Bintel or Andrews as your preferred Astro supplier

[Startrek (Martin)]

I just noticed on the Andrews website a disclaimer about ensuring you purchase the correct product as you may not get a refund
See attached
That’s why I prefer Bintel for all my astro needs
Professional advice
Excellent support
In store promotions
On site repairs and modifications
You can speak to an Astronomer
And the list goes on ....

Thoughts , comments , criticism and praise welcome !!

[casstony]

I don't think any astro shop would offer a refund for change of mind or incorrect ordering.

[LewisM]

Neither sell Takahashi, so my vote is neither

Both seem fine, though my go-to parts place has always been here on the trader, my circle of contacts or if need be, myastroshop.com.au (haven't bought yet since Alex took over). Plus either eBay or AliExpress.

[glend (Glen)]

I am pretty sure Luke at Andrews is a Cosmologist. Any uninformed customer should seek his advice. Or check with the IIS forum if your not sure about what your doing.
These two businesses operate different business models, and this has been discussed at length over the years. There is a place for both, and they both should be supported. Ripping into one or the other is just wrong, we need competition.
Let me say one thing about Startrek's comment about a refund disclaimer. For products that Andrews imports directly (GSO and some others) they have to draw the ordered product from a bonded warehouse (which means it is not subject to full import charges until such time as release it requested). Once that is done they must pay for it, so yes they have an interest in making sure you buy the right thing. For products supplied by middlemen importers, like TASCO (who in the exclusive agent for Skywatcher, and Celestron (now), products are ordered from the TASCO warehouse. TASCO supply to Bintel as well, and of course puts a margin on everything they handle.
So please let us not use the IIS forum as a platform to slag the retail sector.

[rzgp33 (Brian)]

I hate the Andrews Web site. It looks like it was designed in the 80s and has never been looked at by a competent Graphic designer. Impossiobe to find anything easily. No online purchasing, and a general attitude.


Bintel seem to always have to get what I want from back order. They seem to have very little in stock, and they have high delivery charges. Apart from that they seem ok


I prefer Sirius Optics, Optics Central and Ozscopes to either.


Oh and despite "quirky" web sites don't discount Sidereal Trading and Astroshop



Just my 2c


Brian