Hi all.
I'm looking to buy my first scope in the not too distant future. Obviously a big step.
I've been looking around the web and talking to my local dealers. From what I've seen, andrewscom has probably the cheapest price I've seen for what I'm interested in.
while I was checking their site, I found that in most cases, they seem to offer cheaper prices. Sometimes huge differences compared to competitors (I've seen $1100 differences for the same setup in some cases).
I realise that it makes good business to undercut the competition wherever possible, but I do have to say, I wonder if this is a case of "too good to be true."
I'd asked my local scope dealer to quote me a price on a dob. They quoted me a figure, and I asked if they could match andrewscom. They couldn't.
What followed was a rather... passionate speech by the dealer which put into question andrewscomm quality of products/service/validity. I'd rather not say what was said, for fear of breaking a forum rule. however I will say that the vendor suggested that andrewscom may not be an authorised dealer for many products (meade, skywatcher, celestron etc) and that by purchasing from them, the manufacturer may not honor any warranty because they aren't an authorised dealer. *I am not personally making such an accusation.* I only bring it up because, if true, that would significantly affect my decision to purchase from that source.
I fully recognise vendor bias when I see it, and as a result, have taken everything said with a hefty pinch of salt. however, I do wonder if there is a kernel of truth under all the chaff of bias.
I am lucky enough in that I have a friend that has dealt with andrewscom before. however, this was several years ago, and not for a telescope. They have also not had cause to test a manufacturer warranty. With that in mind, I'm trying to find some unbiased information about andrews comm.
So, what I'm really asking is if any users here have had personal dealings with andrewscomm. how would you describe the service, quality of products ordered. In particular, have you ever had cause to use the manufacturer warranty for a scope bought from andrews?
(I am aware that andrewscom offer their own extended warranty, and that is fine. However, I ask about the manufacturer warranty because if the worst happened and andrews shut up shop, I can't rely on their own store warranty).
Hearsay and rumor is not really what I'm after, because that's what got me into this position in the first place.
Any input (good or bad) would be helpful.
Thanks all!
