A marvelous online experience, even when not buying a thing!
by alexdg1 - Written: Apr 04 '04 (Updated Apr 04 '04)
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I have to admit that as a constant Amazon customer and reviewer, I am more than a bit biased about my favorite online shopping emporium. Not that I set out to be a frequent Amazon customer or a prolific review writer, yet I spend a lot of my time (and most of my spending money) there.
I knew Amazon existed, of course, after Jeff Bezos became TIME magazine's Man of the Year a few years ago. Before Amazon, I had made very few online purchases; I was scared about giving out my credit card information and/or being stiffed by an online merchant (a fear that was, sadly, not unfounded, but never mind), but I did buy a few items from CD Now (which merged with Amazon recently) and Critics' Choice Video. I only made my first purchase when a major company rewarded me with a $25 Gift Certificate from Amazon, but from that moment I was hooked.
I don't know how much of everything is sold at Ammy (a term of endearment used by members of the Customer Reviews discussion boards); in a rather tongue-in-cheek review I wrote there, I said that Amazon sold everything possible EXCEPT maybe a real M1-A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank, but that hobbyists and toy collectors could probably find die-cast metal replicas of the Army's finest armored fighting vehicle in the Toys and Games section. I can tell you, though, that the product selection list is quite extensive, ranging from books and DVDs to, um, adult "toys" that enhance intimacy.
Order accuracy: I have ordered over 50 items during a three-year span of time, and I have never received a wrong item or been billed for the wrong item. I check my account history on a regular basis, and when I send the occasional gift or even order something for myself, I can track it either through Amazon itself or the various shippers it uses.
Delivery time: Usually very quickly, unless you opt for Super Saver free shipping (an option available for orders of over $25 or, sometimes, special promotions). If you want an item fast, you have to pay more for overnight shipping. I rarely am in that much of a hurry, and when I know I have to send something out for a birthday, I usually order a week or so in advance.
Reviews: This is the feature that involves me the most, since I do write most of my reviews there. Amazon does try to give reviewers a lot of leeway within a 1,000 word limit, but the helpful/not helpful voting feature does lend itself to misuse and abuse by various parties. Either ranking-greedy reviewers will ask people to vote for their reviews or malicious individuals will give reviews an electronic "thumbs down" to affect not only ranking but a writer's morale. In this area, Epinions is superior because it not only tells you who voted (unless they choose to hide User IDs) but allows for comments.
Customer Service: I have not had to deal with complaints....yet.
Satisfaction: Complete.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, Star Wars stuff
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