HELP! Contacting AOE??

[pbolitho]

Hi everyone,

I have been interested in the night sky for most of my life, but I have only recently decided to make a hobby out of it. Accordingly, I have done a bit of reading and a bit of star hopping and constellation hunting with the naked eye. But I am really ready to get my hands on a pair of binoculars.

I have had a look at the AOE (aquila optical & electronics) website that is frequently recommended at iceinspace and have found some affordable pairs that seem to suit my needs but I have had trouble contacting them! I know this has been raised in these forums before in about March of this year, but I thought I would ask again to see if anyone knows what is going on at the AOE site.

Their website indicates that they are undergoing site maintenance but this was supposed to end on the 22nd July. I have sent them two emails now about 2 weeks apart and no response to either. I guess its just frustrating because I really want to get started with some bino viewing!!

Thanks for any help that anyone can give me. And sorry again if this is a repeated post.

Paul.

[iceman]

Hi Paul

:welcome: to IceInSpace!

I do remember a similar thread a few months ago - it's a shame if they're not responding to emails, and since they don't list their phone number, it makes it very difficult indeed to spend money with them!

I know my patience would have run out by now.

[stephenb]

Hi Paul, Welcome to the hobby.

I know it's hard to know what to buy when starting out on a limited budget. I purchased my tripod and binoculars from AOE a couple of years ago and the quality was acceptable and affordable. But remember you get what you pay for.

Like, Mike, I too would have lost my patience by now.

I would suggest you look at Andrews (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/index.htm) and BinTel (https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm). Their service and support and second to none in this country. Andrew's prices seem to be on par with AOE. Bintel are a little bit more expensive with some items, but you get exceptional advice and customer service.

[Esseth]

Yeah i have been attempting to contacting them with no avail, so i had a look at Andrews, and ill call them tomorrow. i couldnt even track down a number for AOE and i work in investigations lol.

[Jules76]

You'll be suprised what you can find if you lookup the ABN and then search whitepages for the person who owns the ABN. :)

But that appears to be his home number so I won't post it here. Up to you if you wish to contact him that way.

[Esseth]

hahah yeah i found that, but i thought it might cross the line.

[PCH]

Couldn't be bothered - go with the people who not only want your business, but are prepared to be there to take it :thumbsup:

[pbolitho]

thanks for all of your replies! yeah i think i have finally lost patience :P

thanks for the links to andrews and bintel - will happily check them out!!

[erick]

I'm sad to see this notice on the AOE website:-

"The store is currently closed. We apologise for any inconvenience."

[jamespierce]

Another vote for Bintel from me - always found their service and speed first class.

[mercedes_sl1970]

That's a shame about AOE. I had excellent service and great advice from them in the past. Hope they resume business.

Andrew