Hi there! I’m trying to find a supplyer for buying 30+ meters of adressable LED strips (30leds/m). Do you know where I could find cool prices ?
Dan and I (and a number of other folk here) tend to purchase larger quantities like this from Ray Wu’s store on AliExpress, in China.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/701799
It can be a little overwhelming at first, but read carefully for Voltage (5 vs 12 vs 24), Chipset (eg WS2811), number of LEDs per ‘unit’ (eg 30 per meter), and how many units per ‘lot’ (5 meters on a spool), and you’ll do fine. You can always ask here for someone to double-check your selections, too.
While the China prices themselves are excellent, you do have to keep a sharp eye on shipping costs which can easily add 50% to the order price. Don’t be discouraged by the estimated shipping cost per item though; the net shipping cost falls off sharply as the size of your order goes up. Eg, shipping for one strip may be quoted as $20, but shipping for ten strips is only $32 total ($3.20 each). Put them in your cart to see the total.
Total delivery time from Checkout to doorstep delivery (via DHL) is about 2-3 weeks. MUCH faster and more consistent than, say, http://dx.com, but much slower than Amazon Prime.
Ray Wu has also, in my experience, given good customer service any time there’s been a question or problem, which has not been often.
So while the shopping experience is a little more challenging than Amazon, the prices definitely make it worth it for larger orders especially if you can work with a 2-3 week delivery time.
Anyone else want to chime in here?
I find his postage astronomically higher than other Ali sellers, or small quantity sellers on eBay. That said I’m fine with China or Hong Kong post rather than couriers.
Thanks, Mat. Do you have a favorite AliExpress or eBay seller? Or just eBay in general?
I don’t mean to suggest Ray Wu is a bad option. I wouldn’t recommend Ali unless you had a recommendation (like Ray Wu), its a bit of a risky jungle of unscrupulous sellers. On eBay its way easier. Sellers with thousands or tens of thousands of feedback. You can’t miss their stores. I do shop around on Ali for big orders (like 5000 LEDs for a greenhouse project), but then I tend to do a bit of due diligence with the seller. Being able to speak Chinese helps 
Yep. I mentioned Ray Wu specifically because he stands out, 99.4% positive feedback across 7000+ orders. AliExpress in general is definitely more of a crapshoot.
And honestly, I also like to give my business to Adafruit, Sparkfun, and all the smaller startups when I can, too, even if it costs me a couple of bucks. As a startup-starter myself, I love favoring small businesses.
Fair enough. We have nothing like that in Australia really.
Ray Wu all the way. Seconding everything Mark said; the shipping prices look excessive at first blush but for one whole reel or greater, it works out way way cheaper in total than you’ll ever buy retail (or eBay, Sparkfun or Adafruit, from what I’ve seen.) I’ve ordered from him multiple times and been more than happy each time.
Thanks to all. I found these ones : http://www.aliexpress.com/item/BLACK-PCB-5m-DC5V-WS2812B-led-pixel-srip-IP68-30pcs-WS2812B-M-with-30pixels-reverse-protection/926778326.html
De you know them? Are they the same quality as the ones we can find at adafruit?
I really like http://gree-leds.com. They consistently beat ray’s prices and ship sooner. They do have weird coloring of their wired. It’s scarier ordering from gree because it. You need to send a money order (which was weird at first). I’ve also used ray and he’s good as well, but he took quite a bit longer to ship one order which was stressful.
Note there’s “bare” strips (no coating: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/5m-DC5V-WS2812B-led-pixel-srip-non-waterproof-30pcs-WS2812B-M-with-30pixels-reverse-protection-circuit/701799_926798043.html), “waterproof in silicon tube” (the ones you link) and “waterproof in silicon coating” (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/5m-DC5V-BLACK-PCB-WS2812B-led-pixel-srip-IP65-30pcs-WS2812B-M-with-30pixels-waterproof-in/701799_1098811930.html).
The “silicon tube” will come off (though it’s a bugger to thread the strips back in if you need to) and the “silicon coating” has to be scraped back, but it’s somewhat hardier.
Depending on your use, one or other of those might be more suitable.
As to quality, I’d be surprised if they’re not exactly the same as the Adafruit ones but in any case they’re fine.
I need them to be waterproof as the installation i’m planning will be outside at night and i’m afraid of the morning due damaging it. Silicon coating looks hard to solder and re-waterproofing. I will have to cut strips of 60cm long so I think i’m going to get these ones, I think I’ll only have to fullfill the ends with silicon after solder to get hem wateproof again
I used to use gree-leds, but when I got Ray’s prices they said there was no way they could match let alone beat them… odd. (and this was on a 100meter order too). Gree-leds payment was kinda sketchy too but i had no issues.
I ended up emailing Scott at info@scottled.com based on a recommendation from another Burningman Project. His quote/total was cheaper than Ray’s (mainly on shipping)
Long post but worth it.
How I buy:
I tend to shop around Aliexpress across a number of vendors. Ray Wu and Shenzhen Rita (Ray sells Rita) have the most consistent prices and shipping for many items. And the quality of the items from Ray is very consistent.
Check the ratings. Five Diamonds is good but Five diamonds with 99.9 percent positive is even better.
Check the item feedback (sometimes you can avoid a problem by seeing that others are having problems with a specific item).
Use the wish list to keep track of prices and items. Note: many times an item will change quantity not price (I saw this just recently I ordered 200 of an item for $120 and the next day the same ad read 140 for $120) - so always re-read the listing details from your wishlist.
If you frequently use specific items and you can afford to keep an inventory watch for Aliexpress sales. The last sale was 3/25 and many merchants discounted items 15% or more. (I paid less than $9/m for 60 meters of LPD 8806 IP68 48/leds/meter and free shpping).
Look for coupon codes too. Aliexpress had a couple codes on 3/25 that saved $20 on a $100 purchase. Merchants also offer coupons and discounts for ordering a specific amount. Usually $10 of $100 and if you are buying $95 finding something else to bring your total over $100 can save you up to $5. (as long as shipping does not increase).
Ask questions before you buy. As @Ashley_M_Kirchner_No has wisely pointed out to me and others - always ask questions to verify the supplier. Having a supplier that can answer your technical questions is a good sign.
If the listing is too good to be true - it usually is and the merchant won’t fulfill orders at an extreme loss. Instead of taking advantage - let the merchant know what you found - and confirm the price - if the merchant changes the price - ask for a better price or reduced cost shipping. Most merchants will appreciate the opportunity for the sale even after a mistake.
Fast shipping is expensive - if you have more time than money see if your item can be shipped by postal service. And ePacket shipping is a great alternative (for small packages) for items needed within 3 weeks.
Be aware that xmas holiday shipping starts in October. China Post will be overwhelmed with packages before December. If you need something fast go with an express service.
Be aware of holidays in China. All shops shut down for a week or two for National Day and Chinese New year - if you place an order during this time, it wont be processed until everyone returns to work.
Fast shipping is only part of the delivery cycle. Each item listed usually has a an estimated shipping time and an ships out within XX number of days. (This is where going to someone other than Ray Wu can save time.) Ray has been sending packages up to 18 days after ordering - so Fed Ex and DHL won’t get you the package any faster compared to a merchant with a ships out next business day.
Paying for orders:
Aliexpress offers escrow service that holds the money for the merchant pending your approval. Always do the following before confirming an order was received:
When the order arrives
Verify the order is complete.
Verify the items work properly (I recommend building a test rig that can quickly and easily test LEDs and such.
If everything check out - find the order details in your aliexpress account and then confirm receipt.
Then rate the merchant - and merchandise. Build value in the ratings by actually saying something personal about your experience and the product. (For low or poor quality products follow the steps for incorrect or missing items)
Confirming order receipt is important = it does two things. Confirmation will release payment to the vendor and let you rate the transaction.
If your order is incorrect or missing items.
- DO NOT CONFIRM RECEIPT and make note of the amount of time left until Aliexpress automatically confirms receipt.see** for more details
- Take pictures of your order, the packaging and shipping carton.
- Contact the merchant with the problem and propose a solution. Attach the images you snapped
- Wait at least 3 business days for a response.
- If time permits and you have not received a response send another message to the vendor.
6 If you receive a response from the vendor make sure you note how the resolution will go through. (I typically request partial refunds for defective merchandise at the cost per item plus a portion of shipping). My refunds have all come through paypal. Paypal charges you a fee. Be sure to include that fee if the merchant wants to refund via paypal.
If all else fails = file a dispute. Aliexpress will withhold payment until the merchant responds and if the merchant does not respond the dispute will settle in your favor.
** Aliexpress will automatically release funds so many days after the vendor claims to have shipped your order. - If the order does not arrive YOU must FILE a DISPUTE before the counter runs out. In the Dispute you must include a proposed solution. Photos and tracking info will help you make your case for the dispute.
My Experiences with Disputes::
Ordered 2 switching power supplies and the vendor claimed to have shipped - tracking numbers never worked for more than 45 days. Vendor did not respond to email. Filed a dispute for a full refund and the vendor did not challenge my dispute so my money was refunded.
Ordered a number of different types of LED pixels and two pixels on one batch didn’t work. Contacted the vendor wanting info on the controller being used and power supply etc. Took pictures of my setup and opened the last two pixels to show the vendor the pixels were wired incorrectly. Asked for $4.00 refund. Vendor sent refund via PayPal.
Ordered a number of parts and only received a partial order. Sent vendor my issue with pictures of items received and vendor agreed to ship missing items. It took 3 weeks but the vendor was very apologetic (and this is why he is one of my favorite vendors below).
I ordered more than 2000 pixels and one set of pixels would only light up white. (It didnt matter if the strip was receiving a signal from the Arduino or not every LED produced white light. Sent picture to vendor and received a refund for the cost of the set of pixels through paypal.
Where I buy.
Ray Wu - I look between Ray Wu and Shenzhen RITA’s store below to see which one will ship faster.
Shenzhen Rita (Ray Wu’s sells RITA products) (Mr Ray Sun). Same quality as Ray Wu’s often the same price but sometimes lower priced. Shipping can also vary by a couple dollars.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/312912
Shenzhen Rayfit is my go to second stop for pixels (after Ray). Rayfit has sales that often include shipping. Often times I can get WS2811 pixels for $0.30 each. (500 or more pixels at a time)
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/507634
World Uniqueen is my go to for LED aluminum profile. Frequently offering sale prices up to 15%… Need a custom size order just ask Sunny to provide a quote. Sunny has recently started carrying pixels. He was offering WS2811 - 12 volt IP66 square pixels (3 leds) a lot of 20 for $15 shipped free via epacket. I haven’t looked lately. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/816035
All of the vendors below have provided great service and quality LEDs on at least one order.
RITESDEPOT http://www.aliexpress.com/store/205055
LED Light Store (LVHAI RUAN) http://www.aliexpress.com/store/931330
sunshine digital store (Jack Pan)
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/917199
WS2811 (Eileen Wang)
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/330721
HQ - Market
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/416531
non addressable LED strips:
Green-Energy Lighting Co. (Jungle Wu) FAST FedEx shipping included in most orders over 50m. Example order 50M RGB 60 led/m $134 shipping included.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/209245
Not directly related to LEDs but here are some of my favorites Aliexpress vendors:
Power supplies (look for UL Certifications before ordering) Arlen and Alice
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/613696
General Electronics: Shenzhen Kesun Electronics Co., Ltd. (Mr. Flyice Hong) http://www.aliexpress.com/store/102034
Crazy deals on shrink tubing and mix and match colors up to 7 colors per lot ordered. Chinese Sourcing Center
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/402509
@Michael_Sharnet WoW! Great answer, thank you I’ll study all of that when I have a few hours
Wish you could sticky in G+
Mat: I’m always open to nominations for the “Best of FastLED Discussions” page:
(And I already added this page now!)
Ahh fab, you do a great job of docs and stuff on this project.
Another option that I have used is buying on http://alibaba.com (aliexpress is small resale order/retail side of the Alibaba group). Here you can research products, suppliers and manufacturers and deal directly or submit a buying request that will go to multiple suppliers and you could receive multiple offers.
Conducting business in China and other Asian is based on building and maintaining long-term relationships. Ray Wu has built a good strong relationship.
Read about the customs and cultures of the suppliers you chose to do business with. Understanding and referencing local traditions will help you build a relationship.
Things to keep in mind when shopping Alibaba.com
Contracts - yes get it in writing but also understand how that contract connects with the culture. Asking for a contract after agreeing to terms with the company owner might cause offense.
Get samples and start with small orders to build a relationship with vendors.
Payment
Wire transfer and western union are common. Larger orders Payment is provided up front (sometimes just a percentage of the order is due up front but most of the time expect to pay in full before merchandise ships).
Some suppliers accept Escrow payment and some take Paypal or credit cards (be aware some credit card companies charge a foreign currency fee on top of the purchase price). .
Order quantities and samples:
Many suppliers have minimum order quantities (MOQ and some suppliers will go around the MOQ by offering to sell you a sample order. Just ask.
Shipping
Some suppliers offer shipping - typically sample orders (and the size limits on sample orders varies by vendor - even sales people working for the same company).
Some suppliers expect you to pick up the order. Freight shipping is a strange animal. Shipping from another country can be easier than it sounds - work with a customs broker/freight forwarder/consolidator in your local area to arrange door-to-door shipping. (fees for these services can vary - get your freight vendor to provide an itemized estimate of fees).
For one-time or urgent items you can contact DHL, FedEx or UPS - but be prepared to pay their fees for shipping, pick-up, packing (if needed) and customs services and documentation. (entries into the US over $2000 require official entry into the country). Again another reason to hire a customs broker.
Air freight can be economical over shipping companies (DHL, FedEx UPS). When working with air freight - the general rule is that heavier items cost more to ship. Air freight can be shipped as a priority delivery or on an as space available basis. Another reason to work with a customs broker.
Ocean freight is typically the most economical shipping method. But be prepared to wait. Also make sure your freight is insured (you don’t want to be the owner of uninsured freight inside the container that was damaged or the entire container was dumped overboard (hey it happens ask LEGO). The ship typically wont pay for lost or damaged merchandise but- you may get your shipping fee refunded (read the ocean freight contract for full details and disclosures). Make sure your insurance covers your merchandise at every port (ships stop at multiple ports and some insurance policies have exclusions). Another reason to hire a customs broker.