Fixed for a price?

If you thought telescope prices in the UK were suspiciously similar,
think about this story:
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In a fix?

If you've ever looked around magazines and shops, and wondered why
all the prices are so similar, take a read of the following:

I wanted to trade Synta products. These are excellent telescopes for
the money, and I wanted to promote astronomy and observing to as wide
an audience as possible. I would sell via the internet and mail order,
I thought.

But, it's not that easy. The UK agent for Synta told me that, unless
I had a shop or showroom, they wouldn't supply to me. They said this
was because the internet was proving such a fierce source of
competition. So, they like the idea of a free market, but only if the
rules suit them. If they don't, they just won't supply you with
the goods.

So, this is why suckers in the UK (and probably abroad), have to
continue to fork out over-the-odds prices for telescopes. The only way
to compete is to provide 'freebies' like an extra eyepiece or
something, anything to help you sell the product against a competitor.

If you think this stinks, write to the Office of Fair trading
(www.oft.gov.uk.)