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The Orion brand stands for high quality, excellent value, and an unswerving commitment to customer care and service. We've been selling direct since 1975 through mail-order catalog and, since 1997, our web site. Unlike web-only storefronts, or department stores that sell optics only seasonally, we're specialists in telescopes and binoculars - it's what we do year-round. We have a highly trained sales and support staff who are knowledgeable about our products and willing and able to help you make an informed buying decision, and even assist you after the sale. We're experienced, knowledgeable and, perhaps uncharacteristically in this day and age, available to serve you person-to-person. You can talk to us!
Holiday Information & Recommendations |
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General Information & Recommendations |
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How and when can I place my order?
We have five ways to order:
| Online: | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at http://www.telescope.com |
| Phone: |
24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (800) 447-1001. During holiday customer service hours at (800) 676-1343. |
| Fax: | (831) 763-7024 — click here for an online order form. Residents of Maryland, Ohio, and Rhode Island who wish to take advantage of our layaway program should click here to view or download a special order form. |
| Catalog: | Mail your catalog order form to 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076. |
| Cupertino Store: |
October 30 - November 30: December 1-23: 10555 S. DeAnza Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014 |
We are here to serve you later in the evening during the holidays. Please call us at (800) 676-1343 for customer service including help finding the right product for your gift, the status of your order and even assistance after your order has arrived.
| Monday - Friday: 11/27/09 - 12/22/09 |
9am - 9:30pm ET / 6am - 6:30pm PT |
| Saturday: 11/14/09 - 11/21/09 |
11am - 3pm ET / 8am - 12 noon PT |
| Saturday: 11/28/09 - 12/26/09 |
11am - 7pm ET / 8am - 4pm PT |
| Sunday: 11/29/09 - 12/13/09 |
11am - 5pm ET / 8am - 2pm PT |
Please note that we will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 26th), Christmas Day (December 25th) and New Years Day (January 1st). In addition, we will close at 12:00 noon PT on December 24th and December 31st.
We will ship your order fast! We are so confident in our ability to pick, pack and ship your order ... we decided to offer a guarantee. When you order an item that shows "in-stock" on the web site using our Holiday Shipping Schedule & Cut-Off Dates, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars guarantees that your order will arrive prior to Christmas. If for some reason, we don't meet this guarantee, we will refund your shipping charges*. Click here for more information.
Free Shipping On Orders of $100 Or More
Our free shipping offer includes the per-order shipping charge for orders totaling at least $100 before taxes. Offer
is available for standard delivery in the 48 continental states. Products in our Clearance Center do not qualify for free shipping and are not included in the order qualifying amount. Per-item shipping charges are not included in this offer and it is not available for orders shipping 3-Day Air, 2nd Day Air or Next Day Air. Offer is not combinable with other promotions and may not be applied to orders in process or previous purchases.
Promotions are subject to change without notice. Offer expires 11pm November 30, 2009.
Three Day Shipping
3 Day Air is available only in the 48 contiguous United States. 3 Day Air will be delivered within three business days (excluding Saturdays and Sundays).
When will my order ship?
Orders received by noon Pacific Time for items that are in-stock ship out the same business day. Orders received after this will ship the next business day. When an item is not in stock we ship it as soon as it is available.
What are the order cutoff dates for pre-Christmas delivery?
Refer to the map and table below to determine the best shipping option (Standard, 3 Day Air, 2nd Day, or Next Day) for your destination.
Orders for in-stock items placed by noon Pacific Time on the dates shown below will reach their destinations in time for Christmas.

| Standard Ground Delivery in the 48 States: | |
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| Color Zone | Order by: |
| Dark Blue | Noon PT on 12/15/09 |
| Gray | Noon PT on 12/16/09 |
| Pink | Noon PT on 12/17/09 |
| Green | Noon PT on 12/18/09 |
| Orange | Noon PT on 12/21/09 |
| Light Blue | Noon PT on 12/22/09 |
| Yellow | Noon PT on 12/23/09 |
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Extended delivery areas in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico may require 1-2 additional working days. The last day for Standard Delivery to Canada** is noon PT on 12/15/09. |
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** Note: Customer approval of shipping charges will be required for shipping to Canada.
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3-Day Delivery (Delivery within 3 business days) 2-Day Delivery (Delivery within 2 business days) Next Day (Overnight) Delivery (Delivery within 1 business day) |
E-mail Notification of Orders
If you share an e-mail address with a gift recipient, you can opt not to receive an order confirmation e-mail, by selecting the 'Do not send e-mail confirmation' checkbox, on the Shipping Options page.
Product Packaging
NOTE: Many of our products may be shipped in boxes that reveal their contents. Please keep this in mind when making your shipping arrangements.
When you order a gift for the holidays (Nov. 3rd thru Dec. 23rd), the 30-day return period will start the day after Christmas and close January 26, 2010. Another good reason to shop early!
Methods of Payment
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card for on-line purchases. Personal checks may be used for orders that are mailed to us. We're sorry we do not accept COD orders.
Billing Address and Delays in Shipping
We will verify the name and billing address on your order matches the name and address on the credit card account you've provided for payment of your order. If they do not match, your order will be delayed so that we may contact you in an effort to receive the correct information. We may also contact you to verify your approval of a shipping address that is different than the billing address.
Order Confirmation
When your account includes an e-mail address, you will receive an e-mail confirmation of your order when it is processed and another confirmation when it is shipped (including the tracking number).
PO Box address for shipping
Many orders can be shipped through the US Postal Service to a PO Box address. However, some of our larger and heavier items cannot be mailed to a PO Box. If you've provided a PO Box address and we are unable to accommodate your request, we will notify you by phone or e-mail.
APO/FPO Address
We are certainly happy to ship products to APO/FPO addresses. There are package size restrictions and may be additional charges for our larger and heavier items. If you place an order to an APO/FPO address that requires additional shipping and handling charges we will send you an e-mail for your approval of the shipping charges. In our experience, larger packages shipping to APO/FPO addresses can take 6-8 weeks for delivery.
Backorders and expected shipping dates
When an item is out of stock we provide a date that is our best estimate of the date we expect to ship the product to you. While this is usually accurate, unexpected delays can happen. If there is a delay in shipping a backordered product we will notify you by mail.
Product Availability
We work very hard to ensure that we have the right products in-stock when you order from Orion Telescopes & Binoculars. Occasionally, demand may run higher than we forecast, a supplier may be late in shipping product to us, or there may be another reason that causes us to be out-of-stock. We apologize in advance if this should happen. Each product has an expected ship date posted on the web site. If the product says "In Stock", then we expect to ship the item by the next business day. If the product is out-of-stock, we will post an expected ship date. Backorders typically ship within 30 days. Items that are drop shipped from our supplier may have a different shipping cycle. Please see the product detail page for specifics on that item. Sale prices are limited to stock on hand. Supplies may be limited.
Product Specifications & Prices
Product prices, product specifications, and shipping rates are based upon manufacturer and freight company information at the time of catalog printing and are subject to change without notice. Orion Telescopes & Binoculars reserves the right to change prices and/or shipping rates at any time.
I placed an order, but I want to change or cancel it.
Call us at 800-676-1343. Because we have same-day shipping, there's a chance your order may have already gone out. We'll do our best to intercept your order and make the requested changes. If we are unable to intercept an item that has already shipped, return shipping costs will be the responsibility of the customer.
Do you have a printable order form?
Yes. Click here to load and print an order form which can be mailed or faxed. Residents of Maryland, Ohio, and Rhode Island who wish to take advantage of our layaway program should Click here to view or download a special order form (Adobe Reader required for both forms).
Do you have a layaway or installment plan for payment?
Yes! See the layaway section below for more information.
If an item I ordered is not in stock, when will my credit card be charged for it?
Your credit card will not be charged until the item is shipped.
Do you charge sales tax?
Yes, on orders delivered to California addresses only. We are required by law to collect sales tax on merchandise and on our shipping and handling charge.
What are shipping and handling charges for delivery to Canada, Guam or the Virgin Islands?
There are additional charges for delivery to these locations. You may call us for specifics or place your order on the web site. We will e-mail a quote including shipping charges. Your order will be held pending your approval. Any duties, brokerage fees, and GST/HST are the responsibility of the customer and are payable to the carrier upon receipt of delivery. After 30 days any unpaid invoices will be billed directly to the credit card charged for the order.
If the expected shipping date on the web site has changed, does that mean an order I've already placed will be delayed?
The expected shipping date that we provide on the web site for a backordered product applies only to an order that is placed today. If an item is out of stock, we provide the date that we expect to ship the product. We confirm the expected shipping date when we send e-mail order confirmations. If that date changes, we send a notification by mail. When we receive a product in-stock that has been on backorder, we always ship first to customers who have waited the longest. An order placed for a product today may be shipped later than an order placed last week.
To check on the status of a backordered product, you may call our Customer Service Department at 800-676-1343 Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time or e-mail us at orders@telescope.com
Can you tell me when an item will become available on your clearance center?
No. As items are returned from customers and refurbished, they are automatically updated to the clearance center. They are usually unique items where we only have one or two in-stock and they sell quickly. They are always offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Other times, clearance center products may be inventory that is an older-style of a product that has been upgraded.
Welcome to Orion's Layaway Program! We are excited to offer this alternative payment option for our valued customers. The text below in "How It Works" explains the basic outline of how the program is structured and what is required. Further on below, under our Frequently Asked Layaway Questions, we have answered the commonly asked questions. If you don't readily see the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to call us at 800.676.1343 during normal business hours.
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
Attn. Customer Service / LP
89 Hangar Way
Watsonville, CA 95076-2465
What is layaway?
With Orion's Layaway Program, you pay us a deposit and make two additional payments over time until you have paid for the item in full. Once we have received the last payment, we send you the merchandise.
How does Orion's Layaway Program work?
See How It Works
What are the terms of the Orion Layaway Plan?
You pay the total amount over three equal installments. No product is shipped until payment is made in full.
What payment methods can I use?
Under Orion's Layaway Program, we accept money orders, personal checks, Orion Gift Certificates, debit cards and credit cards for payment.
Can I change the payment method during the term?
Yes. We can accept a different payment method for each payment.
What happens if I miss or am late on a payment on my layaway?
If you are late or miss a payment, we will attempt to contact you and make other payment arrangements. If we cannot satisfactorily resolve the issue within fourteen days, we will cancel your layaway and return any money you have already paid.
Can I cancel my layaway plan?
Yes. You may cancel your layaway at any time between the time you originally place the order and before the third installment payment is due.
Is there a cancellation fee?
If you cancel the layaway within 14 days, there is no charge, and all of your payments will be refunded to you. If you cancel after this 14-day period has expired, we will return any payments you have made.
How many payments do I have to make?
Orion's Layaway Program requires three installment payments: 1) the first payment at the time of the order; 2) the second payment 30 days after the order date; and 3) the third payment 60 days after the order date.
Can I have more than 3 periods to pay my layaway?
No. Orion's Layaway Program is fixed at 3 installments.
I submitted my order ... now what happens?
If you order online, we collect the first installment at the time you submit your order. If you mail us a layaway order form, you must send a check or money order along with the form. When we receive your order, we will tell you the dates on which the second and third payments are due. Once the second and third installments have been collected, we will ship your order.
Will you notify me when each subsequent payment is due?
On your Order Acknowledgement (sent via email), we will show the payment due dates and amounts due. Even if you order by phone or mail, we will ask you for your email address so that we can send you your Order Acknowledgment by that method. If that is not possible, we will send it to you by regular mail.
If you paid by credit or debit card, we will automatically charge your card when the next installment is due. If your due date falls on Saturday or Sunday, we will typically charge your card on the next business day.
Are there any fees for the Orion Layaway Program?
No, there are currently no fees to participate in the Layaway Program.
Is shipping included?
You will be charged the standard shipping charges at time of order placement. If your product(s) qualify for a free shipping promotion at time of order placement, then you will receive that free shipping promotion.
Shipping promotions offered by Orion after the time of order placement are not applicable.
How is sales tax handled?
If your product is shipping to California, sales tax will be collected proportionally on all three installment payments. If your layaway is cancelled, we will refund all sales taxes collected.
I want to mail my payment. What information do I need and what address do I send it to?
Please see How It Works.
What is the return policy?
Orion's standard return policy will apply. Click here for details
Once my layaway begins, can I make a full payment for the balance of my order?
Absolutely. If you change your mind and want the product(s) faster, just call our Customer Service team to arrange to pay the balance.
Is there a minimum order amount for the Orion Layaway Program?
Yes. The minimum order amount is $99.
Is there a minimum payment amount I must submit?
Yes. You must pay the installment amount due or your layaway is subject to cancellation.
Is there a maximum order amount?
Yes. The maximum order amount is $5,000.
Am I limited to the number of layaway orders that I can have outstanding at one time?
Yes. You may only have one layaway order outstanding at a time.
What happens if my payment is declined by my bank or credit card company?
If your first payment is declined, then you will need to make other payment arrangements.
If your second or third payment is declined, we will attempt to reach you and make other payment arrangements. If we cannot reach you, then we will cancel your layaway order and refund your first payment.
We would be happy to substitute items of a lower price on your order at your request so that your payments to date will cover your order total.
Can I change the items on my layaway order?
Yes. Making such changes will not change your payment schedule. If you make changes which affect your total order
amount, your balance due will be divided among the payments remaining on your order. An updated payment schedule will
be emailed to you.
Do I have to buy online to take advantage of the Orion Layaway Program?
You can purchase direct from Orion online, by phone or by mail. Residents of Maryland, Ohio and Rhode Island are required to submit a written acknowledgment of their agreement with the terms and conditions of our layaway program. Click here to view or download a special order form for Maryland, Ohio and Rhode Island residents (Adobe Reader required).
What can I do if I want to get my item(s) earlier than when my layaway is scheduled to end?
At any time before your third installment is due, you may call us and pay the balance in full. We will then ship the item as soon as it is available.
When will my order ship?
If you make your third installment payment by credit or debit card, your order should typically ship the next business day.
If you make your third installment payment by money order or personal check, then your order will be delayed for 5 to 7 business days while the check clears the banking system.
Does Orion reserve the item(s) for my layaway for me?
If your item(s) are in stock at time of order placement, Orion will reserve product for your order. Orion strives to have all our items in stock. If a product is shipped directly from the manufacturer to the customer (noted on the product detail page), we will send the order to the manufacturer when your final installment payment is received. In the rare case that your item(s) are not available when your layaway term ends, we will contact you to arrange a full refund, substitute another item or wait until the item comes back in stock, at your request.
Products in stock ordered by noon Pacific Time will ship the same day. Backordered products typically ship within 30 days.
Shipping & Handling Charges
Shipping and handling charges on your order will be calculated as follows:
| Order Ship-To Address | Per-Order Charge | Per-Item Charge | Additional Shipping Charges for Faster Delivery | ||
| 3 Business Day Delivery | 2 Business Day Delivery | Next Business Day Delivery | |||
| 48 Contiguous States | $9.95 | Some products require an additional shipping charge due to their size, weight, and shipping method. Please see the product detail page for exact per-item shipping charges. | $9.00 | $15.95 | $29.95 |
| Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico | $22.45 | service not available |
$27.95 | $44.95 | |
| Canada, APO/FPO addresses, US Territories | Please call 800-676-1343 for shipping charges | ||||
| International | We do not ship outside the US and Canada. Click here to find the nearest international Orion dealer. | ||||
When will my order ship?
Orders received by noon Pacific Time for items that are in-stock ship out the same business day. Orders received after noon will ship the next business day. When an item is not in stock we ship it as soon as it is available.
If I order two or more items and one is out of stock, will you wait and ship the entire order together when all items are available, or do you ship the in-stock items first and the back-ordered item later?
Usually, the in-stock items will ship first, and any backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have an option during check out to hold your order and ship complete, if you'd prefer.
Can I track my order during shipment? If so, how?
Yes, we e-mail the carrier's tracking number when your order ships (if you provide your e-mail address). You can check delivery progress by clicking on the appropriate link: UPS or FedEx Tracking.
When will I receive my order?
Approximate transit times for standard delivery are 5-6 business days to the east coast, 4-5 business days to the mid-west and 3 business days or less to the west.
If an item is on backorder, the expected shipping date is indicated on the product page. This date relates to new orders.
I received the wrong item. What should I do?
In the unlikely event that this happens, please call us at 800-676-1343 Monday through Friday 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time. We'll arrange for the return of the incorrect item (at no charge to you) and see that you get the correct item promptly.
I only received part of my order today. Where's the rest of it?
Your order may have shipped in more than one box. Please allow several days for all the merchandise to arrive in case the boxes were separated along the way. If an item was out of stock and has been backordered, this will be indicated on the shipping invoice.
My address has, is or will be changed. Can I just give you my new address?
Call us or send e-mail to orders@telescope.com. Be sure to give us your name, old address, the new address, and the effective date for the change.
Orion products are covered by a limited, non-transferable warranty. Products sold through our catalog and our websites that do not bear the Orion Brand name are serviced and supported exclusively by their manufacturers in accordance with terms and conditions packaged with the products. Orion's Limited Warranty does not apply to products that are not Orion-branded, even if packaged or sold with Orion products. Please contact the manufacturer directly for technical support and customer service.
Merchandise may be returned in new (mint) condition within 30 days of receipt for a full refund (less shipping/handling). If you'd like to apply your return credit to a new order, we'd be happy to do that. Please include this information with your return form.
We must receive the returned merchandise within 30 days of the date you received it. All items must be in new (mint) condition. Returned items cannot show evidence of use or wear, dirt, or blemishes of any kind. Merchandise must be returned in its original packaging and should include all supplied materials, instructions, warranty cards, original accessories, hardware, and any software provided.
Boxed software which has been opened cannot be returned except for an exact exchange to replace defective software.
We suggest that merchandise be securely packaged and insured for the full retail value, as Orion is not responsible for lost or damaged packages. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. If your purchase was made from the Orion print catalog or website, we can locate your proof of purchase with your name and billing address. However, if you purchased an Orion product from a dealer, or one of our retail stores, it would need to be returned to the place of purchase, your receipt might be required. Instructions and a return form are printed on the back of the shipping invoice.
Returns should be sent to:
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
Returns Department
89 Hangar Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
We stand behind our products and services. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase from Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, just return the item(s) in new condition within 30 days after delivery for a prompt refund, less shipping and handling charges. No restocking charges, no hassles! (Boxed software which has been opened cannot be returned except for an exact exchange to replace defective software.)
We can accommodate most special order requests for manufacturers sold by Orion Telescopes & Binoculars. Please contact our Customer Service Department for additional information. Please note that order cancellation and return re-stocking fees apply to special orders.
* Credit card orders are subject to approval including authorization and name, billing address/shipping address verification. Pre-paid orders are subject to bank verification of funds. The guaranteed refund is not valid for shipments delayed due to weather conditions or if the carrier is unsuccessful with their first delivery attempt. Shipments delivered by the carrier by Christmas are not eligible for a shipping and handling refund. If alternate shipping arrangements are made by our Customer Service Department, a guaranteed shipping refund may not apply. To request a refund, simply call our Customer Service Department who will track your package with the shipping carrier and process a refund as applicable.