Shipping Policy
Note: Due to certain shipping restrictions, some of the brands/products that we carry cannot be shipped to all of the countries that we sell to. You can view all shipping restrictions here.
Shipping to the UNITED STATES:
We offer free U.S. shipping to the lower 48 states on most orders over $150 USD. Some limitations may apply (see below).
Free U.S. Shipping Limitations
Free U.S. shipping limitations may include (but not limited to): orders that contain multiple items that need to ship from different warehouses, shipments exceeding certain weight limits, orders shipping to certain remote locations within the lower 48 states, shipping outside of the lower 48 states (Alaska, Hawaii etc).
Where do U.S. orders ship from?
U.S. orders are fulfilled & shipped from one of our partner warehouses located in the United States. However, in rare cases where a U.S. order is shipped from Canada, we will notify our customer of this before we proceed with shipping.
Shipping to CANADA:
We currently offer shipping across Canada. Shipping fees apply on most Canadian shipments.
Where do Canadian orders ship from?
Most of our Canadian orders are fulfilled & shipped from one of our partner warehouses in Canada. However, in cases where a Canadian order is shipped from the U.S., we (Red Carpet Telescopes) will clear the shipment through customs - and cover any applicable duties and/or taxes.
Order Confirmation:
After your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email, which will contain your Order #. After your payment is processed, your order will typically ship within the next 1-3 business days (excluding Holidays).
If you did not receive an order confirmation email, please be sure to check your spam folder. If you still can't find any emails from us, please reach out to our support team at support@redcarpettelescopes.com.
Backorders and/or Special Orders
In cases where products are backordered or made-to-order, an approximate lead-time will be communicated with the customer for approval before the order is submitted for processing & fulfillment.
Custom Engraving/Artwork:
If you purchase a product from us with a Custom Engraving option selected (such as text engraving or artwork engraving, we will reach out to you right after your order is placed to request your engraving instructions.
If we do not receive your engraving instructions within 2 business days after we request them, we will proceed with shipping your order without engraving. If you receive your order, and decide that you would like engraving, you will be responsible for shipping the product back to our facility to have the engraving completed.
Shipping Carriers:
Orders will typically ship with either UPS, FedEx, or Purolator. Additionally, most high-value shipments will require a signature upon delivery.
Transit Time
Shipping times can vary depending on the product(s) that you purchase. In most cases, the transit time for a U.S. order will be approximately 3-5 business days, and the transit time for a Canadian order will be approximately 5-7 business days.
Expedited Shipping Requests
If you would like to request a faster shipping method that is not available as an option on our online checkout, please reach out to us at support@redcarpettelescopes.com, and we can provide a quote.
Tracking Details
After your order has been shipped to the final destination, regular tracking updates will be sent to the email address that was used to place the order.
After you receive your Tracking #, it may take up to 24-48 hrs for the Carrier to display tracking updates.
Order Cancellation Requests:
Any orders that haven't shipped yet, but that are cancelled & refunded by request of the customer, may be subject to a minimum 5% re-stocking fee. The re-stocking fee will be deducted from your refund.
If the order has already shipped, then please refer to our Returns & Refund Policy below for full details.
Returns & Refund Policy
We believe in the brands that we work with and the products that we sell. And we want YOU to be 100% satisfied! This is why we offer 30 Day Returns for the vast majority of the Brands/Products that we carry. Please see below for details regarding products that either do NOT qualify for our 30 Day Return Policy and/or have their own specific criteria to qualify for returns.
IMPORTANT: When you receive your shipment, we advise that you inspect the product right away for any potential damage/issues. Not all of our brands/products fall within our 30-day Return Policy, and as a result, if you notice an issue with the product after the Return window has passed (whether it be 5 days, or 30 days) - we unfortunately will not be able to process a return.
Return Requests (IMPORTANT):
To initiate a return, you must obtain an RMA number and the correct return address from us (we will provide both of these). Any returned shipments that do not contain a valid RMA number will not be accepted.
To qualify for an RMA #, items must be unopened, and sealed in all of their original packaging and condition.
To retrieve an RMA number, or for more details, please contact us at support@redcarpettelescopes.com!
How we process returns
If you would like to return your purchase within 30 days of receiving the product(s), we can only process the return if the items are unopened, and sealed securely in their original packaging and condition. To confirm this, we may ask you (the customer) to provide photographs of the item(s) before they are returned to us.
In most cases, once your RMA # is issued, we will provide a Return Shipping Label to the customer. In other cases, we will request that the customer organize and purchase a Return Shipping label directly - using a Carrier of their choice (we recommend using a fully tracked service with UPS or FedEx).
Refunds will be issued after the warehouse receives, inspects and processes your return (this may take upwards of 5-7 business days).
Fees
The customer will be responsible for covering both the return shipping costs, as well as the shipping costs associated with originally shipping the item(s) to them (the customer). Additionally, a minimum 20% re-stocking fee will apply. These fees will be deducted from the customers' refund.
Grace period for tendering returns to the Carrier
Once a Return Request is authorized by us, an RMA # and/or a Return Shipping Label will be issued to the customer. Upon receipt of the RMA # and/or Return Shipping Label, the customer will have a grace period of 5 business days to tender the package to the Carrier. If, by the 5th business day, there is no record of the package being received/scanned by the Carrier, we may cancel the Authorized Return at our discretion.
Liability for return packages
It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that return item(s) are returned to us safely and securely. Return item(s) must be packed securely in all of their original packaging.
In most cases, we will provide the customer with a return label.
However, in cases where the customer returns the item(s) using a shipping method of their choice, we recommend that a fully tracked service is selected with a reputable Carrier - such as UPS, FedEx, or Purolator. Additionally, if the customer decides to return the item(s) using their own shipping method, Red Carpet Telescopes will not be liable for any items that are lost, stolen, and/or damaged in transit during return shipping. The customer will be responsible for dealing with any issues directly with the Carrier.
Exchanges
If you wish to exchange the item for another product within 30 days of receiving it, we will do our best to reduce any re-stocking fees and/or return shipping fees. However, in most cases, these fees will still apply. Please email us for full details at support@redcarpettelescopes.com.
Product Condition
When you receive your package(s), you should immediately inspect the product(s) to ensure that nothing is damaged or that your shipment isn't missing anything (additional products or accessories).
If you notice any damage to your product(s) upon delivery - please send photos to support@redcarpettelescopes.com as soon as possible and we will make the arrangements necessary to have your product returned, and have a replacement shipped to you. If possible, your product(s) will need to be returned in all of its original packaging.
If you notice that the packaging of your shipment is damaged, please do not throw the packaging away. Please take pictures of the packaging, and send it to support@redcarpettelescopes.com.
Please note: In regards to product condition, returns and replacements will only be authorized in cases where the actual product(s) has incurred damage. In cases where only the packaging has incurred noticeable damage, but not the actual product(s), a return and/or replacement will not be authorized.
Returned to Sender
If a shipment is returned to us due to reasons such as the customer's unavailability to receive it, an inaccurate shipping address, or other delivery-related issues, extra shipping charges may be incurred to have the item(s) re-shipped.
Brands/Products that either do not qualify for our 30 Day Return Policy and/or have their own specific criteria to qualify for returns:
Athlon Optics
Athlon Optics products do not qualify for our 30 day return policy. Instead, they qualify for 7-day returns (from the day of delivery). Return requests must be made within 7-days (from the day of delivery). However, if a product has a manufacturing defect or is damaged, we can have the product returned, repaired, and shipped back to you (alternatively, we can have an entirely new replacement product shipped to you) - as per Athlon's Lifetime Warranty.
DayStar Filters
DayStar Filters products will only qualify for our 30 day return policy under certain conditions, and returns will ultimately be approved on a case by case basis. To qualify for returns, a few important factors to note are: DayStar product(s) must be unopened, and sealed in all of their original packaging and condition. Additionally, the product(s) must be non-custom items. Any custom-made products will not qualify for returns.
Hampton Nautical
Hampton Nautical products do not qualify for our 30 day return policy. Instead, they qualify for 5-day returns (from the day of delivery). Return requests must be made within 5-days (from the day of delivery). Furthermore, if a product is damaged, we must be notified within 5 days (from the day delivery). Once we are notified of any damage, arrangements will be made to either return and repair your product, or ship you a brand new one.
Luna Optics
Luna Optics products do not qualify for our 30 day return policy. However, they instead qualify for a 14 day return policy.
Full Moon Optics
Full Moon Optics products do not qualify for our 30 day return policy. However, they instead qualify for a 14 day return policy.
Konus
Konus products do not qualify for our 30 day return policy. However, most of the Konus products that we carry include either a 2-year warranty, or lifetime warranty.
First Texas Products (Night Owl Optics / Bounty Hunter / Teknetics / Fisher Lab)
First Texas Products (Night Owl Optics / Bounty Hunter / Teknetics / Fisher Lab) do not qualify for our 30 day return policy. However, most Night Owl Optics, Bounty Hunter, Teknetics, and Fisher Lab products carry a minimum 1 year warranty (with some products carrying a 5 year warranty).
Newcon Optik
Newcon Optik products do not qualify for our 30 day return policy. All sales are final. Note: All Newcon products carry a comprehensive 1 year warranty.
Refurbished Products
Refurbished products do not qualify for our 30 day return policy. All sales are final.
Open Box Products
Open Box products do not qualify for our 30 day return policy. All sales are final.
Bulk-Orders and/or Custom Orders
Additionally, items that are special ordered, customized, or engraved - cannot be returned or refunded under our 30 day return policy.
If your engraved item needs to be repaired within 30 days of purchase, please reach out to us and we will have the product repaired or replaced, re-engrave if necessary, and return it to you.
If you have any questions regarding our Returns & Refund Policy, please feel free to reach out to us at support@redcarpettelescopes.com.