Buying Overseas.

[Striker]

For any of you people who have bought eyepieces overseas.

What company and websites have you used or found to be the best...I am comparing prices at the moment.

I have found heaps of overseas online websites where I can purchase virtualy every eyepiecs available but are wondering what company or website anyone has used....

I dont have any issues buying overseas as I have bought heaps of items this way on Ebay....so if you can give a list or even one you have used and found to be credible.

Much appreciated.

I will list a couple but I have never purchased of either as yet.
http://www.skiesunlimited.net/index.php
http://www.kendrick-ai.com/astro/ep_meade.html

[iceman]

DBA Astronomy are great to deal with.. Dale is a top bloke and he is VERY helpful.

http://www.speednetllc.com/dbaastronomyproducts/

Starkler will vouch for him too.

[Striker]

Thanks...keep them coming...

BTW are these eypieces any good...well for the price anyway....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3867972111

I contacted the seller who has heaps of them and will sell them in bulk........he wants $25 USD (33.00 AUD) each and that include Postage.....

[Comet Hunter]

Not sure about the quality, but for around $33 I'd be interested in one if we ended up with enough interest to organise a group buy.

[ving]

they are meades... do they come in different grades?

[Striker]

nope all the same 18mm Wide Angle......must have produced to many of them...I have seen them selling the same identical one on other overseas sites for $50-60 USD + PH

Here they are selling for much dearer in USD but it does say was made for the ETX 60/70 scopes?

http://www.opticsplanet.net/meade-wa18.html

[Starkler]

OS retailers i have purchased from and never had a problem.

DBA - very good communications
O'Neil optical in canada - good communications
Kendrik - a bit slower but still ok

What takes a lot of US dealers out of the running for me is their insistance on using carriers like fedex for shipping. $80 to ship an eyepiece? bugger that !

Ask for USPS airmail parcel post or USPS Global priority airmail. Its the cheapest shipping solution and items arrive within 5-14 days.

[Striker]

Starkler..I just joined up on Skies unlimited and went through the shopping cart process like normal....then when it come up to postage it gave me 2 option's both off $65 USD postage for 1 x Meade 14mm Ultra wide....how rediculous.....so I sent them a nasty email stating unless you can provide a realistic postage service that should be around $20 USD for such a small item with that much weight....you are going to have 1 short membership from me.....

1 x Meade series 5000 Ultra wide 1 1/4 for $199 USD...if the postage was realistic I would buy one...and many more.....they have Naglers aswell....

My wife and I have ordered heaps of perfume through from the states...I got like 3 x 125mm bottles of expensive perfume delivered within 7 days for like $18 USD postage...1 x 1 1/4 eyepiece weighs 1/3 of that weight....*******s....grrrrrrr

[Exfso]

Up until now I have used OPT and found them great. They even paid for return of an eyepiece, a Pan24 that was faulty. They stuffed things up a bit returning the new one but. Something I found out re customs is that if you get something in for less than $500aud you dont pay any duty or GST. This I found out the hard way only appears to apply to stuff bought in via Post eg USPS. My return eyepiece came back via express courier and unknown to me the cutoff point is $250aud. So I got hit by customs. This I thought was a pain in the arse as it was a warranty replacement, but you cannot argue with the Aust Customs Service. I am at present negotiating with OPT as I did not request a couriered return, and in any case they put "gift" on the package which also raised the red flag at customs..
You live and learn

:confused:

[Vermin]

I've ordered many things from Woodland Hills Camera without problem:

http://www.telescopes.net/index.html

Returns are no drama and Carlos is quick to reply to emails.

Have also had excellent service from from Astrosytems:

http://www.astrosystems.biz/

Avoid this mob like the plague:

http://focuscamera.com/

They are unhelpful rude and lie about the stock they have on hand.

[Striker]

OPT...what does that stand for...got a link Exfso

[Comet Hunter]

OPT - Oceanside Photo + Telescope

http://www.optcorp.com/

[Striker]

Thankyou......

I like this one....... https://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=30-34-38-1369

and this one... https://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=30-46-51-6171

and another... https://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=30-68-71-355

Oh I could keep going but that will do for now.....

[Astro_Guy]

Striker,

If you would take a moment to review the shipping options at Skies Unlimited, you will see that the price you were quoted was for UPS Worldwide Express service. This is something entirely different from parcel post. The price you were quoted came directly from UPS, it is based upon the combination of your address and the package weight, and it is not marked up in any way. It is not our policy to extend our profits using fictitious shipping charges.

Best Regards,

Bob Black
Skies Unlimited
www.skiesunlimited.net

[Striker]

its simple.....you put your information country postcode and then it calculates shipping costs.....it does that then it gave me 2 and only 2 options which were $65 each...didn't give me any other options to choose?

2 opitions are World wide Express or Worldwide Expidited....cant see any other shipping information.....?

If their is it should come with the same options you provide....

While we have you here.....whats the cost to ship a 10-20mm 1 1/4" eyepiece to Brisbane Australia

[janoskiss]

Astro_Guy,

Striker did not ask for no UPS! But I'd like one of those, because it's real annoying when the power cuts out while you're in the middle doing something in a hurry.

How fishy does this sound:

"It is not our policy to extend our profits using fictitious shipping charges."

Hey, it's not my policy to be overworked and underpaid either, but I still do it!

Illegal and immoral activities by medium to big business are never official company policy but unfortunately more often standard practice than not.

[Exfso]

I can tell you what it cost to get my Pan24 from OPT to Adelaide with USPS and it was fully insured and trackable. When special was on. USPS postage $32 and it arrived within 7 days and I could track it all the way. As I said before if you get stuff in this way you dont have to pay customs etc if under 500buck Aust, but if via UPS ie a courier the cutoff is 250bucks Aust. I think. I actually paid OPT $305.85 including freight for this and at 75c which the Aust dollar was then it corresponded to $407.80Aud. This is a lot cheaper than Bintel's $485 and then you have to pay freight from them to wherever you live.

[rumples riot]

Lets watch the name calling gents, keep it friendly. Remember our friendly little site needs more people and everyone has differences of opinion. Its Ok to differ in opinion, just watch how you express it.

Thanks

Paul

[Starkler]

In a nutshell , check the shipping options before getting excited about the prices quoted.

[janoskiss]

rumples riot,

Sorry, sorry, I do this sort of thing too often. Tactful expression of disagreement/disapproval is an art I've long yearned to master! Lost the little manners I had, when I read "It's not our policy to" instead of "We do not".

[Astro_Guy]

Gentlemen,

In the time it takes to write one of these posts, one could just as easily have visited www.ups.com and used their shipping cost estimator to verify my assertion that shipping costs quoted by our website are actual costs, and that we do not mark them up in any way.

Best Regards,

Bob Black
www.skiesunlimited.net

[iceman]

Rumples knows the score..

Keep it civil people.. it's nice to have an independant forum where we can discuss vendors, prices etc, but remember that these businesses are usually someone's livelihood, and if you have 1 bad experience or bad quoted price, does not mean that everyone will experience the same thing.
A few bad words on a forum could potentially have a negative impact on that business. It's fine to relay your experiences but please stay as neutral and civil as you can.

Bob, please accept my apology on behalf of IceInSpace.

Also I think Starkler summed it up best..



My wife and I were looking for a product called "SwingSafe", and we found the only place that would ship it to Australia is the vendor, and they only had 1 shipping option, costing US$133 postage for a US$28 item. Needless to say we passed on that one.

[beren]

I dont understand the need for a apology , sure some lines had a aggressive tone but to Bobs credit he responded and added some clarification to a complicated matter. While i realize the obvious responsibility of keeping a moderate and level headed approach when discussing particular companies/shops online but if its going to be at the expense of responsible criticism then maybe any future disscussion good/bad on vendors be held privately between parties.

[iceman]

I agree Stuart, I certainly don't want to stifle any discussion about companies and prices, that's what these forums are for - to discuss what to buy, where to buy, good deals etc. That can also include criticism for a deal gone bad.

I think we just need to use common sense and don't get personal.

[Exfso]

I have just received notification from OPT that they are crediting me the customs fees I incurred with my replacement Eyepiece. How is that for 1st class service, definitely get my vote for sure. They sure know how to keep a customer.

:)

[Striker]

Again I ask what shipping options.....I got a reply by email saying how quick I trashed their company on public forums...but as yet...still have no confirmation of reasonable shipping costs.

All I want to know is the bloody cost of shipping...if this is too hard to explain to perspective buyers....simple I will purchase from someone else....end of story...thankyou.

[ving]

not an unreasonable request.
I would have gone elsewhere by now tho. I dont like being stuffed around.

[Exfso]

Striker, when I first purchased from OPT, I communicated with a lady called Rayna Robertson, she gave me a whole heap of options for shipping costs. It depends on how big the article is, and how quick you want it sent. As an example my 2" Televue Powermate cost $31usd for insurance and shipping on top of the price of the unit, this was with USPS and took about 1 week with tracking details so you could see where it was at any time. Now I believe that is quite a good price, but all you have to do is email them and they will give you the options. (internetsales@optcorp.com)
If you want any more info, email me and I will give you the whole shooting match mate.



:astron:

[Striker]

Spot on Exfso......those postage charges are reasonable and I would definetly pay those shipping costs without a hick-up.....

Sounds like OPT is the way to go....thanks mate.

I am sorry if I have offended and companies in this post but if you treat your customer right in the first place you can get some very good publicity...just like OPT has done....

Just sent a email to Rayna mentioning the recommendation......plus some postage prices....thanks Exfso.....

[Starkler]

I for one refuse to give my personal details at a website checkout BEFORE i know the full cost including shipping.

So many sites demand your personal and credit card info before revealing the shipping options. I just click off into the internet never to be seen by them again.

[Striker]

I agree...you need to Know the full price before enetering any confidential information.

Mike..."Swingsafe" isn't that found in the adult section under foreplay....if it is you should have payed the $133 USD....well worth it......lol

Notice Mike mentioned that "WE PASSED ON IT".....see joint itemmmm....next time Mike keep your personal adventures to yourself...not all of us have the energy to have swings in the bedroom........lol

[ballaratdragons]

I was under the impression that this is the 'BEGINNERS START HERE' forum!!!

If I was a beginner or new to this site and read this argument and dribble I would go elsewhere.:confuse2:

This stuff (minus the arguments:argue: ) belongs in a different section!


Keep the peace:love2:

Thank you my forum friends:thumbsup:

[janoskiss]

Good point ballaratdragons,

Maybe moving or nuking the thread would be a good idea??...

Is there any etiquette guidelines for these forums? I was about to clean up my earlier posts on this thread, but then I thought I'd better check with everyone else...

[Astro_Guy]

OK Mates, here's the bottom line on shipping rates from the US to Australia. The following rates are for US Postal Service "Global Express", which is insured for up to $500 US, has online tracking, and should arrive in about 4 business days:

2 Pound Package (1-3 typical 1.25" eyepieces): $24.00 US

3 Pound Package (most 2" eyepieces): $28.00 US

4 Pound Package (31 Nagler, 41 Panoptic): $32.00 US

These are the actual potage rates that you would see on the label when the package arrives. It would not be unreasonable for a vendor to add $1-2 on top of this to cover the costs of packing materials and the extra costs associated with filling out the customs declarations, etc.

One other little thing you may want to keep in mind is that it can sometimes take up to 72 hours just to get a credit card authorization on an overseas card.

Best Regards,

Bob Black
www.skiesunlimimted.net

[ballaratdragons]

Hey Bob,

How much does a pound weigh?

We've been metric since Noahs days! (well, just after Noah)

[Astro_Guy]

A pint's a pound the world around! Just don't expect to get a pint for a pound, because there have been a few off price increases since Noah's days.

[iceman]

1 kilo = 2.2 pounds.

None that are documented or stricly enforced, yet.. there hasn't been the need.

Common sense and politeness are really the only 2 rules people need to remember.

I will move this to the Equip forum.

[Striker]

Thanks Bob.......would be nice if these options were given at time of purchase......under shipping information?

[Striker]

hahah...I just got a quote from another overseas online store....Not going to say who it was this time.....1 x celestron 19mm Axiom series 2".....only 1 postage rate available $85 AUS.......sorry have to laugh.....

[Astro_Guy]

Striker,

Here in the US we have a fairly large and homogenous market for astro gear. Putting things into perspective, there are more people living within 150 miles (or 250 Kilometers) of my store in Philadelphia than there are in Australia. That's not a good thing by any stretch of the imagination, it's just a statistic.

Keeping that statistic in mind for a moment, one could easlily understand why US based websites are tuned to quote domestic shipping rates as opposed to worldwide rates. There were at least 142 member countries in the United Nations the last time I checked, and that's a lot of different shipping rate data to keep track of. The broader world may rely on Parcel Post for deliveries, but here in the US we expect either Federal Express or UPS. This is one of those weird consumer preferences issues, as parcel post is generally cheaper yet equally reliable here in the US as well. As we say here in America, go figure...

Hopefully the global express rates I provided here earlier today will be of some use to you and your mates down under. In a perfect world, we would all spend more time looking up at the sky than we would chasing the best deal on an eyepiece.

Best Regards,

Bob

[Exfso]

In my opinion when a company quotes such ridiculous rates it tells me they dont want to send gear overseas, so they immediately get scratched off my list.

:eyepop:

[Starkler]

The company I work for does all its shipping via the one carrier due to bulk discounts. I assume the same is true for most of the big astro dealers in the US and they dont give a toss about a small external foreign market.

You just get quoted the standard shipping rate by their preferred carrier and to ship any other way is just too much trouble for them.

[ballaratdragons]

Yeah! and apart from that it's a real problem if the scope needs to be returned for any reason (faults, repairs etc.)

Even paying the bit extra by buying in Oz at least servicing, repairs, exchanges etc. can be done in Oz!!!

[wavelandscott]

I'd throw my hat in for buying local if you can...

I am "lucky" to be close to Sydney and Bintel...they have been very helpful to me. I have asked tons of "dumb" questions in person, via phone and e-mail and they have always responded in a nice and friendly manner. I am sure that they have a "chuckle" after I leave but they have been super to me.

It may be a little more expensive but, I can "waddle" into their store ask a few questions and leave a little smarter.

When I bought my scope, they walked me through what it was and would do...

When I had questions on collimation, I popped into the store and they showed me how...someone stood with me while I collimated "my scope" (display model) and offered helpful tips...

They have a good selection of gear on hand and lots of "smart" people...(maybe lots is too much they have one or two smart people)

They are active in the local astronomy community and have a good monthly newsletter which I read every month on the web for free...they are top notch folks...

All those things are worth a buck or two to me...

And no, I have no affliation with them...I am just a happy customer...

[iceman]

I agree completely, their service and knowledge is A-1.

[Striker]

I dont think I would ever purchase a telescope overseas, its to big and you need some customer support....eyepieces and small accessories.....yes I would....

Just for instance I got a price for the Celestron 19mm Axiom 2" priced at $445...here localy...overseas they are priced at $245 AUS + Postage of around $40 AUS...saving of $160 AUS....even bigger saving if you purchase multiple items making shipping cheaper per item......I tend to like buying overseas......like I said previoulsy we ended purchasing 3 bottles of expensive perfume includding post from overseas for the price of 1 here at Myers......

As far as Bintel and andrews....yes they both are great....they have serviced me well and I will continue using both retailers for certain items...

[Jimmy]

I have bought a Meade ETX70AT from overseas, the tripod is more expensive to ship than the scope.

I dont particularly care what postage is as long as overall price is cheaper than what i can buy it in AUS for. (Ill only do it if im saving a couple of hundred, which i, lets say, very much did.....)

[Astro_Guy]

Be very careful when buying any go-to telescope from overseas. Neither Celestron nor Meade allow their US dealers to export these telescopes, and they will not honor your warranty if they find that you have purchased from the US. There are legitimate business reasons for this, as it costs considerably more to handle an overseas warranty claim. This is why these telescopes cost more in some markets than in others. You do actually get something of value for that higher price: a warranty.

If you do purchase one of these telescopes from a US dealer, be sure to get a written explanation of how a warranty claim would be processed. The safer route, as has been stated above, is to purchase these items locally.

[Striker]

Just wanted to make a small apology to Bob and his team at Skies Unlimited......for discrediting his company on this forum due to excesive postage price's to Australia.......recently Bob has sent me prices regarding eyepiece postage in general with very respectable postage prices given....actualy a little cheaper then the best price postage I have had.....

I am glad we were able to clear this up Bob and I hope my comments dont affect any future buisness with your company.

[Striker]

I am very happy....My order has just been confirmed.....

I have ordered the 17mm Nagler 2" and the Peterson eye-opener includding postage for a total of $575 AUS

BTW thats purchased overseas.....

[iceman]

What's a Peterson eye-opener?

And will you have to pay GST + duty on that? Let us know when it arrives and what extra costs you had to pay..

[Starkler]

Once your package is over $500 (icl shipping), customs and GST become payable.
You might save money by splitting into two separate orders and ship separately.

[Astro_Guy]

$500 AUD = $387 USD these days. Declared value and insured value are one in the same. Given that the shipper is the insured party, there might be a way to push that 500 AUD envelope provided that you can find an accomodating dealer.

Best Regards,

Bob Black
www.skiesunlimited.net

[Striker]

Mike.....

A peterson eye-opener is as follows......it only benefits long focal length eyepieces such as 35mm and higher...pending on brand and vield of view.....

http://www.petersonengineering.com/SkyDiv/EO.htm

And yes I have asked for them to declare the value below the $500 AUS for tax reasons.....

[iceman]

Nice one Tony, looks like you're on a winner there.

[vindictive666]

wavelandscott
where can i sign up for bintels news letter ?
i went to the bintel home page and cant seem to find a link ?

john

[rumples riot]

To get their news letter you can ring them or purchase something from them.

[iceman]

What newsletter? NightSky? Just get it from their website..

http://www.bintelshop.com.au/NightSky/NightSky.pdf

[wavelandscott]

Ice beat me to it...

[Striker]

My Nagler 2" 17mm turned up this morning along with the Peterson Eyeopener.......First impressions "I'm in love" the Nagler is so heavy but thats cool as I have fitted the counter weight set I got yesterday.....you can really feal the quality....cant wait to test it out......The eyeopener is also fitted nice and easy...I dont know why some of these parts just dont come standard.

For the money I wouldn't mine purchasing the 42mm & 50mm GS 2" if they are on special....cant go wrong for $69.

Just need tp look at some filters now.....
Bob what have you got in the way of 2" filters at Skiesunlimited?

[Exfso]

That 2" Nagler must be like a hand grenade. I know my T611 is quite heavy and that is only a 1.25". Having said that the Pan24 1.25" is large and heavy as well. Add these to a 2" teleview powermate and you have a real weight problem.

:astron:

[Astro_Guy]

The 24mm Panoptic is tiny next to a 17mm Nagler, which is tiny again when next to a 31mm Nagler.

So Tony, give us your honest impression of that field lens in the barrel of the 17 Nagler. Have you ever sen anything like that???

[Striker]

Yes its heavy.....2 or 3 time's heavier then the GS 2" 30mm...

Glad I bought the counter weight set.....

For some reason I just cant stop touching it.....this may become a fetish...hehehe

Yes Bob...I must say its very impresive.......much different to the hollow feal and look of the GS 2".......

[Striker]

Dont get me wrong I am happy with my GS 2" eyepiece, I may order more GS if their $69.

but have a look at these pics.

http://www.users.on.net/~striker/Nagler%201.jpg
http://www.users.on.net/~striker/Nagler%202.jpg

[Striker]

Just letting you know...I am still fondling my Nagler......lol...

I'm bored until the wife gets home...then I will let her touch my Nagler...but only once....lol

[Dave47tuc]

Tony,
Great to see the 17 has arrived. I used one for many hours one night and loved it.:D

Not enough to sell my 16mm Type 2. They are so close in there views, and i wanted to use my 1.25" filters. Those 2" ones are very expensive:eyepop:

If you want big try the 35 Panoptic:whistle:

[Starkler]

A nicely made quality eyepiece is a bit like a work of art isn't it?
The real fetish will take root after you look through it :) You'll never want to look through another plossl ever again.

[Dave47tuc]

I agree:D
Wait till you get the 12mm brother to the 17!

Pity they cant breed in the back yard:P

[Striker]

Hi All....just wanted to make a quick Note on this subject.....I have made my first purchase with Bob alias Astro_guy (Skies unlimited) in Glenmoore USA......I didn't have the best of reviews early on about Bob which was mainly my fault anyway....I just wanted to say my first transaction with Bob has been fantastic......the multiple emails I sent.....and I mean emails.... heaps of them...bob was a pleasure to deal with and gave very good advice even when it come to purchasing an eyepiece from another competitor that I had bob already Quote me on.....all communication was excellant...never had to wait many hours for a reply email and once purchased its in the mail the very next day.....other retailers sometimes take a week by the time they reply to your emails and confirm payment then post...

I cant say the price but I was looked after.

Bob thanks for the great transaction.......

BTW...this opinion may change if the eyepiece arrive in 3 pieces....lol