Celestron Dealers

The contract for supply of Celestron equipment referred to above appears to have potential to be anti competitive. As an organisation, with quasi charitable aims and objectives "b]i]set up to promote interest in Astrononomy and Space in general and Science in particular. It ... ... exists on member subscriptions, fundraising events and donations from individuals and corporate bodies[/i[/b" AI shold exercise care that they do not attract the attention of the Competition Authority.

Its not really AIs fault that this anti competition rule is in place, its really celestron who need to watch out.

No, clearly it is not AI's fault that the law is as it is, but care should be taken by all to comply. Look at the motor dealers currently in some bother facing allegations of price fixing. :!:

No, clearly it is not AI's fault that the law is as it is, but care should be taken by all to comply. Look at the motor dealers currently in some bother facing allegations of price fixing. :!:

I think you miss-undersatnd Albert's post, AI are being forced to work these rules by Celestron. I fully approve of the anti-competition laws. It's Celestron that need to be taken up on this. There are laws to protect EU citizens from the kind of per-nation pricing Celestron are forcing on their dealers. I just wish I knew who I could contact to get the ball rolling.

Bart.

No, clearly it is not AI's fault that the law is as it is, but care should be taken by all to comply. Look at the motor dealers currently in some bother facing allegations of price fixing. :!:

I think you miss-undersatnd Albert's post, AI are being forced to work these rules by Celestron. I fully approve of the anti-competition laws. It's Celestron that need to be taken up on this. There are laws to protect EU citizens from the kind of per-nation pricing Celestron are forcing on their dealers. I just wish I knew who I could contact to get the ball rolling.

Bart.

The penalties for price fixing are very severe. From what I recall, the onus is not on the competition authority to prove there is price fixing, the supplier has to prove that it was not taking place. (Not saying anything like this is happening here).
I once worked for a large multinational where only for the diligence of one worker who made a note in his phone log about a "price suggestive" phone call received from a competitor (which he rejected and made a note of) that they were not done for price fixing (several million pound fines).

That's real serious stuff John... :shock: