Quote:
Originally Posted by glend
John Cross, Celestron Business Development Manager for Asia- Pacific, has contacted me and asked that I include some information in this thread that he has provided directly. He has been monitoring this thread, and the previous one I assume, and wanted to clarify a few things concerning Celestron Australia and his role.
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Thanks for the post Glen, I am thankful for John’s response, as it certainly clears up some issues in regard to Celestron in Australia. As for John’s email, I got it from someone else yesterday, so all good there. Not that I actually need it, it is for future reference.
Glen, I don't understand your need to make a big deal and tell everyone that John Cross is monitoring this thread, is that supposed to be a warning of some sort? Well, maybe not, but given your previous remarks aimed towards me, that is the way I am reading it, right or wrong. Not that I really care anyway Glen. As a BDM, I would have thought that that is what he is doing in any case. It seems stupid to tell everyone, as he now may not get unfettered views, which are really the most important views for anyone who has to develop the Celestron brand. But, to be fair, that is only my view. Fortunately, it makes no difference to me.
As for discussing the issue, it is way too late for that John. Celestron handled the situation less than satisfactorily, as did S&H, and there was no good will shown on Celestron’s part, in fact, quite the opposite, as they were a little insulting in my view. It was still under warranty at that time, but there appeared to be some confusion as to who was responsible. To revisit it now will only serve to stir up the animosity I previously held. It would be a completely pointless exercise, too much time has passed. If I couldn’t get the parts then, I am certainly not going to get them now.
Would I buy another Celestron telescope? I really don’t know. Celestron is doing some great stuff, very innovative. The lack of any good will and the loss of faith in the electronics, for very good reason, makes me baulk at the idea of buying another fork mount or CGEM mount. It is still a point of annoyance for me, I paid a lot of money for a telescope that cannot be serviced, without the need to send it to China, at my cost even. It is galling, to say the least. I still buy Celestron accessories, as they are good value for money, for the most part.
It is wonderful that Celestron has finally realized their pricing was ridiculous in Australia and it is good to see that John Cross is being proactive in this regard. I am actually very surprised when I did a comparison earlier today, although it was long overdue. There now is little difference or indeed slightly better pricing on telescopes between Aussie and US prices, exchange, customs clearance, freight and GST considered. It is now on par. I don’t know about pricing on accessories though.
So, whilst I could say much about the poor state of some resellers and about the way I was treated, I do not see the point in doing so. It would achieve absolutely nothing, apart from stir up the passionate held views of some people, although it may also enlighten some others; certainly about how some people abrogate their responsibilities.
Cheers Peter