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I don't understand the complaints about AU prices versus importing direct from overseas.
There's no doubt that local prices are more expensive than importing it yourself. Surely that's expected, right? These local businesses are businesses. While it does not suit us as consumers, they are in business to make a profit. They pay rent, they pay staff, they pay advertising, they pay tax.
Not to mention, the Australian amateur astronomy community is pretty small so they can't rely on lower prices and large volume. It's a very limited market.
They also have to give warranty support.. something you may not get when you import it yourself. Or if you do, you'll more than likely have to pay the shipping bill to send it back.
You can't honestly expect an Australian retailer, with all of those overheads, to sell something at the same price you'll get it for by importing it direct? You will have to pay shipping, customs duty + GST, and you take a risk with warranty support.
There are pros and cons to buying local or importing direct, but I don't think it's fair for local retailers to cop the brunt because they're not selling at the exact same price you can get it for. There are very legitimate reasons for it - but you have the choice.
How many of you buy big household items from overseas? Plasma TV's, computers, stereos etc? Surely they're cheaper to buy from overseas stores as well? But most of you would probably get it at the local harvey norman or similar. Why? Because you want that local support and warranty. You want to be able to take it back and get a new one if something is wrong. Why is telescope gear any different?
The exchange rate fluctuates.. just because it's high at the moment doesn't mean that local vendors are ripping you off. They're stock may have been sitting in the warehouse for 6 months, bought back when the exchange rate was low. It may give you personally more weight in your argument to import direct, but it doesn't mean the vendors are ripping you off.
You'll probably find that most local retailers are prepared to haggle somewhat, or offer discounts if you buy multiple items at once, or you're a regular return customer.
Would you prefer all retailers to run their businesses right on the margin? Make very little money to give you cheaper prices, and then go out of busniess?
We need more vendors in Australia. Competition helps bring down prices. One way to get more vendors is to have more demand. More amateur astronomers. Websites like IceInSpace are important to help promote and grow amateur astronomy in Australia. To encourage people to stay away from the dept store refractor and get the right advice, buy the right telescope that will see them stay in the hobby - not buy something they'll use once and put in the back of the garage.
I've bought items both locally and overseas. Sometimes the overseas experience has been good, sometimes bad. I've done research at time on buying overseas and buying local, and for small items at times it's turned out that it's only $20-$50 dearer buying locally. Yes i'd prefer to not spend that extra money, but if it means I can go into the store and pick it up instead of hoping that it makes it through customs or doesn't get lost in the post, for you it may be worth it. For larger items like telescopes, the warranty issue alone is a big risk - something I'd probably not take the risk on but you may be different.
As with everything, it's your choice. Do your research and make the decision for you. But I don't agree with the bagging of local vendors because they're not offering it to you at the same price you can get it for by importing direct.
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