Observing Tent

[Dennis]

Originally Posted by asterisk

This looks like the same thing but at a much cheaper price. I have dealt with SmartAstronomy and found them prompt and reliable.

http://yhst-1469288697390.stores.yahoo.net/poobte.html

Thanks for the link. The tent shown does have taped seams which is the sign of a good design. However, at US $224, that makes it around Au $260 and if you add in shipping costs, you’ll be mighty close to the Sirius Optics price of Au $299?

Cheers

Dennis

[citivolus (Ric)]

I concur, it would be around $80 to get it shipped from the USA by post, given its size and weight. At current exchange of 0.9:1, total cost works out to $330AU.

[brightstar]

The price shown is in US dollars which converts to approx. $A299.00 when you add freight/GST, Customs Clearance etc.

The purchase price from China is 95.5 Euro. Additional costs are Wire Transfer Fee, Shipping Fee, Air Freight (Not cheap) which is usually based on Cubic measurement of the shipment, not actual weight. Remember, retailers do not purchaase 1 off any item, customs clearance, delivery from customs, and the GST. These all add to the cost and does not include: Wages, Rent, Power, Phone etc. It would be cheaper to buy Pens, Coasters, and the usual junk found at flea markets where you can get a lot of items into smaller packages than astronomy gear. These tents are totally waterproof (as normal tents) and come with a fly as added protection.

I think some members should engage their brain before their mouth when discussing some aspects of pricing in Australia. Just about every retailer is very aware of overseas pricing and tries very hard to be competitive and match overseas price as closely as possible. REMEMBER, AUSTRALIA HAS A SMALL BASE FOR ASTRONOMY RETAILING.

[Night Owl]

Originally Posted by brightstar

I think some members should engage their brain before their mouth when discussing some aspects of pricing in Australia. Just about every retailer is very aware of overseas pricing and tries very hard to be competitive and match overseas price as closely as possible. REMEMBER, AUSTRALIA HAS A SMALL BASE FOR ASTRONOMY RETAILING.

"Just about every retailer is very aware of overseas pricing and tries very hard to be competitive and match overseas price as closely as possible."

Not in the petrol industry. The Yanks are paying $3.33AUD for a US gallon. A US Gallon = 3.78 litres. The US is paying an average of $1.13 AUD a litre for petrol. Price parity my arse. Competition in petrol industry! More like cartels and collusion in the petrol industry.

Check this out from time to time, and see how much of a competitive world parity price we pay...

http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petro...home_page.html

[brightstar]

My understanding is that Ice in Space is about astronomy - not petrol. It beggars belief that someone could link petrol prices with the cost of importing astronomy gear.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

If I had a need for a temporary observatory and had the $$$ to spare, I know I'd get one.