I just got an order from Powell's Books, and after three amazing sucessses in a row I am completely sold, forever. Several of you asked me why I am so thrilled with Powell's and so I decided to write a post about it all. There are so many more reasons than 15, but that is what I came up with right now.
Why I love
Powell's Books and will never again buy from Amazon it humanly possible:
1.) All your books ship from the same location (amazon sends them all in separate shipments depending on which individual sellers you bought from).
2.)
Powell's has a
%100 satisfaction guarantee and you work directly with the main company so you don't have little minor disputes, they stand by their service all the way.
3.)When your box comes you feel like you are the queen (or king) of the world!
4.)Their boxes have POWELL'S imprinted on the side and it is a delight to see the mail person walking up to the door with that!
5.)The books are in incredible condition. They may be listed as used, but I have yet to get one that shows it at all! Those who buy back books are very choosy with what they buy back.
6.)I placed the order and while the box was being loaded I decided I wanted another book, I figured I would have to pay for shipping...but I didn't! Until the order is completely processed you have time to add books to your shipment!
7.) At Amazon I have never, ever been able to qualify for their free shipping on orders over $25! I can't seem to jump through the hoops well enough to ever actually end up getting it. Powell's is brilliant.You do have to order a minimum of $50, but then your shipping is free. I kept adding and adding to my order, free is really great.
8.)I am amazed at
Powell's shipping fees. On amazon it usually ends up being about $3.99 or so per book (tell me if that isn't right and I will change it).Even if you don't order $50 worth of books at a time, the
shipping fees are still way better than anywhere else, it is $2.99 per book + $.99 after the first book. Great price there! (Where Amazon usually ends up being $3.99+$3.99+$3.99 for each book you order)
9.) My books get to me SO much faster than using Amazon, it is not even comparable. I have always done the economy shipping with both Powell's, which says 4-9 days...but I am blessed to live so close to Powell's that it actually only takes one day. Yes, I get a confirmation email that my order has been shipped and three times now without fail the cute mail person is knocking on my door in less than 24 hours, with a beautiful brown on brown package for me! ONE DAY.
10.)It is local, for me at least...and even if it isn't local for you, it is a locally owned business, so I would always ethically speaking choose that over Borders,Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
11.)You can buy used (which is all that I buy) and that saves trees as well. This is the only way to go for me. I love books, but they must be used. Save a tree right!? (I am also really cheap and think it silly to ever have to pay full price for anything).
12.) They actually have responsive, human customer service and it makes my feel like a real human worthy of human contact every time I need to ask a question or get info. Yes, they actually pay someone and don't just use automated emails promising to get back with you witin 48 hours. This may not ever be something you'd notice, but if you ever have a question or concern it is like gold. I have used it twice now, and always hear back within a couple hours if it is during business hours.
13.) They have the most amazing book events. There are fewer and fewer places where authors can go and do book signings and talk to us bookie peeps.
Powell's Books is sticking it out with the best of them and their
calendar is packed with super special author folks who want to chat in person with their readers!
14.) You can
sell them your books online! Even if you live outside of Oregon you can benefit from the virtual credit (or cash if you'd prefer). They pay for shipping!!!
15.) If you have ever been to Powell's Books, or seen
my post, you know that another great reason to shop at Powell's is because it is the most outrageously cool bookstore ever, I don't know of a better one, one that is more into helping its customers and giving you all that you need in books. I think that is something any bookie should want to support.
Do you have another great reason to be a Powell's Books loyalist? Comment below and I will ad your reason to the count!!
