those darn editor's choices (Quality Paperbacks Direct (QPD))

Member Name: kitschkitty

Product:	Quality Paperbacks Direct (QPD)
Date:	30/06/08 (213 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap introductory offer

Disadvantages: poor service, editors choice, commitment

I've was a member of Quality Paperbacks Direct (QPD) for about 6 months now so I feel have had adequate experience of the company to write an accurate opinion on the subject. Before you sign up, I'd recommend you read up on the company first.

Firstly, what is QPD?
QPD stands for Quality Paperbacks Direct and is a company which offers a wide range of titles all in paperback with a large discount compared to the recommended retail price. Unlike on the high street where you usually have to wait a few months for a recently published hardback book to be printed in paperback, but QPD offers exclusive paperback editions so you avoid the wait.

How do I join?
QPD offer a very enticing introductory offer of 5 books for £5 (including p&p) and also a free document case. I was thrilled by this amazing offer and ordered a selection of books, some fiction and some reference to help with my English Literature degree. Your choice of introductory titles can be taken from a wide range which are listed on the site under the following categories: cult reading, light reading, literary fiction, non-fiction, prizewinners, thrillers, true lives and QPD recommends. I have just visited the site and there is a current choice of 94 titles for new members which, in my opinion, is quite an extensive selection. QPD also invites new members through advertisements in magazines and papers. Whilst the offer is usually the same, the choice of titles is less broad so I would definitely recommend consulting the website before making your final selection of 5 books.

When will I receive my books?
My first order came in just over 2 weeks which seemed a decent enough delivery period. Subsequent orders though have taken well over 4 weeks on occasions to reach me and I found myself somewhat disillusioned with the level of service I did (or didn't) receive from QPD.

Your commitment
Well of course as with anything that appears to be to good to be true - it probably is. With QPD you are committed to buying a further 5 books from the company during your first year of membership. Otherwise, you will be charged the full recommended retail price for your first order. Be warned though, the lowest price books and sale items 'do not count towards your club commitment' and so fulfilling your commitment may turn out to be quite expensive.

Making payment on your account
I set up my account online so I pay over their secure server using my debit card. You pay after receiving and approving your books which is good and you also receive a detailed monthly statement which is very helpful. Alternative payment methods include sending a cheque or postal order, paying over the counter at a bank or with a debit / credit card over the phone.

Customer Services
As soon as I became a fully fledged member, my orders seemed to take weeks on end (literally) to reach me. I had one set of books that never arrived and I e-mailed the customer service department regarding this. They offered little help and simply sent me a form to fill in to confirm I hadn't received the order. I have done this and am still awaiting a response from them.

My overall impressions
The introductory offer from QPD seems like excellent value for money but the 5 book commitment means you will be paying for your first order at the end of the day. The service I received was poor and books take a long time to arrive. I therefore wouldn't suggest using QPD to buy books for gifts or research purposes as you can't guarantee that they will arrive in time. Whilst their offer of 'exclusive paperbacks' seems enticing, beware of the paper quality as this is often quite poor in comparison to shop bought books. Also make sure you reject the monthly editor's choice if you don't wan to be bombarded with unwanted books. I did this online which is quick and easy or you can do it using their automated telephone service or by post. If you forget, you will have to pay to return the unwanted goods which cost £2 at the time when I was a member.

Overall I wasn't impressed at all with QPD. As soon as I'd bought enough books, I left. Stick to somewhere like bookpeople.co.uk who offer the bargains without he commitment instead.

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Previously posted on Ciao under my real name (eek!) of nicolemorgan.

Summary: Don't be lured in by cheap introductory offers without checking the long term costs involved.