Based on recommendations from other GW members, I went with Seagull Lighting. They have an outlet website (linked below) and also, I believe, sell through eBay. If you go to their main site (http://www.seagulllighting.com/) you can browse through to find lights you like and then contact them to see if they have any available at discount / outlet pricing. I worked with Valerie for this:
vhines@seagulllighting.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Seagull Lighting and more Outlet

I've purchased several Golden Lighting brand fixtures from Lighting Direct. They have really good prices and great customer service, plus free shipping if you spend at least $50. Of the 5-6 items I bought, only one had a problem (missing glass shade), and it was quickly sent. When I called, I got the impression that they could even give you a better deal over the phone than online, so you might look at the website and then call if you're interested in something. They carry lots of brands. Golden Lighting has some really pretty, inexpensive pieces, but the quality is about equal to Hampton Bay or Portfolio (HD and Lowes store brands).

Thanks for the tips! I have already popped in at Seagull Lighting Outlet...boy, they have a lot of stuff in stock! And the prices look good, too! I'll go back when I have another block of time to explore. Thanks, pbrisjar.

Now I'm off to check out the Golden Lighting at Lighting Direct. I've not been to that website before. I'll let you know what I think, equest.

: )

Sandy...took me months to finally order my lights, so I've been on them all it seems. Websites such as Bellacor and CSN Lighting have clearance/overstock/returns which are usually priced at 50% off or less. I have also seen some good deals at Five Rivers in their overstock section. I have only ordered from Bellacor so I can't speak to the others but I have heard positive comments about them.

I've used these guys before, very satisfied.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rlights

Have to add a rave for Lighting Direct - they have superb customer service and really stand behind what they sell. Don't see enough of that these days !!

Good luck and happy shopping.

Janet

I spent more time looking for lighting on the net last summer than I care to admit. It was a painfully long process. I don't know how big your project is -- mine was a whole house. I discovered two things. Well, I discovered a lot of things, but what I remember is that:

1) No one site has the best prices across the board. I shopped every item across different sites and placed orders with at least 10-12 different dealers.

2) After it was all done, I went to a giant lighting store in CT after dropping a friend at the airport and their prices where as good as or better than my online prices.

So, I could have gone to a showroom, worked with an actual human being, not gone buggy-eyed in front of the computer screen, had the benefit of a sounding board (if not actual design input which I didn't really need) and it all might have cost the same and been far less confusing and stressful.

As for the big box stores, I went there a few times, ever hopeful that I'd find the diamond in the rough. It was fruitless for me. YMMV. Good luck!

Should you order on-line, search for coupon codes at such places like retailmenot. It saves.

Gosh, guys, thanks for the site recommendations! I have a bit of browsing to do!

amy, I know of a few lighting boutique type stores (pretty good selection but quite pricey) near me but am not aware of a lighting superstore. Anyone know of one in the Indianapolis area?

This is a whole house remodel that we are doing in phases. We are within 6 weeks of finishing phase 1 and I am starting to feel the pressure to get my finish elements together.

Thanks for all the help! I'm off to shop!

Sandy

Look online to identify a product you are interested in buying. Next Google that particular item for the best available price online. Then, armed with that information, you can go to a local lighting store and find out if they will match the lowest price. I have been able to do this a few times, but only if it is a stock item in the store.

I have ordered from several online lighting stores and have never had a problem. Most recently, I ordered ceiling fixtures, wall lamps and outdoor post lanterns from Lighting Universe and was very satisfied with value and service. I was not able to get the same prices from local vendors.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lighting Universe

I've also had a good experience with Lighting Direct. I found a Seagull lighting bathroom vanity light that I liked at a local store. They listed it at $119.00.
Lighting Direct had the same light for $66.00. I ended up ordering two lights from them. The shipping was fast and I had no problems.
Good luck!!

What about ebay? I got two antique lights for my kitchen - one flush mounted fixture with a schoolhouse shade and one pendant for about $35 each. Now I'm looking for a new chandelier for the dining room ...