So-So Selection+Good Prices+Abysmal Shipping=WalMart.com
Written: Oct 01 '02 (Updated Feb 27 '04)
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Our local Wal-Mart is busy, busy, busy, and crowded nearly always. I try and avoid it at all costs, but over the summer a wonderful price on an air matress that I needed desperately was nearly enough to send me to Wal-Mart despite my better judgement. Thankfully, I remembered that like most stores, now Wal-Mart is online. Whoopee!...... or so I thought.
Shopping at Wal-Mart.com-
First glance at the home page of Wal-Mart is typical fare for big merchants online. It's easy to see all of the departments in a tab style format. Mostly everything you'd expect in an actual Wal-Mart is represented, with the notable exception of clothing. Sale items are featured prominently, as well as special collections they'd like you to visit. A handy, and smooth functioning search feature is also easy to spot. The feature I was most happy to see, was the current ad online, since I was looking for an item I'd seen in a sale circular.
Picking Your Product-
Once you've located your item(s) of interest, just one click will get you plenty of product information. A little blurb is given, with price, product availability for shipping, and options to see features, and a larger photo. Key features, shipping dimensions and other accessories or suggestions round out the comprehensive product detailing.
Checking Out-
The process is unremarkable. Returning customers can log back in without needing to re-enter information, and new customers register with the basics.
Payment and Shipping-
Wal-Mart accepts payment via Mastercard, Visa, Discover, AMEX, and their own Wal-Mart cards. They do not accept checks online, or Wal-Mart gift cards.
Shipping is calculated via some complex chart with per item charges and weight. I only glanced at since I was ordering just one item, but those considering multiple item purchases might want to check out the table more closely.
Standard, Express and Overnight services are offered, and no international shipping is available at this time.
Talk To Me-
To their credit, Wal-Mart came through with prompt notification of both receipt of my order, and when it finally shipped as well. The shipping notice had a tracking link in it as well, a feature I love.
SO, What's My Beef?
You may have noticed that up to this point, I haven't had anything negative to say about shopping at Wal-Mart. It works, it's easy to get around, etc. etc. It all worked just fine, except that the bottom line is that my ONE item, on sale, and listed as in stock, took just too long to get to me. I orderd on May 31st, it shipped out on June 10th, and didn't arrive until June 14th. A total of 15 days later. Abysmal Shipping!
Final Verdict-
Would I ever use Wal-Mart.com again? I can't say never since my item did show up eventually, but I don't forsee the need to use them again. Others have similar prices, better selection, and much better shipping.
Do I recommend Wal-Mart.com to others? I did not, as you can see by my review. If time is at all of the essence, and for most of us it is, then I don't think this store has proven it can deliver even in the middle of summer. As the holidays approach, I wouldn't dream of recommending Wal-Mart.com!
Recommended:
No
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