Why so many Pro MIG 175s on eBay?

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Hey guys,Do any of you know where all the Lincoln Pro MIG 175s and 175HDs on eBay are coming from? I mean, obviously, they come from Lowes or Home Depot, but...I just bought one, advertised as new in the box. $500 delivered. It showed up the other day, and it's definitely not a new machine. The roll of flux core wire is installed, and empty! And there's a bit of welding spatter on the gun tip and ground clamp. But it seems like that one roll of wire is all the use it's had.These things are popping up all over the place with a bunch of different sellers, and I'm just kind of curious how they're getting their hands on them.
Reply:I was told by the person I bought mine from (who works for Lowes) is that Lowes and/or HD only stock a half dozen or so at a time.   When there is only the floor model left in inventory, it's marked down 25% to 40% and usually an employee takes advantage of their in-store discount and snatches it up for about half of retail.     Most times, it's on Ebay within a few days.     She also said the same is true for compressors.    BTW, I got a new, unused in the original box, Pro-Mig 175 for $400 plus $60 for delivery.There are no small projects
Reply:having had a similar experience, my 2 cents worth is this - as one gets more familiar with the finer aspects of welders, it seems that having a tapped unit that only offers 4 or 5 set voltages is not as desirable as having a unit that  offers infinite voltages.  I sold my PRO-MIG 135, then turned around and ordered an SP135 PLUS, which is infinitely more fun than the PRO.
Reply:I spent 6 months at Lowes while in school and bought tons of stuff at up to 80 percent off price. No welders mind you, but I did score a compressor and storm doors. Hint, Go there and look for the pella doors that are in open boxes and offer them fifty bucks. I got 2 storm doors with sliding glass and gold hardware for fifty bucks. They both sold for 229.00The same is true for anything they carry.remember this.. They are there to kiss your a$$!! And will do anything for your repeat business.
Reply:Originally Posted by patrickHey guys,Do any of you know where all the Lincoln Pro MIG 175s and 175HDs on eBay are coming from? I mean, obviously, they come from Lowes or Home Depot, but...I just bought one, advertised as new in the box. $500 delivered. It showed up the other day, and it's definitely not a new machine. The roll of flux core wire is installed, and empty! And there's a bit of welding spatter on the gun tip and ground clamp. But it seems like that one roll of wire is all the use it's had.These things are popping up all over the place with a bunch of different sellers, and I'm just kind of curious how they're getting their hands on them.
Reply:I have noticed over time that a vast majority of these are sold by pawn shops.  Strange but true. maybe Lowes has a leaky back door also. These ARE NOT the same welders as the Industrial line. The Industrial line, sold at welding supply co's. have name starting with SP.  the Industrial line has the T or tap line and the Plus with rheostat line, but are definatly better built than the consumer line.  Like SP135T and SP135Plus, same for 175 size
Reply:IOC, can you give us some verification of that?  We also hear from other reliable sources that they ARE the same machines.  I'm not a Lincoln expert, so I don't know, but I had believed otherwise until just now when I read your post, as I also consider you a reliable source.BTW, Bummer to misspell "supplies" in your handle...
Reply:Originally Posted by gnm109Lincoln does rrefurbish machines, but they will look absolutely like new. I would contact the seller for an immediate refund and return. That can't be new if there is no wire and if there is obvious usage noted.What was mentioned above is true: many folks find out that they don't like the tapped machines and will opt for a larger varaible machine.