Although the light bulb has been around for over a century now, it has evolved tremendously as a technology. While new styles of bulbs – HID, fluorescent, halogen – all use some of the same principles as Edison’s original, they really are a new species, if not a new class. On top the changes in technology over time, different bulbs designed for different fixtures, applications, and electrical currents are responsible for the creation of literally thousands of kinds of bulbs produced by as many manufacturers. That’s why before the internet, finding a replacement light bulb was so difficult. Few people except for lamp experts knew where certain types of bulbs could be purchased, and many of us lived in the dark – if we kept our obscure or international lighting fixtures at all.

Nowadays, practically any bulb for any lamp is just a click away. (And we anticipate that after the incandescent bulb ban goes into effect in 2013, a healthy black market for their sale will emerge on the internet: who won’t miss that warm light?) Whether it’s a replacement for fluorescent, an odd-voltage bulb, or a bulb with a strange electrical contact, it can be found online.

When shopping for a replacement light bulb online, however, keep these guidelines in mind. First, make sure the company you’re dealing with has been around for awhile – this almost goes without saying. Many companies are here today, gone tomorrow, and will take your money without delivering product. That’s why you should also ensure that you’re dealing with an American company. Foreign companies are far less accountable for your purchase. Forget Ebay. Also  make sure the return policy is sound: if it isn’t, there’s a much better chance you’ll have a problem with the bulb and have to pay both in return shipping and in time. Last, look for a deal. The light bulb business is a strange one and a bulb with identical specs can cost twice as much wholesale for one retailer than another if they don’t buy product well. You can be sure that an online store that specializes in light bulbs will be buying the best quality at the best price and will pass on these savings to you in order to make money on volume.

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