Bargain Books for Bookworms (Book People, the)

Member Name: kitschkitty

Product:	Book People, the
Date:	12/11/08 (160 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Low prices, no commitment, excellent choice

Disadvantages: Limited choice of books

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Thebookpeople.co.uk
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I have previously been a member of both the QPD and TSP bookclubs. However, having had parcels go missing and generally being miffed with the monthly task of having to refuse the editor's choice, I began a frantic search for a book club with no strings attached. After reading up some impressive reviews of The Book People on the internet, I promptly checked it out and was equally impressed with what I saw.

According to the site, 'The Book People was established in 1988. Our mission is to make the best quality books both affordable and accessible. Through our selection we aim to represent the needs of as wide an audience as possible. We strive to be open-minded when we choose books for sale, and will aim to select books that will appeal to all sectors of the market.' Sounds good to me.

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Site Layout
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The site layout is very simple and easy to navigate. On the left hand side of the page is a toolbar that enable you to access different book selections included under the following categories:

Our bestsellers, pre-school, kid's fiction, kid's non-fiction, fiction, biographies, cookery, reference, sports, home and garden, lifestyle and finally, audio books. There is also a search option available here. On the top of the page are further tabs including a login/registration option, book points (which I'll come on to explain later), quickshop (for if you already have the catalogue number for your purchases) shopping basket, account details and help.

Signing up was simple and fast and probably took me less than 5 minutes. Then I was ready to load my shopping basket to the brim and check out which again was quick and easy.

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Placing an order
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On browsing the site you'll quickly notice that most books, particularly in the fiction section, aren't available singly but instead come as a set. However, the most surprising thing is the low price as you'll probably find yourself paying the price of just one book and receiving 3 or 4 books for your money.

I chose a box set of Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakam which cost £5.99 (RRP £15) for 2 books, a 3 book set of Pulitzer prize winners which cost £6.99 (RRP £20.97) and a further 3 book et by the author VS Naipaul which set me back £4.99 (RRP £20.97.) Postage and packaging cost me £3.25 which is standard on all orders no matter what size. There is also an option for express next working day delivery at £4.95. Checkout ran smoothly and I quickly received an e-mail to confirm my order and a subsequent e-mail to confirm it had been dispatched.

You can also order over the phone or by mail using their catalogue. If you would like to request one you can telephone on 0870 6077780 or e-mail sales@thebookpeople.co.uk although the site is secure so you can use your credit / debit card details safely online.

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Customer Service
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I have not had any need to contact the customer service team direct but the service I received when placing my order meant this was not necessary. The company appears particularly approachable as it offers contact details for telephone, e-mail and postal correspondence. There is also an option to provide them with your contact details and request a call back at your convenience.

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Book points
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As I mentioned earlier, the company also offers a loyalty scheme in the form of bookpoints. You earn 1 point or every full pound spent on books and these can be accumulated to redeem against future purchases. 50 points will allow you to choose a free book worth up to £2.99, 75 points means you will receive a book worth up to £4.99 and 100 points can be redeemed for a book worth up to £6.99. Postage and packaging still needs to be paid. I think this is a great added incentive t start buying from the bookpeople. I accrued 15 points on my first order so I doubt it will take long to gain enough points to make a redemption.

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Overall impressions
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I have to admit that even I am amazed at the excellent products and services that I have received from thebookpeople. My parcel arrived promptly within 2 working days via a courier. The books had been carefully packaged to avoid damage en route and wee in perfect condition with each 'set' of books being individually wrapped in cellophane. I was especially impressed with my box set of 'Norwegian Wood' by Japanese author Hakuri Murakimi which arrived in a very attractive presentation box.

I have also taken the time to tot up the recommended retail prices of the books which shows that I have saved nearly £40 on the 8 books I ordered through thebookpeople. This is definitely a new site to add to my 'favourites' list and it comes with my highest recommendation. With no commitment to make future purchases you have nothing to lose by checking this out and I challenge you to resist the bargains on offer!

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Previously posted on Ciao.

Summary: Bargain Books for Bookworms