I needed to replace a projector lamp for my projector. I bought a bare bulb from ....
http://www.projector-lamps.co.nz
I think these guys run a couple of different web front-ends in NZ and Australia, but , not sure where they are actually based. That was probably a good initial warning signal but I thought what-the-hell.
They assured me it was an OEM bulb (without housing) and I saved about 1/2 the cost from an official supplier. But, when it arrived I was dubious that it was an OEM.
The bulb failed after just 1000 hours (they are rated to 2000 hours)
I complained and they told me that the age of the projector means you get less lamp life (I've not heard this before). And then requested me to buy another bulb - but if they stood by the quality of their products I'd have expected them to offer a 1/2 price replacement.
This is just my first experience of trying out these guys. I'm not really out of pocket , since it costed half and lasted half the time of the OEM but it is an experimental purchase that I will not repeat.
I've now ordered a new lamp from my projector supplier :)