Buy.Com--Delivered a GREAT buy, QUICKLY!
Written: Jul 28 '03
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| Full Review |
To be honest, I have read a ton of reviews here on Epinions bashing electronics merchants in particular. I was a bit leery initially about using Buy.com for a recent order, but they more than satisfied me with selection, price and delivery. This site earned my trust.
Shopping Buy.com-
My first visit to Buy.com made it quickly apparent that I was going to find just about anything electronic that I desired. The main page is a bit busy and offers easy navigation to the following departments:
Computers
Software
Electronics
Cellular
Music
Games
Sports
dvd's
Books
Bags
Clearance
Aside from the main page of department offerings, Buy.com offers a very effective search engine that will quickly come up with results for key words, a type of product, or brand. They also sell gift certificates right from the home page. Handy if you're just there to do that.
~Navigation proved to be easy and surpisingly quick for such a large site.
~Product Information- was exceedingly helpful. Full spec's are given on electronics, a listing of what's included and not, and compatible accessories. I was also really pleased to see a thorough description of reconditioned items, not always common electronics stores.
~Prices were GREAT. I had done some research and Buy.com was amongst the leaders on all of the products I checked out.
Checking Out-
The easy shopping at Buy.com continues at checkout.
~Creating an account is fairly straightforward, and returning customers can save their information for a quicker login next visit.
~Payment had a ton of options, quite possibly the most I've seen at an online website. They are as follows: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, Diners Club, Government Credit Card, Check, Money Order/Cashier's Check, Wire Transfer, or Bill Me Later. The Bill Me Later option is as it sounds, with the option to be billed later. The part Buy.com doesn't explain very clearly on their website is that this a credit application. They make it appear to be something of an offer extended by CIT bank, but in reality a credit check is run. Not sure how they managed this without all my information, but they did. This definitely needs to be spelled out better as we were refinancing and our lender wanted no hits on our credit until we signed papers.
~Shipping was advertised as free on almost every item on Buy.com's hone page, however every item I purchased or looked at didn't qualify?? The options for delivery were given at checkout, and they included Standard or ground, 2nd day with tracking or overnight. I found all of the options to be reasonable with no hidden handling charges. For my order I chose standard as I was in no particular hurry.
~*MyPoints customers can shop through for 2 points per dollar at Buy.com
The Follow Through-
My order was followed shortly by a confirmation e-mail. Both my items were in stock and to be shipped within 24-48 hours. I got a shipment notice 3 days later with a tracking feature. Come to find out, my order arrived the same day as the shipping notice went out. My order had shipped the day it was placed but the e-mail communication was quite behind.
~Delivery itself was via UPS Ground and was extremely prompt. The items were packaged with the air filled plastic and tightly stuffed in so they didn't bounce around in transit.
All In All-
I got great priced items, quickly and with all the information on the products I could want. I think the e-mail communications could and should be tweaked to be more efficient. The Buy It Later options could also use a more thorough explanation. Despite my few tiny gripes, I was pleased with Buy.com and it's service, and I'll both use it again and recommend it to friends.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? cordless phone and portable personal cd player
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