Simple. A little too simple... (Cow.co.uk)

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Product:	Cow.co.uk
Date:	28/11/03 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to navigate, Free shipping, Reliable

Disadvantages: Not enough information

Despite this opinion's title, there is nothing deceptive or life-threatening about cow.co.uk in the way that a trap placed by one's adversary may possess such qualities, however the simplicity of the site is both an advantage and a disappointment.

I can't remember how I came across the website several years ago but I was very pleased when I did as it presented me with the lowest prices I'd seen for some CDs and videos. The website's name is an acronym for "Cheap Or What," an the bovine theme does not continue past the 'cool' cow on the title bar (it is wearing sunglasses and a backwards cap so I assume it's cool they're going for). The website's homepage indicates that they are "probably the best CD prices in .uk," clearly avoiding any possible lawsuits to the contrary but also being quite true.

The website is very simply presented, using a blue background and no extravagant fonts. When selecting the 'browse' button you can type in your search for music, video, DVDs and a list of all the results will come up displaying the titles, product codes and prices. The range is often very extensive, even for rarities and less popular searches. I have performed many of these as I obviously think that buying more obscure albums than the norm makes me artificially interesting.

Cow is a long-established mail order company which has been going since 1974, eleven years before my father's seed collided with my mother's ovum, and it established itself on the internet around the mid 1990s. The company does not seem to stock items itself, but has instead found a number of suppliers who they can order the items from.

The advantages of the website are as follows:

- Extensive range, often for low prices but not in all cases
- Very easy to navigate, there are no adverts or promotions getting in the way
- Delivery is fast and free to the UK for anything
except larger boxsets
- Payment can be made quickly by credit or debit card, although I e-mailed them asking whether I could send a cheque once and they agreed. friendly and prompt customer service is another advantage there
- They have a humorous cow as their logo

The only disadvantage is that the website only provides a basic list of items, all typed in a Courier font which is a little unimpressive and gives the false indication of a 'dodgy' website. No information or pictures are provided apart from the release dates, so it'll be necessary to open up new browser windows to more detailed websites if you think you see a bargain.

Cow is refreshing in its simplicity, however this could also be a downfall which could put off many potential buyers. My advice would be to check it out, especially if you regularly buy CDs, as some of the prices you find may be very competitive.

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