Praise for Bintel

[Octane]

Something a little different to the climate change threads.

I wanted to praise Bintel for their excellent customer service.

I ordered a 1.25" extension tube and it was mailed out the same day I sent payment last week. It arrived the following day, but, I wasn't home to collect it. I only got the chance to pick it up from the post office yesterday.

When I got home and opened the package, it was a 2" extension tube instead of a 1.25".

I emailed Michael and let him know that it was the wrong tube, and, that I already had one of them.

Michael wrote back immediately saying that it was their mistake and that he'll pop the appropriate tube in the mail today, and, not to hurry with returning the one that was sent to me by mistake.

He also said they'd give me free postage next time to cover my costs in returning the incorrect item.

Even though my dealings with Bintel are few and far between, I am always treated like a friend. This has been the case since I bought my first Meade LX90 LNT from them back in 2005/2006.

Big ups to Michael and the boys. :)

H

[MortonH]

Nice service. I always find them extremely helpful. I'm fortunate to live close enough to pick up anything I buy from them, which is a good excuse to visit the shop for a browse and a chat.

[Renato1]

They're a good crowd at Bintel's Camberwell and Sydney stores. But I had to chuckle last time I dealt with them, because I've met the owner Mike Smith several times over the years.

Don wasn't there, and another chap Mick rang me about an order I'd placed. Then later on another order I was rung up and Michael relayed some information, and I called him Mick.

And he said "No I'm Michael, you were talking to Mick the other day"

Puzzled - "And the owner is Mike, right?"
"Yes"

Must be kind of confusing working there.
Cheers,
Renato

[RB]

I paid them a visit last week to see how Mike and Lil' (the owners) are doing after Mike's stroke.
Don, Michael, Lil and Mick were there and told me he was lucky he had the stroke while at work and that he's doing better now.

I have dealt with them many many times over the years and consider them good friends.
Wishing Mike a good recovery, I don't visit as often now but it's always so good to go in and have a chat with them.

Speedy recovery Mike.

Regards
Andrew

:thumbsup:

[pvelez]

Mind if we call you Bruce to avoid the confusion?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJkO-EKRVd0

+1 to the comments about Bintel - I bought my PMX through them just so I would have someone on the ground here to help with any issues. Always had great support from them.

Pete

[Amaranthus]

Yep, I just bought a bunch of new gear through them. I could have sourced various components cheaper elsewhere (esp. OS) but the whole package was a good deal and it's great to have the service and security in case things go awry. Don provided very helpful advice too.

[Larryp]

Always great service from them. Mick lives out my way and often drops stuff off on his way home to save me postage, which I greatly appreciate

[Renato1]

That's sad news that I was unaware of.
Let's hope he recovers quickly.
Renato

[stephenb]

Often when the debate/arguement about local vs overseas prices is brought up, this sort of customer service and support is often forgotten about. Sure, if you can purchase overseas without the need for support/warranty etc (I have done so on occasions) that's fine, but when it hits the fan and you need parts or any kind of support, that's when the true value of the local prices shine through. :)

[Octane]

Item has been delivered.

Awesome service. :)

H

[LewisM]

Bintel have always been good, prompt. I especially like the service I get from Don, and always sniggered at the sarcasm exuded by Mike :)

I only deal with 3 Australian vendors - Bintel, Sirius Optics and Myastroshop. ALL stellar (pun intended) service, and I particularly like the mate's rates Ron at Sirius gives :D

[pw]

Yeah, the Melbourne staff are good, know what they're on about & help me when I need it.

[andyc]

I only have good opinions of both the Melbourne and Sydney staff, having bought quite a few toys from both shops :D. Thanks a lot guys!

[Paul Haese]

The guys in Sydney in my experience are a great team. Good service, nice blokes and stand by the products they sell. Always have lots of time for them and as a result bought my fair share of gear through them too.

[xelasnave]

When I purchased my 12 inch dob and Mrs Smith realised I had to get it home by train she insisted on driving me home to Cheltenham which is just past Epping Sydney.
Now that is service. It would have been a battle otherwise.
Alex

[JonR356]

I love dealing with the Bintel crew at Sydney, Michael in particular. Good, honest advice whether it's what I want to hear or not.

I don't deal with them that often but still feel like a valued customer when I do. Brilliant.

[astroron]

I didn't know Mike had had a stroke,I hope he is getting better.
I am proud to call the guys at Bintel friends having known most of them since the 1980's :)
I always call in and say G_day when I am in Sydney.
I bought most of my eyepieces and other stuff there over the 25 years, and always buy when they have the specials on.
All the Best Mike. :)
Cheers :thumbsup:

[hector]

I have purchased my telescope equipment from Bintel for many years now, from the days when the store was in Wynyard. Mike has always made sure the service is well above expectation. I also known Mick and Don personally and know that when they give advise on the products they know what they are talking about. Bintel is the only place to purchase your astronomical equipment.

[Rodstar]

May I belatedly add to the chorus of Bintel praise. All staff are absolute gems of human beings, and their love of all things astro is infused into everything they do.

If a purchase is not appropriate to the task, they will tell you (thus depriving themselves of a sale).

As others have observed, the speed of the service is so fast that one wonders whether they had a crystal ball and knew in advance that you were destined to place the order!

In recent years my dealings have mainly been with Michael Chaytor, the "young 'un". He always makes time to chat, catch up, he remembers previous purchases, and takes a genuine interest in things.

10 out of 10 Bintel!

PS Love and prayers to Mike Smith for a speedy recovery

[wavelandscott]

While far away now and unable to shop there because of distance I give full credit to the Bintel Team for getting me into the hobby...my first real scope came from them and they took the time to answer all my questions before I made my purchase. I later also had the opportunity to team up with them in the "chair" business and they were super to deal with then too. A trip to the store was always fun and enjoyable.

I will add my positive thoughts and mojo as well to wish Mr Smith a speedy recovery!

[Nortilus]

yup...they really do have good service, i needed an extention tube aswell but i needed ASAP as the venus transit was 2 days off...i paid for it but the bintel crew made sure it got the the airmail place and i had it in my hands the next day...what service.

[uwahl]

It took me a year to decide what I was going to buy to get back into the hobby. I went to Bintel because they had a good deal on an EQ 8 / Meade 10'' combo. I added a QSI camera and some other bits and pieces. Michael was very accommodating - no pressure applied while I ummed and arghed over the cost.

He was quite good at giving follow up advice / service when I subsequently asked dumb questions about CCD imaging and back focus issues ( I last did astronomy before the first PC appeared on any ones desk!). Would definitely go there again.

[Hagar]

I have always found the service from Bintel to be fantastic even when my daughter asked them what she could get me for my birthday and they showed her my account so she could work out what to get. It took some explaining and a threat or two but she didn't tell her mother how much I had spent.
You provide a great service guy's. Keep up the good work.

[ourkind]

All the best to Mike for a speedy and full recovery!