How can the price difference be justified?

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #1 27-02-2009, 04:21 PM

i was looking at some largers scopes, from a couple of well known online retailers. In particular i noticed two places had the same scope and mount, one site had it at $2500 and another had it at $3500 ... for the exact same scope!!

In reality, how can this be justified? i mean, i dont mind paying a little extra for speedy, good customer service ... but does this show the markup some shops/people make?

i dont want to name the scopes/sites etc. as i am not affiliated with anyone.

TrevorW · #2 27-02-2009, 04:26 PM

I saw one local retailer advertising a 152mm APO from Hi-Optics in China for $7800

Go figure

stephenb (Stephen) · #3 27-02-2009, 04:29 PM

From my recent extensive research in a medium-size SCT, my advice is:

research carefully what warranty is offered with the product, where you would have to send the item back to if there is a problem;

research what customer service the shop offers; Do they know anything about the product.

While I am not defending the "higher priced" shops, there is usually a reason why they are a few hundreds dollars more than the cheaper stores, or put it another way, there is usually a reason why the cheaper shops are a few hundreds dollars cheaper.

I don't want to go down this old argument of local retailers, but I believe that after the exchange rate and other charges, our local shopfronts are offering reasonable prices.

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #4 27-02-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redesford

All I will say from my recent extensive research in a medium-size SCT is: research carefully what "customer service", warranty and support the less-expensive store has to offer.

can you elborate without mentioning names? i am sure there is no harm in posting your findings, without making it personal

bojan · #5 27-02-2009, 04:37 PM

I think the stores should be named, and notifed (like what Bunnings is doing.. additional 10% off if someone is cheaper then them).
How else to ensure the competition (and reasonable prices) if they do not know for one another?

Also, it would be interesting to know the REAL prices for those things (the one you would pay in China, at factory door).
I bet you guys would be even more puzzled.

stephenb (Stephen) · #6 27-02-2009, 04:50 PM

It is not a simple matter of "naming and shaming". This old chestnut gets raised with monotonous regularity, both here at IIS and on other forums.

Some "on line" retailers, as Duncan refers to them as, may offer different levels of support and customer service. Some stores may have less overheads. I also believe that some stores "may" import direct from the US (although I cannot confirm that), thus your item may not be completely covered by warranty. There will always be a reason and I do not think it is a simple matter of the more expensive shop "ripping off the customer".

If you want to know the "real" or cost price of items imported into the country, ring up and ask the retailer for the cost price, the profit margin, but I bet they do not tell you, and why should they?

No one would ask these questions when buying a car, a clothes, a flat-screen TV, so why is a telescope shop any different? If you do not like the price, shop elsewhere.

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #7 27-02-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bojan

I think the stores should be named, and notifed (like what Bunnings is doing.. additional 10% off if someone is cheaper then them).
How else to ensure the competition (and reasonable prices) if they do not know for one another?

Also, it would be interesting to know the REAL prices for those things (the one you would pay in China, at factory door).
I bet you guys would be even more puzzled.

i would agree, and dont have a problem with openly naming stores and price comparissons etc. But maybe its up to the site owners to give the ok on this.

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #8 27-02-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redesford

It is not a simple matter of "naming and shaming". This old chestnut gets raised with monotonous regularity, both here at IIS and on other forums.

Some "on line" retailers, as Duncan refers to them as, may offer different levels of support and customer service. Some stores may have less overheads. I also believe that some stores "may" import direct from the US (although I cannot confirm that), thus your item may not be completely covered by warranty. Or if there is a problem, you may need to ship your item to another retailer at your expense. This may not be entirely disclosed at the time of purchase. Although I never received any hard evidence of this, I became quite suspicious after making several phone calls. There will always be a reason and I do not think it is a simple matter of the more expensive shop "ripping off the customer".

some valid points, and like i said, i dont mind paying for customer service and good advice etc, i dont mind factoring that into the price at all ...

but for $1000 difference i would want it hand delivered on a 24K Gold forklift, with a choir of Angels.

stephenb (Stephen) · #9 27-02-2009, 04:59 PM

Like I said, you raise a valid question, but a question which gets asked all the time. My point is perhaps we should look at what we are "not getting" with the cheaper price, rather than the other way around.

By the way, I have absolutely no affiliation with any retailer.

Can I asked what the item is?

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #10 27-02-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redesford

Like I said, you raise a valid question, but a question which gets asked all the time. My point is perhaps we should look at what we are "not getting" with the cheaper price, rather than the other way around.

By the way, I have absolutely no affiliation with any retailer.

Can I asked what the item is?

soz if it gets asked alot, but money is a subject close to peoples heart !!

10 inch reflector on EQ6 mount

not that i can buy ... employee oportunities hang in the balance

RB (Andrew) · #11 27-02-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toryglen-boy

i would agree, and dont have a problem with openly naming stores and price comparissons etc. But maybe its up to the site owners to give the ok on this.

Just a reminder about what Mike has set out in the TOS regarding vendor discussion.
We've had situations on here before that have ended in threads being closed or deleted due TOS Rules.

TOS

Quote:

When discussing a vendor, be careful about what you post as it can be easy for comments to be taken the wrong way and a vendor may take offence. In general, remember to be specific about your experience or opinion, don't generalise and don't play judge and jury. Think and re-read before pressing submit.

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #12 27-02-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB

Just a reminder about what Mike has set out in the TOS regarding vendor discussion.
We've had situations on here before that have ended in threads being closed or deleted due TOS Rules.

TOS

thats exactly my point, and i have no desire to break any rules

xstream (John) · #13 27-02-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toryglen-boy

thats exactly my point, and i have no desire to break any rules

So in fairness to all vendors, this thread should die here!

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #14 27-02-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xstream

So in fairness to all vendors, this thread should die here!

why?

we are talking about the price of equipment, and what you get for your money, no names have been mentioned

wasyoungonce (Brendan) · #15 27-02-2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xstream

So in fairness to all vendors, this thread should die here!

Well not really.

A certain telescope sales company in Greystanes, NSW recently had price rises on products I was just about to buy, beaten by a day or 2.

I called to order & I bemoaned this fact, so, he reduced his prices to what they were previous for me.

An extremely first rate gesture by that dealer. He didn't have to.

Bottom line though.....all Aust prices on Telescope stuff is heading north on prices because of our dollar

bojan · #16 27-02-2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redesford

It is not a simple matter of "naming and shaming". This old chestnut gets raised with monotonous regularity, both here at IIS and on other forums..

That only proves that the point is perfectly valid.
After all, we, customers, have also some rights here, one of them is a right not to feel like a fool after finding out that we paid for something 100% more than we would somewhere else, or even next door. And I do not accept the formula that "I should have done my homework better".
Also, all other things (service, support etc) are very theoretical in nature.
I personally prefer to be served by the most rude person in the world provided I am getting exactly what I wanted to buy, at right price, then to be ripped off by some golden-tongue sweet-talking retailer.

Political correctness is NOT a good attitude, it wil backfire sooner or later..

Gama · #17 27-02-2009, 07:08 PM

Make sure that the web page is current.
It may just be an outdated page.
You really need to call the vendor and verify the cost and the model. It may look the same, but may not be. An example is the Skymaster series. There are normal, and black edition versions from memory.
It may come with motor drives, while the other doesnt. Check and see if indeed they are the same model and current price.

But as a vendor for my products, i can tell you now, there isnt much additional profit. But then i dont have the overheads or staff to pay. This is why i only concentrate on one niche of the woods, and stick to it.
Its bad and tuff enough for the larger retailers having wages and much larger overheads to add to their headaches, but also compete.
Backup support is "THE MOST" important aspect of the price you pay.
If anything, i sometimes loose money when providing this support. Sending this back, repairing the items at your cost and time.
Plus many hours is lost helping out the customer and these hours are not within the confines of business hours either. I have been called even at 2:15a.m, yes a.m.. Which is fine, as i am contactable till 3:00a.m most nights.
I believe in the old school, that is, how would i like my support for something i just bought.. So i now what its like to be frustrated with software, drivers, things not doing something right, or your just inexperienced at doing something. So i spend the extra time to make sure this is either non existent, or resolved ASAP. As the products should be enjoyed, and not waste time worrying about it.
You will get bananas support from direct overseas purchases near all of the time, so just remember this next time you find a fault or need help to load something.

Just a last note.
I do buy from local suppliers, it costs me more, but i do two things that make me feel a little better.
1) I keep the guys employed and the shop opened that little bit longer.
2) i know if i need help, i can just call them.

But just to shoot myself in the foot, $1000 is a big difference. Its got to be something else..

Theo

Bassnut (Fred) · #18 27-02-2009, 07:21 PM

Reading this thread was an irritating waste of time. If you wont or cant detail the complaint, whats the point?, why bother?, so vauge, could be a 1000 reasons.

PeterM · #19 27-02-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassnut

Reading this thread was an irritating waste of time. If you wont or cant detail the complaint, whats the point?, why bother?, so vauge, could be a 1000 reasons.

Fred I admire you, your words are like the volume control of a 100 watt Marshall amp being turned to 11, I hope others can hear it.
PeterM.

marki · #20 27-02-2009, 08:34 PM

I think the real solution to this is for retailers to detail the level of support they offer with each product. That way consumers such as myself can make a well reasoned choice. Careful consideration of after sales service is an absolutely essential part of the decision making process in my book and yes this thread was annoying to read.

Ciao Mark