it used to actually be legit... that was some time ago. now they tempt you with free shipping, then automatically select the non free shipping that will arive in a normal time.
if you want free shipping you have to choose it, and then see that free shipping for some reason takes 5-9 days... in my expereience it normally takes longer, even tho it only ships from one state away.
it seems they purposely hold those orders for a few days before shipping them just to make you not want to actually utilize the free shipping... it sucks having to wait 2 weeks for a book just because I wanted to take advantage of the free shipping, and they want me to suffer.
garolo
09-07-04, 03:45 PM
I think it actually depends on the time of the quarter when they ship. Preorders usually go out with a of release or sometimes the weekend before. If you order close to the end of the fiscal quarter chances are they'll ship it quickly. Otherwise you may indeed wait. It's about the same wait as with DDD and other vendors. If you don't want to wait then why not patronize a B&M or ship it expedited?
In my experience they have "sat on" orders since they started with free shipping. That state right up front that it will (may) take 5-7 days longer to ship it for free. What do you want for free? Rubber Biscuit?
moorehed
09-07-04, 04:32 PM
well, i normally do go to the B&M first... but lots of times i can't find the books or CDs I want at a B&M...
just seems lame that they constantly urge you to add more to your cart to qualify for free shipping, then make that option suck on purpose to get you to not use it.
calhoun07
09-07-04, 04:53 PM
The don't order from them. There was a time that Deep Discounts free shipping bothered me because it took so long to get my orders. But, hell, let's be honest here, how many of us have unwatched DVDs just sitting around? You're worried about getting a shipment earlier so you can add to your unwatched pile for what reason? Go watch something else and relax. And not all of this is the store's fault. I called on a shipment from Deep Discount that I ordered around Christmas time last year (when the order had things in I bought for other people, not just myself) and they had shipped it, but I learned through my local UPS office that they ship out boxes earlier that have the express shipping on it while my box literally sits in a UPS warehouse for three days or so until it's "scheduled" to ship.
But the worst experience with free shipping was with Fantagraphic Books. I chose their free shipping (actually, I think it was the lowest cost shipping they had available) and 30 days later I still hadn't gotten anything. They took that long to fill my order because I paid for a slower shipping method. In that case, it had nothing to do with how fast it shipped, they purposely delayed my order.
I think "express" and those faster type shipping methods are the real rackets. My package will just sit there while they deliver the "express" packages sooner, though they all come in on the same truck and could just as well leave on the same truck. But what are you going to do? I will use free shipping whenever possible and just expect a 5-8 day wait and anything beyond that I have a right to complain.
eau
09-07-04, 05:03 PM
I ordered a DVD with free shipping last night and it went into "shipping soon" phase this morning. I actually had to manually select free shipping instead of the default standard shipping during checkout. Anyway, only time will tell when they will actually ship the order out :)
wolverine1028
09-07-04, 06:31 PM
I've had mixed results with free shipping. For the most part, they are actually quicker than I expected. They ship from NV and I live in CA so the items actually arrive in a decent timeframe.
I agree that I hate it that you have to select the free shipping. Slightly deceptive.
LASERMOVIES
09-07-04, 09:59 PM
Free shipping is one thing I don't have a problem with at Amazon, and it has basically remained unchanged since they first implemented it several years ago. It has stayed at a minimum $25 purchase requirement since dropping it from $50 in the beginning. And in comparison I usually get my stuff from Amazon quicker then other stores that offer free shipping. If you want it quick either get it at a B&M store or pay for upgraded shipping.
Steve Phillips
09-08-04, 12:41 PM
I always choose free shipping, as the packages arrive in the same timeframe as they do when you pay for it. I do live close to one of their fullfillment centers which might explain that.
I don't see what is misleading. It takes what, half a second to read the screen and choose the free option?
matome
09-08-04, 01:04 PM
Originally posted by calhoun07
I think "express" and those faster type shipping methods are the real rackets. My package will just sit there while they deliver the "express" packages sooner, though they all come in on the same truck and could just as well leave on the same truck. But what are you going to do? I will use free shipping whenever possible and just expect a 5-8 day wait and anything beyond that I have a right to complain.
LOL, during DDD's 20% off coupon(s) sale earlier this year, I placed two in-stock orders on the same day, one with their regular free shipping and one I paid the for $5 "Expedited shipping". The Expedited shipping package came two days after the free shipping one.
calhoun07
09-08-04, 04:20 PM
Originally posted by matome
LOL, during DDD's 20% off coupon(s) sale earlier this year, I placed two in-stock orders on the same day, one with their regular free shipping and one I paid the for $5 "Expedited shipping". The Expedited shipping package came two days after the free shipping one.
I paid for shipping on a large order from them (like 450.00 in DVDs) then I decided to order two more titles later on under the same sale, and chose free shipping for those. I did get the paid one earlier, yes, but what came the next day? The free one. If you ask me, the free shipping is not the racket, it's the higher priced shipping methods.
When I mail stuff, I select book shipping or just regular first class. I hardly ever use higher cost shipping methods anymore.
NitroJMS
09-08-04, 10:06 PM
I ordered Angel Season 4 on Sunday with the free shipping option. The package shipped out on Tuesday from their Deleware warehouse and got to me one day later. I have pretty much the same experience with anything I get from them that has free shipping, as long as its coming from that warehouse.
moorehed
09-08-04, 11:34 PM
i dont have a problem with them offering free shipping... just the way it seems they sit on orders to penalize you for not paying for shipping...
i'm going to start a thread for every thing that pisses me off about stores now.
DVDKrayzie
09-09-04, 12:34 AM
i keep getting my amazon free shipping in ONE day..everytime/
now DDD free shipping, that's a racket..takes 2 weeks to almosta month almost every damn time..and DDCD, i don't even bother with no matter how low the price, since half the time i never even receive it.
jaelliot
09-09-04, 01:07 AM
Uh yeah, Amazon offers free shipping just to piss of their customers. Granted some orders can take longer to ship when you choose free shipping, because Amazon is going to ship it in the most economical way for them. As mentioned by others, if you hate it so much just don't select free shipping and if your order misses it's estimated delivery date call them for a refund of your shipping charges, not that hard. Why not complain about real Amazon issues like their STL and goldbox screw ups, it seems most people are very happy to get free shipping.
eau
09-09-04, 05:08 AM
My free shipping order went out early this morning. That's 1 day after I placed it. It's about as fast as standard shipping :D
Chris Harrison
09-09-04, 10:08 AM
I have no problems with amazon's free shipping. It usually takes about two days for me to get my package from the time its shipped.
calhoun07
09-10-04, 10:19 PM
Originally posted by DVDKrayzie
i keep getting my amazon free shipping in ONE day..everytime/
now DDD free shipping, that's a racket..takes 2 weeks to almosta month almost every damn time..and DDCD, i don't even bother with no matter how low the price, since half the time i never even receive it.
You may seem to get it faster because they send the email informing you they sent it later than they should. I've seen that happen before.
DDD takes a long time sometimes with me as well, mainly because they run out of some hot new releases too fast and they take forever to get new stock in. I don't know if that is what happened to you, but with me, whenever I order an item that is not in stock, it's a month wait, at least.
Patman
09-10-04, 10:41 PM
You get what you pay for.
DVDKrayzie
09-11-04, 01:15 AM
Originally posted by calhoun07
You may seem to get it faster because they send the email informing you they sent it later than they should. I've seen that happen before.
actually i ordered twilight zone on monday from amazon, received it wednesday. considering monday was a holiday, i'd say that's extremely fast.
DDD on the other hand . i preoordered dvds that came out 2 tuesdays ago, they "shipped" on thhe monday before release date and i have yet to see them.
i also get media mail from people using half.com/ebay from NY all the time, and it takes 5 days max. hell i even got mail from florida during the hurricanes faster than DDD ever gets me anything. i only use them for great deals that im in no hurry for. like Super Size me for $10 shipped, i can wait 3 weeks for that. If amazon had the same price or a little more, then i'd definitely order from them.
spainlinx0
09-13-04, 03:16 AM
I have no problems with their free shipping.
The only thing that annoys me is that you can't get free shopping when shopping with an affiliate. I understand why that is the case, but I wish they could have some arrangement since they are using the Amazon banner.
RevLiver
09-14-04, 07:50 AM
I've always noticed Amazon's free shipping working this way. It's always defaulted to standard shipping for me and I have to select the free shipping. And yes, they do, and always have, sit on the free shipping orders, 90% of the time. Just look at the day it is expected to ship with standard shipping and the day it is expected to ship with free shipping. Same item which should be able to come from the same warehouse. But they tack on 7 days. This way they can say they offer free shipping but give you an incentive to pay for it anyway. Me, I've already got hundreds of books to read, so I can wait for the free shipping. If it's something I urgently need, I go to the B&N near me.
Rex Fenestrarum
09-21-04, 04:26 AM
I wouldn't complain about Amazon's free shipping *if* they actually shipped it by a slow carrier or service ("Media Mail"), but like others have said they sit on it for a week or so before they ship, which is not cool to me. CASE IN POINT: I ordered the Keen Eddie set ("ships in 24 hours") from Amazon two Thursdays ago and it will (hopefully) arrive by UPS tomorrow. On the other hand, my Popular Season One box set I pre-ordered from DDD back in July shipped on Friday and arrived at my house today - only two (or three, depending on when DDD put it in the mail) via Media Mail.
Yakuza Bengoshi
09-22-04, 09:22 AM
Originally posted by RevLiver
Me, I've already got hundreds of books to read, so I can wait for the free shipping.
Amazon usually gets my preorders to me by release date even with free shipping so I'm happy with their service. However, even if they did take a few days longer, I wouldn't be bothered. I've got a backlog of hundreds of DVDs and dozens of books piling up waiting for my attention so a few days more or less shipping time doesn't matter much.
DVDKrayzie
09-22-04, 02:40 PM
ordered star wars box set monday with free shipping, received it today. Also today i finally received the passion of the christ i PREORDERED from DDD. i guess it all depends on where you live in relation to their warehose, but amazon never "sits" on orders for me.
Josh H
09-23-04, 03:55 PM
Definitely sucks, but you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth I guess.
I only order when I have a GC or something. Same reason I don't order from DDD. The free shipping sucks, and if you pay for shipping you can just go to a B&M and get it for the same or less so it's pointless for me since I live in a metropolitan area and don't have to go out of my way to shop.
aspikes
09-23-04, 07:59 PM
I preorder Star Wars set with the free shipping (37.79 w/stl) When I got home from work on Tuesday it was on my front porch. They sent it via UPS ground. I know people who PAID a lot for overnight shipping and they got their on the same day. I was so happy they sent it UPS ground vs usps media mail. Media mail sucks to no end. Its always takes a good week and half with media mail. I am inclined to use Amazon stl for preorder now that I know they use UPS.
calhoun07
09-23-04, 11:21 PM
Originally posted by aspikes
I preorder Star Wars set with the free shipping (37.79 w/stl) When I got home from work on Tuesday it was on my front porch. They sent it via UPS ground. I know people who PAID a lot for overnight shipping and they got their on the same day. I was so happy they sent it UPS ground vs usps media mail. Media mail sucks to no end. Its always takes a good week and half with media mail. I am inclined to use Amazon stl for preorder now that I know they use UPS.
I also got an order from them that sent out Tuesday (NOT for SW, believe it or not, other DVDs actually streeted that day that were of interest as well!). I find them to be typically pretty fast with the free shipping.
eau
09-24-04, 01:30 AM
They shipped my Star Wars tuesday morning via Airborne Home and it's in my hands today. I used free shipping and it's only 2 days after release day, not too shady.
brooke789
09-27-04, 09:42 AM
everything i have ever ordered from amazon has come ups. and i have never used anything but the free shipping. are some people getting things from then via media mail?
if i order books from amazon they are usually at home the 2nd day from my order (their books ship from about an hour from here). but ordering kitchen and housewares stuff (which is what most of my shopping on amazon is) it ships from kentucky. my orders will usually ship 3 or 4 days after i order it (depending on weekends and holidays) and i'll usually get it within a week. i can't complain about the free shipping at all. because there is no where that beats amazon's prices (on a lot of stuff).
Josh H
09-27-04, 01:57 PM
There shipping varies. Sometimes it's UPS, sometimes it's regular mail, sometimes it's media mail, etc.
I prefer regular mail, faster for me. I ordered two CDs Wed and they were delivered Sat.
I didn't get them until today though, as I have to have everthing I order from their sent to my workplace, b/c if they use UPS the new driver on my route won't drop any packages (or leave them at my apartment office) and I'm never home during their delivery hours.
Son-volt
09-27-04, 10:12 PM
I almost always have great luck with Amazon's free shipping. I buy all my box sets from them, because with STL almost nobody beats their prices. The last three I've ordered were Angel S3, Alias S3 and the Star Wars Trilogy, and all arrived the day after release, which was Tuesday. And I live in Eau Claire, WI, which I can't imagine is possibly close to anywhere they ship from (Kentucky I think).
quandary
09-28-04, 09:41 PM
"Sometimes it's UPS, sometimes it's regular mail, sometimes it's media mail, etc."
While we're on this subject, is there any way to specify that you DON'T want Amazon to ship via a particular carrier? I have enormous difficulty receiving UPS packages, for example, and would really prefer that they just ship everything to me via USPS.
eau
09-29-04, 03:32 AM
Originally posted by quandary
"Sometimes it's UPS, sometimes it's regular mail, sometimes it's media mail, etc."
While we're on this subject, is there any way to specify that you DON'T want Amazon to ship via a particular carrier? I have enormous difficulty receiving UPS packages, for example, and would really prefer that they just ship everything to me via USPS.
Unfortunately, you can't specify a particular carrier. The only way to force shipment by USPS is to specify a PO Box as the shipping address.
Josh H
09-29-04, 12:39 PM
Nope, no option to select carrier. Which is why I only order when I have a vividence or other GC to use as I too have problems with UPS all the time.
Just Lurking
09-29-04, 10:15 PM
Originally posted by eau
Unfortunately, you can't specify a particular carrier. The only way to force shipment by USPS is to specify a PO Box as the shipping address.
Just for everyone knows. UPS real soon begin offering a new service for large shippers that will allow shipping to PO Boxes.
When a shipper enters a PO Box, UPS Worldship software will look up street address for a particular PO Box/Zip Code and generate a new label that has two barcodes. One that says UPS deliver to post office address and USPS deliver to PO Box address, we currently have send postacrds/telephone consignees for street addresses. They believe it will cut cost for current parcels addresses to PO Boxes and generate new revenue for parcels we do not currently get.
LASERMOVIES
09-30-04, 02:27 AM
I wish you could choose the carrier for shipments at Amazon since I prefer USPS. But fortunately most of my orders seem to go out by that method anyway. I always receive USPS shipments faster and the packages seem to arrive in better condition.
GuyverX
10-01-04, 09:36 PM
Amazon either ships the the stuff by UPS or USPS. If it's UPS, I'll usually get it the 2nd day. If it's USPS, it's anybody's guess...but their media mail takes a week to get to me even if they ship in the same state. So basically you just pray that they ship via UPS no matter where you live.
Walter Neff
10-02-04, 08:06 PM
I ordered two books with free shipping from Amazon on Tuesday of this week, I got the "your books have been shipped" e-mail yesterday, and they arrived today via USPS.
I have no complaints about that turnaround. Doesn't seem like a "racket" to me.
cupon
10-03-04, 10:58 PM
Originally posted by GuyverX
Amazon either ships the the stuff by UPS or USPS. If it's UPS, I'll usually get it the 2nd day. If it's USPS, it's anybody's guess...but their media mail takes a week to get to me even if they ship in the same state. So basically you just pray that they ship via UPS no matter where you live.
This has been my experience as well.
UPS also has a better tracking system that's constantly updated. USPS' tracking system is useless and pathetic.
davidvp
10-06-04, 02:44 PM
Amazon free shipping is a racket....
This is a stupid thing to accuse them of. And downright incorrect in all respects. So you have to click one extra button @ Checkout; so what? Who cares? The FREE option is still available. (Give people something FREE, and all they can do is gripe. Ridiculous.) **rollin' 'em**
Amazon's free S&H is not only a great deal; but also lightning fast! In fact, they now ship almost every FREE S&H order via UPS, instead of the just slightly slower USPS. Free orders arrive in 1 to 2 days ... 3 tops.
I can't figure why *anyone* would actually PAY for S&H, when the Free option is just as quick (normally). Paying is just like tossing the $$ right down the john.
Amazon is a fabulous e-store...always has been.
eau
10-06-04, 03:49 PM
I have to agree that the free shipping is a great deal. Some items can an additional $$ if shipping was not free.
Josh H
10-06-04, 04:27 PM
Originally posted by davidvp
Amazon's free S&H is not only a great deal; but also lightning fast! In fact, they now ship almost every FREE S&H order via UPS, instead of the just slightly slower USPS. Free orders arrive in 1 to 2 days ... 3 tops.
.
Varies by where you live and your situtation. For me USPS is much faster than UPS. Most things they ship UPS take over a week for me to get, plus it's inconvenient as I have to have it sent to my office and wait a day or two for it to find it's way to my mailbox as I'm NEVER home during UPS's delivery hours and the new driver on my route will never leave it on my patio or take it to my department office for whatever reason.
If they use USPS I usually get stuff in 3-5 days.
But still, it's free, so I can't complain. I just hate ordering stuff online anymore and only do so when I have coupon or something. It's usually the same or cheaper for me to just buy it locally 9 times out of 10 anymore and not have to deal with shipping hassles.
Rex Fenestrarum
10-07-04, 03:14 AM
Originally posted by davidvp
Amazon's free S&H is not only a great deal; but also lightning fast! In fact, they now ship almost every FREE S&H order via UPS, instead of the just slightly slower USPS. Free orders arrive in 1 to 2 days ... 3 tops.
They don't - that's MY problem. A couple of years ago "ships in 24 hours" meant just that. Nowadays, "ships in 24 hours" can mean that, or it can mean "ships in 2 weeks". The past 3 or 4 orders I've done with Amazon took a minimum of 4 days to ship - Keen Eddie took almost 2 weeks, even though it said "ships in 24 hours" during the entire time between me placing an order and it shipping.
If Amazon shipped stuff in a timely manner via a slow carrier, I'd have no problem with that. As it is, Amazon ships stuff late via a mediocre carrier, which is why I have a problem with all this. And that's why the lion's share of my DVD orders this year have gone to DDD. Media Mail *is* slower than UPS, but at least DDD can get something out the door in a timely manner.
If you want a DVD and you want it in a decent amont of time, you have to either pay Amazon out the yingamayang for shipping or just use any of a dozen other places that end up being cheaper after shipping gets included.
davidvp
10-07-04, 07:56 PM
...but at least DDD can get something out the door in a timely manner.
I've found (overall) that DDD's "Media Mail" Free S&H is much slower than any of Amazon's Shipping methods. The Triple-D orders can take 10 to 13 days to go one-half of one state's distance -- which is virtually impossible if shipped in a timely fashion. You could walk it here sooner.
Obviously, they must just "sit" on some orders for a week; then ship them. Or: after shipment, the USPS "sits" on them for 10 days. It's got to be one or the other -- because there's *no* possible way a piece of mail can take more than 10 days to go 350 miles (*if* it's actually moving each & every one of those days).
By contrast, many Media orders I've had can arrive in 2 days. Weird indeed. But, still worth it to save gobs & gobs of annual greenbacks on S&H charges (IMO).
I hate paying for Shipping these days .... for anything .... because the FREE variants are such good offers; and usually *just* as fast.
:) * My 2/100th of 1 dollar. * :)
Walter Neff
10-08-04, 01:28 PM
Originally posted by Rex Fenestrarum
Media Mail *is* slower than UPS, but at least DDD can get something out the door in a timely manner.
Weird...I have exactly the opposite experience. My free-shipping Amazon orders typically leave Amazon's warehouse within a couple days of my order, while DDD seems to sit on my orders for many days before shipping. I typically get Amazon orders within a week of ordering, while DDD orders seem to take two weeks or longer between ordering and arrival.
Maybe it's because I mostly order books from Amazon, and (of course) DVDs from DDD? I don't know if that'd make a difference.
Josh H
10-08-04, 02:02 PM
My experience varies. The CDs I ordered a week ago were in stock and I had them 3 days later.
The books I ordered a month or two ago were in stock, but I didn't get them for 3 weeks as they just sat for over two weeks before shipping.
brooke789
10-12-04, 12:12 PM
my orders through amazon never go out extremely quickly, but am i the only one who isn't bothered by this. they have great deals <i>and</i> free shipping. so i order something save quite a few dollars on the price, save a few dollars on shipping, and it ships from thie warehouse 3 or 4 days later. All sounds worthwhile to me.
tasha99
10-12-04, 10:33 PM
I had two recent amazon orders--one I paid for shipping since I wanted it fast, the other I got free shipping. Both shipped within 24 hours, so I'm thinking free shipping is a bargain.
spankasmurf
10-13-04, 10:13 PM
placed an amazon order on 10/08 (pre-order DVD released on 10/12 and two books). used the free shipping. expected to ship on 10/18 and arrive 10/20-28. actually shipped on 10/11. arrived on my doorstep today 10/13. seems like a pretty good bargain to me.
bluesparrow
10-14-04, 09:12 PM
Originally posted by Rex Fenestrarum
A couple of years ago "ships in 24 hours" meant just that. Nowadays, "ships in 24 hours" can mean that, or it can mean "ships in 2 weeks". The past 3 or 4 orders I've done with Amazon took a minimum of 4 days to ship
This happened to me just recently exactly like you described it. I ordered the Star Wars Trilogy box and a novel, both "ships in 24 hours," chose free shipping and it took both items over 7 days to leave their warehouse(seperate shipments).
I figured it was maybe that the Star Wars trilogy was backed up because of an extreme volume of sales, so I didn't think much of it.
But yesterday I placed an order for two dvds, both new releases, "ships within 24 hours," chose the free shipping option, and it said it was scheduled to ship(not ARRIVE, but SHIP) 8 days from now, in seperate shipping. This was unacceptable so I checked what it was with the next level up of shipping($4) and it said it would ship within 24 hours. One package. :whofart: It'd arrive before the other was even shipped.
So I said "#&%$ it" and went to DDD, which is slower, but even with it's slowness it'd arrive before the Amazon order would even ship.
So I come down on the side of SCAM. It didn't use to be, this is a recent development, I'd never had this problem until October.
If Amazon shipped stuff in a timely manner via a slow carrier, I'd have no problem with that.
Neither would I. In fact, before this change things would ship when they said they would on the item page, and arrive incredibly quickly, two days or so. This new development makes me less likely to order dvds from them in the future, the only reason I did was because of the faster free shipping. Now that that's gone, I don't expect to use them for anything other than books, of which their selection is still unbeatable.
I have nothing against a corporation changing their policies to make money, but in that spirit I see no reason to be loyal to them if they're going to jerk us around like this. If it doesn't ship in 24 hours for EVERYONE, then don't lie and say it does.
jaelliot
10-15-04, 01:48 PM
Originally posted by bluesparrow
If it doesn't ship in 24 hours for EVERYONE, then don't lie and say it does.
I would suggest looking at number 4...
How do I take advantage of FREE Super Saver Shipping?
1. Place over $25 of eligible Amazon.com products in your Shopping Cart.*
(Eligible items are indicated as such on their product detail pages.)
2. Proceed to checkout.
3. Ship your items to a single U.S. address.
4. Select Super Saver Shipping as your shipping speed. Please note that your order will take an additional 3 to 5 days to ship.
5. Select "Group my items into as few shipments as possible" as your shipping preference.
6. Place your order, and enjoy the free shipping!
To say you are unhappy with Amazon's free shipping or you prefer the shipping of another online retailer is one thing but to call it a scam is just stupid.
bluesparrow
10-15-04, 03:19 PM
Originally posted by jaelliot
4. Select Super Saver Shipping as your shipping speed. Please note that your order will take an additional 3 to 5 days to ship.
Fine, then put that where it says "ships in 24 hours,". Linking to the list doesn't count, imo. If there was no intent to deceive it'd be far more apparant.
jaelliot
10-15-04, 05:18 PM
Originally posted by bluesparrow
Fine, then put that where it says "ships in 24 hours,". Linking to the list doesn't count, imo. If there was no intent to deceive it'd be far more apparant.
Right, let's put every bit of fine print and information on a website so people that can't take the time to click a link can now complain that the webpage is too convoluted to find any information.
I would think the fact that Amazon puts "eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details." would be enough to peak the curiosity of some wanting to take advantage of the free shipping. At the very least it would protect them from cries of scam!
I wonder what the purpose of their deception is? Why would they want to encourage people to use free shipping, when they make more money when people use other methods?
bluesparrow
10-15-04, 08:14 PM
Originally posted by jaelliot
Right, let's put every bit of fine print and information on a website so people that can't take the time to click a link can now complain that the webpage is too convoluted to find any information.
Or how about just not putting conflicting information? If it doesn't ship in 24 hours, don't say it does. Hell, just say it *MAY* ship in 24 hours. Or say it ships within 1-6 days. You know, give an accurate estimate. Honesty, wow, real tough.
They don't because (falsely) saying it will ship within 24 hours will make it more likely the customer will buy it from them.
As for "not taking the time to click a link" do you really expect people to click every single link on a page filled with them? Especially a vaguely titled one... "see details"...why not call it "Limitations" or "Conditions" something more urgent, that won't be easily passed over by the eye? Oh right, because then more people would click it and find out the dvd they're looking at won't really ship in 24 hours.
Intentionally giving a false impression that it will ship within 24 hours, no matter the shipping option, is dishonest. Hence scam.
I wonder what the purpose of their deception is? Why would they want to encourage people to use free shipping, when they make more money when people use other methods?
The whole point is that they're going out of their way to discourage free shipping. Tacking on an arbitrary added delay ( I describe it as such because there was none before recently, and the same items have different shipping dates depending on how much you spend on shipping) automatically choosing the non free option at check out.
They trumpet the free shipping to get you to the checkout page, and once there you see it'll take a week longer than they said on the product page. So you click the next option. Bait and switch. That is the scam.
tasha99
10-16-04, 12:54 AM
The website says "usually ships in blah blah blah."
It's neither bait and switch nor a scam. It's a choice. And the cool thing is, if you go with free shipping, they often ship more quickly than they say they will.
davidvp
10-16-04, 01:09 AM
I agree with Tasha 100%.
Nowhere on the Amazon site does it state any item will ship definitely in 24 hours. The word "usually" is always used. So, it may, or may not, ship that quickly.
Some people *actually* consider this a "scam" of some ilk?? How ludicrous.
Amazon is by far the best on-line store EVER! (IMO, that is.)
Quick service; excellent return policy; huge selection; great user-friendly website. Great place to e-shop.
I hate seeing them bashed for silly (and unfair) reasons.
They'll actually GIVE you money on occasion when you return an item that was bought with their Free Shipping option. For some odd reason, they'll actually REFUND the $0.99 per item S&H charge on returned items, even though you never paid a dime for any Shipping, and also never paid a dime to have it shipped back to them. Odd. That's obviously a minor glitch in their system. But it's doubtful anybody will complain about an error like that one.
Amazon Is #1 In My Book! :)
bluesparrow
10-16-04, 02:02 AM
Do you guys own stock or what? ;)
Anyway, perhaps I did use the term 'scam' a bit too freely. But these tactics still leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
Blondiefan
10-16-04, 08:32 AM
Everytime I have used the Amazon Free SHipping option, I have received my order in 2 to 3 days.
Can't really ask for more than that.
netresults
10-16-04, 10:39 AM
Originally posted by moorehed
it used to actually be legit... that was some time ago. now they tempt you with free shipping, then automatically select the non free shipping that will arive in a normal time.
if you want free shipping you have to choose it, and then see that free shipping for some reason takes 5-9 days... in my expereience it normally takes longer, even tho it only ships from one state away.
it seems they purposely hold those orders for a few days before shipping them just to make you not want to actually utilize the free shipping... it sucks having to wait 2 weeks for a book just because I wanted to take advantage of the free shipping, and they want me to suffer.
A Racket!. How is it a racket?. If you select the free shipping option, do you get charged a shipping fee?. Do they not indicate during your ordering procedures, that the free shipping option will result in a slower delivery than their paided expedited options?. I always use the Free Shipping Option, and I have never been under an illusion that my order would be expedited. They show clearly on the order what the projected shipping date will be. They promise free shipping, not free expedited shipping. I still do not see how this is considered Racketeering!.
NetResults
bluesparrow
10-16-04, 05:32 PM
Originally posted by netresults
I still do not see how this is considered Racketeering!.
Jeff Bezos threatened my family if I didn't choose the paid shipping.
Really.
Okay, not really.
netresults
10-17-04, 10:33 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by bluesparrow
[B]Jeff Bezos threatened my family if I didn't choose the paid shipping.
Really.
Well that is just making you an offer you can not refuse. All that prooves is that Jeff Bezos, like W., shares your family values.
NetResults :eyebrow:
bluesparrow
10-17-04, 10:06 PM
I admit, I'm just still pissed I never got that Braveheart dvd Bezos promised me years ago in a mass email for supporting the amazon.com dvd section from it's start.
MAKE WITH MY FREE DVD BEZOS!
netresults
10-18-04, 11:46 AM
Originally posted by bluesparrow
I admit, I'm just still pissed I never got that Braveheart dvd Bezos promised me years ago in a mass email for supporting the amazon.com dvd section from it's start.
MAKE WITH MY FREE DVD BEZOS!
Another fine example of Mr.Bezos looking out for you. He decided that Braveheart was far too violent to be viewed by your family. He would make a wonderful family values president.
NetResults
MISS PEACH
10-18-04, 03:06 PM
Originally posted by davidvp
Amazon is a fabulous e-store...always has been.
Was a fabulous bookstore; now Jack-of-all-Trades, Master of None. Remember when we used to get coupons? Remember when they used to have a book selection that could compete with Barnes & Noble? Oh how I wish they'd spin off the kitchen shit (and yes, that does include everything else not-a-book, aka the kitchen sink heh) and let their original book store model be resurrected — if not by Amazon then by someone else for pity's sake.
Not to change the subject but — has anyone ordered from The Strand online? OMG what great prices! I happened on them while doing a book price search at Addall and was astounded to see my $25.00 list hardcover (just published two months ago) for 50% off! Even with a modest shipping charge, this store just blew me away! Apparently it's New York's biggest book store.
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack this thread here. But it's great to see other readers in this forum!
[Amazon] Was a fabulous bookstore; now Jack-of-all-Trades, Master of None.
I respect MISS P.'s opinion. But, in this particular Amazon instance, I just don't happen to concur with it. Amazon is the master, IMHO.
Remember when we used to get coupons? Remember when they used to have a book selection that could compete with Barnes & Noble?
Nope. Sure don't. And couldn't care less about a huge book selection (but that's probably just me). But their current selection of over 3-Million book titles surely is nothing to scoff at. :) (Good gravy, how many titles do ya need?? I, myself, find that I simply cannot read more than 1.7-million books in any given six-month timespan. So Amazon's three million is normally ample for me.) :) *wise-ass smiley* :)
Are we to believe *this* claim on the Amazon site is incorrect/misleading/an utter falsehood?? ............
I never used them prior to August 1999. Never knew they had an ongoing "coupon" program for every Tom, Dick, & Harry who stopped by to shop. While, yes, that type of dealie would indeed be great -- I still consider The Big A the best on-line experience going today (all things considered -- from pre-order pricing, to returns, to overall service, to website functionality).
Plus -- they've added this "A9.com" discount for just doing nothing but using A9/Google. Saving you 1.57% on everything. Not a mountainous savings -- but better than nothing; and a bonus I never knew was there until ordering recently.
And ALWAYS Free Shipping (with qualifying $25 order) is nice too. They didn't used to always have the FREE option. The Free offer would come & go like the wind in past years.
davidh777
10-18-04, 07:29 PM
Originally posted by bluesparrow
I admit, I'm just still pissed I never got that Braveheart dvd Bezos promised me years ago in a mass email for supporting the amazon.com dvd section from it's start.
I didn't get my freebie either, but the original notification mentioned an e-mail queue called braveheart@amazon.com. I wrote to that and they sent me one. I guess most people also got a thank-you letter from Bezos, but I didn't really need that anyway.
bdhart
10-23-04, 07:57 PM
I made two orders this week on Monday. One shipped out by UPS Thursday morning and the other shipped out by USPS on Thursday afternoon. I received the USPS package today but the UPS package isn't scheduled to be delivered until the 27th.
USPS always takes 2-3 days and UPS always takes a minimum of 7 days.
Does anybody know how to get Amazon not to ship by UPS?
MISS PEACH
10-24-04, 09:23 AM
Originally posted by davidvp
http://g-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/books/homepage-pricing/books-home-pricing-i.gif
David Honey (oh, and yes Pilot, I do know about the book forum) — David:
Amazon so consistently does not have the hardcover titles I am looking for that it has been years since I ordered from them. "Earth's Biggest Bookstore" pshaw! They're obviously referring to the square footage of their warehouse because they're most definitely not referring to their books!! No honey — they've been edged out to make room for the chainsaws and spatulas and patio chairs. "Biggest" bookstore, perhaps. Just not filled with books.
Barnes & Noble has the largest selection of hardcover books that I have seen anywhere. I wouldn't make that claim unless I had proof positive in the purchases I make under the endowment I am leaving my small town to build a new library when I have, alas, paid out my mortal coil. http://www.intergate.com/~tobeornot2b/me/SMILEY-RAMA/ANGEL_HALO2.gif
Now David, if you only buy paperbacks, I doubt you'd see a difference. No wait — I take that back. A few years ago I was looking for some older Dragonlance titles (available only in paperback) which Amazon did not have but (once again) B&N did.
But I tell you what David: Let's not send Pilot into a nosedive by continuing this OT here; I'll meet you in the Books forum and we can continue the debate there if you wish. I have so many hardcover titles that are not available at Amazon it would simply blow your mind. Well over 500 that I personally know of.
Buy: