Bombay Online - A Mixed Bag
by drdevience - Written: Sep 26 '02 (Updated Sep 27 '02)
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Having exceeded the national debt on my Bombay credit card, I am quite familiar with both their website in particular, and the company in general. This is a fact that grates on Nick to a very large degree. heh. Indeed, much of our house is decorated with Bombay items..from furniture to knick-knacks...(and don't let his gruffness fool you, his office is done entirely in Bombay office furniture!)
The Look
The online store is not bad, visualy. It could be much better. A major plus is the avoidance of frames. I detest frames. Thank for that much Bombay! The downside is, I think this is due to a lack of experience by the web developer, not because they were wanting to be nice. heh.
The site is done in subdues tones, making it very easy on the eyes. The menu is on the left as with most sites, with various categories such as furniture, wall decor, and accessories. It used to be that when you moused-over something in the side menu, a drop-down box appeared...and the game began! Can you click on your desired category before the drop-down changes? Ah-ha! There was the rub. Thank heavens they finally fixed that! Now when you click your desired link, it takes you to a new menu listing more specific items.. ie, chair, sofa, table, etc. Much more user-friendly!
What's There
The front page will usually show you what is currently for sale. Great deals here, my friends! For instance, the Bowfront Chest, which normally sells for $500, is currently on sale at the website for $369. We own this item and it is worth every penny. The website sells much of what you will find in their brick-n-mortar stores, and then some. Online you also get the benefit of browsing thru the outlet selections, and the relatively new Bombay Kids line.
So what does Bombay Co offer, anyway? Well.. lots of stuff! They have been compared to Pier 1 Imports, but I don't agree with that at all. Bombay is sort of a furniture store, with extras. Many items in their line are exclusive... made specifically for them alone. The furniture is very well made and durable. The crystal pieces are exquisitely cut. You can find lamps, desks, chairs, beds, dressers, games, clocks, candles, wicker baskets.. too many items to mention here! All of Bombay's items are high quality.
Returns
Returns are very easy. You do not have to bother with repacking anything as the physical store nearest you will accept returns for on-line purchases. Keep your packing slip! Bombay's return policy is 30 days with a receipt. Now I'm going to tell you a secret....promise not to tell? OK.. come here... (pssst.. Bombay's policy is absolute customer satisfaction and they WILL take back items over 30 days if there is something wrong with it, ie surface separation on a furniture piece). In fact, the furniture is guaranteed for life against manufacturer defect. Keep those receipts!
Your return will be refunded in the manner you paid, less shipping charges. If you used your Visa, the credit will go back to your Visa. They Accept Visa, MC, American Express, and of course thier own Bombay Card. If you lose your receipt/packing slip, you will be offered a store credit at the lowest rate within the last 6 months. This holds for both on-line purchases and physical store purchases.
Customer Service
While email may not be the best form of communication with Bombay, they do supply an 800 number. I suggest you use the number if you have any problems at all. In fact, if you bought something on-line (or at the store for that matter) and are just dying for something to match, call them! They are fantastic at suggestions and tracking down any item that they may not feature on-line. Bombay truelly will go that extra mile for their customers.
OK.. why the 3 stars then?
One star was lost due to Shipping, which is 8% of the item price on furniture pieces. Pure and simple. My advice is to browse on-line, call the nearest store, and have them hold the item or order it for you to pick up there. Shipping is outrageous! If you were to order the Queen size four-poster bed online, you will pay a minimum of $150 in shipping charges. You can rent a u-haul and a coupla cases of beer for the guys you hire to lift it for half that. Especially buy art work at the physical store as these items are a great shipping risk. Smaller items, such as gift sets, are priced about average compared to other internet stores, shipping-wise, so you are pretty safe to go ahead and order those on-line.
The other star was lost because of the outrageous interest rate on their credit card, which can be applied for at the on-line store. We're talking almost 23% here. That is insane! Not to mention that Bombay has changed banks 3 times in the last couple of years, with each bank re-issuing a new card..or making customers re-apply for a new card. This is very irritating.
Last Thoughts
Bombay items have almost become a fashion statement. People recognize the line when they see it..with good reason. It is top quality. This is an awesome company to deal with. Just be sure to weigh all your options once you decide what it is you wish to buy. That sale on the website may not be such a good deal once you figure in the shipping costs..
Recommended:
Yes
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