I know this is a sensitive topic, so I hope I don't get flamed too much for it.
It seems that people generally buy lasers from two main sources: companies and personal sellers. Whether you buy from a company or an individual seller, there are advantages to both:
Companies
1. Products have higher quality
2. You are entitled to customer support and warranty
3. It's easier to find reviews (because companies sell products better than individual sellers)
Personal sellers
1. Lower prices
2. Greater availability for certain products
3. You can haggle for even lower prices
4. Easier to get custom lasers
In general, products from companies are of higher quality since they are usually made on manufacturing equipment. Of course, this does not mean it's impossible to make DIY lasers of high quality. However, potential buyers who aren't familiar with people like IgorT or Jayrob may think, "Why the heck would I want to buy a homemade laser from some random person on the Internet? I think I'll stick to the professionals."
One major advantage of buying from an DIY seller is that you can get lasers that are not available in the mainstream market. In many cases, a DIY laser is cheaper as well. For example, Wicked sells a 90 mW Blu-Ray laser for $2,000, but it is possible to get a 150 mW one from IgorT for just $250!
While buying lasers from individual sellers can be risk, it is safe if you know who you're buying them from. That having been said, would you buy a laser from an individual seller?
I would if I had the money, but I don't think my parents would approve of it. ;D
It seems that people generally buy lasers from two main sources: companies and personal sellers. Whether you buy from a company or an individual seller, there are advantages to both:
Companies
1. Products have higher quality
2. You are entitled to customer support and warranty
3. It's easier to find reviews (because companies sell products better than individual sellers)
Personal sellers
1. Lower prices
2. Greater availability for certain products
3. You can haggle for even lower prices
4. Easier to get custom lasers
In general, products from companies are of higher quality since they are usually made on manufacturing equipment. Of course, this does not mean it's impossible to make DIY lasers of high quality. However, potential buyers who aren't familiar with people like IgorT or Jayrob may think, "Why the heck would I want to buy a homemade laser from some random person on the Internet? I think I'll stick to the professionals."
One major advantage of buying from an DIY seller is that you can get lasers that are not available in the mainstream market. In many cases, a DIY laser is cheaper as well. For example, Wicked sells a 90 mW Blu-Ray laser for $2,000, but it is possible to get a 150 mW one from IgorT for just $250!
While buying lasers from individual sellers can be risk, it is safe if you know who you're buying them from. That having been said, would you buy a laser from an individual seller?
I would if I had the money, but I don't think my parents would approve of it. ;D
