Oceanside Photo and Telescope

Ratings:Top:Astronomy:Places To Buy:Oceanside Photo and Telescope

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Name:Oceanside Photo and Telescope
Web Site:http://www.optcorp.com/
Address:Oceanside Photo and Telescope

1024 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, Ca 92054
Phone:
Orders:800-483-6287
Inquiries:
Fax:(760) 722-8133
Other:
Types of Stuff:
checked Telescopeschecked Eyepieceschecked Binoculars
checked Tripods/Mountschecked Accessorieschecked Books
un-checked ATM Materials
Methods of Purchase:
un-checked Storechecked Phonechecked Web(un-checked Secure)
Methods of Payment:
checked Visachecked MasterCardun-checked Discover
checked American Expressun-checked Checkun-checked Money Order
un-checked CODun-checked Financing 
Description:Large inventory and knowledgable staff
Vote Highlights Vote
Oceanside Photo and Telescope
We ordered a Meade accessory from Oceanside. Upon receiving it, a completely different (and significantly cheaper) item was contained in a correctly labelled box.

After contacting Oceanside, they remarked that this was not the first time it has happened. If they are aware of such problems, you would think that they would check any and all unsealed boxes to confirm the correct item will be shipped out.

We had to request a return shipping label, as the customer should not pay for the Oceanside's mistake.

The return shipping label supposedly was shipped out first class priority mail, which is a 2-3 day service. After several days, no label arrived. Calling them a second time, they requested that we wait an additional two days. So we waited.

Still no return shipping label. Another telephone call and our contact person to resolve this issue is too busy to take our call. Does he call us back? Of course not!

The person we spoke to laughed at us over the telephone. He stated that with the current disaster in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, that the mail service is extremely slow. We do not understand how a localized event nowhere near us or Oceanside has any effect on mail service. A quick telephone call to our local post office confirmed that no delay exists or existed.

Hence insult to injury. Avoid this vendor like the plague.

They sent us the wrong item, lied and have no respect for their customers. Over $1,000 was spent on this vendor the past year. They lost my business. You don't laugh at your customers and lie, especially when you are at fault for shipping out the wrong item. Very unprofessional conduct.

Based on the comments from others, it appears that they have decent service when they make a sale. But if you have problems, well, look at what we had to go through.

Overall Rating: 3
Price:6 Service:1
Weight: 20 (Notable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=453022

Oceanside Photo and Telescope
I have had nothing but good service from these guys. I usually deal with a young fellow, Ben who is always most helpful and knowledgeable as well. Just bought a new 12" GPS from him/them with some other goodies I think I need. We always need stuff....right?

My three favorite places are OPT (Ben), CameraCor (Lee) and Astronomics (Pete). I order from all three to spread the business around for all their help to me over time. My way of appreciation.

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=135206

Oceanside Photo and Telescope
In November 2000 I bought a focuser which never arrived here in South Africa. OPT told me to deal with UPS. I contacted UPS through their web site but they referred me to the tracking number. Unfortunately, OPT had not paid to have the package tracked. OPT refused to follow up with UPS and to this day (June 2002) I have never received the goods I ordered and paid for. Would I do business with OPT again? You gotta be kidding!

Overall Rating: 0
Price:7 Service:0
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=103672

Oceanside Photo and Telescope
I ordered an aluminum Celestron Nexstar 11" to receive the accessory package and received it seven days later in good condition. The accessory package did not arrive and I called OPT who said the shipping department needed to be contacted by him to ascertain if it was their mistake. I received no return call but when I contacted OPT I was told that they were shipping the accessories and I received this at no charge to me in seven days. I ordered three more items that shipped immediately via UPS. The UPS tracking number indicated the package weighed 0.6 lbs and I was being charged almost $15 for their seven day ground delivery. A call got this reduced to $7.50 with the info that their internet shipping cost calculator needs work. It is a good company and they are a member of the Better Business Bureau in excellent standing and I will continue to order from OPT. Just beware of the shipping costs.

Overall Rating: 8
Price:7 Service:9
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=82643

Oceanside Photo and Telescope
I made a purchase over the internet from OPT. The shippment took eight days (six business) from when I ordered. The items I ordered are the same no matter where you order (Tele Vue and Scopetronix) them from so I did not feel free to evaluate their prices. They did offer free shipping after the holiday which is why I placed my order with them. They also maintain a high rating from previous customers on this site. The shippment was sent without ever speaking directly to any one at the store. I was e-mailed a shipping notice and a tracking number. Everything in the order was included in the shipment. All items were well packaged and arrived in good condition.
I will definitely consider OPT for future purchases.
Bruce Miller

Overall Rating: 10
Service:10
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=333645

Oceanside Photo and Telescope
Purchased a Meade 12" LX200 GPS from OPT. Mike Fowler spent a good deal of time talking with me on the phone and answering questions by email. The scope arrived directly from Meade within one day of their forecast. All the other goodies I ordered came at the same time, and exactly as requested. I'm very pleased with OPT and will be doing business with them in the future. Highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 10
Price:10 Service:10
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=247779

Oceanside Photo and Telescope
go opt.corp!!!

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=69220

Oceanside Photo and Telescope
Great company! When my 12.5" Starfinder was delivered from Meade with a bad mirror, OPT gave me a free loaner 8" Dob with some Meade series 4000 eyepieces so I wouldn't be left without a telescope at the Star Party this weekend. And it was all there suggestion (I never would have thought of asking such a thing, but they made the offer and it is very typical of the lengths they go to for their customers).

Also, by joining their OPTAS clup, you can get 10% off most accessories (eyepieces, sky atlases, etc). I do all my shopping at the store rather than mail order from them, however I often find myself calling the 1-800 number to ask questions on products and just general astronomy related stuff. These folks are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They obviously enjoy their work and it shows!!! I wouldn't buy from anyone else.

Great place to hang out if you are ever in Oceanside!!!

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=44890

Oceanside Photo and Telescope
I ordered a Counterweight system from OPT. The sales person told me that it was $27.00 more than what was listed on their Web Page. I explained to them that the price I saw was on their Web Page. He then told me that the price would be what it was on their Web Page. I come to find out that the price he had originally quoted me is the price that other dealers charge. Yet they let me have it at the lower price. This really made me happy, The part showed up in only 3 days. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=44889

Oceanside Photo and Telescope
Personal service. Take time to talk with you on the phone. Don't try to upsell - offer more cost effective alternatives. Great inventory.

jhwsby@yahoo.com

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=44888

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