Purchasing Optical Filters from Chroma

Pricing & Quotes

Pricing transparency on Chroma’s site depends on the product type and order specifics. For standard catalog items, prices are displayed upfront on the website. Each filter or set listing includes the retail price per item, so customers can see costs without needing to inquire. These prices reflect single-unit orders of catalog products. Customers can add such items directly to their cart to purchase.

Large Orders & Custom Items

For greater quantities and/or custom items, Chroma provides a Quote Request process rather than upfront pricing. If the exact configuration or volume you need isn’t a standard catalog entry, you may request a quote via the website.

The Request a Quote page allows you to input all details of your requirements and contact information. If you prefer, you may also send a direct email to the sales office for your country. Contact information can be found on our Contact page. Chroma’s team will then respond with pricing tailored to your request (taking into account any volume discounts for large quantities, special fabrication costs for non-standard specs, etc.).

In practice, this means if you plan to buy in greater quantities (which may come with a quantity discount) or need a filter not shown on the website, you submit a quote request and receive a personalized price proposal. Please note that Chroma has tens of thousands of non-catalog filters in inventory and we can often fulfill custom requests from stock. Chroma supports high-volume orders and OEM solutions, so volume pricing or long-term supply agreements can be negotiated through this quote process.

Accepted Payment Methods

Credit Cards

For online orders, major credit cards are accepted including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. If you choose to pay by credit card, you’ll enter your card details during the secure checkout on Chroma’s site.

Purchase Orders (POs)

For institutions or companies using purchase orders (PO), Chroma allows orders without immediate payment – you may provide a PO number instead.

If using a PO from your company/institution, please email the PO to orders@chroma.com or fax it to 802-428-2525.

In practice, this means academic or corporate customers may submit an official purchase order and Chroma will invoice them (Net 30 terms are standard on approved accounts). Thus, payment can be made by credit card at checkout or by invoice against a PO, depending on the customer’s preference and account status.

Order Fulfillment & Shipping

At Chroma, we are known for efficient order fulfillment, leveraging our large inventory of catalog filters and responsive shipping team. Once an order is confirmed, here’s what customers can expect in terms of fulfillment and delivery:

Processing Time & Scheduling

After you place an order (or send a PO), Chroma will schedule it for shipment. The exact processing time can depend on stock status of the items. Most catalog filters are in stock for quick dispatch, while custom or made-to-order items will have a lead time quoted.

Your order confirmation email will indicate the estimated ship date – i.e. the day your order is scheduled to leave Chroma’s facility. In many cases, for in-stock items, this is within 1–2 business days after ordering. Our process is such that a representative will check inventory and assign a ship date before sending the confirmation. If you need something urgently, you can communicate that – Chroma offers expedited shipping options to meet tight timelines.

Domestic Shipping Methods

For shipments within the United States, Chroma’s standard shipping method is two-business-day delivery via UPS or FedEx.

We will select the carrier (UPS or FedEx) and service that best meets the two-day delivery window, unless you specify a preference. By default, an order sent by “standard shipping” will arrive in about 2 business days once it ships.

Overnight shipping (next-day delivery) is available upon request if you need faster delivery. – you would typically arrange this with the sales rep or indicate it in your order notes.

Shipping & handling charges for U.S. orders are calculated based on the order value (total price of items, excluding tax). For example, a higher-value order will incur a higher S&H fee, while smaller orders have a lower fee. This flat method based on value simplifies the charges, and the exact shipping cost will be noted on your final invoice.

If you prefer to ship on your own courier account or a different service, this can usually be coordinated by contacting Chroma’s support or the customer service representative identified on your order confirmation.)

International Shipping

Chroma regularly ships worldwide. International orders are typically sent via FedEx International Priority, which usually yields a 2–3 business day transit time to most global destinations. This means overseas customers often receive their filters within a few days of dispatch, pending any customs clearance delays.

The customer is responsible for any import taxes, duties, or customs fees on international shipments – these are not included in Chroma’s charges. Chroma’s documentation on the package will accurately declare the items, but any fees imposed by the destination country’s customs must be paid by the recipient.

Chroma also is not liable for delays due to customs inspections, though FedEx International Priority generally handles customs efficiently. If you have a preferred international carrier or need special documentation, you can coordinate that with Chroma and your customer service representative when ordering.

Delivery & Tracking

Once an order ships, it should arrive in the timeframe mentioned (2 days in US, ~2-3 days international, unless overnight or other service requested). Chroma’s shipping department will provide tracking information including the tracking number and carrier. These will be included in your shipping confirmation email.

Please note: your order confirmation email tells you the intended shipping method and ship date. After the package is picked up, you can use the tracking number on the carrier’s website (UPS.com, FedEx.com, etc.) to follow the shipment’s progress.

Because Chroma’s standard is an expedited service, you will often have your filters in hand very shortly after ordering, but you can always reach out to support if there’s any concern or if you need an update on a shipment’s status.

Customer Support & Assistance

Chroma delivers dedicated customer service and technical support throughout the purchasing process. Customers have multiple channels to get assistance before, during, and after an order, and at Chroma we take pride in being known for our customer service. Key support resources include:

Expert Guidance in Selection

If you’re unsure what filters you need or have technical questions, Chroma’s technical support staff is available to help. We provide comprehensive application support to customers. You can reach out via email or phone to discuss your experiment or optical setup, and a technical sales representative will help recommend the appropriate filters or filter sets.

Our experts can help interpret your requirements (light source, detector, application, equipment, etc.) and suggest solutions. Our team can walk you through using the Spectra Viewer or provide spectral data to ensure you choose correctly. This level of support is particularly useful for complex optical setups or first-time buyers who need advice.

Contact Methods & Availability

Customers can get assistance by phone or email. Chroma’s main customer support email is sales@chroma.com for inquiries and quotes, and orders@chroma.com for order-related communications.

We provide a toll-free number +1 800-824-7662 in the US and a direct line +1 802-428-2500 for international callers. By phone, support is available during standard business hours (Eastern Time).

Order Assistance

Chroma’s customer service doesn’t end once you place the order. If you need to cancel or modify an order, or if you have questions about order status, you can contact the assigned representative (their name and contact info is in your order confirmation) or email the general orders@chroma.com address. We will assist in making changes to your order.

To check order status or tracking, customers are likewise directed to get in touch via email or phone, providing their PO number or Chroma sales order number for reference.

Post Purchase Support

After you receive your optical filters, Chroma continues to offer support. If you have questions about using the filters, installation (for example, inserting filters into a microscope or holder), or performance, you can contact our technical support for guidance.

Additionally if any issues arise, such as compatibility problems or damage in shipping, Chroma will work to resolve them promptly. The combination of accessible support, easy returns, and strong warranties means, with Chroma, customers have a safety net after the purchase. Chroma stands behind its products and will help troubleshoot or replace items to ensure the customer’s experiment or project is successful.

Warranty

Chroma’s optical filters come with strong warranty coverage. We offer a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for all catalog sputtered filters, a five-year warranty for catalog metal-coated filters, and three-year warranty on other catalog filters.

This warranty means if a filter fails or degrades due to a workmanship or materials issue within those periods, Chroma will repair or replace it. Our full warranty policy can be found here, but in essence, customers can be confident in the long-term durability of Chroma’s products. If any defect arises, you can contact Chroma for warranty service. Chroma remains committed to quality and customer happiness with the purchase.

Chroma offers a generous return policy, especially for our catalog (stock) products. We have a one-year full satisfaction guarantee on all catalog filters. This means if you purchase a standard filter or set and it doesn’t work for your application or you’re not satisfied, you can contact us to arrange a return or exchange.

To initiate a return, you must obtain an RMA (Return Material Authorization) number from Chroma before sending the item back. The process is straightforward: you can submit an RMA request online or email returns@chroma.com explaining the situation.

Our Quality Assurance team will provide an RMA number and instructions.