Freighting scopes

[LightningNZ]

I have two scopes that I have no use for any more and will place in the classifieds forum this weekend. However, I have no idea how to handle the shipping of these. :help:

One is a 6" Maksutov (about 6kgs) and the other is a 102mm F/5 achromat (about 2kgs).

I'd be grateful for any suggestions as to which freight companies to consider once someone buys either one of them.

Thanks,
Cam

[raymo]

Hi Cam, strong cardboard box with plenty of bubble wrap. Off to the Post
Office; assuming that they are tube assemblies only, no tripods. Send registered, no problem.
If you are set upon using a freight company, I've used Toll to send several scopes
interstate with no problems. You have to take it to their nearest depot.
raymo

[allan gould]

Pack and send I've dealt with and had exceptional service and NO problems.

[byronpaul]

Cam,

definitely don't scrimp on the packaging and bubble wrapped at your end. Double boxed, etc.

I've sent and received several scopes interstate over the last few years including my 11" SCT which I got sent over from Perth. Had absolutely no problems.

Each time I've used e-go to get my quotes, and providing you can do depot-to-depot the shipping is surprising cheap.

Best of Luck

Paul

[Merlin66]

+1 for e-GO.
They delivered a 6" f8 refractor from Melbourne to WA - no issues and very cost effective.

[Kunama]

Cam, I would recommend Ben at Pack and Send Fyshwick.
Just be aware that "P&S Online" is a separate business altogether and if use the online facility they have nothing to do with P&S Fyshwick although you can drop off a parcel there for collection.
Last time I used P&S Online they billed me twice for the same item and only refunded the money after I called them when I got my Visa bill.
I also used Interparcel, for postage to NZ.

[Meru]

+1 for Pack n Send as Allan as said. I have freighted a scope interstate and also purchased a scope from QLD using them. I made sure of course to get insurance and tracking etc. As long as you are smart about how it's packed (or ask them to do it for you), it will be fine. Good luck!

[Joshua Bunn]

Ive used pack and send for a PME, no problems and great service.

[Astro_Bot]

I've used Pack & Send without issues for a 10" SCT. P&S seem to be the only mob that will insure glass.

I wasn't aware the "Online" arm of P&S was a separate business .... seems a little odd .... I ended up doing my business with them over the phone and in person, anyway.

[LightningNZ]

Awesome, thanks so much everyone for the great advice!
Cheers,
Cam

[Kunama]

If you do use Pack&Send Online be sure to follow their packing instructions exactly or your insurance won't be worth the keystrokes it was written with.
P&S online have restrictions on what you can send that are different to the actual P&S outlets.
Any interstate transfers are usually farmed out to TNT and other couriers, P&S only do the home pickup and delivery part of the freight.
So far all my scopes have actually been moved by TNT between the P&S depots.

[MrB]

I thought this was frightening scopes. I was expecting to see photo's of behemoths!
Sorry for the interruption, please resume normal conversation :D

[mental4astro]

I've sent and received scopes across most of Oz using e-go.com.au & never had a problem. Latest episode was a C11 shipped from rural Victoria to Sydney in 4 cases & not a single issue. I've always made "fragile, telescope" instructions very clear & they've always been good.

e-go also has depot pickup/drop off capability where you can save from 25% to 50% on freight fees - this can be a lot of money!