Scope City

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Name:Scope City
Web Site:http://www.scopecity.com
Address:
Phone:
Orders:1-800-235-3344
Inquiries:
Fax:
Other:
Types of Stuff:
checked Telescopeschecked Eyepieceschecked Binoculars
checked Tripods/Mountschecked Accessorieschecked Books
checked ATM Materials
Methods of Purchase:
checked Storechecked Phonechecked Web(checked Secure)
Methods of Payment:
checked Visachecked MasterCardun-checked Discover
un-checked American Expresschecked Checkun-checked Money Order
un-checked CODun-checked Financing 
Description:
Vote Highlights Vote
Scope City
Scope City review
Update 6/28

Okay, I must admit that prior to writing my last review, I obviously had too little experience. The error of purchasing a scope contradictory to my interests in planetary viewing was an error on my own part, not the dealers.

Upon entering Scope City, I sought after an upgrade from a 60mm Jason refractor and requested an affordable scope that offered maximum performance in an easy-to-handle package. I was offered the ETX-70, a reasonable deal at $350. However, I eventually found that views of planets were excessively vague and subtle compared to the 60mm, so I was suggested the NexStar 80, an adequate performer at f/5, although its performance, too was severely limited under urban So. Nevada skies. For a while, I was upset that they didn’t recommend any other scope, but this was certainly an error on my own part.

The showrooms are well stocked. They have a variety of spotting scopes, eyepieces, and a wide range of scopes from a small ETX-70 to a CM-1100. Almost all the accessories you’ll ever need are supplied, although I heard that CCDs are backordered (this probably also true in other showrooms, however). Before purchasing, I was allowed to test products in store or can return it within 15 days of acquisition (I’ve done this several times without any problems).

For some reason, a number of Celestron products (mounts and selected accessories) are priced somewhat high. For example, a CI-700 mount is $2000 as opposed to prices of under $1300 elsewhere. This may be one method Scope City uses to urge some people to considering Parks products (1.5” Superior mount is $2500). Not to take away anything from Parks’ top-of-the-line quality in both optics and craftsmanship with nicely machined components, but the prices seem rather high (anyone have other opinions?).

In my opinion, one should take advantage of Scope City’s special package offers. They include accessories you’d probably buy later, anyway. However, Scope City often
overvalues the offer although this doesn’t matter.

Service was the quality I never pointed out enough in my last review making it seem I over-evaluated it (maybe dealing with terrible service from other companies who direct me to ask the manufacturer gave me some experience). If at all possible, I’d give their customer service a strong 12…truly; notwithstanding earlier criticisms I pointed out in my last review, the staff consists of extremely friendly, experienced astronomers that will answer any question you have, no matter what difficulty you’ve gone through to unsuccessfully locate an answer elsewhere. Don’t be afraid to ask them anything. An additional benefit: they extremely helpful, too. When the computer system of my third telescope, the NexStar 80 went wacky, they responded instantaneously, tested it themselves, and said they’d gladly send it to Celestron to get an upgrade for free (they even gave me free software as a bonus)!

With admiration, I extend a hand of thanks to the excellent service of Scope City’s pleasant non-commission staff (who are exceptionally knowledgeable and ultimately, a great pleasure to talk to) and congratulations to Michael, who was justifiably promoted to corporate.

Like most others, I disagree with some other reviews that only focus mainly on price. However, price is sometimes an issue with Celestron accessories, but in my opinion, customer service counters it. I’ve only been to the Las Vegas branch and online (other branches are in CA, main office in Simi Valley) and am not aware of customer service in those other branches.

Stable atmospheres!
Martin

Overall Rating: 9
Price:7 Service:10
Weight: 40 (Reputable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=118736

Scope City
After studying reviews and comments ( I did my homework before buying ) I got the web-page special celestron 9.25 in a combo deal with everything I need to begin visual observing. Everything was in stock ( I asked ). Everything came as specified in the web add. Person on the phone was helpful. Scope and accessories arrived within the week as stated by the salesperson. A positive experience. I would do business with them again.

Overall Rating: 10
Price:10 Service:10
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=83834

Scope City
Only bought one items from them , refractor skywatcher 100 ed (promo), it was ok, they contacted me without waiting about shippping rate.

They seems to have quiet bit of choice on their web site, a good thing.

Guys we are spending quiet bit of money for our hobby, we shouldn't have to beg for good service.

Overall Rating: 8
Price:7 Service:8
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=590792

Scope City
My family has always been active astronomers. I have been visiting Scope City for years, and before me, my parents had been repeat customers for years and years. You can say Scope City is a family tradition. We have only received the best of the best from Scope City and their sales personelle. My only wish is that other retail chains would follow in the footsteps of Scope City's prices, customer serive, and overall customer experience. I know that if I ever open my own business, my first action would be to mimic the business practices and strategies of Scope City. Thanks guys!

Overall Rating: 10
Price:10 Service:10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=59322

Scope City
It is always nice to find out that a business does, in fact, really care about their customers. Such is the case of Scope City. I recently posted a somewhat negative review of Scope City's Simi Valley store. It was based upon problems my brother had encountered with the purchase of his first telescope. He has informed me that the owner of the business contacted him personally and took care of everything that had gone wrong. My brother has his new scope. He is a happy camper once again and will be going back for other purchases in the future. Did I jump the gun by posting the initial review? Maybe, however it was based upon what had happened, and what appeared to be an ongoing problem that wasn't being handled like it should have been. My brother has informed me that he felt the owner was very personable, concerned and wanting to make sure that everything was made right and corrected to his satisfaction. This has taken place. It is people who make a business. Sometimes the owners of companies are not aware of what is happening in their shops and the problems that are there, do not get corrected. This was not the case with Scope City. The owner became very much aware and took steps to correct my brother's problem. To anyone reading my prior post, I ask them to disregard my vote and the initial comments made, and by all means give Scope City the opportunity to sell you a telescope or accessories, etc. And if you do encounter a problem at store level, give Dr. Maurice Sweiss the owner, a call. I feel certain that you will be treated fairly and the problem will be handled to your satisfaction. My hat is off to you Dr. Sweiss, for restoring my faith in your business and for getting my brother a telescope that will start him out in this hobby in a very postive way now. The next time I am in the area, I will be sure to stop by the Simi Valley store and shake your hand personally. Thank you and regards.

Overall Rating: 10
Price:10 Service:10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=58084

Scope City
I go to the Sherman Oaks store. Jeff is always helpful and takes his time to answer questions. I buy lot's of stuff there and he give great advise!!! I have never had to return anything - I do try to do my research before I go in, but they always help and I never feel any question is too dumb.

Thanks to Jeff!

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45568

Scope City
I have been going in the Sherman Oaks store for almost five years. Jeff, the manager, has always been extremely courtous and helpful. I purchased my first scope from another dealer, but Jeff was always very very helpful. Never was he condesending as I was learning the hobby and looking back, his advice has always been right on. I have found the prices to be very competitive in some areas, not so in others. I have paid more for certain things that I could have mail ordered for less elsewhere, but the service counts for something. For these reasons, I recently purchased the top of the line Tele Vue system from Jeff at scope city. They worked with me on the price of the whole system.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45559

Scope City
i have been a customer of scope city for almost 3 years now. i have been to everyone of their locations and was treated with the most helful service and cooperation. i have also searched everywhere on thw web and in magazines for the best prices out there and scope city always matched mail order prices without shipping charges. also given that they are so dedicated to advising us properly, even if you did see something out their for a lower price you will never want to sacrifice the service for a lowsey few dollars on some unknown dealer who i would't trust in a million years with my money or product. thanks scope city!!

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45557

Scope City
Scope City was wonderful. I referred many of my friends and family to them. They, like me, were extremely satisfied with their purchases and service.

Overall Rating: 10
Price:10 Service:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=63989

Scope City
I don't get those other comments... Scope City was awesome.

Overall Rating: 10
Price:10 Service:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=58329

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