Hi Jaqui (Blue Sky),
Yes, Celestron have restrictive practices! I have had correspondance with Celestron Corp over this. Just try ordering something from overseas. You can't, despite the fact that the distributor may not even stock it in Australia. I tried to order a Celestron Astrometric eyepiece but they had no stock in Australia and I couldn't get an answer to how long it would take to order. Apparently, Bintel had had them on back order for some time; at least that is what I was told.
I could have ordered it from the US and had it within a week, but I wasn't able, as US retail outlets are not allowed to sell outside the continental USA. Instead, I bought a Baader equivalent from Extravision, and frankly it seemed a much better eyepiece anyway, although more expensive.
In a fast paced and connected world, when a customer wants something, they want it now. If I can't get it quickly from my regular supplier I go elsewhere. But this is not always the case.
Celestron are now rather expensive in Australia, which I think is mostly due to the lack of outside competition. I have some indication that this may be in breach of free trade agreements. I have written to the ACCC about this but as yet haven't received a reply.
I have mostly supported Australian business that provides a price that is fairly comparable with the US prices. Bintel do really well here, as they are fairly close, considering freight, duties clearance, etc. I don't mind paying a little more to support Australian businesses.
But, having said that, I don't see why Australians should pay more than a comparable country. If a price is cheaper elsewhere I should be able to deal with whom I like. This is not a communist country...yet!
I know you may not agree with this, but I also import a lot of stuff from overseas, mostly because it is far cheaper, even with freight, than it is in Australia. I am not made of money and have to stretch what I have as far as I can, and I do fairly well at it. I don't take kindly to a company that says I have to pay more because I live in Australia.
I think Celestron products are great and I will continue to use them, but I simply refuse to support the Celestron Australian distributor. I will either only buy second hand Celestron equipment, or I will purchase it when I am overseas. Yes, there are warranty issues here and I take these into consideration which is why I mostly support Australia businesses, when this is an issue. And if I can't buy Celestron, I will buy a comparable product instead.
Retail business in Australia is hard, mostly because of the high overheads faced by business in this country. But, for retail to survive they must reinvent themselves. Businesses like Extravision and Bintel survive because they have a wide range of products and not just astronomy equipment.
Regards Stardrifter
My real issue with Celestron is their restrictive practice that prevents me from ordering items from my preferred suppliers, even if it is in the US. In a global economy I should be able to get it anywhere and not be told that I HAVE to buy it in Australia. 
