Bintel feedback

davidpretorius · #1 16-12-2005, 04:24 PM

Ok, the cynics and opposition will say that they are still in honeymoon mode, but i am very happy

As I have loudly mentioned, i have ordered a Televue 5x powermate. I want to support the melbourne store so i did not order over the internet. I rang melbourne, introduced myself as the spammer from IIS and ended up chatting with Anthony. He explained that they had just sold the one they had on the shelf, but would get sydney to send it too me.

This was weds.

On thursday, he rang to advise that Sydney wanted to make sure someone was there to collect the goods and I explained yes. He then said he would try and get it out of sydney that night.

Anthony again followed up today to see if it had arrived as he had managed to work miracles and get it picked up last night. I then explained that express post = 2 days to my home town of launceston. He asked me to let him know on monday when it turns up so that for future customers in Tasmania, they can safely tell them an accurate delivery date.

110% for customer service guys and especially Anthony. I know Anthony contributes to the site outside of work and has a common interest in astronomy, but as me as his customer, I felt very excited about purchasing my first "premium" product from bintel. He was interested in me buying it, he chatted to me about it and i came away very happy with the whole experience.

I know others aren't happy to pay for service / customer relations and price is king!, but this little black duck won't be as keenly looking at price (it aint everything) when I know what level of customer satisfaction i have personally received from Bintel Melbourne

Thanks

matt · #2 16-12-2005, 04:40 PM

You're absolutely right Dave

I've made the same point on numerous occasions in various threads. The value of good customer service far outscores the very modest few extra $$$ you pay for the pleasure.

I don't know about you, but when I'm paying good money for a premium product I expect a little attention to detail?

There are a few vendors I've had such sloppy service and advice from that I've vowed to never "shop" there again. I'll source my gear wherever possible from someone who knows what they're doing and genuinely WANTS my business and WANTS the customer to be happy.

On Sunday, I'll be parting with a fair amount of cash with one of these genuinely good operators for a whole new telescopic outfit.

I'm paying more than if I'd gone to one of the big turnover merchants, but I'm getting so much more than just the equipment and that's why my dollars are heading in that direction.

I guess it depends on how much value you place on customer service and attention to detail. Some people couldn't care less and that's totally fine but I'm with you, Dave.

I reckon it's what separates the wheat from the chaff.

asimov (John) · #3 16-12-2005, 06:16 PM

Here here!

matt · #4 16-12-2005, 06:51 PM

Cheers Asi

Sometimes I feel a little embarrassed to bang on about this particular subject but I feel so strongly about it mate!

The thing is, I've spoken to so many people who have been scared off from getting into astronomy because of bad experiences.

This is such a specialised hobby that there's a thin line between people sticking with it or jumping ship and they're often pushed over that line by poor advice and service.

Too many vendors are willing to take advantage of "suckers" just to make lots of quick dollars. Those people take this crap gear home and use it once and end up all bitter and twisted about something we know is truly the most fabulous pastime there is.

I could go on... and have actually, quite a bit. But it's good to vent!!!!

I know there's a certain amount of truth in "buyer beware" and "do your research" ... and some of the onus has to rest with the newbie, but it's not easy starting out and we're not talking about easy-to-understand stuff here.

asimov (John) · #5 16-12-2005, 07:26 PM

Yes, I've had my fair share of dealers that 'don't want my hard earned'. Well that's fine with me, I simply won't go back there again.

anthony2302749 · #6 16-12-2005, 08:14 PM

Thank you for wonderful compliment

, we are still working out the bugs in the system, the business has only been up and running for about two weeks now and thing are starting to come together. Developing a good customer relationship is important to us, we want to ensure that you are happy with your purchase and that you will visit us again even if it is only for a chat and a cup of coffee.

BINTEL Crew
Melbourne

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidpretorius

Ok, the cynics and opposition will say that they are still in honeymoon mode, but i am very happy

As I have loudly mentioned, i have ordered a Televue 5x powermate. I want to support the melbourne store so i did not order over the internet. I rang melbourne, introduced myself as the spammer from IIS and ended up chatting with Anthony. He explained that they had just sold the one they had on the shelf, but would get sydney to send it too me.

This was weds.

On thursday, he rang to advise that Sydney wanted to make sure someone was there to collect the goods and I explained yes. He then said he would try and get it out of sydney that night.

Anthony again followed up today to see if it had arrived as he had managed to work miracles and get it picked up last night. I then explained that express post = 2 days to my home town of launceston. He asked me to let him know on monday when it turns up so that for future customers in Tasmania, they can safely tell them an accurate delivery date.

110% for customer service guys and especially Anthony. I know Anthony contributes to the site outside of work and has a common interest in astronomy, but as me as his customer, I felt very excited about purchasing my first "premium" product from bintel. He was interested in me buying it, he chatted to me about it and i came away very happy with the whole experience.

I know others aren't happy to pay for service / customer relations and price is king!, but this little black duck won't be as keenly looking at price (it aint everything) when I know what level of customer satisfaction i have personally received from Bintel Melbourne

Thanks

Stu · #7 16-12-2005, 08:19 PM

I agree. You have got off to a very good start Bintel Melb.

astrojase · #8 17-12-2005, 07:55 AM

I have been buying stuff from bintel for years and never had a problem...great to see them giving the Melbourne market a nudge!

Free coffee too? I am there!

janoskiss (Steve H) · #9 17-12-2005, 09:39 AM

Anthony, good customer relations are more important for an astronomy shop more than most other types of shops. We amateur astronomers are perpetual spenders. No matter how good the scope or eyepieces are there is always room for more accessories. It's very nice to have Bintel with helpful staff in Melbourne.

Starkler (Geoff) · #10 17-12-2005, 10:46 AM

Whats the address of the new Bintel store?
The Bintel website only appears to have the Sydney address.

Striker (Tony) · #11 17-12-2005, 10:53 AM

I also have spent thousands at Bintel....never had a problem with them at all.

I just wished they would consider a store in Brisbane....there has to be a market up here for them...everyone I know either buys overseas or interstate anyway.

Come on Bintel...expand up here.

ving (David) · #12 17-12-2005, 10:54 AM

sounds like the melbourne store is off to a good start

every store has its ups and downs, i hope you have more ups

janoskiss (Steve H) · #13 17-12-2005, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ving

i hope you have more ups

... and eps!

And knock out some of those windows.

Viewing through them makes even the best eps look like junk.

Geoff, Bintel's address:
519 Burke Road, Camberwell Vic 3124. Tel: (03) 9822 0033 Fax: (03) 9822 5566

Twokids · #14 19-12-2005, 04:49 PM

My partner just ordered a barlow from them this morning (my Christmas present

). He said the staff were very pleasant to deal with on the phone.

They said they would send it straight away, and with express post it should arrive tomorrow. Now that's efficient service

Thanks Bintel

rumples riot · #15 19-12-2005, 05:21 PM

That sounds great, I have always had good relations with the people at Bintel.

My only criticism is that they should get into selling Celestron also. Or even Takahashi. They could dominate the Market with a greater range of scopes.

Still their service is very good.

#16 19-12-2005, 06:14 PM

Well, my 2 cents worth on Bintel...

I ordered an astronomiks uhc filter, put money in their account tuesday
morning, it was in my P.O.Box out here in the bush Wednesday morning.
That's pretty good service for the bush! but I suspect Oz Post may of
helped somewhat, and a missing part of the service.

regards,CS

janoskiss (Steve H) · #17 19-12-2005, 07:41 PM

Let's face it, Bintel are just doing their job. It's a pity many other dealers are not.

Roger Davis · #18 20-12-2005, 08:22 AM

Thanks for the kudos guys and gals.
We always try to do our best, our thanks to Oz Post for their continued speedy service. Hopefully it won't slow down through the Christmas rush!
Jody you should have your barlow today. Should have left our Sydney office last night as we are out of stock here already.
Hope you all have a merry Christmas and clear and moonless skies for the New Year.

davidpretorius · #19 20-12-2005, 08:31 AM

they may deliver on time and have great customer service, but what happened to the disclaimer re getting rid of rapidly falling temps and bad jetstream for new equipment??????????

powermate 5x is great guys - thanks!

matt · #20 20-12-2005, 08:36 AM

I'm with you Steve. This level of service SHOULD BE de rigour.