POLICIES
FROM SCIENCE and HOBBY -  HOME PAGE   ABOUT US   POLICIES  518 272-9040
 

US SALES ONLY:

US SALES ONLY:   Due to our dealer agreements with Meade and Celestron, we cannot accept orders to be shipped outside of the US.  We do accept orders for shipment within the 50 states of the US, Puerto Rico, and other US possessions. We also ship products under 25 pounds to APO and FPO addresses.

PRICING:

Pricing is an important issue for many customers, so we do whatever is possible to help in that area.  If pricing is a major concern to you, please read through this section or contact us and we will see how we can best help you.  For all telescope products, we use the MINIMUM advertised prices (MAP) recommended by the manufacturers.  Other ways we can help out include:   Custom Options: Most telescopes have some options including optical coatings, tripods, hand controllers, motor drives, eyepieces, or other accessories.  Sometimes we can customize a telescope or a package for you and save you money.  If you are considering a particular telescope model, let us know and we can tell you what custom options are available.  There may be choices or options that you didn't realize were available which can affect pricing. Specials: We occasionally have unadvertised specials on certain items due to purchases of large quantities,  or manufacturer specials.  We also have some discontinued items in stock that have unadvertised special prices available.  If you are looking at a certain item, feel free to ask if any unadvertised specials exist.           Packages: If you need multiple items or an extensive package with lots of accessories, it is a good idea to call us.  We may be able to offer you a free bonus item, free upgraded shipping, or some other incentive.  Please ask.  We are happy to give price quotes on telescope packages either by phone or through our website.  To receive a price quote through our website, enter your order, and then on the checkout page, select "QUOTE" as your payment option.  We will then contact you with a price quote and estimated delivery time for that order.     Used, Demo, and Damaged Items:  We have a large inventory and sometimes have an item available in good used condition, or cosmetically damaged condition where it operates fine but has a superficial scratch or damaged packaging. We also have store display models that we sell from time to time. A used model or store display usually sells for 10% to 25% off.  If you are interested in a used model or store display model, please inquire. Pickup In Albany NY: If you live within driving distance of our store in Albany NY and wish to pickup an order, that is great. This saves on shipping costs.  This can be a substantial amount on items that are heavy or difficult to ship.  If you live in the area, please ask. Trade-Ins: Have an Item to Sell?  We sometimes buy used telescope equipment and other items if we have a resale market for the item and the price is right. If you have telescope equipment, scientific equipment, or hobby items that you want to sell, please inquire.  The trade-in value of your used item can be applied to the cost of new items you wish to purchase.  Found a Lower Price? Please let us know. We already follow the MINIMUM advertised pricing recommended by our suppliers.  However, if you find a lower price, let us know.  We will be happy to check it out.     Helpful and Honest Advice: Good advice can help you pick the best equipment to meet your needs, and it can help you avoid buying the wrong items, or items you don't need.  We have 15 years experience as a Meade and Celestron dealer, and will always give you good sound honest advice.  When you call, you can speak to the owner of the company (George), or the manager (Dee) in person.  Our sales people do not operate on a commission basis.  Many people who purchase telescopes are sold an item that is not appropriate for their needs, is too large to handle, too small to achieve the performance they are looking for, or accessories they don't need.  We operate on the principle of understanding your needs first, and then helping you choose the best equipment to match your needs.  That is always the best deal.  Please give us a call at 518 272-9040.

NO SALES TAX on MOST ORDERS

Most orders have no sales tax.   There are two exceptions:  (1) Orders shipped from our NY store to an address within NY state, or picked up in person at our NY store are subject to 8% NY state sales tax. (2) Orders which are drop shipped directly from the Meade factory to an address in California are subject to California sales tax.  Items shipped from our NY store to California are not subject to sales tax, so for most California customers, we ship directly from our NY store.

SHIPPING:

We normally ship orders within 24 hours, and use UPS ground for most shipments.  UPS 3 day, 2 day, and next day services are also available.  All of our orders are processed quickly, usually the same day you place the order.  If you need something extra fast, call us and we will rush your order out the door and get it there when you need it.  We only ship by the US Post Office upon request.  We have very low shipping rates, and free shippping on many items.  All Meade items have free shipping.  We accept US orders only.  We accept APO and FPO orders if under 25 pounds.  Shipments to the east coast normally take 1 or 2 days delivery time using UPS ground (not counting weekends and holidays). Shipments to the west coast normally take a full week.  For APO and FPO shipments, we use the US postal service.

RETURNS:

We try to be helpful before and after the sale, so returns are not common.  If you receive a defective item, please give us a call. About 95% of the time, the problem can be resolved quickly and easily either through technical support over the phone, or by sending out a replacement part or a replacement product. If you wish to return an item, please give us a call within 30 days of the purchase date to receive a return authorization. We do not accept returns without a return authorization, so this is an important step.  We also do not accept returns after 30 days from the date of purchase.  If you are buying a gift item for someone, and you need more than 30 days time, please request an extended return timeframe when you make the purchase.  Once a return is received, we will examine the item, and issue a full or partial refund depending on the condition of the item. If the item is new and unopened, then a full refund (less shipping charges) will be given.  If the item has been opened, assembled, or briefly used, then a 15% refurbishing charge is assessed to partially cover the cost of inspecting and refurbishing the item, and reselling it as used merchandise.  The item must be in like-new condition with no scratches, and no fingerprints on any glass surface. It must be repacked in the original box with all original packing materials.  If the item has any scratches, fingerprints on a glass surface, is missing any of the original packing materials, or is not properly repacked, then we reserve the right not to accept that item, or to charge an amount greater than 15% to cover the cost of refurbishing that item and reselling it at a substantial discount.  In the case of a defective item, we will assist you within 30 days of the purchase date, and the manufacturer provides warranty service for a full year.  If the defect cannot be corrected in an acceptable way, then a return can be requested within 30 days of the original purchase.  Please call us in advance to request a return of a defective item.

PURCHASE ORDERS:

We can accept purchase orders from schools and government agencies.  The minimum purchase amount is $250.

SCIENCE AND HOBBY
Phone: 518-272-9040
Location: 1623 2nd Ave - Watervliet NY 12189
(5 Miles North of Albany)
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:0-8:00 Sunday 11:00-5:00

Directions: Take I-87 or I-90 to Albany NY.  Then take I-787 North to Exit 8.  Turn towards Watervliet. 
Go 3 blocks and turn left on 2nd Avenue.  Store is 5 blocks ahead on the right across from Price Chopper.
E-mail: mannhome1@aol.com                Website: scienceandhobby.com