I've seen pricing on some products direct from China and before the middlemen
get them here. Example; Celestron Ultima style eyepiece, no markings,
$21.50/ea. in 100 piece lots.

I say GO FOR IT....

Of course I am quite sure that Celestron Ultima eyepieces are made in Japan so
that Chinese connection is likely bogus...

Would it be possible to say buy 50 5" f8 achromats on G5 type mounts for
around $300/ea?

Someone else pointed to Burgess Optical and their difficulties dealing with the
Chinese factories. After a year of screwing around, BO has still not been able
to get the 102mm F6 refractor together as a complete package. It was offered
with some nice features, slick 2 inch diagonal, 2 speed focuser, all sorts of
stuff. But so far, things have not gone well, the current wait is for some new
"Semi-Apo" objectives that will cure all the problems.

Currently I have a 102F6 Burgess Optical scope sitting in my closet waiting for
that new objective, mine has astigmatism that seems to be about lambda/1...
Others have been luckier.

So I say GO FOR IT. Get 50 guys here to give you $300 for that scope and
tripod.

Then after a year or so, you will be holding the bag, everyone will be ****ed
off at you for not delivering and you will have spent the last year trying to
learn Chinese and flying back and forth trying to get things straightened out.


-----

Bottomline: Orion is making money on their scopes. They have developed good
working relationships with companies that are experienced in the manufacture of
optics and they are able to import those scopes at what is really a bargin
price, sell them and provide prompt delivery, great service and keep their
customers happy.

If you want to compete with Orion, Celestron and the rest, you better be
prepared to learn how to interface with the Chinese manufacturers so that the
products arrive as promised and on time.

jon