Your one-stop-shoppe
Written: Oct 30 '01
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The Bottom Line
Great shipping, customer service, selection, pricing...No, I don't work for amazon :)
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| Full Review |
It's not a newsflash that I'm an online-shopping junkie. Every chance I get I'll risk fraud and send my credit card number whirling through cyberspace at a million-miles-an-hour just so I don't have to get off my behind and go to the store. Because I have a lot of experience with online shopping, I am very picky with how I view and rate merchant's sites. Basically I divide my rating into seven aspects: Shipping time, selection, return policy, prices, customer service and interaction with other users, and site interface.
I decided that I wanted to buy some books. I usually am always on the internet or watching TV during my free time, but I decided that I wanted to exercise my mind and read. I first went to bn.com (Barnes & Noble Booksellers) but wasn't too happy with the whole thing. I then ventured to Amazon.com.
When you open up the site first, you are shown, in the middle, any current specials (any % off, any free shipping deals, etc). On the top is a search toolbar that lets you see all the departments and right under that on the left is a search box. On the bottom of that is another menu to browse their departments and the rest of the site is devoted to new releases, specials, and top rated picks.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to buy, so I clicked on "books" at the top. On the left and a little down is a menu to browse their books (they had business, children, investing, gay and lesbian, espanol, etc). I clicked on "health, mind and body". On the next menu, I clicked on "fashion and beauty", and then "cosmetics", being the fashion-forward diva that I am ;-)
I saw a list of books in that category, with book cover picture, price, author and release date. After a bit of searching, I clicked on one that looked interesting, "The Make-up Book". I was shown a description, price, availability, and how much Amazon saves me from the list price. I was also shown some customer reviews and if any other customers had used books for sale (more on that aspect later). I decided that, yes! This book is what I wanted. I simply clicked "add to shopping cart".
After a bit more shopping for a bit more books (No-Spin-Zone by Bill O'Reilly, and Fire by Sebastian Junger), I decided that I also wanted a CD or two. No problem, because Amazon.com sells those, too. I simply did what I did with "books" -- went to the CD section, and browsed! This time, I had something in mind. So, I typed in a search for a specific artist, and all the results came up! I found what I wanted, and clicked "add to shopping cart". I bought two CD's, "Donde estan los ladrones?" by Shakira, and "Sleeping With The Gods Of Love" by Dagda, a beautiful Celtic CD for those days when I need to relax :)
I didn't want to buy anything else (OK, so I ran out of money), so I proceeded to the checkout, a button right on top of your shopping cart viewer. I was greeted with a sign-on screen, and I HATE websites that make you sign in just to buy. But I had invested too much time and patience into my virtual shopping spree, so I didn't back out. After I signed up, I was asked for the basics -- shipping and billing address, name, and shipping method, They have three, standard, second day, and next day. Not wanting to spend an arm and a leg for shipping, I chose standard. I was then asked for billing information. They accent all major credit cards, plus Diners Club, PLUS money order PLUS check. I was asked if I had a promotional code (no), and then asked to confirm. I was then done!
As for the seven things I look for, let me review them pertaining to amazon.com
1)Shipping time: If you want to spend a big amount of money for next-day or second-day shipping, feel free. I, on the other hand, don't mind waiting a week if it means saving $15 or so. The standard shipping was very fast!
2)Selection: Their selection is GREAT. They have tons of categories and departments ("shelves") and within each category are a TON of items.
3)Return Policy: Here is amazon.com's return policy.. "Returns Policy: Within 30 days of receipt of your order, you may return to Amazon.com the following: any book in its original condition; any book we recommend and you didn't enjoy (regardless of the condition); any unopened media (music CD, cassette tape, vinyl record, DVD, VHS tape, videogame, or software); and any other merchandise that's in new condition including original packaging and accessories. If you want to return downloadable software, please visit the appropriate Order Summary in Your Account. Amazon.com is currently unable to accept returns of e-books or points for sponsored results. " As you can see, you cannot open a CD, decide the singer sounds like she's singing underwater, and return the CD.
4)Prices: At first glance I did a doubletake when I saw their prices. They are very large! But then I saw how amazon.com shows you how much % of you have as compared to the list price. Basically you're getting a very good deal, because many books up are up 80% of the list price.
5)Customer service: Their e-mail customer service is very fast. They answered all the questions very well!
6)Interaction w/other users: This is important to me. If a site doesn't let you read testimonials, see who else bought what, or basically interact with other customers, I don't like it. Amazon.com lets you buy used books from other customers, buy collectible books (autographed, discontinued, first edition, etc) books from other customers, see what else the same people who are buying what you are buying bought, and they even have a feature where other customers can make lists of things. For instance, a list might be "Everything a hip, sexy, cool teenage girl needs", and the list might contain makeup and fashion books, hip CD's, a cell phone and a guide to dating :)
7) Site interface: If I have to spend 20 minutes searching the site for what I want, I don't give them by Amex number. Simple.
As you can see, Amazon.com is a very great deal, not only for books, but for CD's, VHS, DVD, electronics and...Cars even!
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
snowy2001
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Location: Orlando, FL
Reviews written: 38
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
Living in FL, enjoys movies, music and shopping.
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