Weike LC1290: New build thread

[vin_var]

This is to chronicle my experience in procuring and importing a new LC1290 from Jinan G. Weike. I have learned quite a lot from this forum and got the courage to purchase and import from overseas after reading the experience of others.

I must admit that US based companies does have a significant value in helping to avoid the hassle of importing and in overcoming fear of the trusting an overseas company with a prepayment and no (perceived) buyer protection. But since I knew what I wanted and had the confidence that I can deal with most technical issues I went ahead and took the plunge with G Weike.

I decided on an LC1290 with 80W for a research project. I contacted MelodyLi at G Weike, and we agreed to add some options- z axis drive, autofocus, HEPA filter etc.

I will post the time-line since that could most help others. I will also add any hickups/notes that will help others, in this time line.


Mar 19 : discussed the requirement with Melody Li over Skype. We decided on the options and terms.

Mar 20: Advance sent to Jinan G Weike by Wire Transfer

Mar 21: Informed Machine sent for Production

Mar 26: Informs machine is going per plan.

Mar 26: Informs the China Bank has rejected the Wire Transfer since my US bank abbreviated the full name. Apparently China branch need the full name of company in the W/T. Delayed the payment by few days.

Ma7 27: Informs machine is going per plan. No photos yet.

Mar 28: Informs machine is ready to pack on Mar 29 and will ship out on Apr 04. No photos or shipping documents yet.

Apr 02: Since there was no photos or shipment information I contacted G Weike. Apparently the first three days of this week is holiday in China and everything is delayed. Shipment is now expected to happen on Apr08. I am expecting shipment data with photos soon.

Apr04: Received the photos. The machine is packed on Mar 31 with accessories. That is outstanding job from G Weike and Melody. They have built and configured a machine with custom red color in 9 days after placement on order. I am impressed.

[vin_var]

Ap05: Machine and accessories packed and ready for shipment.

[Asynchronism]

Congrats Vinn! Now it's just a long wait for the boat to get here...

Dave

[vin_var]

Dave, yes indeed. I am in no hurry, yet it is nice to see the progress and be a part of the import activity. Obviously a lot of attention needed for going through an import. Your thread on import gave a lot of confidence to go thorough this process. Thanks again.

Apr06: Filed ISF with a US based import agency. Gave the ISF information and FDA papers.

[Exsecratio]

Great info Vin,

I must admit I'm fast becoming a big proponent of Jinan G. Weike based on reports I hear.
All round they seem to have some of the best customer service in the industry and are more than happy to help when there are rare problems.

I have a feeling they are going to be leaders in the international budget laser industry before very long.

best wishes

Dave2

[tina]

Great info Vin,

I must admit I'm fast becoming a big proponent of Jinan G. Weike based on reports I hear.
All round they seem to have some of the best customer service in the industry and are more than happy to help when there are rare problems.

I have a feeling they are going to be leaders in the international budget laser industry before very long.

best wishes

Dave2

yes,we alredy become leader in north of china,although there are so many laser machine manufactures.we are always the best.

Tina from Gweike laser
email: tina@wklaser.com
MSN: lysunshine521@hotmail.com
skype: lysunshine521

[vin_var]

Mar 19 : discussed the requirement with Melody Li over Skype. We decided on the options and terms.

Mar 20: Advance sent to Jinan G Weike by Wire Transfer

Mar 21: Informed Machine sent for Production

Mar 26: Informs machine is going per plan.

Mar 26: Informs the China Bank has rejected the Wire Transfer since my US bank abbreviated the full name. Apparently China branch need the full name of company in the W/T. Delayed the payment by few days.

Ma7 27: Informs machine is going per plan. No photos yet.

Mar 28: Informs machine is ready to pack on Mar 29 and will ship out on Apr 04. No photos or shipping documents yet.

Apr 02: Since there was no photos or shipment information I contacted G Weike. Apparently the first three days of this week is holiday in China and everything is delayed. Shipment is now expected to happen on Apr08. I am expecting shipment data with photos soon.

Apr04: Received the photos. The machine is packed on Mar 31 with accessories. That is outstanding job from G Weike and Melody. They have built and configured a machine with custom red color in 9 days after placement on order. I am impressed.

Apr 26 Ship docked in CA.

Apr27: Customs decided to do a full inspection on container. Delayed release by a week.

May02: Shipment on its way to TX.

May08: Shipment in Dallas warehouse. Paid the exporter clearing agent, import clearing agent, customs fees, inspection fees, warehouse fees and local delivery fees.

May12: Machine delivered to my place.

May 15. Tested the machine everything is functional. Attached the peripherals and started cutting.


Melody and rest of the team was very helpful in the entire purchase shipment, and install process. I ran across several issues and she was able to help me as soon as possible. The service mentality is superior I wish some of the organizations in USA and other countries could learn from G Weike.

I recently had a lock up issue with the MPC controller and after trying to work with for few hours, Melody and I decided that it is time to change it out. She send out a replacement controller last Friday and I got it on this Monday. I installed in and solved the lock up problem. Now I need to figure out how to get the auto focus to function again.

The lesson from the entire China importing is that it requires patience and time, with an aptitude to deal with multiple agencies during the import process. It also requires some level of understanding in software, hardware and electronics in the event that things does not work as designed. But if you have those skills importing direct from China is an option. It will save you a lot of money.

Having said that I can see the value in buying form a USA based importer. For some one who need a machine immediately and does not have the skills and patience to deal with import and initial set up, buying from a US source is the only option-but at an extra price.

If anyone has any specific questions please feel free to send me a message.

[Things]

Just curious, but what did you end up paying for the thing (except import fees) for the entire lot?

No problems if you don't want to say.

Dan

[vin_var]

The machine I got was one of the biggest with several options. It is not fair to post the pricing here, but I can say I had some substantial cost reduction.

For any potential buyer, the best way to compare prices is to get a quote from Weike with the exact set up they need and then see if the savings are worth the wait/hassle and risks of importing.

[Melody-gweike]

Hi, Vinn,

Glad to cooperate with you. Thank you for sharing your buying experience in such detail. I think it will help customers who have interest. Looking forward for next cooperation~~

Melody
li@wklaser.com

[phylo]

I get my 1290 today, actually in less than an hour so Ill be going over the whole thing today and may post a writeup as well..

Phil

[Kim JeongHoon]

Hi Melody, I have dropped you an e-mail. Please check. I am very interested in buying a middle size cutter. Would like to watch some working videos too.

Kim