.

No your answer is fine. I suppose I will try it but for $17, I wouldn't bother with a Paypal claim. Like I said earlier, if it was a Grande which costs about $130 give or take a few bucks after shipping, then I would be filing a claim.

If push comes to shove, I'll just order another 11.5 inch white/blue lamp from either Amazon or Ebay.

[Claude J]

Thank you, Donald and Alfred

For those that do not know, my store is  https://www.ebay.com/str/lavalabcreations

[Claude J]

Check your personal messages

Schylling offers a 90-day defective policy

[Claude J]

your purchase has been refunded

Check your credit card statement

[Donald Besaw Jr]

Thanks much Claude

Had a wonderful chat with Karen, a Schylling rep that is very friendly with you. When the refund comes, I will probably order another one based on how friendly and understanding she was.

She told me that sometimes no matter what you do, some lamps do not clear up.

[Claude J]

I'm glad to hear things worked out for you
Karen is awesome

It pays to know friends to help other friends!

[Mr MaGoo]

Feels a tear rising up.  Oh lord, I think I am verklempt!  Talk amongst yourselves.  Claude saves the day again!  Thanks bro!

MaGoo!

[Autumn]

Donald,

If I were you I'd skip on giving them more money because I can almost assure you that the lamp will arrive cloudy. The current state of Lava Lite is disappointing and has been an issue for almost 20 years now. They changed their formula and moved manufacturing over seas. The current formula is unstable and if your lamp does not arrive cloudy it has a high chance of degrading over time and becoming cloudy or having numerous other issues. Lots of information is on here where you can read about the history of how we got here.

If you are determined to buy a Lava Lite branded lamp buy an older lamp made before the year 2000 second hand. Ebay is full of them. Despite being 20 years old most of them are still stable and run better than what is made today. Claude also looks to be doing interesting things and I'm sure he is much more trustworthy to work with.

[Donald Besaw Jr]

Hi Autumn

Thanks for your reply. I have seen issues with China lamps too. I had 2 beautiful metallic purple lamps from Spencer's that started sticking early on. Very disappointing to say the least.

[Mr MaGoo]

I wont buy anything post 2003, all that crap is China made.  Study well what is available on ebay, offer up, craigslist.  There are quite a number of lamps that are out there worth having.  Just be sure to ask questions, don't be afraid to offend sellers.  When I see a defunct lamp on ebay and know it has problems and seller does not list problem I respectfully point it out, some grateful, some not. 

Just don't like to see those that not in the know get there eyes poked from scrupulous sellers.  So if you see something interesting ask questions!  I would rather spend money on tried and true lamps, than this cheap crap they are putting out now that wont make it a year.  I even look at the UK stuff, yes shipping is insane, but again, the quality is usually there!  Good luck with your hunting!

MaGoo!

[Donald Besaw Jr]

Hopefully my Mathmos Astro lamp from the UK will be here in a few more days along with the UK to US plug adapters and the 130V 40W reflector bulbs I ordered as well.