Advice needed on buying OTA on Astromart.

Hi all,

I’m looking for some advice, opinions or experience with purchasing an OTA on astromart?
I’m thinking of purchasing the tube (8”—11” SGT depending on price) on Astromart and then maybe source the mount closer to home to save on shipping cost due to the weight?
What do you think?

Please be gentle it’s my first post!!

Thanks in advance.

I know of a 12" Meade ACF SCT on sale near me for around £3000,1 year old, fitted with Robofocus & used only a few times and normally about £4250 new. Its still a lot to invest if its your first scope though.

phoenix wrote:

I know of a 12" Meade ACF SCT on sale near me for around £3000,1 year old, fitted with Robofocus & used only a few times and normally about £4250 new. Its still a lot to invest if its your first scope though.

I think he said it was his first post not his first scope

Just read that he also said an OTA whereas the one I know of is a complete set up :blush:

I've bought many items over AstroMart, including OTAs (TV Pronto, Tak FC100, C9.25, Tak Mewlon 250) and mounts (AP400, AP600, AP1200). I picked up the C9.25 and AP600 when I was in the States, but all the rest were shipped. Obviously I've had good experiences (as I keep doing it).

For an OTA I'd want to make sure the seller still had the original packaging for shipping. For other items, either original packaging or many layers of cardboard. Bubblewrap doesn't really cut it for heavy items.

Remember that you'll be paying the Revenue about 25% if sourced outside the EU.

Cheers,
-- Jeff.

Sinar6 wrote:

maybe source the mount closer to home to save on shipping cost due to the weight?

Welcome aboard!

I wouldn't sweat the cost of shipping a typical mount - its not necessarily true that their weight adds significant cost to the shipping in all cases. Especially for a mount that'll hold an 8-11" SCT.

I'd do the sums - get an idea of costs on Astromart then go look what the shippings cost would be (try Fedex or UPS for a quote - I've used both ands both are reputable). Then look at shipping costs closer to home for both items (UK, Germany for example).

Bear in mind the 25% add-on for imports from non-EU countries. You may even be able to buy new within the EU for the same price as used from the US. Even for used items that are imported, you'll be hit with import duty and VAT. And the Customs folks are very keen to claw in as much of this "income" as possible in the current climate. So its highly unlikely you'll get away with it.

One final issue to mull over - the further away from home you purchase from, the costlier it'll be to return for repair/replacement - but that may not even be an option if you buy second-hand.

Finally - Astromart has a good reputation and its "owners" are keen to ensure quality control. But do the research - choose sellers with good ratings and perhaps a few sales under their belts. Check out what their returns policy is, if they have one. Any dealings I have had on Astromart have been very good.

Hope this helps...

Dave