Andrew's Communications Review

[04Stefan07]

Recently I purchased a brand new OTA to replace my faulty one. I did a bit of research on what was available in my price bracket.

I knew after having a MAK I wanted something very similar to that design due to the following:
- Portability
- High focal length
- Decent aperture

As I was looking for a new tube I realised that the GSO 6" mentioned "Astrograph". I was told that they are designed for Astrophotography due to some features (didn't actually realise it wasn't a MAK or SCT). After purchasing it I thought crap did I make the wrong choice but in the end I made the best choice! Also I didn't realise it needed collimation but I do not mind doing something like that, it's another learning curve for me.

Anyway along with the review.

I went to Bintel and they said they wouldn't have stock until late November in any of the OTA's I was interested in (RC's and Newtonians). I emailed many times expressing my interest in the 6" RC but took them around 3 days to get back to me (not to mention they are about 20km away from me).
Anyway I did some research to see if another place in Australia sell the 6" RC. I contacted Andrews Communications in NSW and within half an hour got a reply saying they have stock and will ship it out on the Monday for me (this was on the Thursday and Friday). After paying on the phone the scope was sent out on Monday and due to the Melbourne Cup public holiday the scope came on Thursday. I was in constant email communication with them for a few days (they were replying on average around once every half hour which is fantastic!).

In summary Bintel have very knowledgeable staff who know their products however when it comes to reaching back out to customers via email it does bring their service down a bit. I have been chasing them up in wanting to purchase something, you think it would be the other way around? You will have a much better experience going to the actual store in my opinion.

However with Andrew's Communications I would like to highly recommend them for their quick response, very knowledge staff and speedy service. The OTA was sent safely and packed very well. They have a returning future customer.

Cheers,
Stefan.

[glend]

I deal a fair bit with Andrews and find they are quick to ship and always have the stock they have on the website - something that can be a problem with Bintel. Three times this year I have had to ring up Bintel to chase up an order and then find out they were out of stock or waiting for advice on the next delivery. Of course Andrews and Bintel sell many different things and for some things I have to go to Bintel or overseas. I have two GSO scopes that I bought from Andrews and would not buy the same scope from Bintel just to get their sticker on it, and pay hundreds more for it as well. When you are dealing with Andrews it always helps to talk to Luke, and realise that you need to have some knowledge of what you want, and how to put it together out of the box. Both companies have different 'personalities' but I find Andrews is the best match for me and I know I will get the best price, and quick delivery.:thumbsup:

[04Stefan07]

Yep agreed. Luke helped me at Andrews as well. He is fantastic to deal with.

[Stardrifter_WA]

I used to be a loyal Bintel customer, well mostly anyway. But I no longer deal with them. Yes, they are knowledgable and a solid business, but I think they have become too complacent in recent years, particuarly in regard to valuing their customers.

My primary suppliers is now OPT and they respect my business. Because I deal with them a lot now, they consider me a loyal customer and give me regular discounts, and I don't even ask for it. In finding another primary supplier, I discovered that I actually saved a lot of money too, as most things were cheaper anyway, even with the added freight. So it is OPT for me.

As for freight, I get my packages quicker from California than I mostly got from Sydney, unless it was sent in an overnight bag.

And yes, some things OPT cannot ship, such as Meade and Celestron stuff, but that is okay, don't need any of that anyway. Fortunately, most stuff I want they can ship.

It is great to see that Andrews is become a viable competitor. We certainly need more competition in Australia, particularly to stop other companies becoming complacent.

Cheers Peter

[GrahamL]

Back when andrews wasn't listing an email addy on there website because it was generating to many online enquires,,I did land a really messed up order from them , not a lot of dollars , but really bizzare , and the expectation was on me to cost the return .

I use bintel ,and still use andrews to ,both imo need our support to give us choices.

[sn1987a]

I don't even bother to look at what the local companies are offering anymore, I couldn't care less.

If I want something I go straight overseas, no hassle, in stock, cheaper even with shipping and GST and exchange rate difference, its quicker shipping from the other side of the world than from the eastern states. If I'm ready to spend on gear I expect some enthusiasm not sullen indifference.

Hell hath no fury like a customer with a fistfull of cash scorned.

[Steffen]

:thumbsup:

I don't usually go straight overseas (yet), but more often than not I end up buying there.

Cheers
Steffen.

[glend]

The thought police will get to this thread eventually.

BTW I see Andrews is presently running a 10% off sale on all Meade and GSO stock (until 14 Nov).

[koputai]

Just to even things out a bit, I've never had anything other than excellent service from Bintel in Sydney.

I think we're lucky to have the two good retail outlets that we have!

Cheers,
Jason.

[taminga16]

I feel that Bintel (Melb) lost a great asset when Roger moved on.
Greg.

[casstony]

The problem I have with Bintel, Andrews, etc is that they're 50 to 100% more expensive than the IIS classifieds :)

I've had good service from Sirius Optics, Bintel, Andrews, Tel & Astronomy, OPT, AEC, B & H Photo: good to spread the cash around, but most of my spending goes to IIS classifieds.

[Neil]

Well I'm very happy with the service from Bintel, as well as Astro Optical Supplies, Sirius Optics and AOE.:D

[Stardrifter_WA]

True that Barry. :) I am just surprised at how easy Aussie companies can disrespect a persons custom. But then, I have noticed how a lot of people will put up with mediocre service. I am like you, I expect some enthusiasm for my business. I don't get that here, so I now use OPT mostly now, as they actually value my custom. I don't like not supporting local companies, but if they think that is their right, they are sadly mistaken. Sadly, it is too late, the horse has bolted......