Build-A-Bear Design & Buy Online, or Play in the Virtual City!
Written: Jun 08 '08
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As the parent of two children, I can honestly attest that I have spent a ton of time and money at various Build-A-Bear establishments over the years. My daughter in particular, has established an impressive assortment of furry friends, and loves nothing more than acquiring new accessories for her pals.
Since the good folks at Build-A-Bear have their marketing down pat, and see fit to send my home a catalog with new clothing designs and new bears/animals with some great frequency, I find myself surfing the site as a result. I can find what I want without the pressure of little, pleading faces, always a plus!
~What Build-A-Bear Offers~
The Build-A-Bear website is perhaps one of the most comprehensive and satisfying websites I've ever had the pleasure of shopping at. The main page is busy, but offers both drop-down links, and click-able links to their key categories. You can either Shop, Party, or Play. As well as buy gift cards or easily access the About Us menu with answers to just about any questions you might have.
In my never to be humble opinion, Build-A-Bear is best experienced at the store. Although I have on occasion shopped for accessories and clothing. Should you not have access to a local store, you can also buy or send a stuffed gift online. You will miss the fun of the in person experience, which allows you to pick your "skin" and stuff and fluff your pal. Online the bears/animals are already stuffed, and in some cases dressed in outfits.
Something For Everyone can be found online. They currently feature ideas for Dads & Grads, but each time I visit, the offerings vary.
Fun Extras
You can buy accessories and clothing for your furry friend from recognizable retailers such as Harley Davidson, Limited Too and Disney as well for your favorite sports teams, pro and college. You can truly make your animal your own style.
Build-A-Bearville is one of the newer features found online at Build-A-Bear and my daughter thinks it is wonderful! It is a free, virtual world for your animals to play in. I think it is somewhat comparable to Webkinz although I have not been there, so I am only guessing. Even though this is a "free" feature online, if you have a newer purchased animal your birth certificate will come with a code that you enter and you can see a "virtual" animal just like the one you brought home. My eight year old daughter plays here about once a week, with supervision, and I am very satisfied that it is a safe and appropriate site for children.
My Experiences
While shopping online at Build-A-Bear I have never found anything negative to say about them. Their product detailing is well done, and they even offer some of their animals as allergen free (a plus for those of us with dust-mite sensitive kids). When you've made your selection, you simply add it to your cart. If shopping for a furry pal, you will follow steps online to customize your pal (similar to shopping at the brick and mortar store). For example you can opt to add a sound. These do cost more, and you can listen to them online prior to selection. Of course, you can also skip this step. After that, you may either browse the ENORMOUS selection of clothing and accessories, or skip right to checkout.
Suggestions for other items you might like are offered at every step of the selection and checkout process. I do like this (unless of course I have a "helper" hovering nearby). In which case, the suggestions cease being so helpful and just starting costing me more money!
Gift Cards are another offering of the site. I have purchased both online/virtual cards and the hard cards for use. They can be found in several styles and any denomination that I have needed.
Checkout is a relatively easy process. You can either log in as a registered user, or set up a new account with a fair amount of ease. Here you select your payment options, billing and shipping options and don't forget to add in your Stuff Fur Stuff club number!
Shipping is reasonable and timely and my items have always been well packed and just as ordered.
Order Notification is sent via e-mail at both the initial ordering stage, as well as when shipment occurs.
Stuff Fur Stuff is the Build-A-Bear customer rewards program. It is free to join, and stay a member and you earn points for every purchase you make, online, and in store. The points add up quickly and often they feature periods of the year (such as your birthday month to get 1.5 times the points). You also get double points for booking a party. Once you've reached 100 points, you get a $10.00 certificate for use. No catches, and no expirations! It is one of the better customer loyalty programs I've come across.
All In All
Build-A-Bear has developed a first-rate, customer friendly website around a wonderful line of products. Their selection and customer service have always been top-notch and the customer rewards program is hands down one of the easiest and most rewarding I've used. I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit the site next time you are making a gift selection.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Location: Washington State
Reviews written: 212
Trusted by: 204 members
About Me: Working on school! Hoping to finish soon.
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