Wait Times and Progress

Of those who have ordered custom made dobsonians or perhaps some of the premium refractors or mounts, what is reasonable in terms of how the wait time is managed? By this I mean, should the manufacturer be expected to send you an initial receipt for your deposit or update you ocassionally on the progress of your order? Just curious what others have experienced.

Thanx.

Gregg

I have been waiting for 7 months since I first asked for a scope to be built. I still have no real idea when it will be done, just some time before November. I have given no money up front however, money will be exchanged when the scope has begun construction.
Am I happy about waiting for this long? No! But you can not make something happen just because you wish it to be done.

". . .what is reasonable in terms of how the wait time is managed? "

You send a deposit after a certain lead time is established. Only you can decide what is too much and this should be based strongly on the seller's reputation for delivering high quality and meeting lead times.

Every time money exchanges hands you should receive a written confirmation of the transaction. Starmaster, for example, is very good about this.

I would not expect periodic updates, though that would be nice. I've found Rick Singmaster (Starmaster), Art Ciampi (TNR--Takahashi) and Vic Maris (Stellarvue) to be good examples of people who are always happy to give an update when asked. I know of others out there who have similar feeling about other manufacturers. I know I would not hesitate to call Al Nagler himself with a question (and have) or Roland Christen for that matter. I've not bought a scope from Roland, but when I have purchased accessories from Astro-Physics, they treat me as if I just spent thousands on a mount and APO.

I always hate to wait, but my experiences have been positive and the waits have always been more than worth it.

Best wishes,

Randy

Receiving a custom Dob after two years waiting in next days. Paid 50% upfront and received periodic email updates along the way, albeit not so frequent towards the end. I was concerned about my money half way through when the company had rough times.
Similar experience with a different manufacturer, only here >I< am the "brake factor" as I try to find somebody to help me to make LXD-55 motors derived GOTO for the scope.

Got a Starmaster 11 ELT in 6 days in June 2003 because Rick had 6 in stock, and I got the nest to last.
With another Dob scope from a different manufacturer, I waited 13 months for the Dob to be completed because of unanticipated design problems with rotating truss structures. But my check was not deposited until the socpe was indeed fully raady to ship, so it was a very classy manufacturer. Unanticipated delays should be anticipated if it is a very small operation, especially if it is only one person and the design, or the manufacturer, is new.
Bill Meyers

I ordered a 14" Tscope with a mirror from Alan Raycraft back in Sept 2004. I should be picking it up this weekend or next. So about 9 months for me.

I was originally told 5-6 months but a few minor problems set back time table.

Luckily, I have 2 scopes and 2 binos to enjoy while I wait, so it hasn't been terrible.