One to be aware of

[Exfso]

I recently purchased a Pan24 from OPT in the US. No problems because it was less than $500aud and sent via post it incurred no customs/gst etc. So far so good.
I noticed that there was a speck of dirt/paint fleck under the top element and returned the said EP to OPT for replacement. No problems here. They credited me the cost of sending it back to them.
They sent a replacement to me (in good faith) via express courier and I have incurred a $63 customs charge. Reason...if items are sent by post, eg USPS, the cutoff limit for duty is $500AUD, but...if sent by a courier express, the cutoff is $250AUD. and the Pan was insured for just under $400USD. And because of all the stuffing around, it didn't/hasn't come any quicker anyway.
Needless to say I am rather pissed off. Considering I did not ask OPT to send it express in any case.

Sheesh our customs system is the pits.

:confuse3:

[iceman]

ah bugger, kinda destroys the savings you made by purchasing from O/S.. could've got it local for the same price.

[Dave47tuc]

Well I will have to look into this one.
I was thinking of getting a scope from the US trying to save a dollar:whistle:
This may not be the case:mad2:

Exsfo, who did you but that Tak, from?
Thanks.:)

Best.


:astron:

[Exfso]

I got the Tak from a telescope shop here in Adelaide (Optic SA) of course they had to order it from the local Tak distributor who is based in Cleve in country SA. Just for info the TOA130 has dropped considerably in price as the TOA150 is I believe almost ready to ship. Now that should be one helluva nice scope!!
Regarding the eyepiece stuff up, I contacted OPT in the States and they are going to re-imburse me the customs costs, so they definitely get my vote for service.

[Starkler]

Thats definately something to keep in mind.
When ordering from US I normally suggest USPS parcel post as its by far the cheapest method of shipping and I have never had a problem with it.

My last order was placed on a Friday, and I received it the following Wednesday :)