See if there is an indicator like a serial number on the bulb itself and write it down.

Thank - now i am getting nervous. There is a bar code sticker on the bottom that has the serial number i believe, but that could be removed i suppose.

If i just ask for a refund, does anyone know a good place to buy a replacement lamp?

I think you should ask for cross-shipping, as was suggested earlier, that way you are guaranteed a different lamp, but hopefully not different fingerprints. If they refuse, then ask for a refund. Tell them they way they have dealt with this has made you uncomfortable doing business with them.

I've only bought one so far, Amazon was quite user-friendly.

That would be pretty terrific customer service!

They could just spit on it and rub it on their t-shirt...

I'm sure it would last a long time in the projector that way.

I ended up ordering a new lamp from another company, and returning the other one for a refund. The new lamp arrived and it is working great.

Got an email from the original company that they received the lamp. They noted in the email "Lamp has no defects and will be returned to stock." Feel sorry for the next person who orders from them and gets that lamp. Hopefully my refund will go through in the next couple days.

That's crap. If they think a fingerprint is not a problem on a lamp, they do not understand the products they are selling. They better not try charging you a re-stocking fee...I would also leave feedback somewhere (if you can) warning people of their business practices.

Aslo, see here: http://www.bbb.org/connecticut/busin...en-ct-87060541