When you place an order with Telescoop.nl, you are choosing equipment that should be treated with the utmost care. After all, a telescope is not a standard package; it is a complex optical instrument with mirrors, lenses and fine mechanics that are sensitive to shock and impact. For that reason, we have designed our shipping procedure so that the safety of your new acquisition always comes first. It's important to us that you know exactly how we work, the choices we make during packing and what to expect when the delivery man arrives at your door. In this explanation, we explain everything about how we work, the costs and the arrangements we make to get your astronomical adventure off to a good start, or prolong it!

What our stock indication tells you

Let's start with the stock you see on the website. With each product, you see an indicator that tells you if we can ship the item right away. Do you see a green dot, this means that the instrument is actually physically on our shelves in one of our warehouses in the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany. Our standing rule is that we will pack products that are in stock immediately. Although we make every effort to fulfill the promise of “ordered today, delivered within 48 hours”, we would like to ask you to always allow for a margin. Logistics remains human work and we are partly dependent on the sorting centers of our carriers. A green dot indicates that the product is immediately available for shipment, but unforeseen delays in the network of parcel services/manufacturers can sometimes cause a package to take a day longer. We ask that you be prepared for this, especially around busy periods or holidays.

Shipping rules for larger telescopes

An important part of our policy is about telescope size. Astronomy is a hobby where bigger is often better, but larger instruments also bring specific logistical challenges. We have therefore drawn a clear line at telescopes with apertures larger than 6 inches. Once a telescope exceeds this size, transportation falls outside the regular standard rates. This is because these larger models, such as hefty Dobson telescopes or large Newton reflectors, require much more intensive handling. The packages are often double-walled and extra reinforced, and the weight requires the carrier to perform additional handling.

For that reason, we always charge higher shipping costs for any telescope larger than 6 inches, even if the total order amount exceeds the normal limit for free shipping. These charges are calculated fairly based on volume and weight, so we can guarantee that your precious optics will be transported with due care and not end up at the bottom of a pile of heavy boxes in a standard van.

Why we send large telescopes in two parts

In addition, it's good to know that we almost always ship large telescopes to you in two separate parts. We do this not to make it complicated, but purely for the safety of the equipment. A complete set, consisting of the optical tube and the heavy mount with tripod or rocker box, in one box is often too heavy and unwieldy for safe handling. By shipping the optical tube in one box and the mount with all accessories and counterweights in another, we spread the risk of damage. This keeps the weight per box manageable for the delivery driver, which significantly reduces the chance of falling or being dropped hard-handed. However, you should keep in mind that these packages sometimes get separated in the carrier's sorting process. It frequently happens that the first part is delivered today and the second part does not arrive until the next business day. So don't panic immediately if you receive half a telescope; often the remaining part is still on its way in another ride of the delivery service.

What to do in case of shipping damage

Despite our meticulous packing methods and use of the best packaging materials, on rare occasions a package may arrive damaged. The transport network is a high-volume environment where things sometimes go wrong. We therefore ask you to critically examine the boxes immediately upon arrival of your order. If you see any dents, tears or holes in the cardboard, please have the delivery person make a note of this immediately or make a report before you sign for receipt. If, after opening the boxes, you discover that the instrument itself has suffered damage, such as a crack in the glass or a large dent in the metal tube, it is essential that you contact us immediately. We are on top of resolving this type of situation quickly and professionally for you, but we need your prompt report and any photos of the packaging to recover the damage from the carrier. Don't wait to do this, let us know right away so we can arrange a replacement or other appropriate solution for you right away.

Our logistics partners and tracking

We only work with carriers who are experienced in transporting fragile goods, such as UPS, PostNL, GLS, DHL and DPD. Which partner we choose for your shipment depends on the size of the telescope and your place of residence. We always select the party that can offer the highest reliability for your specific region at that time. Once we have registered your packages, we will send you the details to track the shipment. If you have multiple parcels, you will receive a separate code for each parcel. So you can see exactly where each part of your new setup is located.

International shipments and customs

Outside the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, we also ship our products worldwide. Here, different rates and deadlines often apply, and you should keep in mind that customs in countries outside the European Union may levy additional taxes or import duties. These charges are separate from our shipping costs and are determined by the local government. As astronomy experts, we advise you to check with your local customs office in advance for large international purchases, so that you are not surprised when the telescope enters the country.

Our promise as experts

At the end of the day, our goal is simple: we want you to go out and enjoy the stars without a care in the world. Our rules around shipping may seem strict, but they are there purely to guard the quality of your instrument. By charging fairly for heavy shipments and by splitting large models into parts, we minimize the chance of disappointment upon unpacking. We see ourselves as your partner in this hobby, and we're always ready to think with you if there's ambiguity about a delivery or if something unexpectedly didn't go to plan. Do you have questions about how we will ship your specific telescope or do you want to know more about the delivery time of a product that is on orange? Then just contact us. We'll be happy to explain it to you calmly, so you can wait for your first clear night with confidence.