Quote:
Originally Posted by MortonH
The two retailers may have very different shops and rents to pay for, which may provide an element of justification (to them!) for the price difference.
In the old days you supposedly paid a bit extra for the 'expertise' of the person who sold you the gear, plus the after-sales service, technical back-up, etc. But with forums such as Ice in Space, many of us can get the same backup from other amateurs who are only too willing to share their time and knowledge for free.
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Absolutely Morton and Mick,
I have been quoted the rent argument by two dealers in Adelaide when telling them about Lee Andrews prices for William Optics gear. Like I'm going to say "Oh yes I see the merit in your argument - here's $150 extra, put it towards your rent!"
A lot of the gear we buy is very 'niche', and we have researched it very well as you've said. After sales service/repair may go some way to justifying increased prices from some dealers too. But the much reduced pricing of dealers like Andrews is often very much worth the risk!! I had to return a barlow once before with no dramas - wouldn't like to do the same with a Scope and mount though! Perhaps that's where an extra $150 or so becomes palatable due to peace of mind?
Cheers
Doug
