online price obligation?

cpoc · #1 06-02-2013, 11:45 PM

I was browsing for telescopes recently and decided to use myshopping.com.au through that I found what seemed an unbelievable deal an 8" dobsonian for $90... it lists (Layby option) but doesn't give any other price... I have since found that all other listings under the (Layby options) category have the total price listed... is this online store obligated to give me the telescope if I agreed to purchase based on that webpage (implying) it is only $90 total?
The webpage is
http://www.opticscentral.com.au/saxo...+#.URJPqfLCQWC
I sent an email and they appologised for any confusion, yet they have not corrected the page.
As much as am looking for a new bigger telescope and this would be amazing... I'm not sure I can make myself take advantage of their error... but also was curious as to what others here might make of it?

Ausrock (Chris) · #2 06-02-2013, 11:56 PM

I would 1) copy that webpage and 2) contact the Dept of Fair Trading or some similar entity and ask for their advice. I notice the 'scope description says "lay by option" BUT there is no clarification of what that actually means and one could be excused for thinking that $90 is the total cost.............regardless of how good a deal it may appear to be.

ColHut (Colin) · #3 07-02-2013, 12:27 AM

The coy appears based in Victoria

Opticscentral.com.au is:
Registrant CENTRAL 6 PTY LTD
Registrant ID ABN 88157822618
Registrant Contact Name Andrew Hui

8/23 Cook Rd, Mitcham VIC 3132, Australia +61 1300 884 763 ‎ · opticscentral.com.au

https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&s...A&source=embed

So you might contact Consumer Affairs in Victoria. I believe that all the states have the same laws now since the introduction of the Australian Consumer Law.

http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/
or
http://www.consumerlaw.gov.au/conten...sumers_ACL.htm

Generally pricing must be accurate, and advertised errors must be corrected. I do not think they need sell an item at an advertised price if their is genuine error, but to avoid claims of misleading or deceptive advertising they would be expected to fix it promptly.

regards

steve000 (Steve) · #4 07-02-2013, 10:33 AM

Ok here is the story

Its $90 for laybuy deposit.
I called up and tried to purchase it, total price is $449

shenanigans000 (Greg) · #5 07-02-2013, 10:37 AM

This page might help clarify the pricing: http://www.opticscentral.com.au/layby-system.html

Near as I can tell it appears that their layby pricing is 15% of the total price. In the case of this particular 'scope that would make the total $600.

That said I do believe the way they've elected to advertise their layby pricing is pretty obscure, and I believe could be construed as deliberately misleading. Obviously the $90 pricing is designed to grab your attention (along with the other items on the page link above).

Whether the company is legally obligated to also make the TOTAL price clear (as mobile phone plan pricing must do) - I don't know.

ColHut (Colin) · #6 08-02-2013, 12:22 AM

I'm pretty sure this is like component pricing - either way I'm pretty sure they are supposed to show up front the total cost.

You really need to talk to to an expert though, or email someone at your local office of fair trading or at http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/142

regards

Screwdriverone (Chris) · #7 08-02-2013, 09:06 AM

The link that CPOC posted shows the full price and the balance after the $90 deposit.

Seems that it is fixed? or was it there all along?

I have attached the screen shot.

Cheers

Chris

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #8 08-02-2013, 09:13 AM

It actually shows the full price on the relevant page. I have read it but the only thing that would need clarification is the way the price is displayed. It does say the initial price is $90.00 and that is what you are paying.

The only thing that I could think of in relation to Fair Trading is Bait advertising, totally outlawed in WA.

The main reason for the price I believe is purely to trick or manipulate search engines which is not illegal.

shenanigans000 (Greg) · #9 08-02-2013, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screwdriverone

The link that CPOC posted shows the full price and the balance after the $90 deposit.

Seems that it is fixed? or was it there all along?

Yep, it's been fixed - the pricing structure was definitely not shown originally.

Looking at it now it seems fine to me.

cpoc · #10 09-02-2013, 12:13 AM

Well I'm happy enough they've fixed the details (would have been nice to get a $90 8" though

)

ColHut (Colin) · #11 09-02-2013, 02:18 AM

Good to see they have updated the page. Definitely not there originally. I'm sure there'll be another dob one day

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #12 09-02-2013, 08:24 AM

When I see this listed under "Serious Astronomy"

http://www.opticscentral.com.au/saxo...telescope.html

Likewise for "Astrophotography"

http://www.opticscentral.com.au/saxo...telescope.html

I would think they have absolutely no idea what they are doing and are just selling "stuff"

Russ59 · #13 10-02-2013, 04:18 AM

Seriously don't buy it.

Walk into BinTel - real shop - and put a layby deposit on this:

http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx

More advanced mount. Far superior altitude bearings. This Saxon model is an outdated design as Malcolm has stated I another thread.

stephenb (Stephen) · #14 10-02-2013, 04:38 AM

Full agree with Russ, Just my opinion of course but steer clear of these online telescope stores that have popped up in the last few years. Faceless people who promote themselves as 'experts' by seeing a quick and easy way to make a dollar by selling online.

As Terry said, they are just "selling stuff". Don't buy from them.

A question I ask newcomers when they are looking at theses type of online stores is if there is something wrong with it, who pays for the shipping back to the warehouse? Almost always it is the buyer.

Also the picture of the Saxon show a straight through finder, not a right angle type which will be better for your neck!

Walk into Bintel in Camberwell, ask for Anthony and have a look at the Bintel brand telescopes on display. They'll let you put it on layby and pay it off. Then you have the security of returning to the store if there is a problem.

cpoc · #15 10-02-2013, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephenb

Full agree with Russ, Just my opinion of course but steer clear of these online telescope stores that have popped up in the last few years. Faceless people who promote themselves as 'experts' by seeing a quick and easy way to make a dollar by selling online.

As Terry said, they are just "selling stuff". Don't buy from them.

A question I ask newcomers when they are looking at theses type of online stores is if there is something wrong with it, who pays for the shipping back to the warehouse? Almost always it is the buyer.

Also the picture of the Saxon show a straight through finder, not a right angle type which will be better for your neck!

Walk into Bintel in Camberwell, ask for Anthony and have a look at the Bintel brand telescopes on display. They'll let you put it on layby and pay it off. Then you have the security of returning to the store if there is a problem.

I start a new role at work this week which sees me move to full time... maybe the layby route is a good one... once I figure out how my pay works out (paid monthly which is a bit annoying... but could be workable). Thanks for the advice everyone!

Screwdriverone (Chris) · #16 10-02-2013, 09:28 PM

Hey CPOC,

Why not snap this 8" Dob up here. Free delivery in Melbourne, RIGHT up your alley at $300 ono......

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=103174

Cheers

Chris