Are they forcing us to not shop local?

[mommydi]

The merchandise in stores remains measly and often low. I keep trying to shop local but can't find what I want. The excuse is usually "supply chains."

Example-
I bought two lamps (older) that had no shades, so I headed out yesterday to shop for shades. Everywhere I went, the selection was very low and what they had wouldn't fit or the wrong color. I then went to the expensive lamp and lighting store in town. They had only a few shades, when they used to have a large corner filled with all kinds of shades. The lady told me to try to come back next week and hopefully they'll get in a shipment. She said, "Still supply chain problems."

So here's my question-
How can I order unlimited lamp shades, in all sizes, shapes, and colors from Amazon and get them delivered in two days, but no one locally can get a good supply of lamp shades to sell? Why isn't the supply chain problem affecting Amazon? How do they have an unlimited variety of lamp shades, but local businesses can't get their hands on any?
It's like they're forcing us to shop online - and shop at the big names only.

Are we heading toward practically no local shopping?

[Rella]

I think you may have a point. No local shopping.

But lamp shades, around here, have always been very scarce on their own. I have no idea why, other then when people need to replace them they want you to buy a whole new lamp.

Things are changing on everything, and not for the good.

[RB]

Their goal is to put the small local businesses out of business! When communities are strong, they cannot control you as much, but when you are dependent on "BIG brother" whatever sense you want to apply that to, they have control over you much easier, which is their ultimate goal. The same principle applies as to buying and renting~that is why we see so many apartments flying up everywhere across our nation.

[DaveW]

The merchandise in stores remains measly and often low. I keep trying to shop local but can't find what I want. The excuse is usually "supply chains."

Example-
I bought two lamps (older) that had no shades, so I headed out yesterday to shop for shades. Everywhere I went, the selection was very low and what they had wouldn't fit or the wrong color. I then went to the expensive lamp and lighting store in town. They had only a few shades, when they used to have a large corner filled with all kinds of shades. The lady told me to try to come back next week and hopefully they'll get in a shipment. She said, "Still supply chain problems."

So here's my question-
How can I order unlimited lamp shades, in all sizes, shapes, and colors from Amazon and get them delivered in two days, but no one locally can get a good supply of lamp shades to sell? Why isn't the supply chain problem affecting Amazon? How do they have an unlimited variety of lamp shades, but local businesses can't get their hands on any?
It's like they're forcing us to shop online - and shop at the big names only.

Are we heading toward practically no local shopping?

The same thing happened several decades ago with the farms.  Large corporations bought up the land and started mega farms all thru the plains states and the option of buying from a local farmer was gone.  You had to buy from the large corporations.  And as long as there are at least 2 of them, they do not run afoul of monopoly laws. A hundred years ago there were trollies in almost every city in the US.  But during the 20s, General Motors and Ford bought them all up and shut them down to get people to buy automobiles.

That is the bad side of free trade capitalism, the tendency toward monopolies.

[4WD]

The merchandise in stores remains measly and often low. I keep trying to shop local but can't find what I want. The excuse is usually "supply chains."

Example-
I bought two lamps (older) that had no shades, so I headed out yesterday to shop for shades. Everywhere I went, the selection was very low and what they had wouldn't fit or the wrong color. I then went to the expensive lamp and lighting store in town. They had only a few shades, when they used to have a large corner filled with all kinds of shades. The lady told me to try to come back next week and hopefully they'll get in a shipment. She said, "Still supply chain problems."

So here's my question-
How can I order unlimited lamp shades, in all sizes, shapes, and colors from Amazon and get them delivered in two days, but no one locally can get a good supply of lamp shades to sell? Why isn't the supply chain problem affecting Amazon? How do they have an unlimited variety of lamp shades, but local businesses can't get their hands on any?
It's like they're forcing us to shop online - and shop at the big names only.

Are we heading toward practically no local shopping?

It probably results from the cost of inventory and the rate of turnover.  The local businesses simply cannot afford to carry the inventory.  But even the local businesses of today can usually give you the opportunity to place a special order from their supplier(s).

[Texas Conservative]

People still buy lamps?

[4WD]

They are forcing us to do more than just not shop local.  They will be controlling whether they even want to let you buy a lamp shade.  It is going to get really, really bad.

https://www.bitchute.com/video/6GEXRvNYMFFB/?fbclid=IwAR2v6Xrze_ozRmM_OYzl1IIZkGIqQLzUW1YHlc7i9ljauz-1uzxjmwTeI2g

[Rella]

People still buy lamps?

Most people have progressed past candles 

[Texas Conservative]

Most people have progressed past candles 

But still in the olden days of lamps

[Texas Conservative]

I think I have one lamp in the entire house and that is in my bedroom.  I prefer overhead lights, all of which are LED bulbs.

[mommydi]

I think I have one lamp in the entire house and that is in my bedroom.  I prefer overhead lights, all of which are LED bulbs.

No offense, but you just flunked Interior Design 101.     

Every room should have a mixture of lighting sources - never just one - for many reasons - for both function and aesthetics.

For example  - my kitchen. Has overhead lights for function, and under cabinet lighting for both function and aesthetics.

Table lamps offer task lighting - example, when I'm sitting in the living room doing needle work or whatever, the extra light helps. Also, when I'm out at night and come home, it looks warm and inviting to have a table lamp on, giving a soft, welcoming look, instead of a glaring overhead light. I never use the overhead light in the living room. In fact, the only places I use the overhead lights are in the kitchen, the dining room, and bathrooms. Lamps are used everywhere else.
Also, lamps should be a statement piece in your rooms - for those who care about aesthetics.    This pair I just bought are reticulated Blanc de Chine Japanese Pagoda style lamps. Definitely statement pieces but got them for a steal because the man didn't want to clean them up and rewire them, which I did in about two hours.

[mommydi]

They are forcing us to do more than just not shop local.  They will be controlling whether they even want to let you buy a lamp shade.  It is going to get really, really bad.

https://www.bitchute.com/video/6GEXRvNYMFFB/?fbclid=IwAR2v6Xrze_ozRmM_OYzl1IIZkGIqQLzUW1YHlc7i9ljauz-1uzxjmwTeI2g

I hope everyone here watches this.

[Texas Conservative]

No offense, but you just flunked Interior Design 101.     

Every room should have a mixture of lighting sources - never just one - for many reasons - for both function and aesthetics.

For example  - my kitchen. Has overhead lights for function, and under cabinet lighting for both function and aesthetics.

Table lamps offer task lighting - example, when I'm sitting in the living room doing needle work or whatever, the extra light helps. Also, when I'm out at night and come home, it looks warm and inviting to have a table lamp on, giving a soft, welcoming look, instead of a glaring overhead light. I never use the overhead light in the living room. In fact, the only places I use the overhead lights are in the kitchen, the dining room, and bathrooms. Lamps are used everywhere else.
Also, lamps should be a statement piece in your rooms - for those who care about aesthetics.    This pair I just bought are reticulated Blanc de Chine Japanese Pagoda style lamps. Definitely statement pieces but got them for a steal because the man didn't want to clean them up and rewire them, which I did in about two hours.

I don't really care about such things.   I don't think a lot of men do.

[Rella]

I think I have one lamp in the entire house and that is in my bedroom.  I prefer overhead lights, all of which are LED bulbs.

I have many lamps in the house, along with overheads.

And overheads in the bedroos, kitchen, basement, and lit paddle fans.

All with LED bulbs... including the out door floods.

A few years back I spent $700 refitting the house.

[mommydi]

Why do expensive LED bulbs not last as long as they're supposed to?

[Texas Conservative]

Why do expensive LED bulbs not last as long as they're supposed to?

Probably brand related.  I have bought mine as cheap as possible, but from reputable brands and I have had very good luck.  In my state, some of the places that carry the bulbs have the price subsidized by the utilities.  So I will take advantage.

[Rella]

Why do expensive LED bulbs not last as long as they're supposed to?

They the got a lot cheaper in the past few years.

I have one ceiling flood that the same bulb is used in as the other 9 in the ceiling. One burned out twice since 2013 when they all were put in place. So I think it is socket related.... but it still will last a couple of years.

I have not had to replace them in the outdoor lights at all, not even the driveway lights or the lantern.

I could have waited and gotten them for half what I paid or less but I was annoyed with the electric company at the time.

IMO I think they are worth it.

The one ceiling flood I have had to replace... I am now buying the ACE Hardware brand from my local "go to" hardware store as they are cheaper then Home Depot or Lowes and they are a known brand.

I even put them in the diningroom chandelier.... candle flame shaped and the kitchen light... round like makeup bulbs.

These two were more expensive but being "fancy" they work well.

I used to have to replace the ones in the kitchen (6 bulbs) often... maybe every 6 months they would start to go one at a time... since the change over... maybe 5 or 6 years ago I have not replaced one.

[RB]

Why do expensive LED bulbs not last as long as they're supposed to?

Cheaper to use, and they are supposed to last 40,000 hours~I have had great success with them.... before too long that's all you will be able to buy.  I only use LED in my low voltage lighting installs and my own house~I use the regular one in my house for the light they give out.

[DaveW]

Why do expensive LED bulbs not last as long as they're supposed to?

If they lasted as long as they should -  -  40 - 50 thousand hours - they could not sell them to you very often. 

Fewer sales = less or no profit.

[Cobalt1959]

I don't really care about such things.   I don't think a lot of men do.

You'd be wrong.  Some men could car less about aesthetics.  Others care about them a great deal. 

[Texas Conservative]

You'd be wrong.  Some men could car less about aesthetics.  Others care about them a great deal.

How am I wrong?  I said "most." I don't think a majority of men really care.

[Cobalt1959]

How am I wrong?  I said "most." I don't think a majority of men really care.

Have you talked to a majority of men about this subject?

[Alan]

No offense, but you just flunked Interior Design 101.     

Every room should have a mixture of lighting sources - never just one - for many reasons - for both function and aesthetics.

For example  - my kitchen. Has overhead lights for function, and under cabinet lighting for both function and aesthetics.

Table lamps offer task lighting - example, when I'm sitting in the living room doing needle work or whatever, the extra light helps. Also, when I'm out at night and come home, it looks warm and inviting to have a table lamp on, giving a soft, welcoming look, instead of a glaring overhead light. I never use the overhead light in the living room. In fact, the only places I use the overhead lights are in the kitchen, the dining room, and bathrooms. Lamps are used everywhere else.
Also, lamps should be a statement piece in your rooms - for those who care about aesthetics.    This pair I just bought are reticulated Blanc de Chine Japanese Pagoda style lamps. Definitely statement pieces but got them for a steal because the man didn't want to clean them up and rewire them, which I did in about two hours.

I spent a great deal of time working lighting into the design of our home, but I despise lamps and lighting that need to plugged in with a cord, it's very old school IMO.


Regarding LEDs, the only ones I have ever had to replace were the screw in replacement bulbs that originally had incandescent bulbs, and those are just temporary in my basement. The low volt/low wattage LEDs under my counters and in my recessed ceiling fixtures have worked flawlessly for years.

[Alan]

How am I wrong?  I said "most." I don't think a majority of men really care.

I think you're correct, but personally, I care.

[RB]

If they lasted as long as they should -  -  40 - 50 thousand hours - they could not sell them to you very often. 

Fewer sales = less or no profit.

Dave, they do last that long~I have had one on my shop over the door (which I sold back in June) that's been in there for several years! which many days were never turned off! I know that's hard to believe, but it is a fact. Some, like all things, went bad much quicker for reasons I did not know, nor sought to find out why.  I would not have a low volt lighting system at my house without LED for its low cost to operate. I just install one at my new house. I had to order special ones for my pole light which at one time was a "gas light" in downtown St. Louis back in 1875 or thereabout, that a friend from there gave to me as a gift, which I converted to a pole light that is in front of my new house.

[DaveW]

Dave, they do last that long~I have had one on my shop over the door (which I sold back in June) that's been in there for several years! which many days were never turned off! I know that's hard to believe, but it is a fact. Some, like all things, went bad much quicker for reasons I did not know, nor sought to find out why.  I would not have a low volt lighting system at my house without LED for its low cost to operate. I just install one at my new house. I had to order special ones for my pole light which at one time was a "gas light" in downtown St. Louis back in 1875 or thereabout, that a friend from there gave to me as a gift, which I converted to a pole light that is in front of my new house.

Yeah -  the earlier ones did last that long.  So they did something with the supporting electronics in the bulb.  The LEDs themselves last that long but the rest of the circuitry dies to get you buy more bulbs.  We just replaced several that have been in less than a year. 

[Alan]

Yeah -  the earlier ones did last that long.  So they did something with the supporting electronics in the bulb.  The LEDs themselves last that long but the rest of the circuitry dies to get you buy more bulbs.  We just replaced several that have been in less than a year.

Haven't had that experience, the school board uses LEDs exclusively now, the school my buddy is assigned to for the last five years has NEVER replaced a bulb since the school was built in early 2017.

[Rella]

Hmmmm.

Wonder if the ones with a short life are mad in China?

[Texas Conservative]

There are manufacturer specs and there is reality.  LED manufacturers give the absolute best case for the best temperature and voltage conditions.  But they still last longer than incandescent bulbs and longer than CFL's.  I think on average the bulbs last 4-6 years.  I have had outside lights last about six. 

And since I did my best to mitigate the cost on the bulbs by buying on sale and in bulk, overall I saved a good bit of money when figuring in power consumption.

[4WD]

My first real job after graduation was with TRW in Redondo Beach, CA.  When TRW built the campus in Redondo Beach they didn't put light switches in the offices. They had the data to show that the light expectancy of most light bulbs at the time was much reduced by the action of turning the bulbs on and off.  They calculated that it was cheaper to pay for the electricity to simply leave the lights on than to pay for the shortened life of the bulbs. Light switches were placed in the laboratories where it might be necessary to turn lights off.

Sometime later, the state of California decided that was not good, so they passed a law or set some rule preventing the company from leaving the lights on when not in use.  So much for rational thinking from Californian politicians. I heard once, but do not remember, how much it cost TRW to accommodate the ruling; but it was huge.

[Texas Conservative]

My first real job after graduation was with TRW in Redondo Beach, CA.  When TRW built the campus in Redondo Beach they didn't put light switches in the offices. They had the data to show that the light expectancy of most light bulbs at the time was much reduced by the action of turning the bulbs on and off.  They calculated that it was cheaper to pay for the electricity to simply leave the lights on than to pay for the shortened life of the bulbs. Light switches were placed in the laboratories where it might be necessary to turn lights off.

Sometime later, the state of California decided that was not good, so they passed a law or set some rule preventing the company from leaving the lights on when not in use.  So much for rational thinking from Californian politicians. I heard once, but do not remember, how much it cost TRW to accommodate the ruling; but it was huge.

Even CFL's have greatly reduced life from repeated switching.  LED's do not.  LED's are prone to problems at high temps and where there are off tolerance voltages.  Tight spots where heat can accumulate, such as recessed lighting might also reduce how long the LED's last.

[mommydi]

How am I wrong?  I said "most." I don't think a majority of men really care.

Ok, we're acting like it's an all or nothing situation. There are varying degrees of caring. 

If most men didn't care, they'd furnish their place with a 1960s red velvet sofa from Aunt Martha's basement that smells like cat pee and unfiltered Marlboros and finish it off with a worn out, orange plaid recliner they picked up for $10 at a garage sale. I can't speak for men, but think most would care a little more than that - even on a budget.

I think there's a sliding scale on this matter, and a lot of men fall somewhere in the mid-range.

Example - When my dad leased his last office space before he retired, within a month he said he couldn't stand sitting in that office with glaring white walls another day, so he had a muted navy plaid wallpaper hung, then hung a large print of a ship at sea, then found a large, faux ship's wheel to hang up - and he was done. He cared.
Example - When my son bought a house 5 years ago, he went shopping for furnishings and bought a black leather sofa, a charcoal gray area rug, and some black, gray, and beige plaid throw pillows. He cared. Otherwise, he would have called up Rent-a-Center and told them to just bring over whatever they have for sale in the back room.

[mommydi]

In my kitchen, I have two, authentic schoolhouse lights that came from the first schoolhouse to have electricity in Oklahoma. Bought them at an auction when they were getting ready to demolish it.  So, they've been rewired, but for whatever reason, I can only get an LED bulb to last in them for about 5-6 months. I buy the Ecosmart LEDs at Home Depot.
I also had a bulb go out in one of my bedroom lamps after being used 3 months. Are there some defective bulbs in those packages?

[Rella]

In my kitchen, I have two, authentic schoolhouse lights that came from the first schoolhouse to have electricity in Oklahoma. Bought them at an auction when they were getting ready to demolish it.  So, they've been rewired, but for whatever reason, I can only get an LED bulb to last in them for about 5-6 months. I buy the Ecosmart LEDs at Home Depot.
I also had a bulb go out in one of my bedroom lamps after being used 3 months. Are there some defective bulbs in those packages?

First. Are you buying yhe ones that have a guarantee or warranty? If so, then keep the packaging and tape the receipts to it and if they dont meet up take them back.

I found a page that says they have a 10 year warranty... at least on this bulb

10 year warranty.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/EcoSmart-60-Watt-Equivalent-A19-Dimmable-CEC-LED-Light-Bulb-with-Selectable-Color-Temperature-2-Pack-11A19060W5CCT01/318284619

I would save packaging and receipts and take them back.... Also talk to the lighting at your HD and get their opinions.

BTW...Do you have a Tuesday Morning nearby or a TJ Maxx?  Tuesday sells lampshades and they rotate them often so if you dont find what you want then go back.  TJ does not have them all the time but they do sell them from time to time.