New Equipment - more money

[RobertM]

I ordered 2" to SCT adaptor from them recently and on arrival found it wasn't what I ordered!!! I sent it back straight away and am hoping for a prompt refund.  I must admit I wasn't impressed with being sent a poor alternative that was so different from the picture on their website.  It's just such a waste of time and will harm their business in the long run.

[Fay]

Well, Robert, the woman was not a bit ashamed, suggesting I ordered the wrong item, when I had gone to the code & ordered it. Have to go to post office tomorrow now. The postman noticed how many signed packages are coming to me lately, don't know what he thinks I am up to! Not aware they are plain packages!!!!!!!!!!!

[Carole]

What a pain all this is, having to go to the post-office to return what they have sent you in error, and then trying to blame you, and then to add insult to injury having to wait 30 days for a refund when it's their error.

I ordered some guide rings a few months ago from First Light Optics, they didn't have the size I ordered and sent me some larger ones hoping they would work, but they were too big.  They were really apologetic and co-operative and sent me a stamped jiffy bag for their return, a refund in 3 days and offered a red light torch as compensation (which I declined as I already have one).  That's the sort of service they should be giving if they want to keep customers.  

Carole

[Tony G]

I suppose, who you actually encounter on any shopping experience, be it on-line, or face to face, it will leave you with a good or bad impression. When I went to Pulsar Optical's warehouse/shop near Ely with Chris, we were offered a lot of help and assistance, tried out a few items, like the bino-viewers, before purchasing, and the assistant was helpful, and wasn't just another Saturday stand-in.
With the refund policy, you'll find a few different outlets on-line do the same and will not refund you immediately.
I personally have had no problems with them, but I'm sorry to hear some of you have. 

Tony G

[PhilB]

I had a similar experience to Tony. I picked up a 'scope from them at Ely and the service at this point was fine. However, when I tried to upgrade the firmware in the goto handset it stopped working. Judging from the e-mails (yeah, they do sometimes leak out!) that were sent from the chap at Pulsar to an associate and also copied to me, the attitude at Pulsar was "I have this idiot customer here.....". This ignored that fact that the handset was supposed to be easily upgradeable which was part of their sales pitch. Bottom line seems to be that things are great until money changes hands!

[Fay]

I have had mixed service from them. They have terrible reviews on the astro forums. Problem is, if you want something, there are only a handful of suppliers & sometimes you have to bite the bullet!

[PhilB]

Problem is, if you want something, there are only a handful of suppliers & sometimes you have to bite the bullet!

That, unfortunately, is all too true

[Fay]

Presume you will be in the garden with your new camera tonight, Phil?

[Mike]

Guys - Don't forget that Bern at Modern Astronomy has said that he will a) Try and get hold of just about any piece of kit you want and b) Will do his darndest to beat or at least match anyone else price.

[mickw]

Bern certainly helped me out and he replies to emails

[Carole]

Yes Bern is good, however there have been a couple of things I have been able to get cheaper elsewhere and he couldn't match the price.  But very helpful and co-operative.

Carole

[Fay]

The Black Beast & ED80, SW 120 Equinox Pro, can just about handle it.

[PhilB]

Presume you will be in the garden with your new camera tonight, Phil?

Oh, yes, I do hope so. If I can work out how to get images onto the forum I let you see the results.

[Carole]

Blimey Fay, I can see why you call it the black beast and why you couldn't carry it home from Astrofest.   

If I can work out how to get images onto the forum

Phil there are some instructions if you go to the Astrophotography section top post.  Make sure you copy the complete URL address (you might have to scroll down a bit).  

Carole

[PhilB]

Thanks, Carole. As soon as I get some images from my new toy I'll give it a try. Last night was a blow out unfortunately. I don'r know about everyone else, but I had just enough time to set up the 'scope and then the clouds rolled in. By midnight I was getting bored with staring up at an orange cloud base so gave up and went in.