Maarten,

I'm a retired American in the UK. A little less than a year ago, I had to
replace all electronics and motors in my LX200 12-inch, and paid roughly the
UK pound sterling equivalent of the US price. I am simply appalled by the
"roughly" $1,600 price you Belgian dealer has quoted. That is simply beyond
belief, and, in my opinion, what we American's would call "price gouging" of
the worst sort! There is NOTHING that can justify that kind of charge!! It
is point blank dishonest, and I believe Meade should be informed of it.

Now, whether or not Meade would do anything is questionable. I know from
personal experience that they support their dealership network to the point
of nonsense.

What to do? I'm not certain. Perhaps there is some sympathetic American
member of MAPUG who can help you out. Even so, this means your LX200 is
going to be out of service for possibly some weeks. At the same time, I
would write directly to the CEO of Meade, who according to a fairly recent
Sky & Telescope magazine, was portrayed as a sympathetic sort of guy. I
don't recall his name, but I'm certain some member of this list can help out
here.

I would almost suggest that members of this list flood Meade with email
regarding this sort of price gouging of a fellow MAPUG'er in Belgium --but
I'm not sure members of MAPUG could overcome inertia to do so ....! Note
MAPUG'ers: this is a challenge to show that maybe, just maybe, we have some
clout.

I'm just really incensed at this, Maarten -and I'm frustrated by not knowing
what to do to help! Maybe some other member will have a solution. As a
beginning, I'd name and shame your Belgian dealer to keep others from
falling into their net.

Bob G. (at N 52 dig 25' 47"/E 1 deg 11' 8")



----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2000 3:51 PM
Subject: [M]: Huge problem


>
> Hi everyone,
>
> Remember my problem ? I contacted my local supplier in Belgium. They would
> replace all the electronics rather then fix them like they do in the US
for
> 200$. They would charge roughly 1600 (yes: sixteen hundred) dollar to
> replace the electronics.
> That means I am pretty despirate.
> I know someone with a relative in the US. Can I fool Meade and let them
> believe I am a US customer ? Do they ask for invoice information and so ?
> Is the administrative burdon hard ?
> Any help would be more then welcome!
>
> A discouraged, broke, despirate LX200 user;
>
>
> Maarten
>
>
>

View index by [date] [author] [subject]
Previous message: [M]: Re: Huge problem, Al
Next message: Re: [M]: Re: Cold & PC's, Michael J. Cook
Next message in thread: Re: [M]: Re: Huge problem, Email address hidden
Previous message in thread: [M]: Re: Huge problem, Al