100% of order received timely and in as stated condition!
Written: Feb 03 '06
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After attending a few meetings of my local breast cancer support group, I volunteered to start a lending library to have a selection of books available for women looking for information about the disease, treatment options and even a few memoirs for inspiration.
I compiled a list of recommended reading from my local cancer center and started my search for these books.
First thing I did was look them up on Epinions to see what others had to say about them. None of the books had been reviewed, but below had the “Buy it Now” options detailing which online stores had the book available and the prices.
I found 8 books out of about a dozen I was searching for, and all of them were priced cheapest (under $4 each) at Alibris.com
I have used Amazon.ca and Chapters.ca in the past, but had never had any experience with Alibris.
I decided to try it out. Each book I found had multiple copies available with a range of prices depending on condition..
Sometimes Alibris themselves had copies in their warehouse, but mainly this site deals with independent bookstores all over the world. You know, those fun little bookshops that are tucked away and filled with floor to ceiling books, and run by quirky eccentric people who know exactly what books they have and where they are in the store. I could just picture the bookkeepers climbing up their wooden ladder and sliding across the shelf to pick out the books I wanted.
Each book had a rating for its condition, some in new condition, others dog-eared or normal wear and tear. I did not require new books, and made my selection mostly based on lowest price and the bookstores that had good ratings from previous customers
I had to set up an account for shipping and payment, and my MasterCard was charged shortly after confirmation that all my books were available to be shipped. I was emailed with a record of what I ordered and when the shipments were expected to arrive. There is also a spot on the website to review your order status and history if you lose your email confirmation.
I placed my order Jan 15th. 2 of the books were ordered from Alibris themselves, 6 were from independent bookstores. The Alibris books were expected to be received by January 21st, and the Independent sellers books by Jan 25th. This creates a lot of packages arriving in the mail and also costs much more for shipping (If you have over $49 from Alibris themselves shipping is free. If you consolidate orders – 2 or more books from 1 store – you get discounted shipping) but, I needed these book, and with shipping they were still way cheaper than buying new.
Shipping to Canada is a little over $7 each book, but they have a rate calculator under the link Shipping FAQs to use depending on your specific order.
The first 3 books arrived on Jan 25th; the other 5 trickled in every couple days, with the last one being received February 3rd.
I was not disappointed with them being late, the time frame given is very ambitious and I did not expect it to be met, especially with international shipping but I was pleased to have received them all within 3 weeks
The books were all in great, gently used condition; I had no problems with my order and did not require any customer service.
I would not hesitate to use Alibris again in the future. They have a great selection of books, music and videos, a great selection of prices and sellers available to choose from, and the books arrived as described in a timely manner.
8 out of 8 books ordered and received is a great way to start out making me a very happy and soon to be returning customer!!
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? 8 health related books
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Epinions.com ID:
cascogirl
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Member: Sarah
Location: Ontario, Canada
Reviews written: 114
Trusted by: 109 members
About Me:
Gotta get back to writing reviews Ive been spending waaaaay to much time on Facebook!
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