Q: How can I request a formal quote?
A: Please see Request A Quote.
Q: My credit card was declined at check out. How can I place my order online?
The payment is declined when the billing address entered does not exactly match the billing address on the card.
Please check with your bank the exact billing address for the credit card, before placing the order again.
Solution 1. Place your order again, with the exact billing address (please note the spelling and abbreviations).
Solution 2. Use PayPal Guest Checkout to process the payment. This does not require you to have a PayPal Account.
From your Cart, click Checkout. At the Payment Step, click PayPal. Enter your details and select Guest Checkout.
Solution 3. Place the order using a different credit card.
If you need additional assistance, please send an email to sales@bolioptics.com with your updated billing address, and give us a call at (909) 931-3626.
Q: Are BoliOptics parts/accessories compatible with my microscope?
We list our product measurements and specifics under the Specifications tab for each product. If you need additional information regarding compatibility, please email us with the following information:
1. The brand of your product
2. The model number of your product
3. The specifications, measurements, or dimensions of the part you currently have
4. A photograph of your product
Q: Does a product have special certifications?
We list the product certificates on our website, in the section underneath the Product SKU number.
Some new products have certificates, but are currently not shown on the website. Please send us an email at sales@bolioptics.com along with the Product SKU.
Q: How can I place a Pre-Order?
You can place a pre-order directly on our website. To find out when your Pre-Order will be shipped, please send us an email at sales@bolioptics.com, with the following information:
1. Product SKU Number
2. How many units you need
3. How soon you need the product
Q: Do you accept international orders?
Yes, we ship world wide. Boli Optics is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and expert advice internationally. Please read our international orders policy here.
Q: What is your Return Policy?
Please see our Return Policy here.
We will e-mail you an order confirmation once the order has been processed, along with your tracking number.
You can also log into My Account to check the status of your order.
Q: How can I download the instructional manual or software for my product?
Please follow these steps to download instruction manuals and software.
CHOOSING A MICROSCOPE
Q: I’m new to microscopes and have never used one before. I’m interested in getting a microscope, what should I be looking for?
The kind of microscope you should get depends on what you’d like to look at. What applications will you be using your microscope for?
If you are inspecting microscopic organisms like pond water, bacteria, you will want a compound, high power Biological Microscope that uses slides.
If you are inspecting opaque objects at lower magnification like stamps, coins, or bugs, you will want a Stereo Microscope with a top light.
Choosing Magnification:
- For coins, stamps, bugs: 5x – 45x
This enables you to see more surface area (larger field of view)
- For bacteria, paramecium, microorganisms: 40x to 1000x
This enables you to see less surface area (smaller field of view)
The high power compound microscope allows you to magnify your specimen for closer inspection
Read our guide on How to Choose a Microscope here.
Q: I’m not sure what kind of microscope I need for my application. Can you make a recommendation?
Yes, we will gladly help you find the right microscope for your application.
Look through our Applications to see if any product suits your needs.
If you require assistance, please email us with the following information:
1. What will you be inspecting with the microscope?
2. Is the microscope for your workplace or personal use?
3. What specific features do you need?
We also offer a wide selection of microscope accessories and can help you select the best one for your application.