10 replies to this topic

[gaz-in]

Hi,

I noticed increasing numbers of astro items going out of stock. Some sites allow ordering for a projected delibery of August/Septemberm.

Do you think, come August and Sept, they will honor the pricing?

[scanner97]

It's hard for anybody to predict prices in the current climate, and different vendors may have different policies so always worth checking.  I can't imagine anyone would just ship you the product at a higher price with no notification.  But I also can't imagine astro dealers can afford to eat a big tariff that appears out of nowhere.   

[George N]

Before backordering a non-USA source item (astro or other items 'we' might want, like camping gear and computer stuff) I would check the on-line store's published policy on back-order pricing - or even call and ask.

 

How many $1,000 "Wonder-trons" do you think a small business can sell when they have to pay a 150% tariff in addition to shipping, wholesale cost, etc? These little astro retail businesses are not sitting on millions of $$ to 'invest' in "public relations" when they are seriously thinking of the process for shutting down. One of the big 'brands' (Celestron was it?) even publicly stated that they had stopped ordering nearly everything from the factories since 'our products will never sell if the price is 300% higher."

 

The more realistic question might be "Will the 'site' even be in business in August? Will the foreign producer even make and ship the item?"

 

.....and one of my newer frequently ordered from astro on-line retailers has most (all?) out of stock items listed as "Not taking orders at this time. Future sales of this item will depend on the status of the tariff situation".

 

However, it's hard to make a prediction because just when you think you have it figured out - it all changes again.

Edited by George N, 12 June 2025 - 02:26 PM.

[James Peirce]

I’d imagine it is a big ol’ “it depends.”

 

I wouldn’t expect a vendor to honor the pricing if circumstances change (e.g. changes in how tariffs are applied, or an upstream change in pricing that affects the reseller’s existing orders) and they end up having to pay more for the products being sold.

 

And since so much of that is being handled with the precision and consistency of a blind, drunk man throwing darts at a dart board, I can’t imagine how they can anticipate what will end up happening over months to come.

[Inkie]

Most careful businesses will post, 'Prices subject to change without notice.' This protects both parties from unpleasantness.  Both share the unpleasantness if the reality looms because the seller won't take a bath and treats his/her customer ethically, and the customer, despite not getting what they want, or at the price they hoped for, can walk away from it all if the policy is in agreement.

 

In my other hobby, model trains, Rapido in Ontario has sent out numerous communiqués keeping its pre-order customers apprised of their findings and fears.  They agreed to eat a good chunk of the overage, as have our hosts here at astronomics.com.  But they're not Ford or Toyota and can't weather a bad year or three, not at their margins. So, I would hope the eventual arrangement will be one of 'shared responsibility' where both parties cough up something and can still stomach the sale(s). 

[Keith Rivich]

I can't speak for the astro industry but in mine, tools sales (Snap-On), we do honor back order pricing. When I place my orders each week it locks in the price for the customer. Any future price increases do not affect the price as ordered. 

[DeanS]

If they take your money, or charge your credit card then yes they should honor the price.  Which in most cases I hate when a company does this but could work in your favor in this situation.

[George N]

If they take your money, or charge your credit card then yes they should honor the price.  Which in most cases I hate when a company does this but could work in your favor in this situation.

 

Yes but...... what will "they" actually do? There's only one way to know - ask - or read.

 

One example (picked at random - full disclose I've purchased from this vendor for many years - on line, at their location, at NEAF) - Here is a link (https://www.highpoin...erms-conditions) to High Point Scientific's "Terms and Conditions" web page.

 

The way I read this page I'm convinced that High Point does not do as Dean thinks they should - and you the 'back order' person need to realize that. If you really have questions - call or better - e-mail and get their actual agreement in writing - er, e-mail.

 

I personally have been reluctant to 'back order'.

 

Yes, this is just High Point - but I bet it applies to most (or all) of them - or those that survive until September 2025 

 

Any 'real world' examples? 

Edited by George N, 13 June 2025 - 10:39 AM.

[scanner97]

Any 'real world' examples? 

I ordered a new car before the tariffs were announced and it was presumably coming from the country of manufacture.  After the announcement, I reached out to ask how they were planning on handling it.  The dealership clearly had no helpful info from the manufacturer at that time and said they planned to honor the discount negotiated off the msrp.  Which I interpreted as them keeping the right to announce a higher msrp that would include the tariffs.  I told them I understood the difficult situation they were in, but if the car was going to cost thousands more than I was anticipating, I wouldn't be buying.

 

The VIN of the vehicle (not the specs) changed between what was ordered and what they delivered.  I took that to mean that they spent a bunch of time looking for one that was already in the country.

 

In a different hobby industry, smaller even than astro gear, I know that one of the companies with a 30-year track record was looking for ways to raise enough cash to pay the tariffs on product being imported for committed business.  They were also telling their customers and dealers that prices on future orders would have to go up substantially.

 

Everybody is feeling pain.

[Jon Isaacs]

Yes but...... what will "they" actually do? There's only one way to know - ask - or read.

 

One example (picked at random - full disclose I've purchased from this vendor for many years - on line, at their location, at NEAF) - Here is a link (https://www.highpoin...erms-conditions) to High Point Scientific's "Terms and Conditions" web page.

 

The way I read this page I'm convinced that High Point does not do as Dean thinks they should - and you the 'back order' person need to realize that. If you really have questions - call or better - e-mail and get their actual agreement in writing - er, e-mail.

 

I personally have been reluctant to 'back order'.

 

Yes, this is just High Point - but I bet it applies to most (or all) of them - or those that survive until September 2025 

 

Any 'real world' examples? 

 

 

I consider myself a "reasonable" person.  In my mind, a reasonable person would understand that increased tariffs would result in an increased cost to the seller for the item so I would expect the item would cost more.  I would expect the right to cancel a backordered item and receive a full refund.  Also, I would not order an item merely to try to secure current pricing even though the item was out of stock and may cost more in the future.  

 

Jon

[izar187]

...astro items going out of stock

_________________

 

Sounds like yet another equipment issue.