Broken lens replacement?

I'm heartbroken!

Just bought a Stellarvue AT1010 from ebay and the lens assembly came apart in shipment. Result: 1 broken lens and the other is pretty scratched up. Anyone here have experience with this kind of damage? The OTA is otherwise in OK shape. Can the lens cell be replaced with a new one? Or is it a total loss (not worth the cost)?

Fortunately the ebayer has been nice about this and is willing to reimburse me if needed. Shipping was via UPS, but the packing job (by seller) was inadequate (in soft case, but loose in box w/some air packs thrown in along w/diagonal and EPs in bolt cases). I emailed Vic at Stellarvue, but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks!

Got the quote from Vic - $235 + shipping. It makes more sense just to order a clearance Nighthawk, which is what I did. I'll post a pic of the carnage later - it's not pretty!

Matthew Bernick said:

I'm heartbroken!

Just bought a Stellarvue AT1010 from ebay and the lens assembly came apart in shipment. Result: 1 broken lens and the other is pretty scratched up. Anyone here have experience with this kind of damage? The OTA is otherwise in OK shape. Can the lens cell be replaced with a new one? Or is it a total loss (not worth the cost)?

Fortunately the ebayer has been nice about this and is willing to reimburse me if needed. Shipping was via UPS, but the packing job (by seller) was inadequate (in soft case, but loose in box w/some air packs thrown in along w/diagonal and EPs in bolt cases). I emailed Vic at Stellarvue, but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks!

Hi Matthew:

I'd say you are really lucky to have a seller from ebay step up to the plate and offer to reimburse you for the damage. I hope he follows through. I think that you are far far better off buying telescopes here where the members are quite familiar with delicate equipment and know how to pack it properly.

Jim