First time on-line customer gets a bad impression...
by jbrd - Written: Aug 08 '06 (Updated Aug 08 '06)
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Okay okay, I know I don't read much and I am extremely picky about what I read. I don't like the romantic books filled with love scenes or tear-jerking lines nor do I like the fantasy books where everything is magical and enchanting. But when I do find myself curious about a book, it's either something I am very interested in. Such as autobiographies by celebrities, mystery books and science fiction books. Other than those types, my eyes will never be in any other type of book. So, when I did find a book(s) that did fit my interest, I decided to try Barnes & Noble.com. Since, I wasn't going into the store directly any time soon, I went on-line.
Barnes & Noble sells books, music, movies, gifts(small bears, dolls, etc.) and even a few videogames(board games, etc.). Although, they do sell this stuff, I strongly suggest no one should buy anything that fits in that category from Barnes & Noble. Why? Well, it's due to the fact that they are expensive. The average price for a new release(DVD) is $26.08 and the average price for a new release of music is $15.18. Even the old movies and music goes around $12 when you can go some place else for a much cheaper price. If you become a member, they'll knock off a few dollars, but still, it's still a little high especially for the movies. I've found that very few people buy electronics at Barnes & Noble.
However, as you can imagine, selling books is their main priority due to the fact they carry thousands of books on-line and in store. You can find so many books here, even books that are out of print. If you don't want to buy a book brand new, you can buy the used ones which are cheaper. Barnes & Noble is such a big seller on books, the stores even let you sit down, drink coffee and read a book. Actually, all I can see in the name "Barnes & Noble" is books. I would definitely like to have the money they sell in books.
The website is actually easy to navigate through. The type of stuff they sell is in blocks up at the top of the screen and all you have to do is click on the category that holds what you desire. Everything is neatly placed and easy to find and again navigate through. Barnes& Noble.com has an excellent set of sources for their products. It lists reader reviews, critic's reviews and even how well that product is selling. If you desire to be a reviewer on that site, it has some goodies for you that include making you a wish list, review anything you want and give your own recommendations to other members.
If you do find yourself buying for the on-line Barnes & Noble, so far, all you have to buy with is a credit card and they accept most credit cards. If you become a member(which is different than becoming a customer on-line), they will offer you a Barnes & Noble credit card and THAT gives you the few dollars off discount and not to mention other discounts as well. Let's say your order is over $25, your shipping will be free(some items are excluded). However, this free shipping goes for everyone and not just the members. If you are just a regular customer with an order below $25, the cost is only a few dollars. Unless you ask for faster shipping, it's going to cost more. Also, they won't charge your credit card until your order has been shipped. If you ever come into a problem with anything, you can use their customer service whether by e-mail or phone.
I had placed my order on July 29, 2006. Please note that both of my books said that they would ship in 24 hours and that I had ask for regular delivery(2-3 days). That night I had gotten an e-mail saying that my order has been received by Barnes & Noble and that they will notify me with the possible shipping dates. The next day, I checked my e-mail and the e-mail said that my order was ready to be shipped and was waiting for my order to leave the warehouse and they said they would e-mail the shipping date they think my order will reach my house which turned out to be August 3rd. So the next day, I checked again and something very awful happen(customers usually don't like this). The e-mail from Barnes & Noble.com had said that my order has been delayed and they expect my order to leave their warehouse in the 1-5 days. I was a little upset about this because what if I had asked for the next day delivery--they would charge me the next day delivery charge when my order didn't come the next day. So after three days of THAT e-mail, I had gotten another e-mail stating that my order is ready to leave their warehouse and that I will receive my order August 8th. Well, I did get my order today. I guess my order wasn't in a hurry to get to me.
I'm not saying do not buy your stuff at Barnes & Noble.com, but when a first time buyer gets on-line and decides to buy from Barnes & Noble.com and gets a very late delivery, it could bring a bad impression on the customer about the on-line store. However, the physical store itself is not bad. I'd rather buy from the store than the actual on-line store. I've never had a problem with any other on-line stores(BestBuy), but the late delivery from Barnes & Noble.com makes me scared to order something from them the next time.
Another review of an Online Store:
BestBuy.com
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Books
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