another scope shop closing

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

, sad news people , I was told the other day that BOTW here in Perth is closing down on Saturday ( 22nd ) there will be a few bargains to be had but that's little consoldence to us here in Perth , a sad day for all .
Brian.

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Unfortunately there seems to be shops of all different types closing, Brian. A sign of the economic times.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

BOTW? Never heard of it? Does it have a website?

[PCH (Paul)]

Binocular Optical & Telescope World was only open for about 3 half days a week as I understand it. And on the two occassions I've emailed him for information, I haven't had replies.

So I won't miss him much tbh. Although in the interests of fair reporting, I have heard others speak highly of his service.

[SurferSmyth (Ryan)]

I picked up a SkyWatcher 10" Collapsible Dobsonian for $750 yesterday, very pleased. as far as i know he still has about 4 more!

[Brian3. (Brian)]

Sad to see Perth without a real telescope shop but to be honest my business has gone to Melbourne simply because I was not impressed by the knowledge base or sales attitude of the locals. There is something called a consumer which WA business in many cases fail to service anywhere near the standard required today. Just try some of our service industries compared to the Eastern States and they constantly fall short of what I would define as "service."

[sn1987a (Barry)]

Needed bigger premises claustrophobic, dark, uncomfortable, far too small, not enough stock and accessories on the shelves. I went in a few times but couldn't find anything to buy. No interest in getting in the sort of gear I did want to buy. I've got a pretty big impulse buy budget but shops have gotta at least make an effort!. It's just quicker, easier and less grief to order online from the US.

[garin (Garin)]

BTW it was BTOW (Binocular Telescope & Optical World)
Sadly this store has also been the primary contact of those new to astronomy and our astronomy group (AGWA Astronomy Group of WA) and was how I initally got into astronomy and met up with the people that would help me get the most enjoyment from my hobby.

[issdaol (Phil)]

Unfortunately small businesses like this often go under because of lack of local support and cash flow problems.

The owner/s have to make choices about what stock to hold which gets very expensive especially if potential buyers are not interested in that brand or model so they end up stuck with stock and less cash.

Also how many people really supported their business by buying from them?? or purchased items from the internet that they could have purchased through them? Nowadays many people buy from an internet supplier because of better pricing (even if the saving is small) allowing them to spread their money around on more things.

As an opposing example places like Bintel are all ready well established, have good dealership agreements and understand their market very well. They also have great support from local community as well as internet trading.

[Oggie (Peter)]

Unfortunately, stores like Bintel aren't the greatest for Perth residents that wish to purchase large items like telescopes. The freight is a killer.

[DaveR]

Sad news about BTOW, did not go often but it was nice to know it was there if that makes sense.
Can anyone advise what the contact arrangements are for AGWA now that BTOW is no more?

[Marios (Marios)]

Originally Posted by Oggie

Unfortunately, stores like Bintel aren't the greatest for Perth residents that wish to purchase large items like telescopes. The freight is a killer.

Even Bintel better watch out plenty of online stores in USA that can ship the same items at up to 30% less delivered. I personally prefer to deal with a local store for warranty purposes, however at the end of the day money talks for most people.

[bobson (Bob)]

Dave,

Can anyone advise what the contact arrangements are for AGWA now that BTOW is no more?

Seniors Hall in Bassendean will be place where AGWA meetings will be held for now. They are not sure yet which day in a week. Most likely Monday or Wednesday. If you are on email list you will be notified, if not then Facebook is the only way to know until AGWA website is organised.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/124589480922323/

cheers

bob

[David Niven (David Niven)]

Originally Posted by Marios

Even Bintel better watch out plenty of online stores in USA that can ship the same items at up to 30% less delivered. I personally prefer to deal with a local store for warranty purposes, however at the end of the day money talks for most people.

Freight indeed is a killer.
And our small Australian demand.
The USA has 15x our population and they are 5x more keen to take up astronomy as a hobby. So overall, their demand is 75x our's.
The other way to look at it, is, our market is tiny, just 1/75 of theirs, so it is hard for our local Retailers, as sales are few to come by. Only those with deep pockets or low overheads will survive and even then, some may eventually quit, as they cannot make a living out of it.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Typical , some people cant wait to kick a business when its down and out ? can they .
Maybe if a bit of constructive criticism earlier on was given , that might have made a bit of difference in keeping the doors open ? you never know but its all a bit late now as the "horse has bolted" as they say .

And as Garin says these sort of shops are places where us like minded amateur astronomers can meet and greet , get a hands on felling for gear , and that's NOT! available on line .

Brian.

Originally Posted by sn1987a

Needed bigger premises claustrophobic, dark, uncomfortable, far too small, not enough stock and accessories on the shelves. I went in a few times but couldn't find anything to buy. No interest in getting in the sort of gear I did want to buy. I've got a pretty big impulse buy budget but shops have gotta at least make an effort!. It's just quicker, easier and less grief to order online from the US.

[Marios (Marios)]

Originally Posted by David Niven

Freight indeed is a killer.
And our small Australian demand.
The USA has 15x our population and they are 5x more keen to take up astronomy as a hobby. So overall, their demand is 75x our's.
The other way to look at it, is, our market is tiny, just 1/75 of theirs, so it is hard for our local Retailers, as sales are few to come by. Only those with deep pockets or low overheads will survive and even then, some may eventually quit, as they cannot make a living out of it.

Just another victim of globalisation and a free market, free to pillage the little guy half way around the world.

[sn1987a (Barry)]

Don't taze me bro!

I couldn't agree with you more Brian. I would like nothing more than to spend my money in a local shop and touch all the precious things. What do you do when you go in a few times, tell 'em you'll give them a list of gear you want and if they get it in you'll buy it through them so they can get the money even if it costs more?. What do you do when you send in a work colleague to buy a scope through them and he comes back saying he wouldn't bother going back?. I've been in business myself, I've failed, I could see they were struggling but what do you do?.

Originally Posted by brian nordstrom

Typical , some people cant wait to kick a business when its down and out ? can they .
Maybe if a bit of constructive criticism earlier on was given , that might have made a bit of difference in keeping the doors open ? you never know but its all a bit late now as the "horse has bolted" as they say .

And as Garin says these sort of shops are places where us like minded amateur astronomers can meet and greet , get a hands on felling for gear , and that's NOT! available on line .

Brian.

[raymo]

I would like to add some detail to The B.T.O.W. story, so that people
don't come to wrong conclusions about Keith and the company. I hope
my memory is accurate, and that Keith will forgive any small errors I
may make.
York Optical had a Perth branch which they closed some 20+ yrs.
ago. Keith, and if I remember rightly, another employee, took over
the task of supplying astro gear. They had a good size shop, well stocked
with some 25-30 scopes up to 11" SCTs and 6" refs and Maks. All seemed to be going o.k. They were burgled and lost a lot of stock. The
insurance co. demanded that they bar the shop windows, which as I
recall, the local authorities vetoed on the grounds that it would lower the tone of the area. Too risky to operate without insurance, so moved to the only place he could find. I continued to buy from him until the end, and always got great service. The shop was open 4 1/2 days per week as Keith had another business, astro not being enough to consistently
supply a living I presume. Camera shops in and around Perth began to
sell scopes, along with Geographic shops, which ate into his income.
When he was bought out by a competitor a while back, I think it
signalled the end was nigh. I am guessing that he was severely
constrained in what he ordered or stocked by the new owners.
I want to stress that I did not know him socially, only as a long
time customer. He was very knowledgeable and helpful; gave free
lessons to all scope buyers. I will miss being able to call him with
my latest problem or purchasing need. Good luck Keith.
raymo

[Pinwheel (Doug)]

As a few of you know I just took delivery of a 12" Bintel dob. I can tell you all I searched the web extensively before buying & at no time did B T O W come up in my search results. I doubt if it did I'd have bought from Perth but my point is I never heard of them to consider an impulse purchase. I would like to add 100% of my purchases are on line due to my rural location.

[Sarge (Rod)]

Sad to hear BTOW is closing. I purchased my NEQ6 from Keith about 2 years ago. Service and advice were first class. The only downer was not in the sale, but the freight. Independent freight company from Perth to Melb, price was fair - but it took 3 WEEKS!

Clear skies

Rod