US SALES ONLY Due to the franchise agreements we have signed with most manufacturers we cannot accept orders for telescopes and many other products (such as CCD cameras) to be shipped outside the United States and its possessions (with the sole exception of Meade and Takahashi products, which we can ship to Canada, in addition to the U. S.) Also, because of size and weight restrictions and the significant chance of loss or damage in the Postal Service, we cannot ship large telescopes to APO addresses.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is collected where required by law.
Astronomics is required to collect Oklahoma sales tax on orders shipped to addresses within Oklahoma or picked up at our Norman, Oklahoma showroom.
In addition, we collect sales tax in any state where Astronomics has established a legal sales tax obligation (commonly referred to as "sales tax nexus"). If sales tax applies to your order, it will be calculated automatically during checkout before payment is completed.
If no sales tax is shown during checkout, none is being collected by Astronomics for your order at that time. Customers remain responsible for any applicable use taxes required by their state or local jurisdiction.
If you have questions regarding sales tax on your order, please contact us before placing your order.
SPECIAL ORDERS On special orders or drop-shipments, a 10% down payment is required when ordering, with the balance due in full before shipping. 50% of the down payment is non-refundable if the order is canceled prior to shipping.
SHIPPING We normally ship by insured FedEx ground. Air freight charges are in addition to our normal freight charges if you request expedited Federal Express air or UPS air delivery. Air freight or air parcel post charges are extra on Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and APO orders. Shipment is normally from stock, although special orders and products shipped from the manufacturer may have a 4 to 24 week delivery schedule. Free shipping on most orders over $100. Some items like counterweights, or special sales, will be subject to their own shipping charge even if the order is over $100.
RETURNS No returns will be accepted without prior authorization and none will be accepted more than 30 days after receipt of the merchandise. Factory defects are covered by the terms of the manufacturers' warranties and can only be exchanged for identical equipment. We do not accept returns on books, star charts, closeouts, opened software, or special orders.
All returns must be accompanied by an authorization number and a detailed description of the reason for the return. Returns without such description may be subject to additional time and labor fees if we have to set up and operate the product to determine the reason for the return.
All returns are less freight. Since all opened returned items (whether used or not) must legally be resold as used or demo merchandise, any return for a cash refund or credit against another purchase will be subject to a minimum 15% restocking and refurbishing charge or whatever cost is involved to restore the returned merchandise to salable condition, whichever is greater, in addition to the freight costs.
PRODUCT COMPATIBILITY Determining the compatibility of components or their fitness for their intended use is the responsibility of the buyer. If you have questions about the usability of any accessories with your telescope, we strongly urge you to e-mail or call us to confirm their compatibility before ordering. Items ordered in error will be subject to the return policy outlined above.
SCHOOL AND GOVERNMENT PURCHASES Schools and government agencies may order on open account with a written PO. Minimum billing is $25. Terms are net 30 days, FOB Norman. Only schools and government agencies may order on open account.
MANUFACTURERS' REBATES Compliance with consumer eligibility rules required by manufacturers to qualify for factory rebates or other similar promotional programs shall be the responsibility of the purchaser and not the responsibility of Astronomics and/or Christophers, Ltd. Any consumer complaint or special compensation requests resulting from such manufacturers' promotional programs shall be resolved between the purchaser and the manufacturer and shall not involve Astronomics and/or Christophers, Ltd.