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How can high-quality binoculars possibly cost as low as $100?
Many people that look at the prices of our OBERWERK® binoculars are skeptical of the quality. We repeatedly hear this first-hand at astronomy shows, so we understand that many of our internet visitors see the low prices and assume "those can't be very good". This is a bit frustrating to us, but understandable- as most people think you generally get what you pay for. Let us try to briefly explain why we are the exception to that assumption. First of all, you should know that while the Chinese have been in the optics industry for decades, the quality and consistency of their products is at an all-time high. They are now producing truly high-quality binoculars. For a number of reasons (government-built factories, highly-skilled low-cost labor, etc.), they are able to do this at very low cost. Whenever possible, this freight comes to us by sea, which saves expensive air freight charges. We then sell directly to you through our online store- which is the lowest-overhead retail operation possible. Our binoculars compare to other brands that cost up to twice as much. Still skeptical? Read our customer comments. Be assured that if you are less than thrilled with your purchase, we have a "no questions asked" return policy.
Do you have a store where I can come and see your binoculars and accessories?
Yes. BigBinoculars.com is primarily a mail-order business, but we do have a showroom, and customers are welcome to visit us to view our binoculars and accessories. See the "Contact Us" page for more information.
Are your Oberwerk binoculars and accessories available elsewhere for a lower price?
No, we guarantee to have the lowest-available price on Oberwerk binoculars and accessories. If you find a lower price (total cost, including shipping), let us know, and we'll match it.
Are the 25/40x100's military surplus?
No. The 25/40x100's have been produced for the Chinese military for many years- and are now being produced for export by the same factories that used to make these exclusively for the military. Competition brought about by the new Chinese market economy has pushed quality control to levels that didn't exist even a couple years ago. These are brand new binoculars- and quality and consistency is better than ever.
Do you accept international orders?
We do accept international orders- however, we will verify credit card information from your bank. Note that all prices on this website are USD.
What if I don't want to send my credit card info over the internet?
Our servers are secured by SSL encryption to protect your data- but if you are still not comfortable sending your credit card info over the internet, there are other options. You can-
1) Fax your order to us at (937) 426-0568.
2) Order by phone toll-free at (866) BIG-BIN0 (that last digit is a zero).
3) Send an email with your phone number and we'll call you.
4) Mail your order to us at-
Oberwerk Corporation
ATTN: Sales Dept.
2790-C Indian Ripple Rd.
Beavercreek, OH 45440
How long does it take from the time I place my order until it ships?
Assuming the item(s) you've ordered are in stock, we generally ship the next day. If you have ordered a binocular, we will test and adjust your binocular prior to shipping. Depending on how busy we are, this may happen the day we receive your order, or the following day. Once complete, your order will be added to the next day's shipping manifest and your card charged at that time. So a binocular will normally ship 1-2 days after we receive the order, although when large numbers of orders are being processed, this could be as long as 3 days.
NOTE: We never ship the same day we receive an order (our UPS daily pickup is usually around noon). So if you order something on a Wednesday specifying 2-day shipping, the earliest it's going to arrive is Monday- not Friday.
Do Oberwerk binoculars come with a warranty?
All Oberwerk binoculars are covered by a one year warranty (from date of purchase) for problems due to manufacturing defects. We will repair or exchange at our discretion.
Why just a one-year warranty on Oberwerk binoculars?
Any manufacturing defect(s) will certainly be found in the first year of usage. After this period, most problems that develop are almost always caused by an accident (such as dropping). Be assured that we will take care of any problems after the warranty period, although there may be a (reasonable) charge for parts and labor.
Can I return or exchange my binocular if I don't like it?
Yes. We offer a 30-day inspection period that begins when you receive your order. Just contact us by email or phone within that period if you want to return or exchange, and we will issue a RA# (Return Authorization Number).
NOTE: Binocular must be received by us in new condition for a full refund or exchange (minus our actual cost of shipping and a flat 3% fee for credit card orders*). A restocking fee of up to 20% will be charged if item is not in new condition or has a smoke odor. Returns without a RA# will not be accepted. Return Authorizations will not be issued beyond the 30-day inspection period- no exceptions.
* Did you know that when a merchant issues a credit card refund, not only does the merchant still have to pay the 2-3% credit card fee- they're charged the same fee again for the refund! So a credit card refund typically costs a merchant about 5% of the total cost. We charge a flat 3% fee for credit card refunds to partly offset our cost.
What if I receive a defective product?
This is unlikely due to our strict quality assurance and testing of every binocular before shipping. But when a problem does occur, we will immediately send a replacement, which will include a pre-paid return label for the defective product (international customers may incur some shipping costs).
Do you have a "Privacy Policy"?
Yes, the details are on a separate webpage. The summary is: Customer data is used only to process orders for our products. We will never sell or give customer data to any other company, organization, or individual. We do not collect information from website visitors. We do not participate in any type of email marketing, "opt-in" or otherwise.
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