Stock Levels

[neilmack]

Is it because I have been out of the market for a while, or is there really a shortage of stuff on the shelves with the major dealers? And, if so, is that because more folk are pursuing the hobby during lockdown, or because the Bat 'Flu has disrupted supplies?

 

I'm struggling to find things to squander money on!

[Tiny Clanger]

All of the above

Except for the bit about squandering money, I'm having no trouble, see the thread about the Nikon TC ...

[richard ashbee]

Nikon are having lots of problems and laying off numerous staff due to virus

[JamesF]

1 hour ago, neilmack said:

Is it because I have been out of the market for a while, or is there really a shortage of stuff on the shelves with the major dealers? And, if so, is that because more folk are pursuing the hobby during lockdown, or because the Bat 'Flu has disrupted supplies?

 

I'm struggling to find things to squander money on!

A bit of both, I think.  Steve@FLO said that lockdown resulted in a noticeable boost to sales, but the virus has disrupted manufacturing and even if that is now recovering there appear to be all sorts of congestion issues at British docks (perhaps not just British, to be fair) meaning that new goods and materials can't even be landed.  There was a piece on the BBC News site a couple of days back suggesting that at least one problem is that many empty shipping containers are not getting back to the exporters and are just clogging up ports instead.

James

[Deadlake]

I wonder what happens in the new year? Astro stuff is not going to be a priority and food is, more delays and what will be the new tariffs. Well unless importing from Japan, then no change...

[PXR-5]

I feel bad for folks trying to enter the hobby.

There's slim pickings right now.

However, binoculars seem to be available, that's what I have been recommending to new folks.

[richard ashbee]

i am on the waiting list for a solar scope and other items, same when i tried to order in March