Unless you've been living under a rock for the past decade or so, I have no doubt you're well aware of the joys of amazon (both the US and UK sites - I have looked at the German site, however, my school girl German is in the dim and distant past, and the English translation function is not always that...helpful).
Having shopped at both sites fairly frequently (much to the dismay of both my husband and our credit card), I thought I'd let you know of my experiences with both. I predominantly purchase DVDs and CDs, as they are generally cheaper (especially as the UK site does not charge VAT, although the US site is pretty affordable given the currently strong Australian dollar) and have an extensive range that is not necessarily available here. I find delivery time from the UK pretty speedy (generally a week or so), while items from the US tend to take longer (anywhere up to about a month, so I don't suggest this if you want something urgently - unless you're prepared to pay lots of expedited post). The US site now sends a lot of kitchenware here, which is fabulous as, again, it's much cheaper than here and has many more exciting things on offer (particularly of my favourite brand, KitchenAid), even when compared to other online kitchenware retailers.
Lastly, the UK site has just extended its promotion of free delivery to Australia when you spend 25 quid (no pound sign - apologies) or more on certain items (generally books, DVDs and CDs), so I think it's time to do your bit to bolster the currently sad economy of the UK and go shopping! Think of your online retail therapy as a form of community service...
Update: alas, the free delivery to Australia has finally been discontinued. Tragique!
So, in summary, here are the pros (and minimal cons) of both sites (according to me, anyway) in no particular order (and, as I'm feeling lazy, some points have been duplicated):
www.amazon.com
- extensive range of DVDs and CDs (and lots of other things) at great prices
- now send kitchenware to Australia, which I for one think is fantastic (shiny red saucepans and accessories, here I come!)
- shows purchase total and allows payment in local currency
- excellent customer service and prompt updates as to delivery or anticipated delays
- the only real downside is the length of time it can take from dispatch to delivery - yes, geographically we're far away, but unless things are coming by courier pigeon I don't see why it takes as long as it does!
- if purchasing across a range of items (such as books, DVDs and CDs) in the same transaction, postage can become quite costly - I generally stick to just DVDs and CDs
www.amazon.co.uk
- items are not taxed (huzzah!)
- have exclusive DVD sets/packs that are not available elsewhere
- shows purchase total and allows payment in local currency
- currently have a free delivery special on with a minimum spend
- generally fairly quick delivery (no courier pigeons used here...)
- excellent customer service (I have had to return faulty items in the past and they have been fabulous every time)
- prompt notification of delivery advice/delays etc.
- if purchasing across a range of items (such as books, DVDs and CDs) in the same transaction, postage can become quite costly - I generally stick to just DVDs and CD, although have included books with the current delivery promotion
