An Excellent Alternative To The Stress Of Online Auctions
Written: Aug 08 '04 (Updated Aug 15 '04)
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I don't really like to shop in malls. I always seem to find that they are sold out of/don't carry what I'm looking for, and I always seem to waste a full day going out there only to be told that that they don't have what I want to buy. This, of course, is the reason that I prefer shopping online or by mail order. The selection is significantly better than what malls have, and you will often find better prices as well.
Knowing this, you might think that if an item cannot be found in regular online stores, you might as well stop looking for it because no one will have it. In fact, there are plenty of options for people who are on the hunt for a hard-to-find product. One of the more common choices for this service is eBay, the famous auction site. I have used this option many times in the past, and it has been a generally positive experience. However, one of the problems with eBay is the fact that the selection depends on what users have listed at a given time. Sometimes, what you are looking for is not available, or it may be listed under a name that is incorrectly spelled or otherwise different than what you would search for. Where can you go for your product when this happens to you? The answer, of course, is Amazon Marketplace.
THE LOWDOWN:
What is Amazon Marketplace, you ask? Well, it is a feature on the online superstore Amazon.com that functions much like the Buy It Now! feature on eBay.
Using the Marketplace is quite user-friendly. All you have to do to search its database is enter in the name of the product in the search bar, and the actual product page will come up. If the item is in the Marketplace listings, (it more than likely will be) it will tell you at the top of the page. To see the various prices that sellers are listing the product at, you have to click on the Buy Used & New link. This will take you to a page that lets you pick out a copy of the product based on price and description left by the seller. You have the option of buying a new or used copy of the product, according to what you want or can afford.
All Marketplace orders are processed by Amazon.com, and because of this you are effectively protected from fraud. Sellers have a specified "window" in which they are required to send you your product, and if it doesn't arrive in the time estimated, you have a right to complain by either leaving negative feedback (just like on eBay) or complaining to the company.
My personal experience with Amazon Marketplace has been overwhelmingly positive. The prices have been good, the products have been in stock and sent promptly, and they have been in good condition. I have found that this option is a lot better than being paranoid about someone outbidding your eBay auctions, and therefore provides a good alternative when you don't want to deal with this. It is also a lot easier to search the database on this site, since all products have to be put on the correct page or they will not be listed. Overall, the Marketplace is a slick option when it comes to online shopping.
THE BREAKDOWN:
Summary: The store Amazon Marketplace specializes in discounted products that will be sent by independent companies and sellers. Because of this fact, shipping times are often inconsistent (I have had packages arrive in a time frame of two days after the order was placed to a week after). However, since the prices are so good, you probably won't mind a longer wait with some sellers. For example, I have bought mostly CDs from the store, and I have been able to find sealed new copies of the albums for less than half price. This is an extraordinary discount!
If you like this store, give these a try: Similar sites that offer drastically discounted merchandise include eBay, Half.com, and Overstock.com.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? CDs and books
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podmoskovye
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Member: Ivana the Terrible
Location: In a forest pitch dark
Reviews written: 7
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