FWIW, After Dave forwarded my email to the company I received an email from
the CEO. His initial response was a bit wishy-washy, apologizing but not
actually stating they had changed the policy, but after following up with
him he made it clear that they would no longer ask people to post links
prior to ordering. In addition, he gave me some unsolicited (and in my case
unneeded, but appreciated anyway) technical advice regarding the use of 0402
components on my board (put succinctly, don't do it unless you know what you
are doing).
At this point, I am willing to accept that the problem was simply a cultural
difference (he said this is a standard business practice in China) and let
it slide. They have changed their policy, so that is all that matters to me.
On Thu, May 26, 2011 at 12:53 AM, Mike Payson <mike@kludgineering.com>wrote:
> Was interested in EzPCB because they appear to offer to populate 0402
> resistors and capacitors for free. It was unclear, though, so I asked
> their live support representative. This is a transcript of the live
> chat:
>
> Nila
> Hello Friend,Welcome to EzPCB.Can I help you?
>
> Hello
> Can you confirm that your ez proto service includes the smt resistors
> and capacitors you list on your site?
> or is that fo an extra charge?
>
> Nila
> hi friend,
> what is the parts you need?
>
> Hello
> 0402 resistors
> I do not have an exact part list, but probably not more than 20 in
> standard values
>
> Nila
> we provide the service,but we have condition
> you must help us to popularize our website
>
> Hello
> Happy to if it makes my life easier!
> So for 5 of a 100x80mm 2 layer board with those components populated
> it would be $50?
>
> Nila
> we provide the service,but we have condition you must help us to
> popularize our website
> such as post topics on facebook or twitter or forum etc
> the topic must refer to ezpcb and webiste link
>
> Hello
> Ah, I am happy to refer to companies that I like, but will not do it
> as a condition of the sale
> Too bad, was excited about your service
> That is bad business, and I will not participate, and will publicize
> that you require this to get the service.
>
> Nila
> this is other sale method,many clients like this way
> do you think this to good way to get free parts?
>
> Hello
> I do, and am happy to tell people about good service
> I regularly participate in several electronics related online forums
> And regularly recommend several services, including your competitors
> Your service is not the best prrice, but with the populated components
> it is compelling
> But I will not pubblicize you as a condition of doing business, ONLY
> if I am happy with your service
>
> Nila
> now ez-pro price is very low
>
> Hello
> So to get the free components I have to give you a link where I have
> recommended your service?
>
> Nila
> yes
>
> Hello
> Ok, sorry I cannot do business with you
>
>
>
> On Sat, May 21, 2011 at 8:54 PM, Dave McLaughlin
> <dave_mclaughlin@nerdshack.com> wrote:
> > Here's a question for you in reference to Seeedstudio. Can they do odd
> > shaped boards and handle cutouts? Ie, not just square or rectangle.
> >
> > This is one board I had done with EzPCB last year.
> >
> > http://www.axoninstruments.biz/Services/CIMG1667-thumb.JPG
> >
> > A lot of my boards have cutouts or tabs or curved corners and although I
> pay
> > more from EzPCB they do a great job. These are always commercial designs
> so
> > the little extra costs is fine.
> >
> > I will give Seeedstudio a go for one of my home projects as price wise it
> > certainly is much lower.
> >
> > Do they have a better shipping option though as anything that uses the
> > postal service (even EMS) can lead to 4-8 weeks delivery here in
> Indonesia.
> > I don't mind paying around $40 for DHL, TNT etc.
> >
> >
> > Dave...
> > ---
> > Very funny Scotty, now beam down my clothes!!!
> > ---
> >
> >
> >
> > From: AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf
> > Of Mike Payson
> > Sent: 21 May 2011 23:29
> > To: AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: Re: [AVR-Chat] Re: Cheap 2 layer prototype PCB boards - custom
> made
> >
> >
> > On Sat, May 21, 2011 at 4:57 AM, ecros_technology
> > <Yahoo37849@ecrostech.com <mailto:Yahoo37849%40ecrostech.com> >wrote:
> >>
> >> I have not used EzPCB. Fiddling with their ordering application, it
> seems
> >> that for my test order they would have charged $50 for five pieces as
> >> compared to $23.52 for ten (12 actually delivered). The price does not
> >> increase until one side of the board exceeds 99 mm, but Seeed studio is
> >> still cheaper. EMS shipping is $30. I'd have to go to checkout to get
> this
> >> figure from Seeed, but it's probably the same. So, at least for small
> >> boards, Seeed is less money for more pieces.
> >
> > Using EzPCB's online quote engine, five 100x100mm boards is $65 with free
> HK
> > Post shipping or $95 with EMS. Compare that too $25 + $5 shipping (or
> +$30
> > for EMS) from Iteadstudio or Seedstudio. Not only is the price more than
> 50%
> > lower, you also get 2x as many boards (or more). If you can make your
> board
> > smaller, < 5x5cm, then the cost drops to $10 + $4 shipping for the same
> 10
> > boards. Seriously, under $15 for 10 pcbs with silkscreens and solder
> masks.
> > For that price I think I can deal with the hassles of making Gerbers and
> > waiting a few extra days. :-)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]