I had a chat with Mike before he left and we decided this was the best place to post this...
As many of you know I have been searchiong for an observing seat for a while...I became enamored with the "Stardust" chairs sold by Hands on Optical in the USA for US$169 + shipping...unfortunately shipping to Australia costs almost US$200 (more than the seat)...way over my budget...
After a bit of searching, I have come up with a source of these chairs. They are not currently otherwise available in Australia...I am considering bringing them in but shipping is a huge issue and therefore it is best to buy in bulk if possible...I would like to make these available through some of the local retail Astronomy shops and estimate the price to be between AUD$150-200...
Is there any interest?
I have attached some pictures...as it has been cloudy and rainy since my sample arrived I have only had a chance to play with it in the house but I must say that I am impressed...they are adjustable in height, very stable, fold flat, and hold my bulk (very sturdy)...they weigh less than 8 kg...you can check out the Hands On Optical website for the sales pitch...
At this stage I am not selling them but I am trying to gauge interest...if there is enough interest, I will go to some of the Sydney area Astro Shops and see if they are interested in stocking them. Again, the price is not set as I have no real idea what the actual costs of shipping is...the AUD$150-200 is based on the US price and is "just a guess"
they would be a great space filla for 20 & 40 foot containers. If you know anyone down the track that imports heavy stuff and thus leaves room at the top of the container, these would fill it beautifully.
big steps i know at this stage, but would save money down the track
Just a thought, why would anybody want to import observing chairs when there are quite a few models made by amateur astronomers available in Australia?astroron
I haven't posted here before but regularly monitor the buy & sell forum.
Scott, I would be interested in the seat if the price is right - so to speak. Whats your timeframe for making a decision as to whether to bulk buy or not?
FYI...I have taken the plunge and will be bringing in some chairs to Australia...it is my hope that a few of the Retail astronomy shops will be interested in stocking them.
ETA for delivery is mid January...I'll try and get more information about the wheres and how muches out sometime in January...
I guess this is something that is not too difficult to make at home for the average DIY-er but for under $200 I would probably buy the ready-to-go product instead.
But I am still trying to figure out what would work best for me. The height adjustability is not the main issue. It's my back that would like at least an occasional rest, so back support of some sort would be nice.
