RE: [APML] 12" & 14" LX200

["Gene Horr" <genehorr@houston.rr.com>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-astro-photo@seds.org [mailto:owner-astro-photo@seds.org]On
> Behalf Of Alan Voetsch

> OK, what do you call it when all the distributors sell
> products at exactly the same price?

Others have mentioned the MAP.  But even this price has
very little profit in it.  Anywhere from 15% - 25% 
markup for the regular small dealer IIRC.  By haggling
with the dealer in person you might knock 10% or so
off of the price.

The dealers are not getting rich off of these things 
either.  The margins are just too low.  They get rich 
off of all of the accessories (EPs, adapters, Telrads,
etc.) <g>.  Something like the LX200 is almost considered
a loss leader.  They stock it to keep customers, not 
because there is big money in them.

A couple of years ago I looked at the retail profit 
margins and a store could make almost as much money selling
a "cheapo" 6" Newt as an 8" LX200.

> I don't know who Edgar is <g> but the LXs are certainly 
> a great buy now. 

Meade is a public company.  Their financial statements
are listed in the SEC's EDGAR database.  

> I know many
> don't like Meade, but still you have to admit that you
> can buy a hell of a product for 2-3 grand.

I agree completely with this one.  

Gene Horr
genehorr@texas.net


--  APML Archives at <http://astro.umsystem.edu/apml/>  ---
             Unsubscribe at <majordomo@seds.org>