Why do we still need retailers?

For Meade stuff. All info is on the web. They are drop shipping
everything to people. So what does the dealer markup now buy us?
-Rich

Rich wrote:
For Meade stuff. All info is on the web. They are drop shipping
everything to people. So what does the dealer markup now buy us?


With *good* dealers, service, support and (for the less informed)
information. Of course, not all dealers are that good.

Plus if I wanted a new scope *today*, I could drive to one of several
local dealers and pick one up. If it was defective, I could return it
for a replacement .. vs. shipping back and forth -- a 2-3 week process.

Mail order is often preferable, especially among the experienced. But
dealers have their place, too.

Phil

For cases where you know exactly what you want, ordering on the Web is
fine.

If you're not sure which scope/gadget/option is the best for
you, nothing beats being able to go to a dealer to "kick the tires"
and see and feel the equipment in person. A good dealer can give
you advice on how to best solve your particular need/problem. Case
in point: I wanted a EQ mount with clock drive for my TV 85. I
knew from reading ads and surfing the Web a bit what options were
out there, but I wasn't sure which mount and tripod options would
be the best fit. I drove out to the local scope dealer (Rivers
Camera in Dover, NH--they really know their stuff), we talked over
the various options, I chose a mount and tripod, and I was able to
pay for it and drive home with it then and there, versus waiting
a week or two for a 'net vendor to ship it to me.

If you encounter a problem, you can bring the equipment back to the
dealer for service/exchange/replacement, versus having to shell out
the money for insurance and shipment to send it back to the
manufacturer.

Brick-and-mortar stores still have their place.

-Paul W.

On Fri, 06 Jan 2006 12:26:37 -0500, Rich wrote:

For Meade stuff. All info is on the web. They are drop shipping
everything to people. So what does the dealer markup now buy us?
-Rich
----------
Remove 'Z' to reply by email.

Hey, I like ordering from an online retailer and having Meade drop ship to
me. Recently, I ordered a 1.25" filter set from an online retailer (not
mentioning their name) for $39.95. When the package arrived the invoice
confirmed the filter set. Yet, when I opened the box I found a brand new
Meade DSI. Imagine my surprise (I already had one). Prudence told me not
to complain to the retailer. I guess I'll just live with that one. I ended
giving it up to a fellow Astronomy Club member for half the retail price.

Scott
"Rich" wrote in message
...
For Meade stuff. All info is on the web. They are drop shipping
everything to people. So what does the dealer markup now buy us?
-Rich

On Fri, 06 Jan 2006 12:26:37 -0500, Rich wrote:

For Meade stuff. All info is on the web. They are drop shipping
everything to people. So what does the dealer markup now buy us?


More jobs. People need jobs. Want to lose yours for whatever reason?
Retired? Aren't you glad you had one to get you to that point?


--Martin

Rich wrote:
For Meade stuff. All info is on the web. They are drop shipping
everything to people. So what does the dealer markup now buy us?
-Rich

1. Dealers don't "mark up." They buy at discounted prices that the
public can't get. You won't find the scope cheaper.

2. Competition.

3. Jobs.

4. Someone to talk to, and take back the defective one, and give you
advice--without your having to sit on the phone for 28 minutes or wait
for the return email.

5. Dealers are more fun.

Bob

P.S. OPT has some info on the new Meades.