Posts Made By: gregg bernstein

I have been extremely reluctant to speak publicly about the concerns I had with my NightSky scope. I am aware that public information can be hurtful. I sold my Meade LX200 telescope a couple of years ago on Astromart and an inadvertent mistake, if it really happened in the first place, caused someone to leave me very negative and undeserving feedback. So, I am sensitive to this issue.

One more qualifier, these concerns represent my own opinion. And, I understand that everyone is a bit different and what bothers some may not bother another or even may be seen as a plus.

First, there was a long wait for the scope (13 months--original estimate of 90-120 days and my agreement that 6 months was fine). To be fair, Hurricane Katrina caused an additional three month delay. Yet, it was not so much the delay as it was the multiple broken commitments for completion; and, I only learned of the status of my order when I called a few days before each completion date. I was not called; I had to inquire. It became very frustrating. I spent over $10k and I think some basic follow-up by the scope maker would have been appropriate. Several of my e-mails were not answered or answered only upon repeat e-mailing. I did not want to telephone anymore because I was so frustrated. My wife was very upset for (not at) me and thought I was being too lenient (what was I to do? I already paid, almost all up front—this was my fault and I am embarrassed for doing so).

The delay and broken delivery commitments likely would have been forgiven with a great scope.

In many ways the scope is beautiful, it moves nicely, and the electronics seem to work (I have not had the ability to fully test everything due to my schedule and the weather).

Upon delivery (the scope maker delivered it himself), the mirror fans had to be drilled and installed in my basement and an accessory (a telrad dew heater), had been forgotten (I still have not received it from the scope maker). Small items, to be sure; nitpicky items, in fact, but these added to the mix of my frustration.

The mirror transport box was unfinished (no stain or paint) with the pencil measuring marks, un-sanded areas, and sawdust plain to the eye and the sawdust ready to coat my $4k mirror. Can I quickly stain the transport box and vacuum the sawdust? Sure, nothing too significant. Again, though, I think it makes the scope as a whole look unfinished and rushed.

A number of flecks of white paint (or something white) were in the mirror box. Easily vacuumed, I know.

The truss poles, per the website, “They are coated with a durable flat black truck bedliner material.” No. Mine were just painted black and had some scratches upon delivery (and have been further scratched just from one transport). Again, nothing big; I can either leave as is, since the scratches don’t impact the viewing, or I can coat the poles as I thought they would be, or perhaps add on foam insulation.

Each of these items individually is pretty small and with the handmade nature of the scopes, not a big worry and perhaps adds to the charm of the scope(?). When all of the little issues are put together, with an already frustrated buyer, it makes it hard to enjoy the scope.

To be fair, the scope maker offered to write off the balance of what I owed him. I already had paid over 90% of the cost already (I was asked by the scope maker to purchase the mirror separately half way through my wait for the scope—I did). I initially chose not to take the discount (about $1200) because I was not looking to diminish someone’s earnings nor get a bargain. Ultimately, I chose to withhold two hundred dollars and I regeret not taking the original offer of a complete write off of the balance.

So, these are the things that upset me. I really am interested to know if I am being unreasonable and/or if these things are the norm. I can attach pictures if anybody wants to see.

Gregg

Thank you all for your replies. I actually just packed up my minivan and will be out viewing. Jim did e-mail me ealrier today re the Telrad heater being shipped. I have not recieved a call from him.

I have not called Jim in a couple of weeks. That is corrrect. After waiting a few weeks for the Telrad heater and not recieving it I finally made the post.

I wish to stress that each individual item is rather small and if it only were a couple of matters, I would not complain. No product is perfect and customer service can take care of the small things.

I also am not a difficult customer. I waited in excess of 13 months for the telescope before saying anything publically and I paid almost the entire amount up front.

I know many of us will never meet and reviews and critiques only are as good as the person making them. I do think, though, that the numerous little things have made this adventure of mine less enjoyable.

And, I would never do anything hurtful or spiteful. I simply have become very frustrated. And, quite frankly, telephone calls with Jim have not proven the most helpful.

My sense, like many expressed here, is that the deficiencies are fairly easily remediable. They should not have occurred in the first place, at least not all of them. And, not for over $11k (that inlcuded a delivery charge).

I hope my critiques do not sound like rants. That does no one any good and make my points less meanigful.

I do appreciate all of your input.

Gregg

I again appreciate all of the responses.

I know this is a small point, but I would note to Bob that I specifically ordered the mirror box and that it be finished (stained and polyurethaned).

As I noted, each of the items, expcept for the broken committments, are small. As someone wrote, however, it is the cumulative effect that begins to take hold. And, after a while, I lost faith in what I was told.

I was in private practice (I'm an attorney) for several years. I understood the need to be responsive to clients. I also understood, though, there are clients that will never be satisfied no matter what is done for them.

I did not go into this purchase with unreasonable expectations. I also did not buy an inexpensive item. I thnk that a certain level of product/service should be expected when this kind of money is spent. I also think that there has to be trust and effort on both sides of the equation. This hobby works significantly by word of mouth. It takes a lot of trust to send a check for a $6k as a deposit to someone I have never met before and only know of from this small community. It takes another level of trust when asked to purchase the mirror seperately (another $4k)--I did.

I do not want to repeat myself. I just think that communication with a customer and realistic timeframes and promises should be kept. If something comes up, fine, just let me know. That did not happen. I found out as the deadlines approached and I heard nothing--so I called, only to be told of another deadline. There were a couple of other picky items, but I think my concerns have been aired.

I really do appreciate the feedback and hope I have not offended anyone or made myself unwelcome.

Gregg