Not bad, but... (amazon.co.uk)

Member Name: buchanan17

Product:	amazon.co.uk
Date:	14/12/00 (18 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wide range of books, other goods as well

Disadvantages: Books expensive, other goods not cheap either - and VAT not displayed until the very last page when ordering!

Rumours abound that Amazon is struggling relative to the clicks and mortar bookshops -those who have both a high street presence and on the website. So what does Amazon offer you that is at all special by today's standards.

First, quite an extensive range of books, though many have to be delivered there and on a recent order for ten books, more than half were not in stock. YOu have to pay extra as well to have a split delivery, though circumstances changed on that order with one delivery being delayed, so the remainder were shipped when ready.

Second, quite an efficient system. I rang (how old fashioned!) because I sent a email the day before and they knew I had sent one, they knew exactly where all the books were in the system.

Third, quite good customer service in that A book was damaged and they will send a replacement before I send the damaged one back because Christmas is close.

Fourth, quite a good website, if not a little dull. A fair bit of info on books, and some customer reviews. ordering is a reasonable process.

Fifth, they offer more than books - but who doesn't - Cds, videos etc

Sixth, you can get a lot of vouchers for use there - i have had one recently from Amex, but they are common both on and off line. And I don't think they are limited to first orders only.

But they aren't cheap. Prices are only usually 10% below list, and by the time you add postage, that's all gone. Many other sites are cheaper - and especially if you want books that are overstocked - for example The Book people (www.thebookpeople.co.uk) have many recent books at a fraction of list, and Amazon;s price. You can also use web sites like www.surfmiles.com to get further discounts (4% in that case)

Also, they don't tell you about VAT until the last page. For books, this doesn't matter, as VAT doesn't apply. But for videos and CDs, nowhere does it say that th proce is ex V
at until you are about to click that order button. They aren't alone in this, but the majority of sites do make VAT clear. It is rather a cynical move, and because theya re in cyberspace, maybe they can get away with it. But I don't like it.

Amazon will struggle - their books aren't cheap, and their prices on other goods can't compete with more specialised stores in those areas. Worth a look, if you have a voucher.

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