Rich, in all respect mate I think you are out of order getting personal with Mike because he is the last bloke to think he is awesome and better than anyone, and he certainly is being a smart arse to anyone.
I would suggest you meet the bloke before saying such things.
Mike mentioned containers of stuff from ebay cause I mentioned a guy who bought in 5 containers of LCD televisions.
He knows the thread is and was originally about ebay but his advice re importing or exporting was also designed to help and protect any member who was ever thinking about purchasing large from China as opposed from just one item.
The point was to do your due diligence and your homework.
His words are of wisdom, not words of ego. If u knew Mike personally like myself and others on here do, u would be hard pressed to find a more professional, caring and warm hearted bloke. Mike is here to help, certainly not to hurt or hinder anyone.
Anyway, the point I want to make about products is this.
No one can seriously believe u can buy anything on Ebay from no name brand sellers and get quality.
Ebay is famous for inexpensive products and the cheapest prices. Those words never equal quality from any country in the world or from any seller anywhere.
You have to buy from big name shops and stick to big name products or u are gambling.
The point for the whole thread really from Gavin who posted the thread is "be safe members n check anything electrical". The thread moved on by many people to then be very general and wide about China and manufacturing, buying n selling etc.
A healthy debate includes understanding from the start no one is trying to out score or out point anyone on intelligence or attitude. Everyone is here to help usually.
I personally take exception to people attacking Mike cause I call him a friend and a person who is on this forum to help other people always first and himself last.
If u met the guy, or spoke to him on the phone, you would feel bad u called him a smart arse.
That is far from the guys personality.
Don't confuse passion with arrogance.
Mike is passionate and sometimes tounge in cheek, but he isn't anything but protective of helping out members.
I used to argue with Mike about Toyota, and we had some good debates, but I never lost respect for him and if anything, really enjoyed the fact he cared enough about me as a member to keep typing and getting me to at least think about his knowledge.
We didn't always agree but we always stayed mates. Food for thought.
