3 replies to this topic

[Hopkins Man]

Yesterday, 6-18-2025 I received my B&L 9X35 Zenith binoculars back from Cory Suddarth. cleaned, adjusted and lubricated. I had foolishly bought them on Ebay from a guy who didn't have 99+ feedback and who would not take returns.Cosmetically they looked new, but mechanically the focus mechanisms were frozen.  He didn't mention that in his ad so I went ahead and paid him just over $123 for them.  What to do?  I had read numerous positive remarks about Cory, took a shot and called him about getting them squared away.  I sent them off with the payment he quoted holding my breath for what would be returned.  I own may different binoculars fro numerous makers and the most I had invested in any binocular was $163 and that was from my early days of collecting.  

I have hit a new high with these Zephyrs with a grand total of $340 spent.  OUCH~!!  A guy my age (84yo) has no need to have this much invested in something that will rarely be used.  They are a bit more powerful than I can hand-hold steadily.  Although not terribly expensive I found my 8X30 Canon to be my go-to and my favorite.  The Canons have everything I want in a binocular~!

The point of all this is to tell everyone that if you have a favorite binocular that needs some attention like an heirloom, a one on only, or what-ever, you can absolutely trust Cory to return your beloved binocular in far better shape than you might expect.

[bulletdodger]

First thing, Ebay has an unconditional money back guarantee on everything sold on Ebay, so it doesn't matter if they say returns not accepted. Once package is received and you view your purchase in your prrchases, select actions and then select you want to return the item. It will ask you to list the issues and take photos. You will get your money back. Kudos to Corey for his great work!

[Scott99]

Just had a bad experience w/ ebay...FWIW.  If the USPS or other carrier delivers your box to the wrong house, they update the tracking to "delivered" status, even though it's not been delivered, it's been lost. 

 

If you look into ebay's purchase protection, it specifically states that tracking marked "delivered" is proof that the item was received, and you're out of luck.  And I can also report than the major credit card companies like Citibank are better refunding in this situation that Paypal.    With the increased ebay fees and stuff like this, I have become very hesitant to even use ebay anymore.  

 

This time, my neighbors got away with stealing a $15 CD, next time it could be something a lot more valuable.  I've also had to put "hold" on any box coming from USPS, because they're so incompetent, this is the 3rd time in the last few years this has happened.  UPS and the other carries have passed the USPS in security, they now take a picture and also confirm when it's gone to the wrong address - USPS will lie to you about it.

Edited by Scott99, 20 June 2025 - 01:22 PM.

[LoveWillSteerTheStars]

Zephyrs are well made.  The 9x35 Zephyr is something on my list to try if I ever see one.  Just an unusual magnification.  Not sure if the FOV would be much narrower than the 8.5x42 Swift Audubon.