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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: Halverson on Tue, 21 May 2013, 07:38:52

Title: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 21 May 2013, 07:38:52
Looks like 7 of these are available from taobao, according to putting the link on Bhiner anyway. Figure some folks can get an SSK anywhere in the world for around $100-120 shipped. Seems like a pretty good deal to me.

http://www.bhiner.com/index.php?mode=Search&skey=http%3A%2F%2Fitem.taobao.com%2Fitem.htm%3Fspm%3D2013.1.0.110.idASqq%26scm%3D1007.77.0.0%26id%3D4821818431%26pvid%3D8bbbdb3e-b980-40ad-9e01-1b085bd8b017%26ad_id%3D%26am_id%3D%26cm_id%3D%26pm_id%3D&search_eng.x=7&search_eng.y=9&search_eng=search


LOCKING THE THREAD DUE TO IT BEING OUT OF STOCK APPARENTLY! Sorry to get anyones hopes up :(
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: bazemk1979 on Tue, 21 May 2013, 07:43:33
is this site trusted? seller trusted?
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 21 May 2013, 07:50:02
I've never personally used Bhiner, yet. But I've heard great things about them from several people.
I'll be ordering from them later this week.
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 21 May 2013, 07:52:11
Quote from: bazemk1979 on Tue, 21 May 2013, 07:43:33
is this site trusted? seller trusted?

bhiner or taobao?

jocelyn can tell you all about bhiner

and if you prefer another agent just plug this in

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=4821818431&spm=2014.12328642.0.0 (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=4821818431&spm=2014.12328642.0.0)

Quote from: taobao listing
We pre-shipment cargo will test goods have to be a courier face, good, there is no crush.  If crushed, please do not sign for the goods returned to the courier.
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: kaiserreich on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:09:14
Stock levels in Taobao are never accurate, especially when it comes to rare items like SSK
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:10:46
Quote from: kaiserreich on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:09:14
Stock levels in Taobao are never accurate, especially when it comes to rare items like SSK

Thought I read they were newly listed, or maybe crazy.

But if they are in stock, people should know. Once someone tries to order, we shall see.
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:14:05
how heavy is an ssk? just wondering because the shipping might be what kills it.

just ignore me :p

$50 + $50 = $100
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:15:21
Quote from: ray4jc on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:14:05
how heavy is an ssk? just wondering because the shipping might be what kills it.

I believe 1.8kilos. From looking at estimates, the totals were all over $100. You can do estimates on bhiners site.
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:20:46
here is what i'm getting from an agent i'm trying out for other things

Shipping CompanyProduct PriceDomestic Shipping CostIntl. Shipping CostCommission FeeFinal Price
[/t]
(http://www.mistertao.com/img/post_img/china_post_registered_air_mail.jpg)
China Post Registered Air Mail :
 with a tracking number;< 2000g;15-30 Working Days		$49.17$1.6$26.73$6.20$83.70
(http://www.mistertao.com/img/post_img/china_post_air_parcel.jpg)
China post Air Parcel :
 with a tracking number;> 2000g;15-30 Working Days		$49.17$1.6$51.78$8.20$110.76
(http://www.mistertao.com/img/post_img/express_mail_service.jpg)
Express Mail Service :
 EMS;   with a tracking number;4-7 Working Days		$49.17$1.6$54.17$8.40$113.34
(http://www.mistertao.com/img/post_img/singapore_post__air_mail.jpg)
Singapore post  Air Mail :
 with a tracking number;< 2000g;7-15 Working Days		$49.17$1.6$41.40$7.37$99.55
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: Goodfella on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:28:06
Sorry to jump in here, I saw something listed on Taobao yesterday I wanted to buy.. Where are you guys finding agents to buy these items for you, and what does it typically cost?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: Jocelyn on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:30:13
I was writing up a guide for you Halverson, but it looks like you got it. It's very easy outside of the small packet HK airmail method mentioned below and even that isn't too tricky imo.

I can vouch for Bhiner. I've used them several times for keycaps and switches and never once had a problem. I did once have an item get lost on the way to Bhiner, but the seller and/or Bhiner ate the cost and resent my item(s). I've also ONLY ordered smaller things (less than 2kg and the boxes are ~8" x 6" x 5", though they do range in size) from them and if anyone decides to do so, make sure you choose "other shipping" and check the box with "only send item, do not need extra packaging". When your item arrives, they will send you a message requesting which shipping you'd like and you should reply with "Small Packet registered HK airmail"; maybe add only "send item, do not need extra packaging" again. With this method, it should be no more than $5-$10 for shipping and the item will arrive in ~1 week.

For bigger/heavier items you're on your own, because I've never ordered anything like this before. I know it's not quite as cheap or as fast as the method above, but they have shipping estimators (small packet HK airmail is not posted in this estimator).

I believe their fee is 2.5%, but you'll also get hit by a 4% Paypal fee, unless you send them the money via gift. They have instructions for doing both.

Also worth noting is that they will do quotes & make sure items are in stock without receiving any money (I know of no other agent "website" that does this). They will also take a photo of the item when it arrives and when it's packed up and put on the scale. They're English is definitely not the best, but I really haven't run into any communications problems with them. I try to simplify my sentences when asking questions and they typically understand and respond  with sufficient replies.

Example - I bought these 37+1 Red Thick PBT blanks - http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.0.189.Lde3lo&id=18364403268

Here's my entire invoice including all transactions throughout the process (Item was going for 75 Yuan at the time). Well everything except the 4% Paypal fee.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img203/2579/bhiner.jpg)

Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 21 May 2013, 08:37:26
For reference I'm currently testing mistertao which was recommended to me by fellow geekhacker. I had planned on doing a write up when I finally receive something to complete the transaction :p
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: 1391406 on Tue, 21 May 2013, 09:43:41
I do like their description: "squatting spring"
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: BlueMica on Tue, 21 May 2013, 18:38:12
How long does it usually take for a "quote" to be completed? For around $100 Dollars it looks like a keyboard to experiment doing the bolt mod on.
EDIT: OUT OF STOCK
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: Goodfella on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:21:11
I can't believe how many options there are once you finally pick something. I found a keyboard I want, but I can't tell which selection means the brown switch model. Does brown translate into something weird normally like tea, or what am I missing..
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: BlueMica on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:27:14
Quote from: Goodfella on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:21:11
I can't believe how many options there are once you finally pick something. I found a keyboard I want, but I can't tell which selection means the brown switch model. Does brown translate into something weird normally like tea, or what am I missing..
Tea Color means its Brown.
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: calavera on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:42:58
out of stock eh? dreams crushed..
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 21 May 2013, 22:11:32
This sounds too good to be true.  How does one person get their hands on seven SSK's and only want to sell them for $50, when they can easily get twice that price?
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 21 May 2013, 22:36:07
Quote from: calavera on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:42:58
out of stock eh? dreams crushed..

If this is true, I'll lock the sad thread :(
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: sleepy916 on Tue, 21 May 2013, 22:55:35
;(
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: Jocelyn on Wed, 22 May 2013, 00:29:38
Quote from: Halverson on Tue, 21 May 2013, 22:36:07
Quote from: calavera on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:42:58
out of stock eh? dreams crushed..

If this is true, I'll lock the sad thread :(

Taobao vendors are known for doing this.
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: kaiserreich on Wed, 22 May 2013, 04:26:59
Generally, if you are looking for SSKs in taobao, you will have to hound the sellers frequently until they let you know when are their next shipment coming in.
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: E TwentyNine on Wed, 22 May 2013, 08:59:50
Quote from: kaiserreich on Wed, 22 May 2013, 04:26:59
Generally, if you are looking for SSKs in taobao, you will have to hound the sellers frequently until they let you know when are their next shipment coming in.

Their next shipment from WHERE?  Where is this magical land of unicorns and newly available SSK inventory?
Title: Re: Model M SSK-Taobao-$50+shipping
Post by: calavera on Thu, 23 May 2013, 23:09:43
From what I know, a large portion of unwanted hardware (this includes keyboards of course) all around the world are sold by weight to China where they recycle them ..mostly by hand and resell for profit.