what's the issue with Sky-Watcher Australia?

[JimIrish (Jim)]

I've had a Star Adventurer tripod and wedge on order with a respected retailer for two months. Delivery dates keep being pushed back, and now indefinite. Problem is that NO Australian supplier has these in stock - Sky-Watcher seems to stuffed up their forecast of demand, allowed retailers' stock to dwindle, and can't be bothered to use airfreight to restore retailers' stock and to meet backorders.

Is this part of a wider problem? It's opened the door for other ecosystems, such as iOptron. My delay is affecting a (hobby) research project, but many are no doubt affected. Lift your game, Sky-Watcher! Jim

[Leo.G (Leo)]

I don't think they can blame COVID now Jim, just someone dropped the ball somewhere in the chain.
I do understand how frustrating situations like this can be and bottom line is they lose business as do the companies stocking their equipment.
I hope your gear gets here soon!

[Mosc_007 (Charles)]

Originally Posted by JimIrish

I've had a Star Adventurer tripod and wedge on order with a respected retailer for two months. Delivery dates keep being pushed back, and now indefinite. Problem is that NO Australian supplier has these in stock - Sky-Watcher seems to stuffed up their forecast of demand, allowed retailers' stock to dwindle, and can't be bothered to use airfreight to restore retailers' stock and to meet backorders.

Is this part of a wider problem? It's opened the door for other ecosystems, such as iOptron. My delay is affecting a (hobby) research project, but many are no doubt affected. Lift your game, Sky-Watcher! Jim

Try Ryda.com in Sydney. They sell a lot of astronomy stuff even though they are a car radio/Camera shop.


My Mate bought a Star Adventurer Wedge from them recently. I bought a Star adventurer tripod for my Seestar S50 from Testar in Sydney some time ago. Worth looking if he has stock.

Charles

[sharkbite]

I had the same problem....happened a few days after the s50 got equatorial mode :-)


I waited a month before i cancelled the order, and got one from a very well known online retailer named after a rainforest.

ordered on a friday, arrived the next day, just in time for clear skies....

...and it was cheaper...

I shall not name the local retailer - they have never let me down before.

[Leo.G (Leo)]

The following in an email from an equipment supplier:

An update on the Dobsonian situation

The news is good. Sky-Watcher got a smallish shipment of Dobsonians, including the one that everyone wants, the 8" solid tube. We have one Dob unsold after getting our share of the restock, and now Sky-Watcher is reporting "low stock" again. No worries, we've also got the Saxon 8" solid version, and they seem to have plenty, so there's Dobs for everyone!

This is just from one supplier mentioning low stock at Sky-Watcher. This is relating to Dobs but if they can't get them in they are probably struggling to bring other stock in too, just a hunch.

[alan meehan (Alan)]

I've had the same problem with ZWO been waiting for 2 mths for a guide camera ,just got it and WAM torrential rain