If you are lucky enough to have a telescope store near you, then you likely wouldn't be reading this! In most cases, we don't have easy access to telescope shops. These stores are great when they can be found. They likely have a good range of telescopes for sale. And also, they have knowledgeable staff, who in most cases knows about astronomy.

The problem with buying a telescope from a specialized store offering telescopes for sale is that the prices may not be the greatest, and they can work out quite expensive. However, there is nothing like visiting a store to buy a telescope.

Finding these stores can be difficult but not impossible. I live in London, and even I managed to find a couple of places. Though it took a lot of travel, I managed to visit them both. So it is fully possible to find telescopes for sale.

The benefit with these specialized stores is that they offer the advice, and that advice can be like gold. However, there are other options also, such as finding telescopes for sale online.

Finding the offline stores requires some research. Checking in the Yellow Pages can be a great idea. A better idea is to check in astronomy magazines such as Sky & Telescope.

Online is much easier, and finding offline stores online is also possible. A good point with this option is that you likely will find that those offline telescope stores have telescopes for sale online.

I have found that online the prices are much better than a store can offer. The advantage of lower costs means the telescope stores can offer much better prices, when buying telescopes online.

Almost all of the online stores will have some way of contacting them. It is best to stick with the ones that offer a way to contact them and get answers to your questions. Asking them about the telescope, and also telling them about your own needs, can be a great way to find the telescope that meets you needs.

Before buying, it is a good idea to make up a budget of how much you intend to invest into your telescope. If it is your first telescope, then a good guide is to invest $150-$700. This kind of investment in a Meade, Celestron or Orion can give you great results, and a telescope which should last you for years.

Factor in any books you may need - such as a practical astronomy book, and a star atlas. These will come in handy, and teach you much more about astronomy.