Cost Of Light Bulbs

[jonniebkk]

The price of light bulbs sure varies depending on where you buy them. I had to buy about a dozen small compact florescent 5w bulbs. I priced the Phillips brand at a couple shophouse hardware stores on my soi. One place quoted B120 ea but would discount to B110. Another store a kilo down the soi quoted B160 and no discount!!! A B50 difference per bulb (or about US$ 1.50...my 12 bulbs would have cost me an extra $18 if I had not shopped around).

I had a chance to price the bulb at one of the large hardware superstores in Pattaya (the new one on sukkie between Klang and Nua on beach-side) and they were B125 each. Still B15 more expensive than my small neighborhood shop.

Also, is there any quality difference between equivalent bulbs from different manufacturers/brands. Noticed the Toshiba and Oshram brands were about 1/4 to 1/3 cheaper than the Phillips and Sylvania brands. Any real quality or longevity difference or just another case of same factory but difference name on the boxes?

Edited November 11, 2007 by jonniebkk

[lopburi3]

Not all bulbs are the same and Phillips has at least three different lines currently, with one 'professional' or some such name being about double the price. And prices seem very volatile - paid 149 for Phillips 23w two weeks ago and 159 this week at the same Lotus.

[astral]

I have had problems with the "Long Life" lamps.

They seem to blow long before the quoted life.

[elkangorito]

In my small condo, I have 2 Panasonic EFU8E652V 8 Watt globes. I get about 3 000 hours each out of them, which is what I expect given the quality of electricity in Thailand.

[mobile69]

Check where they're made. I've bought Phillips floodlights made in Holland, & made in China. Only noticed after I got them home. The Dutch one was more expensive. Is it any better quality? No idea.