With the plethora of comparatively inexpensive equipment coming to the market today, why not buy new? Well, why do so many buy used cars? However many reasons you come up with can likely be amplified as reasons for buying a used telescope. Compared to an automobile, the optical and mechanical systems of telescopes are vastly more simple and generally longer lasting. Telescopes are not subject to tighter pollution restrictions, possible failed inspections, and although you might not be happy with a particular model, a bad amateur telescope design will never kill anybody. Add one more reason to your list of reasons to buy used. Generally the mechanical fit and finish given even to modest refractors of yesterday is available only at high cost today. The prices on used equipment vary from 80% down to less than 50% of the original cost with little or no degradation in performance.
There are numerous sources for these gems. You could place them in many categories, but I like to put them into the categories of shoppers.
Many retail telescope and camera shops selling new items, also sell used items. Links to some of these are included in the Members section under retaillinks. There are also persons who specifically handle used equipment, and you will find some useful links to these in the Members section under usedlinks.
A good place for this type of shopper is the "Classifieds" section of your local newspaper, particularly if you have one that is read by a large number of people. In many areas there are also specialty newspapers that are printed particularly for the sale of used items. These sometimes are organized according to subject, and telescopes can be found under subjects such as "Hobbies", "Sporting Goods", "Cameras", "Photographic Equipment", and "Miscellaneous." Yard sales can occasionally turn up outstanding finds.
Regional star parties and telescope making conventions can be a good source. Many of these have swap tables where there are great deals to be had on used telescopes, parts and accessories. Both Astronomy and Sky and Telescope magazines list the dates and locations of these events. Two of the largest conventions are Stellafane, held annually on Breezy Hill near Springfield Vermont, and the Riverside Telescope Makers conference, held in the San Bernardino mountains near Big Bear, California.
And don’t forget Pawn shops and similar consignment shops that may exist in your area.
Welcome to the internet. This is the leading source for used telescopes, and there is a nice set of links in the Members section under netlinks. Is it safe to buy over the internet? Generally, yes, and most individuals are quite honest about the positive and negative aspects of what they are selling. However, there always remains the possibility for "miscommunication." Of course, this is nothing new, and that's why we have the expression "caveat emptor". So ask enough questions to be reasonably sure of what you are getting, check references, particularly at auction sites, and generally "let the buyer beware." You can make good use of the information in this site to identify the make and model of most telescopes, since the seller may not know. Also, ask to see an image of the item if possible, and at least ask the seller about its physical and optical condition. Then make your offer to buy accordingly.
Many sellers will only accept cash or money orders. However, this is not usually a problem. I have personally sent and accepted many money orders and personal checks for used equipment. This is usual practice if the buyer is aware of the reputation of the seller, and unless the reciprocal is true, the seller will usually wait until the check clears before sending the material. There are several other ways to conduct business, particularly if the cost of an item is high. One of these is to ask for COD delivery. This allows you to at least see that you are getting the equipment you expect rather than a box of bricks, and that there are no obviously broken parts. Another is to use an "escrow" company. There are several companies who, for a fee based on the selling price, will act as a mediator. Usually the buyer initiates the action by sending a check or money order to the escrow company. After the check clears, they will instruct the seller to ship the item to the buyer within so many days. After the buyer has received the item he has a short period of time to check the merchandise and accept or return it. If he accepts it the escrow company sends the seller a check. If not the material is returned to the seller and the buyer will get his money back. Most escrow companies also work with credit cards and electronic transfer of funds. A couple of escrow companies' links are found in the Members section at escrowlinks.
© 2001 - Robert A. Pollock
Page Revised: May 1, 2001