37 replies to this topic

[kiko27]

Is it safe to buy an expensive telescope from Amazon?

[zoso916]

Personally I don't have a problem with purchasing things like eyepieces and accessories from Amazon, but for a large purchase like a telescope I feel more comfortable buying from an astro vendor like our sponsor Astronomics or High Point Scientific for the customer service you get. If you have a problem with that expensive new telescope you won't be able to get any help from Amazon other than just returning it. If you're even able to do that.

[Notdarkenough]

Amazon used to have an excellent return policy. That has all changed. As the customer service has moved to the individual vendor, that standard of excellence is now a game of crops. Sometimes there are good vendors,  but often they are Chinese groups with little interest in solving problems or accepting returns. Even the US companies have become less responsive. Just recently I purchased a new Craftsman shop stool. The purchase said Free Returns. I built the chair, and it was way too hard for me. They denied the Free Return as the box had been opened, and I had to pay UPS Store for packaging and freight just to minimize the restocking fee.

 

In comparison, I purchased an Askar SQA55 from HighPoint Scientific. The scope was great, but it did induce an aberration in some images. I contacted HighPoint, who connected me with SharpStar. They tried to help me identify the aberration for a few days, and then promptly authorized HighPoint to replace my model. I received the replacement next-day air. 

 

The Askar wasn't available on Amazon at the time, but I am committed to using vendors how support their customers. HighPoint, Agena, Starizona, Astronomics, all have been behind each item they have sold to me, 100%.

 

In short, is Amazon "safe"? Maybe. Is there a real possibility for bad experiences now? Yes.

[Don W]

I’ve been buying most of my Astro stuff from our sponsor, Astronomics since 1981. Never had a problem. Depending on the item I have occasionally bought from the other Astro dealers as well as Amazon. But remember that they are only a seller with no knowledge or advice. It’s buyer beware.

[havasman]

I would not for several reasons. Most importantly because Amazoo doesn't give one tinkers dam about you or the hobby. Buy from astro vendors if you want the hobby to thrive in a tough economy. Astronomics and Agena have an impeccable rep here through MANY transactions.

[havasman]

It might be entertaining to know what you think is a $$$$ telescope.

[SeattleScott]

Amazon is more of a marketplace than a vendor these days. So it just depends on which vendor you are buying from. If you buy from Amazon directly, they are generally good regarding a return policy if there is something wrong with the product. But yeah, they won't be able to help you figure out how to use the product. 

 

If you are a knowledgeable stargazer and know exactly what product you want and how to use it, and Amazon has a lower price, it would be a way to save money. If you are new to stargazing and might need some support with getting going using the product, a traditional astronomy vendor could be the way to go, even if it costs a little more. 

[jimr2]

Yeah, not sure what you mean by an "expensive" telescope kiko, but as most others here have said, don't think i would buy any telescope--or any other similar device/equipment--no matter how expensive, or in-expensive it was. As others have said, it all boils down to will there be anyone there to help you with your purchase if you have any problems with it, or to answer any questions about its use, condition, etc., once you've received it.

 

-jim-

[zoso916]

Is it safe to buy an expensive telescope from Amazon?

Just out of curiosity, do you have something in mind to purchase?

[Refractor6]

  I'm just buying small stuff from Amazon at this point such as small inexpensive accessories, brackets and such... things that can't be bought anymore in person by me since all the store front/online astro shops in BC have all gone out of business. Buying stuff from across the border is simply out of the question with several new complications in the mix.

 

Wouldn't order an expensive scope from them here in Canada since the prices I've seen on the few select items listed on Amazon are simply outrageous compared to online Canadian shops that stock the same item.

[maniack]

If it's fulfilled or sold by Amazon returns are easy. In fact you'd be hard pressed to find another vendor that will give you free returns on anything other than low end scopes (found at Costco or other big box store).

So yes if the price is right. I've bought a Skymac 102 from Amazon resale at a good discount, and their "Used - Acceptable" condition items was pretty much new.

[WillR]

I guess I am the exception as I bought my. 10” Explore Scientific hybrid dob from Amazon. This was two years ago.

 

This is also known as the Costco scope, but I am not a Costco member. Amazon gave me $50 off for opening a credit card, so I got it for the Costco price.

 

I went with Amazon because it was the best deal and I knew I could return it. I buy most of my gear from astronomy retailers or from the classified. Amazon has been helpful for numerous odds and ends.

[Illinois]

I ordered books and few stuff from Amazon.  All my telescopes and eyepieces from Astronomics and Orion. Binoculars from High Point Scientific. I trust Astronomic and ordered from them as early as 1990’s. They always answer my questions and informed me when I should get my order. 

[HopeStar7]

Another thing to consider- has the shipping of items - especially heavy, larger, or expensive items- been okay for you in the past? In our area, medium to large items- heavier items- the shipping carrier Amazon uses has not worked well for us (damaged items). Thus, we keep that in mind when ordering items, especially expensive itemsfrom Amazon. (On a positive  note- Amazon has always accepted the returns for those items damaged during shipping, however, due to our experience with the particular shipper in our area, we keep that in mind when ordering.) 

[GGK]

If it’s sold and shipped by Amazon with the return policy clearly defined, then I will purchase expensive items from Amazon unless I can buy direct from the company brand or easily from an astronomy shop for close to the same price. I purchased my SkyWatcher EQ6-R Pro mount (4 years ago) - sold and shipped by Amazon, had an issue with shipping, and Amazon responded well and made everything right promptly.

If the seller is not Amazon, then I look to see if they are a vendor who treats astronomy items as a main business. If yes, and if the return policy is clearly defined and acceptable, then I will buy from them through Amazon because they are simply using Amazon as a way to increase their presence in the marketplace. They have incentive to correct issues to maintain a good reputation in the hobby.

Otherwise, I judge someone selling through Amazon as simply an importer of whatever they can by cheap and sell for a profit with no real incentive to maintain a good seller’s reputation and I do not buy from them regardless of price.

Gary

Edited by GGK, 21 June 2025 - 07:48 AM.

[kiko27]

Thanks all. I am looking at a Skymax 127 Mak and a 72ED Evostar. Some of the scopes are direct from Amazon, others are supplied by Adorama through Amazon. I never know if they are returns. Amazon is attractive for the shipping speed, availability, price and ease of return.

Edited by kiko27, 21 June 2025 - 07:52 AM.

[Tony Cifani]

I think Amazon will be fine, and I noticed they are offering a small discount right now on this scope. This Mak is small (28"D x 10"W x 10"H), so shipping should be easier. The 72 APO slightly smaller. Just make sure you thoroughly check over the product when it arrives in case there's any damages.

Enjoy your new scopes!

Edited by Tony Cifani, 21 June 2025 - 08:06 AM.

[SeattleScott]

Adorama is a big optical store, so either should be safe. Just might not get any guidance on how to use the gear. If you don’t need guidance, fine.

[dnrmilspec]

I buy stuff from Amazon.  Mostly cheap stuff.  My decision to buy my telescope stuff from Astronomics, Starizona and other small businesses is mostly based on my belief that we ought to support small business.  I am a small businessman myself.  I very much appreciate the people who choose to use me rather than some much larger business. 

 

This forum is provided by Astronomics.  That is worth something to me up front.  I also know when I buy from them (and some other small astronomy businesses) that I can expect a vastly more personal experience.  I am more than confident about their return policy.  I trust the guy I can call on the phone and I can't call Jeff Bezos on the phone.  
 

For over 30 years the folks at Starizona have been trusted suppliers, mentors and close personal friends.  I am not going to abandon them to save a buck or two.  I have dealt with Mike at Astronomics and he is a class guy.  He took very good care of me including offering some business advice that saved me a chunk of money. 

 

My customers have the owner's cell phone number.  It is laying on my desk as I type this, and if one of them feels he/she needs to talk to me on Saturday evening, I will answer it.  

 

Here is a story.  

 

I got a call from a potential customer.  He wanted 25 of a custom product that I manufacture.  I politely told him that "our minimum order is 50".  He told me that he did not need 50 and was willing to pay a reasonable premium for 25.  I reiterated that our policy is to have a minimum order of 50.  He asked, "Who owns the company?"  I said, "I do."  He said politely, "then change the policy".  Stopped me in my tracks.  When I got over chuckling at myself I did the only thing I could do....I changed the policy for him and gave him his 25.  

 

The OP will never have that kind of relationship with Amazon.  And oh by the way, he couldn't be asking this question on Amazon's website either.

[gnowellsct]

It might be entertaining to know what you think is a $$$$ telescope.

Exactly. I might spring for a $1,000 ED doublet But I wouldn't buy a TOA 130.

The point made earlier that Astro vendors deserve our support is a good one.

It is to be remarked that sometimes when you find something on Amazon you find it is being listed by a company that has an existence completely independent of Amazon. That happens on Walmart too.

Once you have verified that the Amazon listing is in fact associated with an independent company then go ahead and buy through Amazon if that's what you want to do.

Greg N

[TacoBuddy]

Good points on the depth of the customer service of small shops.

[joseluis.17g]

I've bought from amazon as well as other vendors, for me sometimes

if it's from amazon, it has to be prime, so I know the return policy it's going to be eazy 

the ¨used like new¨ it's quite appealing sometimes 

if the price is the same or really close from another vendor, I choose the private vendor

[kiko27]

Just out of curiosity, do you have something in mind to purchase?

I need a smaller scope to fit on my Sky-Watcher az gti. I can no longer handle the weight of my large rig. Looking at high quality small maks and refractors.

[PNW]

I always look for the vendor, then contact them directly. If it's over $50, shipping is usually free.

[Polyphemos]

I need a smaller scope to fit on my Sky-Watcher az gti. I can no longer handle the weight of my large rig. Looking at high quality small maks and refractors.

For high quality small refractors one of your best resources will be Astronomics and their line of excellent Astro-Tech refractors, which probably have the highest quality-to-cost ratio any similar quality instruments.

 

https://astronomics....price-ascending