Help from London / Essex Boys finding retailer

[blueranger]

Hi,

I have noticed a few other London / Essex Boys are registered and wondered if anyone knows a retailer in East London or the Essex area with a showroom where I might get some good advice and possibly make my first purchase?!

I am a newby and would like to see the scopes in the flesh, rather than just buying straight of the Internet, although the guys on this forum have been helpful guiding me.

The only place I have seen in mags etc is The Widescreen Centre, anyone used them?

Thanks in advance.

[GazOC]

http://www.telescopehouse.com/acatalog/about_us.html

Not exactly Essex but at least its south of Watford...

[blueranger]

Thanks,

It's about an hour away (M25 not being a carpark! :x) so might be worth a visit.

[FireForEffect]

I live in East London, so probably not too far from you - if you can make it to Central, try the Widescreen Centre near Baker St Station - great place and really helpful.

[wallis23]

Ok, i might be wrong but i think i read somewhere that because there's such a low demand for telescopes, telescope shops tend to sell their 'scopes for a much higher price than what you can find them for on the 'net for the same model.

Your best bet would be to go to a shop to look at a 'scope then buy the one you want online. But again, i might be wrong, but i'm sure i heard that...

[canuck]

Ok, i might be wrong but i think i read somewhere that because there's such a low demand for telescopes, telescope shops tend to sell their 'scopes for a much higher price than what you can find them for on the 'net for the same model.

Your best bet would be to go to a shop to look at a 'scope then buy the one you want online. But again, i might be wrong, but i'm sure i heard that...

If you compare Telescope House shop floor prices, with their website (and other retailers with both), I would think this is unlikely. Some web only retailers may be slightly less, but will you pay extra for shipping?

In my opinion, I think your best deal (particularly if you're buying multiple items), would be to visit Widescreen, or Telescope House (or your closest retailer), and explain what you want, and see what they can do for you. A website is static, and offers no flexibility, but if you visit in person, you stand a better chance at getting a deal. You also have the advantage of a more personal relationship with the shop, as any warranty issues/after sales service is much easier for you if you have dealt with them in person.

[Stephen Green]

Could be worth visiting Celestron at David Hinds ltd Grovebury Road Leighton buZZARD 0845 2602770

Stephen

[blueranger]

Hi all,

And thanks for the help.

Spoke to both Widescreen Centre and Telescope House and both very helpful over the phone so will try to make a visit!

Will consider David Hinds but it is a bit of a trot!

[Macmarch]

Then of course there is Bern of Modern Astronomy. Very helpful and his prices are the keenest.