It was a year ago today that we announced we would no longer sell our products on Amazon. It was not an easy decision - and not an easy ride since then - but we felt it was in the best interest of our guests to ensure a positive customer experience and protect our brand. Even if it meant losing a large share of our market, our buyers welfare was, and remains, a higher priority.

A month later, just in time for holiday sales, we discovered that our very own web site was hijacked by a bad player. They were looking to cash in on our good name and high ratings, for their gain and your information. Fortunately, two astute buyers called to question if we really sold vacuum cleaners or floor mops. We acted quickly to upgrade our web and email security (though it was already at a high level), and we regularly verify that our security systems are working as expected. 

Now, six months after we opened our eBay store, we have found more sketchy sellers with our Benz Microscope Branded items on their own eBay stores. They use our photos and our descriptions, offer lower prices and free shipping, and have an insanely high number of positive reviews - more than 26K in one case! Cliches are often based on fact, and it stands that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Today marks the third day in a row that I have been working diligently to ensure that our systems and protocols are working to keep your information safe. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying from Benz Microscope Optics Center, Inc:

1. We do not store payment information. (Nor should you opt for any company to do so. Take the extra step and enter your credit card number each time you make a purchase.) ALL web sites are susceptible to hackers, including government, Fortune 500, health care and higher education entities.
2.  We only offer Free Shipping for orders over $50. We would love to offer free shipping on every order, but we’ve already discounted every item we sell, so that everyone benefits from lower prices - not just for resellers, schools, or in large quantities - but also for the hobbyist, homeschooler, and small business.
3. Most Benz Microscope Branded items are priced in full dollar amounts, with no cents. This makes complete sense to us, because buyers want to stay in budget, and we want to help. My mother taught me to round up when considering costs. If something costs $2.59, tell yourself it's $3.00. She used this method in the grocery store and never had to remove items when everything was totaled up. So, we sort of do that for you with our pricing. However, we round down most of the time, to provide you with greater savings.
4. When comparing kits, review what's inside, item per item. Sure, other sellers offer stain kits. But ours include bibulous paper, our own general use guidelines, and perhaps premium slides, cover slips, and forceps, depending on the set. Our kits may cost a little more, but you get more value with what's inside.
5. Most importantly, please call us with any questions or concerns! Our tag line is "Real People. Real Service." for a reason. We will pick up the phone during business hours. If we don't answer, there is a good reason, so please leave a message and we will be happy to call you back. We also check our email regularly throughout the day. Contact us at info@benzmicroscope.com or terri@benzmicroscope.com. 

    

Stay diligent, my friends! The way we shop is evolving quickly, and we all need to be informed. Feel free to let us know if you see anything suspicous.

Have a great day