would you say something?

I was in my local mall today in the Discovery Channel store looking around and overheard a salesperson talking to a family about one of the scopes that they sold. I believe it was the Meade 125mm etx. The salesperson was mis-informed about a number of items and was touting the advertised 500X that was actually written on the sign. This family obviously didn't know what they were getting and the salesperson didn't know that much more. The sale was obviously going to go through and I felt like taking over and talking to the family to see if that was the best choice for them, I didn't, though, feeling it would be very rude esp. if I talked them out of the purchase. This scope might be a fine choice for this family but it will be blind luck if it is, and its just as likely to be a frustration to someone who doesn't know what they're doing. They walked out all smiles with the big box and made me hope that the smiles stay in the future. How many of you out there would step in and say something in a situation like this esp. if you thought bad info was being given? Dave G

In the case where they were buying the ETX-125, I might tell them they are getting a good scope, but explain what they would realisticly be able to see. I did this for a gentleman at Costco who was buying one of the close out etx-60's. HE asked me if it was worth the $90 someodd dollars and I told him "yes, but...." . He bought it anyway but with a greater knowledge of what he would be able to see.
Don

About a year ago I was in the local Photo/Hobby store that carries a nice array of Celestron scopes and some of the smaller Meade GoTo's. A young teen was asking about trading in his 4" ETX in on something better, but neither he nor the salesperson really knew what "better" was. A lady was standing aside and I simply asked if she was the lad's mother. She acknowledged so I gave her my business card and told her to please call me before making any decision. I explained that I was an advanced amateur astronomer and telescope builder. Fortunately she did call, and 8 weeks later we had Andy deep into building a 10" f/7 newt which is now long finished and the whole family very proud of and enjoy emmensly!!
If you have the knowledge, don't ever hesitate to step in with a useful suggestion.

Walt