GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => General Classical Music Discussion => Topic started by: Expresso on July 02, 2007, 09:09:12 AM

Title: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Expresso on July 02, 2007, 09:09:12 AM

Can you recommend me some on-line shops with a good collection of classical music CD's?

I'm only aware of amazon and jpc at the moment.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bogey on July 02, 2007, 09:10:53 AM
I use Arkive quite a bit.  A decent resourece to see what might be in print.

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/main.jsp
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on July 02, 2007, 09:31:10 AM
I use JPC a lot, but that you knew already huh. :)
I do not feel comfortable with Amazon, probably because I do not understand the workings of that one.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bogey on July 02, 2007, 09:45:08 AM
Oh, and if you cannot find a particular cd, PM Que or Daverz.....if it exists, they seem to be able to find it.  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on July 02, 2007, 09:48:18 AM
Worthwhile to check to previous thread on the old forum: Places to buy classical music online (http://www.good-music-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,12440.0.html).

My previous post:

I buy mostly individual items with Marketplace sellers on the various Amazon's (.com/.de/.co.uk/.fr).

Then MDT's special offers (http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/pages/category/category.asp?ctgry=Special%20Offers&cookie%5Ftest=1), jpc (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/home/-/lang/en/currency/USD) and I second Gurn's recommendation of CDconnection (http://www.cdconnection.com/bin/nph-home): low price, very fast delivery and they have a reliable indication if something is in stock (I hate back orders). One disadvantage: they have not a large stock, mostly new releases.

I do most of my bargain hunting at the (in)famous Berkshire Record Outlet (http://www.berkshirerecordoutlet.com/) aka "BRO".
They are the cheapest in town, but when are they going to use some bubble wrap instead of old papers??
Be prepared for some damaged jewel boxes...!  :o

Also worthwhile is Leslie Gerber's Parnassus Records (http://www.parnassusrecords.com/), especially for some OOP. Also for LP's.
He works with a monthly list, so best is to scan that now and then.

Cheap, but not as cheap as BRO - but they have more mainstream items - is the German Zweitausendeins (http://www.zweitausendeins.de/artikel/cds/klassik/).
Also for books.

The best place for rare historical and live recordings is Norbeck, Peters & Ford (http://www.norpete.com/). Also for 78 rpm's.

Addition:
I found some real bargains lately, many of them OOP, at Swiss discPLUS (http://discplus.ch/). I guess only of interest to European members of the forum.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Tancata on July 02, 2007, 02:19:17 PM
I have to second Amazon - they can have really, really good prices on a lot of classical CDs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 02, 2007, 03:10:48 PM
www.cduniverse.com tends to undercut the competition by $3 on most but not all discs. I usually comparison-shop between CDuniverse, ArkivMusic, and Amazon. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Expresso on July 02, 2007, 10:33:53 PM

Some very nice sites there  ;) Especially that German one (Zweitausendeins), it has some very good offers.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on July 03, 2007, 08:23:55 AM
Quote from: Erevos on July 02, 2007, 10:33:53 PM
Some very nice sites there  ;) Especially that German one (Zweitausendeins), it has some very good offers.

Yes, it has. But don't overlook jpc's excellent special offers section (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/offers/-/flush/1)  :).

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Shrunk on July 03, 2007, 08:51:43 AM
Amazon offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount, although you have to wait longer for delivery if you choose that option.  I've never had anything but good experiences with them.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Shrunk on July 03, 2007, 09:06:49 AM
Quote from: Que on July 03, 2007, 08:57:58 AM
Overseas customers do not even get a discount above a certain amount.... :-\
(I have a hunch that I'm paying for the free shipping of other customers... ;D ;D >:D)

Q

....and we appreciate it, really we do! >:D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Expresso on July 03, 2007, 09:07:38 AM
Amazon has good prices and the biggest collection of classical CD's, but as Que mentioned you have to be a domestic customer to have free delivery.

If you add the VAT rates and the shippings costs, the prices can get very high though.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 15, 2007, 03:19:11 PM
I do most of my cd buying using the Amazon dealers especially Caiman. I find them to be excellent :)

Just wondering if there a high quality equivalent out there that I'm overlooking?

Somewhere with a huge catalogue, reliable shipping and maybe better prices that I could try?

Thanks :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on July 15, 2007, 04:16:45 PM
For classical music, Arkiv.  They have higher prices, but their selection is amazing, especially now with Arkiv CDs.  MDT, Fnac, Crotchet, HMV Japan, CD Japan, Stradivarius, Buywell, Presto Classical, and non-US Amazons all have much to offer, too.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: tjguitar on July 15, 2007, 05:27:29 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 15, 2007, 03:19:11 PM
I do most of my cd buying using the Amazon dealers especially Caiman. I find them to be excellent :)

Just wondering if there a high quality equivalent out there that I'm overlooking?

Somewhere with a huge catalogue, reliable shipping and maybe better prices that I could try?

Thanks :)

I never use caiman. Whenever I've ordered from them, they've had it not in stock (without telling you) and you have to wait til the A-Z claim can be filed to get your money back.


They usually have the lowest price, so I go to the next one up.  Yikes.  Its good to hear that someone had success with them.

Amazon's the best, but of course overstock.com has a decent selection and I get some from deepdiscount, it just depends what your looking for.  Arkiv is good, but a bit expensive IMO.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: beclemund on July 15, 2007, 06:14:47 PM
Quote from: tjguitar on July 15, 2007, 05:27:29 PMI never use caiman. Whenever I've ordered from them, they've had it not in stock (without telling you) and you have to wait til the A-Z claim can be filed to get your money back.


They usually have the lowest price, so I go to the next one up.  Yikes.  Its good to hear that someone had success with them.

Amazon's the best, but of course overstock.com has a decent selection and I get some from deepdiscount, it just depends what your looking for.  Arkiv is good, but a bit expensive IMO.

Out of maybe 50 orders from Caiman over the last year, only one has resulted in trouble, but yes, they do not credit you very promptly. If you contact them directly, you can seldom make sense of their response. ;) It is very easy through Amazon to get your account credited, however, so I would not exclude them as they do seem to be on top of things for the most part.

As for ordering in general, it really depends on what it is you are looking for. For most new releases, Amazon (including Amazon Marketplace sellers) tend to be the easiest and often the best prices--it is a good idea to factor in shipping costs into the cost of item though as the free shipping from Amazon for orders over 25 USD generally makes for a better deal than ordering handfuls of CDs from separate resellers with 2.98 postage. For historic recordings, Berkshire Records Outlet (http://www.berkshirerecordoutlet.com/) can provide a great bargain. They have a low minimum for US orders, and it is worth your while to order many at a time to reduce shipping costs.

eBay can sometimes provide decent deals on releases from a few years back and even some new releases can be had for much less, but shipping costs from eBay sellers tend to be pretty "out there" in terms of cost.... shipping times are not favorable either as I am still waiting on an auction won June 21st. Fortunately for the seller, I am patient. ;)

While I try to order as few things as possible internationally unless it is many items at once--due to environmental concerns--HMV (http://www.hmv.co.jp/index.asp?lang=en), Buywell (http://www.buywell.com/cgi-bin/buywellic2/indexb.html?mv_arg=b) and JPC (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/home/home/-/lang/en/currency/USD) can often provide you with items you do not often see for sale stateside (I am assuming you are buying in the US of A).

For more obscure items Norbeck, Peters & Ford (http://www.norpete.com/) can sometimes be useful, but their prices tend to be on the higher side. I have also had some success finding better prices at Suncoast Movies (http://www.suncoast.com/) (they sell music too ;)). And there is also CD Universe (http://www.cduniverse.com/) which I have only used sparingly... they can be a better priced alternative to Amazon with some items, but again, consider the additional postage costs.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 15, 2007, 07:33:56 PM
Thanks for the responses :)

I've only had one order from Caiman go astray and I emailed them and got an immediate response from 'Claire' ;) ;) and a replacement was sent out promtly.

I'll browse some of the other sites you've mentioned tomorrow :)

I do find the Amazon sellers good BUT I wish they would bundle orders to save on shipping >:(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: uffeviking on July 15, 2007, 07:58:06 PM
You sure are lucky to get good service from Caiman. They have one of the worst reputations on the used CD and DVD market! If I decide to go used, I always buy from Newbury_Comics; reliable and super fast. I am an amazonMarketplace seller, but I can't give you my seller name, that would be called 'Spam' and Rob would fire me from my highly paid job as moderator.  :'(

For Scandinavian specialties, Ondine has been my best friend. Airmail from Helsinki, five days after ordering is in my mailbox.

Of course for the regular shopping trips I always run up GMG, go to upper right corner where different flags are displayed, pick mine, the USA, give amazon my order and they send GMG a small amount of money. Nice of them!  0:)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 15, 2007, 08:07:57 PM
Quote from: uffeviking on July 15, 2007, 07:58:06 PM
You sure are lucky to get good service from Caiman. They have one of the worst reputations on the used CD and DVD market! If I decide to go used, I always buy from Newbury_Comics; reliable and super fast. I am an amazonMarketplace seller, but I can't give you my seller name, that would be called 'Spam' and Rob would fire me from my highly paid job as moderator.  :'(

For Scandinavian specialties, Ondine has been my best friend. Airmail from Helsinki, five days after ordering is in my mailbox.

Of course for the regular shopping trips I always run up GMG, go to upper right corner where different flags are displayed, pick mine, the USA, give amazon my order and they send GMG a small amount of money. Nice of them!  0:)

Yes, I use Newbury Comics as a first option whenever I can.

I'm aware of the bad rep Caiman has, but I must have bought over 100 cds through them with only one minor hitch :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bogey on July 15, 2007, 08:18:56 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 15, 2007, 08:07:57 PM
Yes, I use Newbury Comics as a first option whenever I can.

I'm aware of the bad rep Caiman has, but I must have bought over 100 cds through them with only one minor hitch :)

Wow....that is good news.  Maybe I will try them....that is, unless Newbury has it.  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry Collier on July 16, 2007, 01:24:35 AM

I use MDT or Crotchet. Otherwise JPC or HMV Japan. All have been extremely reliable.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Greta on July 16, 2007, 02:39:52 AM
I have never ordered from Amazon.uk but finally made an account because I saw a couple of OOP CDs I wanted there for insanely cheap, but for either of the Marketplace sellers I tried, the order doesn't complete, it says they "don't ship to my destination".  :'(

Is there anyway around this, or can US not buy from UK Marketplace? It is maddening to see several OOP things there for so cheap (even with the exchange rate) that I have not seen anywhere else, but not be able to buy!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mark on July 16, 2007, 02:52:56 AM
Quote from: Greta on July 16, 2007, 02:39:52 AM
I have never ordered from Amazon.uk but finally made an account because I saw a couple of OOP CDs I wanted there for insanely cheap, but for either of the Marketplace sellers I tried, the order doesn't complete, it says they "don't ship to my destination".  :'(

Is there anyway around this, or can US not buy from UK Marketplace? It is maddening to see several OOP things there for so cheap (even with the exchange rate) that I have not seen anywhere else, but not be able to buy!

Greta, just ask one of us kindly souls in the UK to buy stuff for you and ship it over. Then you reimburse us. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on July 16, 2007, 02:55:29 AM
Quote from: Greta on July 16, 2007, 02:39:52 AM
I have never ordered from Amazon.uk but finally made an account because I saw a couple of OOP CDs I wanted there for insanely cheap, but for either of the Marketplace sellers I tried, the order doesn't complete, it says they "don't ship to my destination".  :'(

Is there anyway around this, or can US not buy from UK Marketplace? It is maddening to see several OOP things there for so cheap (even with the exchange rate) that I have not seen anywhere else, but not be able to buy!

Greta, it depends on the individual seller - some don't offer international shipping or shipping outside the EU. Some mention this in their item description - if they don't, you'll only find out when trying to order the item. If it's any consolation: same happens to me once in a while with US sellers that don't ship outside the US. :-\

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: marvinbrown on July 16, 2007, 03:24:35 AM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 15, 2007, 03:19:11 PM
I do most of my cd buying using the Amazon dealers especially Caiman. I find them to be excellent :)

Just wondering if there a high quality equivalent out there that I'm overlooking?

Somewhere with a huge catalogue, reliable shipping and maybe better prices that I could try?

Thanks :)

  Solitary Wanderer amazon.co.uk marketplace is where I usually go to buy music, especially opera.  My favorite is -importcds_com . They have never disappointed me.  I have had very good results with Caiman, they have never defaulted on an order- but then again I never buy used cds or opera dvds.  I have not found any other on-line store that can beat amazon marketplace.

  marvin


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mark on July 16, 2007, 03:45:56 AM
In my experience Amazon Sellers are often THE cheapest way to get used CDs/DVDs. The only places I've found discs cheaper are at my local charity shops - specifically, a branch of Oxfam Music & Books, which as well as stocking many excellent used CDs also has a bedazzling array of rare/OOP LPs. A vinyl lover's dream ... though not to my taste.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: 71 dB on July 16, 2007, 03:54:15 AM
I use mostly Amazon.co.uk marketplace (low product & shipping prices). I use often Caiman and I haven't had problems with them yet. What's interesting about Caiman is that whenever I buy an "used" CD I get a new one with plastic wrapping. Nice! I have had problems with some smaller sellers (wrong items).

CDON.COM
Scandinavian online shop. Shipping is 2.95 euros for all orders but the service is very bad. If you think Caiman is bad try this store! You are very lucky to get everything you ordered. Fortunately they charge for only the items they are able to deliver so no need to be refunded. Somehow this store can offer something others can't (Swedish/Norwegian/Danish pop/rock etc.) so I keep using it.

JPC.DE
I have used this place only twice but with superb results. Shipping is always 5.99 euros to Finland (was 7.99 euros) so I have made bigger orders. Absolutely awesome service!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Tancata on July 16, 2007, 07:02:15 AM
Quote from: 71 dB on July 16, 2007, 03:54:15 AM


JPC.DE
I have used this place only twice but with superb results. Shipping is always 5.99 euros to Finland (was 7.99 euros) so I have made bigger orders. Absolutely awesome service!

Most people seem to have great experiences with JPC. But I haven't. I have made three orders with them, and every time one of the items was damaged because of the flimsy packaging they use. I don't know how widespread this is - maybe it's just an issue with the famously care-free way the postal service handle packages here in Ireland  8), but maybe not.

Also, JPC prices are - in my experience - generally higher than elsewhere (Amazon, MDT). And shipping is very expensive for small orders...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Maciek on July 16, 2007, 07:39:02 AM
Quote from: Que on July 16, 2007, 01:37:34 AM
We keep getting threads on the same subject over and over again - maybe we should make this type of thread "sticky"?  ::)

Topic: on-line stores (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,1914.0.html)

Q

I've merged the two topics. And I am making this one sticky. Also, please note the link Que gave earlier to an even older discussion of this topic (http://www.good-music-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,12440.0.html) (on the old forum).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: 71 dB on July 16, 2007, 07:40:12 AM
Quote from: Tancata on July 16, 2007, 07:02:15 AM
Most people seem to have great experiences with JPC. But I haven't. I have made three orders with them, and every time one of the items was damaged because of the flimsy packaging they use. I don't know how widespread this is - maybe it's just an issue with the famously care-free way the postal service handle packages here in Ireland  8), but maybe not.

Interesting. My last order had excellent packaging. No change for damages.

Quote from: Tancata on July 16, 2007, 07:02:15 AMAlso, JPC prices are - in my experience - generally higher than elsewhere (Amazon, MDT). And shipping is very expensive for small orders...

Yes, jpc's full prices aren't competetive but they have lot's of cheap CDs (Bach organ music á 2 euros!). I buy those away. In my last order the average price was only 4 euros delivered!  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: tjguitar on July 16, 2007, 08:12:16 AM
Quote from: uffeviking on July 15, 2007, 07:58:06 PM
You sure are lucky to get good service from Caiman. They have one of the worst reputations on the used CD and DVD market! If I decide to go used, I always buy from Newbury_Comics; reliable and super fast. I am an amazonMarketplace seller, but I can't give you my seller name, that would be called 'Spam' and Rob would fire me from my highly paid job as moderator.  :'(

For Scandinavian specialties, Ondine has been my best friend. Airmail from Helsinki, five days after ordering is in my mailbox.

Of course for the regular shopping trips I always run up GMG, go to upper right corner where different flags are displayed, pick mine, the USA, give amazon my order and they send GMG a small amount of money. Nice of them!  0:)


Yes, NewburyComics (on amazon marketplace) is great, despite shipping all the way across the country from MA to CA, they come very quickly and they usually have good prices...the problem is they don't offer everything I'm looking for :( LOL.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on July 16, 2007, 09:04:41 AM
Quote from: Que on July 02, 2007, 09:48:18 AM
I found some real bargains lately, many of them OOP, at Swiss discPLUS (http://discplus.ch/). I guess only of interest to European members of the forum.

Well. I investigated this site, and found a lot of interesting CDs, and intended to pay by means of my Visa card, as indicated, but after I had filled in my name, card number et c. I was told, that I had to confirm my account electronically, and I can´t do this, as I haven´t got a net bank account, just a Visa card. This is most unusual. since all other net sites, I have dealt with, just ask for name, email, account number and controlnumber, all of which is written on the card.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Drasko on July 16, 2007, 09:13:28 AM
Quote from: Greta on July 16, 2007, 02:39:52 AM
Is there anyway around this, or can US not buy from UK Marketplace? It is maddening to see several OOP things there for so cheap (even with the exchange rate) that I have not seen anywhere else, but not be able to buy!

Quote from: Mark on July 16, 2007, 02:52:56 AM
Greta, just ask one of us kindly souls in the UK to buy stuff for you and ship it over. Then you reimburse us. :)

Greta, it's not even necessary that someone else buy the stuff for you. They won't ship to you but they'll take your money, you just need someone in the UK to address the order to and then he/she can forward it to you.
Trust me, I know, none of amazon marketplaces ships to me  :P
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: orbital on July 16, 2007, 09:23:26 AM
Even if you do not know someone to whom you can ask this favor, I am sure there are shipping centers in the UK (as there are in the US) which do mail forwarding (for an extra small fee I'm sure)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on July 16, 2007, 09:42:34 AM
I always place my orders with JPC. DE.
Their collection is reasonable, there prices also, although not in the full price range, the shipping cost are high, even with the orders I place, I have to pay it, known as ausgleichende gerechtigkeit, don't know how to translate that. Never broken cd's, or wrong cd's, always in stock, given or take one or two. The boxes are flimsy though, and they go through rough handling, and for that they are clearly not adequately packed, that's for sure.
Never tryed Amazon, can't get the hang of it. If I have a problem with JPC, I just call, and in 10 seconds the problem is solved.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on July 16, 2007, 09:54:52 AM
Quote from: Harry on July 16, 2007, 09:42:34 AM
I always place my orders with JPC. DE.
Their collection is reasonable, there prices also, although not in the full price range, the shipping cost are high, even with the orders I place, I have to pay it, known as ausgleichende gerechtigkeit, don't know how to translate that. Never broken cd's, or wrong cd's, always in stock, given or take one or two. The boxes are flimsy though, and they go through rough handling, and for that they are clearly not adequately packed, that's for sure.
Never tryed Amazon, can't get the hang of it. If I have a problem with JPC, I just call, and in 10 seconds the problem is solved.

I can´t but agree with your words about JPC. They offer without any question the best service around. And I place as many of my orders, as I possibly can, at JPC. But they haven´t got everything, so sometimes it is necessary to order from other sites (may God forbid this).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mark on July 16, 2007, 11:40:10 AM
Quote from: Drasko on July 16, 2007, 09:13:28 AM
Greta, it's not even necessary that someone else buy the stuff for you. They won't ship to you but they'll take your money, you just need someone in the UK to address the order to and then he/she can forward it to you.
Trust me, I know, none of amazon marketplaces ships to me  :P

Oh yeah. Good call. ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 01:55:16 PM
Quote from: marvinbrown on July 16, 2007, 03:24:35 AM
  Solitary Wanderer amazon.co.uk marketplace is where I usually go to buy music, especially opera.  My favorite is -importcds_com . They have never disappointed me.  I have had very good results with Caiman, they have never defaulted on an order- but then again I never buy used cds or opera dvds.  I have not found any other on-line store that can beat amazon marketplace.

  marvin


Yes, I've been dissappointed a few times with used cds >:( Problem is that one persons accessment of 'as new' or 'excellent condition' is very different to mine ::)

I only buy 'new' now except in rare situations ie:oop.

I've used Amazon.uk many times. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 01:58:36 PM
Quote from: Mark on July 16, 2007, 03:45:56 AM
In my experience Amazon Sellers are often THE cheapest way to get used CDs/DVDs. The only places I've found discs cheaper are at my local charity shops - specifically, a branch of Oxfam Music & Books, which as well as stocking many excellent used CDs also has a bedazzling array of rare/OOP LPs. A vinyl lover's dream ... though not to my taste.

Hey Mark, are the the Marketing Manager for these 'local charity shops' ;)

But seriously, we have these stores here as well but their range of classical cds is minuscule. Its cd range is more pop/rock and pretty worn looking too :(

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 01:59:49 PM
Quote from: 71 dB on July 16, 2007, 03:54:15 AM
I use mostly Amazon.co.uk marketplace (low product & shipping prices). I use often Caiman and I haven't had problems with them yet. What's interesting about Caiman is that whenever I buy an "used" CD I get a new one with plastic wrapping. Nice! I have had problems with some smaller sellers (wrong items).

CDON.COM
Scandinavian online shop. Shipping is 2.95 euros for all orders but the service is very bad. If you think Caiman is bad try this store! You are very lucky to get everything you ordered. Fortunately they charge for only the items they are able to deliver so no need to be refunded. Somehow this store can offer something others can't (Swedish/Norwegian/Danish pop/rock etc.) so I keep using it.

JPC.DE
I have used this place only twice but with superb results. Shipping is always 5.99 euros to Finland (was 7.99 euros) so I have made bigger orders. Absolutely awesome service!

Yes, they list things as 'used' and you receive a brand new 'sealed' copy! I do expect that from them now :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: marvinbrown on July 16, 2007, 02:06:27 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 01:55:16 PM

Yes, I've been dissappointed a few times with used cds >:( Problem is that one persons accessment of 'as new' or 'excellent condition' is very different to mine ::)

I only buy 'new' now except in rare situations ie:oop.

I've used Amazon.uk many times. :)


  While we are on the subject of used cds...have you ever noticed that often times on amazon marketplace the used cds are more expensive than the new??  What's that all about I wonder  ??? ?

marvin
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 02:10:52 PM
Quote from: marvinbrown on July 16, 2007, 02:06:27 PM
  While we are on the subject of used cds...have you ever noticed that often times on amazon marketplace the used cds are more expensive than the new??  What's that all about I wonder  ??? ?

marvin

What bugs me is that often used cds smell funny ??? :P Ever noticed they pong of perfume or something and you can't get rid of it :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: marvinbrown on July 16, 2007, 02:15:44 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 02:10:52 PM
What bugs me is that often used cds smell funny ??? :P Ever noticed they pong of perfume or something and you can't get rid of it :(

  I don't know...as I mentioned before I never buy used cds or opera dvds.  That does sound odd by the way- perhaps they do spray them with something after all.

  marvin
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: tjguitar on July 16, 2007, 02:18:47 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 02:10:52 PM
What bugs me is that often used cds smell funny ??? :P Ever noticed they pong of perfume or something and you can't get rid of it :(

Send it back if it smells funny. Get a refund.


I haven't had that happen...I don't think.  Maybe my sense of smell is just not as good as yours.   ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 02:30:49 PM
Quote from: tjguitar on July 16, 2007, 02:18:47 PM
Send it back if it smells funny. Get a refund.


I haven't had that happen...I don't think.  Maybe my sense of smell is just not as good as yours.   ;D

Yeah well, its more hassle to send it back and it is 'used' ::)

And yes I do have a heightened sense of smell :) but I've put the offending cds under my wifes nose and shes recoiled as well ;D

New cds is the way to go :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: beclemund on July 17, 2007, 04:40:09 PM
Often, they smell funny because the paper and jewel case plastic can absorb the smells of the environment they are in. You can often determine quite easily if the former owner was a cat owner or cigar or cigarette smoker.  ;)

I am on the fence about 'used' CDs. I am always happy to find a good deal. For many CDs, I am willing to take a risk on if its available used for less than 50% of the full price cost. I will generally look for something that is listed in "like new" condition though. If I am exploring a new artist or composer, I am more likely to buy used (or download)... or if I am buying another interpretation of a Bruckner symphony where I already own anywhere from five to 12 other interpretations for each symphony.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Montpellier on July 29, 2007, 07:12:50 AM
Quote from: Greta on July 16, 2007, 02:39:52 AM
I have never ordered from Amazon.uk but finally made an account because I saw a couple of OOP CDs I wanted there for insanely cheap, but for either of the Marketplace sellers I tried, the order doesn't complete, it says they "don't ship to my destination".  :'(

Is there anyway around this, or can US not buy from UK Marketplace? It is maddening to see several OOP things there for so cheap (even with the exchange rate) that I have not seen anywhere else, but not be able to buy!

It's worth using the "contact the seller" facility - I've done this and they changed the destination so I could order.  The problem is worse with books bought cross-border.  For the non-pro-merchant seller, Amazon only allows the seller to be credited through Amazon payments which include a fixed postage credit - fine until you learn the real postage costs to some places.

 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Montpellier on July 29, 2007, 07:17:52 AM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 02:10:52 PM
What bugs me is that often used cds smell funny ??? :P Ever noticed they pong of perfume or something and you can't get rid of it :(

Could be the music permeating the silvering...  . 

But ok, if I buy a used CD - forewarned.  I'll ask the seller to send an Yves St Laurent brand-scented one. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 29, 2007, 09:32:40 AM
I buy used CDs all the time. I have bought hundreds of them and have yet to get screwed. I do try to get ones advertised as "Like New" when possible, but so much of the stuff I want is OOP or just plain rare that I haven't been too diligent about that. I'm just glad to find it at all. When I buy mainstream stuff, I usually get new though...

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on July 29, 2007, 01:12:59 PM

A Great Resource (http://trovar.com/label/Sources.html)

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on August 02, 2007, 01:53:53 PM
An update on the missing cd from secondhandtunes.

They initiated a full refund with no questions asked.

I've re-ordered it from Caimen.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Don on August 02, 2007, 02:17:51 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on July 29, 2007, 09:32:40 AM
I buy used CDs all the time. I have bought hundreds of them and have yet to get screwed. I do try to get ones advertised as "Like New" when possible, but so much of the stuff I want is OOP or just plain rare that I haven't been too diligent about that. I'm just glad to find it at all. When I buy mainstream stuff, I usually get new though...

8)

I have also always been satisfied with the used CDs I buy and none of them have had any particular odor.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mark on August 02, 2007, 02:45:45 PM
Quote from: Don on August 02, 2007, 02:17:51 PM
I have also always been satisfied with the used CDs I buy and none of them have had any particular odor.

Only odorous CDs I own were bought from a charity shop. They obviously came from a smoker's household - the inlay cards are yellowing and reek of tobacco.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Don on August 02, 2007, 03:00:30 PM
Quote from: Mark on August 02, 2007, 02:45:45 PM
Only odorous CDs I own were bought from a charity shop. They obviously came from a smoker's household - the inlay cards are yellowing and reek of tobacco.

For me that would be a nostalgic aroma to luxuriate in.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mark on August 02, 2007, 03:01:00 PM
Quote from: Don on August 02, 2007, 03:00:30 PM
For me that would be a nostalgic aroma to luxuriate in.

Thought as much. ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on August 03, 2007, 09:32:12 AM
Quote from: George on July 29, 2007, 01:12:59 PM
A Great Resource (http://trovar.com/label/Sources.html)



Another Great Resource (http://www.paolo.rhumbo.com/faq.html)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on September 12, 2007, 02:39:10 AM
The only times I had problems with ordering used cds, I was refunded every time. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on September 12, 2007, 02:46:39 AM
Only order from JPC, and a local site in Holland, never have problems.
Secondhand outlets there are not, at least in my neighbourhood.
I would have nothing against acquiring secondhand cd's though.
Somehow I feel its against my nature to get into the Amazon sites, far to complicated, to many offering, and not knowing whom to choose, nah, stay with the trusted ones.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on September 12, 2007, 02:56:00 AM
Quote from: Harry on September 12, 2007, 02:46:39 AM
Only order from JPC, and a local site in Holland, never have problems.
Secondhand outlets there are not, at least in my neighbourhood.
I would have nothing against acquiring secondhand cd's though.
Somehow I feel its against my nature to get into the Amazon sites, far to complicated, to many offering, and not knowing whom to choose, nah, stay with the trusted ones.

JPC is like what the most affordable store ever though?  So you probably never want to order secondhand right? :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on September 12, 2007, 03:14:49 AM
Quote from: DavidW on September 12, 2007, 02:56:00 AM
JPC is like what the most affordable store ever though?  So you probably never want to order secondhand right? :)

Sort of, yes! :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on September 12, 2007, 02:43:25 PM
I'm so happy-- cdconnection's free shipping was by priority!!  I've already received it. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: sound67 on September 16, 2007, 04:26:31 PM
www.crotchet.co.uk

Never had a problem with them, which is more than I can say of MDT.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on September 16, 2007, 05:21:28 PM
Anyone has had recent experience with Europadisc (http://www.europadisc.co.uk/) (UK)?
I was their satisfied customer years ago, when they weren't on line yet and communication still went by (e)mail.

Just came across them again, the website looks nice with interesting offers.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: orbital on September 25, 2007, 08:38:57 AM
Amazon download service is now operational in Beta version:

http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=dm_hp_brg_lk7/103-7398047-9586264?ie=UTF8&node=195264011

Their selection will be DRM free, at lest for now.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on September 25, 2007, 02:28:11 PM
Albums pricing looks pretty steep, must be what we pay for high bit rate, drm free music?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on September 25, 2007, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: DavidW on September 25, 2007, 02:28:11 PM
Albums pricing looks pretty steep, must be what we pay for high bit rate, drm free music?

Yeah, it's like their asking us to share purchased music.  ::)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on September 25, 2007, 05:33:56 PM
Quote from: George on September 25, 2007, 05:10:13 PM
Yeah, it's like their asking us to share purchased music.  ::)

Yeah pretty much. ;D  Even if you can't sell it, share it. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: orbital on September 25, 2007, 06:02:01 PM
Quote from: George on September 25, 2007, 05:10:13 PM
Yeah, it's like their asking us to share purchased music.  ::)
exactly. But they have nothing to lose anyway  :) Their CD revenues as a percentage are falling, and it was high time they joined the game. And it is always nice to have a large store compete with the current monopoly (ie iTunes).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on September 25, 2007, 06:05:42 PM
Quote from: orbital on September 25, 2007, 06:02:01 PM
exactly. But they have nothing to lose anyway  :) Their CD revenues as a percentage are falling, and it was high time they joined the game. And it is always nice to have a large store compete with the current monopoly (ie iTunes).

Also nice to have double the bitrate!  8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: orbital on September 27, 2007, 09:54:36 AM
Just finished my first download purchase from amazon (non-classical). They have a little application called Amazon downloader which keeps track of your downloads, and in case you want to pause you can do so through that application. Very easy process, I quite liked their intuitive interface.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on September 27, 2007, 11:15:15 AM
Quote from: Que on September 16, 2007, 05:21:28 PM
Anyone has had recent experience with Europadisc (http://www.europadisc.co.uk/) (UK)?
I was their satisfied customer years ago, when they weren't on line yet and communication still went by (e)mail.

Just came across them again, the website looks nice with interesting offers.

Q
Very good prices and I've started using them again after they same online. Very satisfied so far, but can't say I've had problems with mdt either.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on September 27, 2007, 11:58:23 AM
Quote from: erato on September 27, 2007, 11:15:15 AM
Very good prices and I've started using them again after they same online. Very satisfied so far, but can't say I've had problems with mdt either.

Thanks!  :) I order in the UK for special offers only, since Europasdisc and MDT have different offers they would be quite complementary. For instance Europadisc currently has a BIS offer - I'm tempted to get some of Brautigam's LvB cycle... 8)

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: brpaulandrew on October 11, 2007, 05:15:06 AM
Quote from: Tancata on July 02, 2007, 02:19:17 PM
I have to second Amazon - they can have really, really good prices on a lot of classical CDs.

I have not bought CD's through Amazon but do use the reviews and comments for some recording recommendations.

It's a shame that so many record and book stores are reducing their inventories. I like to hold an item for a while before buying.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Siedler on October 26, 2007, 02:37:51 PM
Quote from: sound67 on September 16, 2007, 04:26:31 PM
www.crotchet.co.uk

Never had a problem with them, which is more than I can say of MDT.
They should really pay a bit effort to design their site, Comic Sans as font?!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mark on October 26, 2007, 02:42:30 PM
Quote from: Siedler on October 26, 2007, 02:37:51 PM
They should really pay a bit effort to design their site, Comic Sans as font?!

They should pay more attention to what they advertise as being 'in stock'. I've had an order placed with them for a month now (something I'm acquiring on behalf of one of our members here), and all I get, week after week, are emails telling me the item is still on order. It's a very poor show; and, as I ALWAYS vote with my wallet in instances of bad service such as these, I definitely will NOT be using Crochet ever again. >:(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on October 27, 2007, 09:24:32 AM
Quote from: Bogey on July 02, 2007, 09:10:53 AM
I use Arkive quite a bit.  A decent resourece to see what might be in print.

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/main.jsp

I love ArkivMusic.  What's not to like?  Huge selection, decent prices, low shipping costs, and good service even to Canada.  But best of all, maybe, it's easy & fun to navigate the site which you can do by composer / conductor / performer / ensemble / opera / label.  They also provide recommendations and Classics Today 10/10 ratings, (not that I always agree with Classics Today reviewers).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on November 03, 2007, 04:11:39 AM
Quote from: Feanor on October 27, 2007, 09:24:32 AM
I love ArkivMusic.  What's not to like?  Huge selection, decent prices, low shipping costs, and good service even to Canada.  But best of all, maybe, it's easy & fun to navigate the site which you can do by composer / conductor / performer / ensemble / opera / label.  They also provide recommendations and Classics Today 10/10 ratings, (not that I always agree with Classics Today reviewers).

Here's a new online article talking about ArkivMusics ArkivCD program whereby they reproduce, on-demand, many out-of-print CDs.

I have bought a number of ArkivCDs and they're just fine.  The cover art is like the original;  the only problem has been the notes which have been basically none.  However I believe I heard some to the affect that full notes will be provide in the near future.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/071103/tecnology/net_classical_dc (http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/071103/tecnology/net_classical_dc)

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/AlbumGroup?album_group=8 (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/AlbumGroup?album_group=8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on December 09, 2007, 12:01:23 AM
I'm looking for a good Czech source!

Anything I missed besides CDmusic.cz (http://cdmusic.cz/inshop/scripts/shop_NF.asp) and musicfayre (http://www.musicfayre.com/classical_music/)? :)

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on December 09, 2007, 02:45:04 PM
Quote from: Que on December 09, 2007, 12:01:23 AM
I'm looking for a good Czech source!

There's musicabona.com, (or was?  I can't seem to reach their site right now).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on December 09, 2007, 08:57:34 PM
Quote from: Daverz on December 09, 2007, 02:45:04 PM
There's musicabona.com, (or was?  I can't seem to reach their site right now).

Musicabona is now musicfayre, though I don't think I like the new incarnation better.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Steve on February 10, 2008, 05:27:15 PM
I've finally joined emusic! With my 25 free downloads, I added several issues in Jarvi's Shostakovich cycle! I should be able to get the rest with my first month's allowance. Excellent catalog and service.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on February 21, 2008, 12:19:05 PM
I've been waiting a month for a disc from allthatjazz

I've just sent them an enquiry as to whats happening  ???

They have several recent negative reviews

Heres hoping for a speedy and positive resolution :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on February 26, 2008, 05:17:20 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on February 21, 2008, 12:19:05 PM
I've been waiting a month for a disc from allthatjazz

I've just sent them an enquiry as to whats happening  ???

They have several recent negative reviews

Heres hoping for a speedy and positive resolution :)

For the record:

CD never arrived - allthatjazz issued a full refund  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: marvinbrown on February 27, 2008, 02:07:25 AM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on February 26, 2008, 05:17:20 PM
For the record:

CD never arrived - allthatjazz issued a full refund  :)

  I just hate it when that happens and it has happened with me a few times in the past.  I'd much rather receive the CD than the refund  :-\!!

  marvin
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on February 27, 2008, 02:32:11 PM
Quote from: marvinbrown on February 27, 2008, 02:07:25 AM
  I just hate it when that happens and it has happened with me a few times in the past.  I'd much rather receive the CD than the refund  :-\!!

  marvin

Well, the CD arrived today  ::)

I've instructed allthatjazz to recharge my credit card  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MN Dave on April 09, 2008, 08:51:16 AM
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned yourmusic here before, but you can get DG, Philips, etc. CDs for $6.99 a pop. Not a lot of stock, but, hey, that's pretty cheap, right? And no shipping charge. You can quit any time.

http://www.yourmusic.com/enroll/enroll_200605_maroon_features.html
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on April 10, 2008, 03:01:19 AM
Quote from: MN Dave on April 09, 2008, 08:51:16 AM
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned yourmusic here before, but you can get DG, Philips, etc. CDs for $6.99 a pop. Not a lot of stock, but, hey, that's pretty cheap, right? And no shipping charge. You can quit any time.


That's what I keep telling myself... ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: BorisG on April 15, 2008, 08:12:50 PM
Quote from: MN Doom on April 09, 2008, 08:51:16 AM
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned yourmusic here before, but you can get DG, Philips, etc. CDs for $6.99 a pop. Not a lot of stock, but, hey, that's pretty cheap, right? And no shipping charge. You can quit any time.

http://www.yourmusic.com/enroll/enroll_200605_maroon_features.html

"We currently ship to the United States, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, U.S. territories and APOs/FPOs."
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 20, 2008, 10:48:57 AM
I searched for references for this site in this forum, but none turned up. Anyway, has anyone bought classical CDs from overstock.com? If so, could you please share you experiences (good/bad/so-so)? :)

For example, consider these deals

Kempff's Stereo Cycle of Beethoven Sonatas for just under $39! :o :o
http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Beethoven-The-Piano-Sonatas-Wilhelm-Kempff/562545/product.html

Schubert's for $34! :o :o
http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Schubert-The-Piano-Sonatas-Wilhelm-Kempff/589867/product.html

And the Schumann Pinao works for $18! :o :o
http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Schumann-Piano-Works-Wilhelm-Kempff/505060/product.html

Although they don't seem to have a collection as extensive as Amazon does, these first two sets don't sell for less than $50 at amazon.com. I'd like your opinion on this seller. Thanks.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on April 20, 2008, 11:53:25 AM
Just got an email that Demonid is back!  >:D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on April 20, 2008, 11:54:17 AM
Quote from: opus67 on April 20, 2008, 10:48:57 AM

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Schumann-Piano-Works-Wilhelm-Kempff/505060/product.html

Although they don't seem to have a collection as extensive as Amazon does, these first two sets don't sell for less than $50 at amazon.com. I'd like your opinion on this seller. Thanks.

GREAT seller, do not hesitate.  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Peregrine on April 20, 2008, 12:14:47 PM
Quote from: George on April 20, 2008, 11:53:25 AM
Just got an email that Demonid is back!  >:D

Made my day!!!!

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on April 20, 2008, 12:48:02 PM
Quote from: Peregrine on April 20, 2008, 12:14:47 PM
Made my day!!!!

8)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 20, 2008, 10:51:08 PM
Quote from: George on April 20, 2008, 11:54:17 AM
GREAT seller, do not hesitate.  :)

Thanks for the response, George. I'm wondering if this particular Beethoven set has been used or damaged somehow, since most other places on the web seems to be selling at $60+. I guess I'd better send them an e-mail to find out.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on April 23, 2008, 05:06:32 PM
Quote from: opus67 on April 20, 2008, 10:51:08 PM
Thanks for the response, George. I'm wondering if this particular Beethoven set has been used or damaged somehow, since most other places on the web seems to be selling at $60+. I guess I'd better send them an e-mail to find out.

Nah, I got my Kovacevich LvB set from them and it was dirt cheap. Arrived quick and mint condition!  8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on April 23, 2008, 06:16:35 PM
Quote from: George on April 20, 2008, 11:53:25 AM
Just got an email that Demonid is back!  >:D

IMO avoid it for a few months. The mysterious "new owners" could be anyone. Not likely to result in bad things for the users (something like the RIAA trying to monitor everything on there would be a nightmare, plus potential PR disaster), but there's always a chance.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on April 23, 2008, 06:19:39 PM
Quote from: Lethe on April 23, 2008, 06:16:35 PM
IMO avoid it for a few months. The mysterious "new owners" could be anyone. Not likely to result in bad things for the users (something like the RIAA trying to monitor everything on there would be a nightmare, plus potential PR disaster), but there's always a chance.

Thanks, I actually never used them, but I know others do, so I thought I'd let them know.  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Siedler on May 20, 2008, 02:43:59 PM
Cd-Wow! seems to have redesigned their website and updated the classical section, too (which used to be a mess and limited). They still don't seem to care to put information about performers so one has to use google. Shipping is free and it's pretty fast (considering they're based in Hong Kong).
http://www.cdwow.us
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Conservationist on May 28, 2008, 10:33:03 AM
I've been trading and buying from individuals and have to admit I like that best.

For most classical music, I hit Amazon -- my tastes aren't esoteric enough yet to require something else.

For popular music, there's evilmusic...

http://www.evilmusic.com/
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mn dave on July 22, 2008, 04:24:34 AM
Anyone ever deal with these folks?

http://www.thestore24.com
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: john-in-toronto on September 23, 2008, 10:14:06 AM
I recently used eClassical.com in Sweden to download legal MP3's.  The prices are good and the selection is decent.  Amazon.com (USA) has a huge selection but won't sell to Canada.  Amazon.ca (Canada) sells only CD's.

What I most appreciated was eClassical's personal response to my questions - even on Sunday!

John McKean - Toronto, Canada
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bulldog on September 23, 2008, 10:21:45 AM
Quote from: opus67 on April 20, 2008, 10:48:57 AM
I searched for references for this site in this forum, but none turned up. Anyway, has anyone bought classical CDs from overstock.com? If so, could you please share you experiences (good/bad/so-so)? :)

For example, consider these deals

Kempff's Stereo Cycle of Beethoven Sonatas for just under $39! :o :o
http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Beethoven-The-Piano-Sonatas-Wilhelm-Kempff/562545/product.html

Schubert's for $34! :o :o
http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Schubert-The-Piano-Sonatas-Wilhelm-Kempff/589867/product.html

And the Schumann Pinao works for $18! :o :o
http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Schumann-Piano-Works-Wilhelm-Kempff/505060/product.html

Although they don't seem to have a collection as extensive as Amazon does, these first two sets don't sell for less than $50 at amazon.com. I'd like your opinion on this seller. Thanks.

It appears that none of the above sets are in stock.  Maybe their name should be nostock.com
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Sef on September 26, 2008, 03:15:31 PM
Quote from: john-in-toronto on September 23, 2008, 10:14:06 AM
I recently used eClassical.com in Sweden to download legal MP3's.  The prices are good and the selection is decent.  Amazon.com (USA) has a huge selection but won't sell to Canada.  Amazon.ca (Canada) sells only CD's.

What I most appreciated was eClassical's personal response to my questions - even on Sunday!

John McKean - Toronto, Canada

I have used eClassical a few times and was impressed with their prices and service and, as you say, the selection is decent. They offer mp3s at 190 and 320 kbits with no DRM. They also keep a history of your purchases so that you can re-download should you be unfortunate enough to lose your copy.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on November 20, 2008, 09:39:48 AM
I noticed today that two European stores, one from the U.K. (PrestoClassical), and the other from Germany (JPC), have started displaying prices in Dollars as well. (PC also displays your country of origin and lets you choose between three currencies.)

Is this some new rule? I find it convenient, though. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Maciek on November 20, 2008, 10:59:57 AM
I think that jpc has had that option for quite a while...?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on November 20, 2008, 11:15:55 AM
Quote from: Maciek on November 20, 2008, 10:59:57 AM
I think that jpc has had that option for quite a while...?

Indeed, and MDT.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Maciek on November 20, 2008, 11:33:26 AM
I know that musicroom.com has had it for at least a couple of months too.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on November 20, 2008, 11:40:53 AM
Hm. I know about MDT, but I don't recollect seeing it at JPC before.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on November 20, 2008, 06:31:39 PM
Probably taking advantage of the weaker £ against the dollar. Usually no US person in their right mind would buy from the UK due to the exchange rate, and how cheaply single discs sell for there.

Anyway on topic: I've used MDT a lot - very good as everybody can attest to (in fact, they set the standard) - and I recent placed an order with Europadisc (due to MDT not stocking Brilliant Classics), and this also went well. They took a few days to dispatch it, but it arrived well packaged in a strong box and bubble-wrapped, preventing even minor dents in the card boxes of the multi-CD sets. For UK buyers, this seems to be a nice place to pick up Brilliant boxes - I had to exercise a lot of willpower not to buy more than I did. The free UK shipping was the icing on the cake - the price bracket being lower than MDT, IIRC.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 20, 2008, 08:59:05 PM
And for us outside the UK, postage is lower from europadisc. But MDT usually have slightly better prices and a wider range available on special offer, as well as a much better, and easier to navigate, website. 75% of my mail order business comes from MDT I guess. Besides those two, I've used cduniverse (quite a lot until about 3-4 months ago but not now because of the strong dollar), alapage, jpc, buywell, fnac and various amazon, but to a quite limited degree.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on November 21, 2008, 12:20:22 AM
Have you ever bought from Presto? The have a discount on box sets right now, and even though it's the Pound v Dollar thing, the current prices are much less than the "un-discounted" American price. Also, they have a better shipping rate (International).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mn dave on November 21, 2008, 04:26:29 AM
I'm in the US and have used MDT on a couple occasions with excellent results.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on November 24, 2008, 03:23:16 AM
Quote from: john-in-toronto on September 23, 2008, 10:14:06 AM
I recently used eClassical.com in Sweden to download legal MP3's.  The prices are good and the selection is decent.  Amazon.com (USA) has a huge selection but won't sell to Canada.  Amazon.ca (Canada) sells only CD's.
...

For Canadians, Amazon.ca is good if they have what you want and if you place a large enough order to qualify for free shipping.

I really like ArkivMusic in the U.S.  They have an outstanding selection including "ArkivCDs" (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/AlbumGroup?album_group=8) that are basically reissues that aren't available elsewhere.  Their search system is unique and also uniquely useful for finding what you what;  this is especially true for SACDs (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/AlbumGroup?album_group=4).  They deliver very efficiently and at reasonable cost to Canada (and presumably other "foreign" countries).  Unfortunately for us Canucks, with the end of sky-high oil prices the Canadian dollar has sagged very severely against the US$, so ordering from the U.S. has become pretty costly.

I don't really download, not because I'm against it in principal, but because I refuse to download MP3 or other "lossy" formats.  Any one know sites that have lossless FLAC for download plus decent selection?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Maciek on December 05, 2008, 11:41:47 AM
What? Naive has lost its UK distributor? And just before Christmas? :o :o :-\ >:( >:(

There clearly has to be a conspiracy.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 06, 2008, 10:55:03 PM
Yipee! I now have online access to a locally-based store. This is the place I usually buy my CDs from. While they've been running an online bookshop for quite some time, their music section is new. Of course, this can't hold a candle to those in the U.S. and Europe with a small collection and a crude search method (and not to mention the lack of information on many CDs), I'm glad I have access at least to the basic repertoire from the comfort of the computer.

http://www.landmarkonthenet.com/Product/ShowCategory.aspx?CatID=67&ProductType=MUSIC&Index=2
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on December 06, 2008, 11:41:00 PM
Quote from: opus67 on December 06, 2008, 10:55:03 PM
Yipee! I now have online access to a locally-based store. This is the place I usually buy my CDs from. While they've been running an online bookshop for quite some time, their music section is new. Of course, this can't hold a candle to those in the U.S. and Europe with a small collection and a crude search method (and not to mention the lack of information on many CDs), I'm glad I have access at least to the basic repertoire from the comfort of the computer.

http://www.landmarkonthenet.com/Product/ShowCategory.aspx?CatID=67&ProductType=MUSIC&Index=2

I didn't realize that you live in India!  :)
Always good to see that members come from all over the globe.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 07, 2008, 09:42:05 AM
Quote from: Que on December 06, 2008, 11:41:00 PM
I didn't realize that you live in India!  :)
Always good to see that members come from all over the globe.

Q

Well, now you know. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ChamberNut on December 09, 2008, 07:24:19 AM
Ordering on-line, I've always ordered from either Amazon (both Can. and US) and Barnes & Noble (US).

I've recently been browsing ArkivMusic (US), and this seems to me to be the best database of classical music I've come across, so far.

Has anyone ordered from ArkivMusic in the past, and also from Amazon/B&N?  How do they compare?  The prices on Arkiv also seem to be pretty reasonable for the most part.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mn dave on December 09, 2008, 07:25:41 AM
Quote from: ChamberNut on December 09, 2008, 07:24:19 AM
Ordering on-line, I've always ordered from either Amazon (both Can. and US) and Barnes & Noble (US).

I've recently been browsing ArkivMusic (US), and this seems to me to be the best database of classical music I've come across, so far.

Has anyone ordered from ArkivMusic in the past, and also from Amazon/B&N?  How do they compare?  The prices on Arkiv also seem to be pretty reasonable for the most part.

I think Amazon is the best (I'm talking about Amazon Marketplace for the most part). Better deals in general. They're all trustworthy.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on December 10, 2008, 07:53:20 AM
Quote from: ChamberNut on December 09, 2008, 07:24:19 AM
Ordering on-line, I've always ordered from either Amazon (both Can. and US) and Barnes & Noble (US).

I've recently been browsing ArkivMusic (US), and this seems to me to be the best database of classical music I've come across, so far.

Has anyone ordered from ArkivMusic in the past, and also from Amazon/B&N?  How do they compare?  The prices on Arkiv also seem to be pretty reasonable for the most part.

I have often purchased from ArkivMusic and have always been very satisfied with their service even though I live in Canada so service is cross-border which adds some delay.  They tend to make partial shipments that originate in different locations, however this really isn't a problem and ensures quickest deliver I suppose.  I highly recommend them.

ArkivMusic's selection is pretty much unsurpassed, and I really like their search & drill-down facilties which are definitely unsurpassed.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ChamberNut on December 10, 2008, 07:55:44 AM
Quote from: Feanor on December 10, 2008, 07:53:20 AM
I have often purchased from ArkivMusic and have always been very satisfied with their service even though I live in Canada so service is cross-border which adds some delay.  They tend to make partial shipments that originate in different locations, however this really isn't a problem and ensures quickest deliver I suppose.  I highly recommend them.

ArkivMusic's selection is pretty much unsurpassed, and I really like their search & drill-down facilties which are definitely unsurpassed.

Thanks Feanor.  What are the shipping fees like to Canada?  There isn't a Canadian wing of ArkivMusic, similar to Amazon.ca, is there?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on December 10, 2008, 09:29:31 AM
Quote from: ChamberNut on December 10, 2008, 07:55:44 AM
Thanks Feanor.  What are the shipping fees like to Canada?  There isn't a Canadian wing of ArkivMusic, similar to Amazon.ca, is there?

Unfortunately there is no "Arkivmusic.ca".  I would say that their shipping charges are extremely reasonable.  For example, I just found that they will send me six CDs (from my shopping card which I won't actually order) for US$13.95 via US Post Office 1st Class/World mail.  From past experience I know they won't charge anymore if they ship multiple partial shipments.  It's worth noting that small shipments of 1-3 CDs  usually do not attract taxes and Canada Post's $5 brokerage.

(It isn't uncommon for US vendors to ship only via FedEx priority courrier that has a miniumum charge of over US$30 and will attract taxes and FedEx's exhorbitant brokerage charge.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on December 10, 2008, 01:49:42 PM
Quote from: ChamberNut on December 10, 2008, 07:55:44 AM
Thanks Feanor.  What are the shipping fees like to Canada?  There isn't a Canadian wing of ArkivMusic, similar to Amazon.ca, is there?

What about Grigorian (https://www.grigorian.com/webstore/main.php)?
No experience with them, just came across them once online.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ChamberNut on December 10, 2008, 01:50:42 PM
Quote from: Que on December 10, 2008, 01:49:42 PM
What about Grigorian (https://www.grigorian.com/webstore/main.php)?
No experience with them, just came across them once online.

Q

Hmm, hadn't heard of Grigorian.  Thanks for the tip, Q!   :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on December 10, 2008, 02:09:05 PM
Quote from: Que on December 10, 2008, 01:49:42 PM
What about Grigorian (https://www.grigorian.com/webstore/main.php)?
No experience with them, just came across them once online.

Q
I once got a very hard-to-find HIP album from Grigorian and was very satisfied - they were the only place I could find that had it, and it arrived quite safely in my mailbox. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: not edward on December 11, 2008, 06:54:35 AM
Quote from: Que on December 10, 2008, 01:49:42 PM
What about Grigorian (https://www.grigorian.com/webstore/main.php)?
No experience with them, just came across them once online.

Q
Haven't used them online, but their bricks-and-mortar store is very well run and has a very knowledgeable staff.

It's certainly my favourite classical store in Toronto, and it does tend to carry some material that wouldn't appear elsewhere.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on December 11, 2008, 09:21:13 AM
Quote from: edward on December 11, 2008, 06:54:35 AM
Haven't used them online, but their bricks-and-mortar store is very well run and has a very knowledgeable staff.

It's certainly my favourite classical store in Toronto, and it does tend to carry some material that wouldn't appear elsewhere.

Ditto that.  I often shop at L'Atelier Griogrian here in London, Ontario.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: jimmosk on December 11, 2008, 06:57:56 PM
Reading through this thread, I have to admit I'm somewhat surprised not to see ebay mentioned at all.  Of course, what will be listed there in a given week is unpredictable, and there's a lot of chaff to bypass ("Schoenberg's Greatest Hits", etc), but the same is true of looking through any used CD store, with the same thrill of discovery at finding something unanticipated... only ebay is larger than pretty much any such store.
So is there some reason why it hasn't been mentioned?

[Disclaimer: I'm not a disinterested party]

-J

--
Jim Moskowitz
The Unknown Composers Page:  http://kith.org/jimmosk/TOC.html
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on December 11, 2008, 07:31:27 PM
Quote from: jimmosk on December 11, 2008, 06:57:56 PM
Reading through this thread, I have to admit I'm somewhat surprised not to see ebay mentioned at all. 
So is there some reason why it hasn't been mentioned?

I only use ebay as a last resort.   Shipping charges are generally too high.  And I just don't like browsing the site or dealing with the sellers.

I did get a Tower Japan exclusive CD from ebay (Ormandy's wonderful recording of Mendelssohn's Walpurgisnacht).  That saved me from trying to figure out the Tower Japan site.  It's good for oddball stuff like that.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: jimmosk on December 11, 2008, 07:54:16 PM
FYI, shipping charges got the boom lowered on them a few months back -- all CDs now must have a $3 or less shipping option for US shipping (though other more expensive options can be offered in addition).  Similarly there are caps now on books, DVDs, and a few other categories. 

-J

--
Jim Moskowitz
The Unknown Composers Page: http://kith.org/jimmosk/TOC.html (http://kith.org/jimmosk/TOC.html)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on December 17, 2008, 06:14:20 PM
I've just made my first purchase from The Classical CD Exchange

They have a very good selection.

I managed to get an OOP title for a good price.

:)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 31, 2009, 06:41:03 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on December 17, 2008, 06:14:20 PM
I've just made my first purchase from The Classical CD Exchange

They have a very good selection.

I managed to get an OOP title for a good price.

:)

Does Classical CD Exchange ONLY sell used CD's?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on January 31, 2009, 07:19:23 PM
Quote from: Que on July 02, 2007, 09:48:18 AM
I buy mostly individual items with Marketplace sellers on the various Amazon's (.com/.de/.co.uk/.fr).

Then MDT's special offers (http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/pages/category/category.asp?ctgry=Special%20Offers&cookie%5Ftest=1), jpc (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/home/-/lang/en/currency/USD)

I second Gurn's recommendation of CDconnection (http://www.cdconnection.com/bin/nph-home): low price, very fast delivery and they have a reliable indication if something is in stock (I hate back orders). One disadvantage: they have not a large stock, mostly new releases.

I do most of my bargain hunting at the (in)famous Berkshire Record Outlet (http://www.berkshirerecordoutlet.com/) aka "BRO".
They are the cheapest in town, but when are they going to use some bubble wrap instead of old papers??
Be prepared for some damaged jewel boxes...!  :o

Also worthwhile is Leslie Gerber's Parnassus Records (http://www.parnassusrecords.com/), especially for some OOP. Also for LP's.
He works with a monthly list, so best is to scan that now and then.

Cheap, but not as cheap as BRO - but they have more mainstream items - is the German Zweitausendeins (http://www.zweitausendeins.de/artikel/cds/klassik/).
Also for books.

The best place for rare historical and live recordings is Norbeck, Peters & Ford (http://www.norpete.com/). Also for 78 rpm's.

Addition:
I found some real bargains lately, many of them OOP, at Swiss discPLUS (http://discplus.ch/). I guess only of interest to European members of the forum.

Q

Great post, Que!

Has anyone attempted to compile the sellers listed in this thread? I know that FK has a list ion his blog, but not sure if he lists all the ones found here.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Kuhlau on February 01, 2009, 03:37:36 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on January 31, 2009, 06:41:03 PM
Does Classical CD Exchange ONLY sell used CD's?

Yes, but the quality of what they sell (and indeed, accept for exchange/resell) is exceptionally high. The people who run it now have, I hope, maintained the standards set by those who started it originally, with whom I had many happy dealings.

As a general aside (and to bang on yet again about my blog), this page on my site (http://aneverymanforhimself.wordpress.com/resources/) contains around 300 useful classical music links, including a healthy selection of online sellers.

FK
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 01, 2009, 05:19:07 AM
Quote from: Kuhlau on February 01, 2009, 03:37:36 AM
Yes, but the quality of what they sell (and indeed, accept for exchange/resell) is exceptionally high. The people who run it now have, I hope, maintained the standards set by those who started it originally, with whom I had many happy dealings.

As a general aside (and to bang on yet again about my blog), this page on my site (http://aneverymanforhimself.wordpress.com/resources/) contains around 300 useful classical music links, including a healthy selection of online sellers.

FK

I just have my hang-up about buying CD's that are used.  Perhaps for OOP recordings, the choices are few and far between.  Or unless we want to buy from our friends ArkivMusic ...   Jay, are you following this thread?     ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on February 03, 2009, 01:58:16 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 01, 2009, 05:19:07 AM
I just have my hang-up about buying CD's that are used.  Perhaps for OOP recordings, the choices are few and far between.  Or unless we want to buy from our friends ArkivMusic ...   Jay, are you following this thread?     ;D
I just found it, Stuart.

I buy used CDs all the time. It's the only way to get certain original pressings from the '80s and '90s, which I'd rather have than (potentially crappy sounding) reissues. I've discovered I really don't like these mini-box sets with sleeves instead of jewel boxes. The sleeves are way too determined to contain their CDs at all costs (mainly scratching). The price is attractive, but I find myself (unconsciously, perhaps) choosing to play other CDs than the ones in these mini-boxes.

When I'm hunting for something old, I ask the sellers a lot of questions. How do CD and case and booklet smell is the first thing I want to know, as sometimes these things absorb odors over the years, and I don't want to breathe that in. I think it's the booklets that get smelly--the ink, the chemicals used during processing, I really don't know exactly what.

Most sellers are good about describing discs. But they are not as compulsive as Keithy-Boy about "dimples" in the booklets, or the degree of scuffiness on CD cases. I'm not particularly fussy about those things, either. I mean, it's nice to get a flawless case, but the things are 20 years old for Christ's sake. The smell is more of a big deal to me, as well as whether the discs are scratched and/or scuffed. The important thing is to ask a ton of questions.

Used CDs = my favorite alternative to ArkivCDs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on February 03, 2009, 06:06:55 PM
Quote from: nicht schleppend on February 03, 2009, 01:58:16 PM
...
When I'm hunting for something old, I ask the sellers a lot of questions. How do CD and case and booklet smell is the first thing I want to know, as sometimes these things absorb odors over the years, and I don't want to breathe that in. I think it's the booklets that get smelly--the ink, the chemicals used during processing, I really don't know exactly what.

Most sellers are good about describing discs. But they are not as compulsive as Keithy-Boy about "dimples" in the booklets, or the degree of scuffiness on CD cases. I'm not particularly fussy about those things, either. I mean, it's nice to get a flawless case, but the things are 20 years old for Christ's sake. The smell is more of a big deal to me, as well as whether the discs are scratched and/or scuffed. The important thing is to ask a ton of questions.
...

Good Lord!

I borrow a lot of CDs from the public library; one becomes quite tolerant of odors, stains, etc.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on February 03, 2009, 07:01:07 PM
Quote from: Feanor on February 03, 2009, 06:06:55 PM
Good Lord!

I borrow a lot of CDs from the public library; one becomes quite tolerant of odors, stains, etc.

One wishes not to purchase said odors, given the opportunity, when said odors give him a migraine.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ChamberNut on February 04, 2009, 03:53:29 AM
Quote from: Feanor on February 03, 2009, 06:06:55 PM
I borrow a lot of CDs from the public library

Same here. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Renfield on February 04, 2009, 05:41:45 AM
Different practices suiting different people, nothing new. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 08, 2009, 12:16:53 PM
Quote from: Feanor on February 03, 2009, 06:06:55 PM
Good Lord!

I borrow a lot of CDs from the public library; one becomes quite tolerant of odors, stains, etc.

Close to 30 years ago when I was still in college, in an attempt to familiarize myself with opera, I borrowed the Solti's Wagner Tannhauser from the NYC public library.  That was the last time I ever borrowed music from any library.  The set was so beat up that I felt like listening to fireworks throughout ...
LOL
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on February 08, 2009, 12:46:00 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 08, 2009, 12:16:53 PM
Close to 30 years ago when I was still in college, in an attempt to familiarize myself with opera, I borrowed the Solti's Wagner Tannhauser from the NYC public library.  That was the last time I ever borrowed music from any library.  The set was so beat up that I felt like listening to fireworks throughout ...
LOL

Maybe it was coupled with the 1812 Overture?  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 08, 2009, 01:53:49 PM
Quote from: George on February 08, 2009, 12:46:00 PM
Maybe it was coupled with the 1812 Overture?  ;D

No kidding.  But it was a much tamer version of this CD, which I have.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517HPGZ31WL._SS500_.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 08, 2009, 01:57:48 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 08, 2009, 01:53:49 PM
No kidding.  But it was a much tamer version of this CD, which I have.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517HPGZ31WL._SS500_.jpg)

Now, that's a great disk. My father had it when I was just a kid and I bought the CD a couple years ago just for nostalgia. Turns out to be every bit as good now as it was then, which is to say, hasn't been really surpassed. :)

8)

----------------
Listening to:
The Young Beethoven - Igor Kipnis -  LvB WoO 53 Allegretto in c
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 08, 2009, 04:18:37 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 08, 2009, 01:57:48 PM
Now, that's a great disk. My father had it when I was just a kid and I bought the CD a couple years ago just for nostalgia. Turns out to be every bit as good now as it was then, which is to say, hasn't been really surpassed. :)


I thought the canon shots at West Point were separately recorded and dubbed onto the tape that was made from the orchestra's recording session ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on February 08, 2009, 04:20:25 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 08, 2009, 12:16:53 PM
Close to 30 years ago when I was still in college, in an attempt to familiarize myself with opera, I borrowed the Solti's Wagner Tannhauser from the NYC public library.  That was the last time I ever borrowed music from any library.  The set was so beat up that I felt like listening to fireworks throughout ...
LOL
Where did you go to school? Columbia? NYU?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 08, 2009, 04:24:07 PM
Quote from: nicht schleppend on February 08, 2009, 04:20:25 PM
Where did you go to school? Columbia? NYU?

Both
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: haydnguy on February 17, 2009, 07:41:43 PM
Anyone had dealings with Records International???    Thanks... :)

http://www.recordsinternational.com/
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Kuhlau on February 17, 2009, 11:02:39 PM
Quote from: BaxMan on February 17, 2009, 07:41:43 PM
Anyone had dealings with Records International???    Thanks... :)

http://www.recordsinternational.com/

Nope, but they look credible enough for me to add them to my list of classical music sellers (http://aneverymanforhimself.wordpress.com/resources/). ;)

FK
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: haydnguy on February 18, 2009, 05:47:45 AM
Quote from: Kuhlau on February 17, 2009, 11:02:39 PM
Nope, but they look credible enough for me to add them to my list of classical music sellers (http://aneverymanforhimself.wordpress.com/resources/). ;)

FK

Also, I just noticed that they recommended another website on their homepage, "Classical Lost and Found".   http://www.clofo.com/
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 21, 2009, 04:10:04 PM
Quote from: BaxMan on February 18, 2009, 05:47:45 AM
Also, I just noticed that they recommended another website on their homepage, "Classical Lost and Found".   http://www.clofo.com/

So Clofo is some CD broker that matches up buyer with seller ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on March 13, 2009, 06:33:13 AM
jpc.de  ::)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: karlhenning on March 13, 2009, 06:45:33 AM
http://www.patelson.com/

[ Referenced here (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,167.msg285402.html#msg285402) ]
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on March 13, 2009, 07:12:58 AM
Quote from: opus67 on March 13, 2009, 06:33:13 AM
jpc.de  ::)

(http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1914.0;attach=16310;image)
HUH??
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Renfield on March 13, 2009, 03:51:21 PM
Quote from: Feanor on March 13, 2009, 07:12:58 AM
HUH??


Like Franz Ferdinand, obviously!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Wanderer on March 18, 2009, 12:41:58 AM
Quote from: Renfield on March 13, 2009, 03:51:21 PM
Like Franz Ferdinand, obviously!

Which are to give a concert in Athens this June, as I hear.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Renfield on March 18, 2009, 01:01:21 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on March 18, 2009, 12:41:58 AM
Which are to give a concert in Athens this June, as I hear.

Oh, that's interesting to hear.

I recently enjoyed their latest album: the only sample of their music I've heard, but a very competent sample nonetheless!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Renfield on March 20, 2009, 04:45:12 PM
Let me put in a good word for the musicjapan_uk (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/shops/index.html?ie=UTF8&sellerID=A16JF6MDO5GT3G) Amazon Marketplace vendor, for both their excellent prices, prompt delivery speed (for the UK), and an included thank you note doubling as a return form, to reduce hassle in the case of damaged merchandise.

Re the speed, just imagine that the Blomstedt Bruckner 7th, sent from Japan with minimal shipping, almost reached me before a package sent by my mother with the equivalent of first-class mail from Greece, three days before the Blomstedt was dispatched. That's not bad at all!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on April 12, 2009, 04:54:34 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on April 12, 2009, 04:28:27 AM
 

S&H charges from US e-tailers can also add up.  The Amazon MarketPlace vendors all charge $2.98, even for a $5 CD.  I imagine that is also the rate per item, as I have never orderd more than one item at a time from any MP vendor.  I have ordered a dozen times from MDT and never paid any VAT.  I heard the shipping rate from Germany is outrageously expensive, as someone complained about how much it cost to ship the Andras Schiff's Bach big box, which is only available in Germany.

I don't see much to complain about.
I guess you don't realise how lucky you are that Amazon.com (proper) offers FREE shipping within the US. And no VAT at MDT, while I presume US customs is vast asleep... (Dutch customs is always vigilant :()

My own shipping is NEVER free...  ::) And $2,98 from a MarketPlace seller is not so bad. If I order an item on MarketPlace at Amazon.co.uk shipping is £1,79 for a CD, that's $2,64. At Amazon.fr it's €3,40, that's $4.87.

Germany is indeed incredibly expensive, Amazon.de MarketPlace charges me a whopping €6, that's $7,92.. ::) But as Novi suggested at jpc's flat shipping rates, fewer larger orders really saves a lot on shipping.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 12, 2009, 05:24:11 AM
Quote from: Que on April 12, 2009, 04:54:34 AM
I don't see much to complain about.
I guess you don't realise how lucky you are that Amazon.com (proper) offers FREE shipping within the US. And no VAT at MDT, while I presume US customs is vast asleep... (Dutch customs is always vigilant :()

My own shipping is NEVER free...  ::) And $2,98 from a MarketPlace seller is not so bad. If I order an item on MarketPlace at Amazon.co.uk shipping is £1,79 for a CD, that's $2,64. At Amazon.fr it's €3,40, that's $4.87.

Germany is indeed incredibly expensive, Amazon.de MarketPlace charges me a whopping €6, that's $7,92.. ::) But as Novi suggested at jpc's flat shipping rates, fewer larger orders really saves a lot on shipping.

Q

I double-checked with MDT before I placed all those orders, as I would not want to pay any duties at the US Customs.  Otherwise, what I save on the CD's end up eating up by shipping and duties.  To be sure, the contents of all shipments are declared on a sticker on the bottom of the box.  It is never clear to me whether MDT paid the duties or the purchase has to exceed certain $ amount before any duties kick in ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: 71 dB on April 12, 2009, 05:53:42 AM
Quote from: Que on April 12, 2009, 04:54:34 AM
$2,98 from a MarketPlace seller is not so bad.

Amazon.com Marketplace charges $6.89 for shipping to Europe. That is not cheap.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on April 12, 2009, 09:52:09 PM
Quote from: Renfield on March 20, 2009, 04:45:12 PM

Re the speed, just imagine that the Blomstedt Bruckner 7th, sent from Japan with minimal shipping, almost reached me before a package sent by my mother with the equivalent of first-class mail from Greece, three days before the Blomstedt was dispatched. That's not bad at all!
I'm not very surprised that Japanese and Greek efficiency differs somewhat.....
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: nut-job on April 12, 2009, 11:48:22 PM
Quote from: 71 dB on April 12, 2009, 05:53:42 AM
Amazon.com Marketplace charges $6.89 for shipping to Europe. That is not cheap.

Shipping between the UK and US is very efficient.  To the continent much less so.  MDT charges less than 2 pounds per CD.  Amazon.de charges 14 Euro for any shipment to the US.  Australia to the US is also cheap.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: 71 dB on April 13, 2009, 02:04:13 AM
Quote from: nut-job on April 12, 2009, 11:48:22 PM
Shipping between the UK and US is very efficient.

Sure it is but what does it help when you live in Finland?

Sometimes US marketplace offers items at so much lower price that it makes sense to order overseas. Almost all of my marketplace purchases are done from UK site, even if the seller is in US.

Yes, Amazon.de has insane shipping costs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on April 13, 2009, 04:54:24 AM
Anyone know what the actual (approximate) shipping cost to send one CD to Russia from the US? Does it cost any more than sending to the UK?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: nut-job on April 13, 2009, 06:41:57 AM
Quote from: George on April 13, 2009, 04:54:24 AM
Anyone know what the actual (approximate) shipping cost to send one CD to Russia from the US? Does it cost any more than sending to the UK?

My understanding is that shipping to Russia is problematic because things tend not to arrive.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 13, 2009, 06:51:10 AM
Quote from: nut-job on April 13, 2009, 06:41:57 AM
My understanding is that shipping to Russia is problematic because things tend not to arrive.


While true, it also depends how it was sent. If there is some sort of tracking number, then it is likely to get through. But customs can also be a pain (with time, money or both). Either way, it is a hassle.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Archaic Torso of Apollo on April 13, 2009, 06:53:35 AM
Quote from: nut-job on April 13, 2009, 06:41:57 AM
My understanding is that shipping to Russia is problematic because things tend not to arrive.


I've ordered about 10 times from Amazon UK and every time it's gotten to me with no obvious problems. It does tend to take a week or so longer than their projections to arrive, though.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on April 13, 2009, 06:54:14 AM
Thanks guys. I guess I'll guess a tracking number.  :-\

Any idea how much extra that costs?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Maciek on April 14, 2009, 11:09:59 AM
You should also take into consideration where exactly you're shipping to. I understand Spitvalve's experience reflects how things work for Moscow which is, practically, a country-within-a-country. Things might be completely different with other destinations. Also, I'm not 100% sure if a tracking number actually does facilitate anything. If the person you're mailing to is a foreigner or isn't "registered" at the address you will be using, there might be a problem with that. It's probably safest to check all this with the person you want to surprise. ;D

[FWIW, a few years ago I sent a number of packages, without a tracking number, to a mid-size provincial town and they all arrived (though it took them quite a while). And as far as ordinary letters go, I've never had a problem either.]
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 03, 2009, 04:55:57 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on June 03, 2009, 06:18:30 AM
At least an extra hour or two I should think.

I generally receive my MDT orders 5 to 7 business days after I have received my "Order Dispatched" emails from MDT.  When I ordered the 60-CD Harnoncourt Bach Cantatas set along with a few other CD's back in late January, MDT expedited the order due to the dollar value (close to $200) that I actually received the package in 2 business days and I had to sign for the package as well ...   
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on June 04, 2009, 12:01:17 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 03, 2009, 04:55:57 PMI actually received the package in 2 business days and I had to sign for the package as well ...    

That's certainly remarkable!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 04, 2009, 05:45:02 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on June 04, 2009, 12:11:38 PM
I'd just like to say, on behalf of the United Kingdom, how grateful we are for your donation purchase.

While we're counting your money (we haven't seen any money for some time, having been giving so much of it away to finance our members of parliament's expenses) I'll say a word about them....


I have placed some 30 orders with MDT since the beginning of this year and each order has averaged 7-8 CD's.  I get email from MDT just about every 2-3 days.     ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on June 04, 2009, 11:19:01 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 04, 2009, 05:45:02 PM
I have placed some 30 orders with MDT since the beginning of this year and each order has averaged 7-8 CD's.  I get email from MDT just about every 2-3 days.     ;D

You may be almost singlehandedly keeping us afloat.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 05, 2009, 05:37:21 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on June 04, 2009, 11:19:01 PM
You may be almost singlehandedly keeping us afloat.

When I recognize excellent service by a vendor, I stick with the vendor, especially when the latter also offers great prices.  Of the few hundred CD's I have purchased from MDT to date, only 2 or 3 arrived with busted jewel cases.  I suspect these jewel cases were busted when they were shipped from the suppliers to MDT and since the busted jewel cases were still in cellophane, they were not easy to detect.  All CD's from MDT are meticulously wrapped in bubble-wraps before they are placed in a cardbox for shipping to the US.  I have lost my patience with most US e-tailers.  While some have great prices, they treat their shipments as afterthought.  It has been rare for me to receive CD's from US e-tailers without busted CD cases.  So long as the exchange rate does not work against me, I will continue to shop at MDT ...    0:)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 02, 2009, 10:07:16 PM
I always try to post NaxosDirect news on here - we had a big discussion about what to buy from the $2.99 sale a while ago...  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 05:26:24 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 02, 2009, 10:07:16 PM
I always try to post NaxosDirect news on here - we had a big discussion about what to buy from the $2.99 sale a while ago...  :)

$2.99 per disc download?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on July 03, 2009, 05:34:09 AM
Just got this email:

Classical Music Superstore has partnered with NaxosDirect to bring you even more special offers and discounts.

For the next 30 days, if you shop on NaxosDirect.com you will receive 5% off your order. Please enter the code CMS_5 in the coupon section at checkout to redeem. As always, if you order 5 or more items, shipping is free (multi-disc sets count toward the 5!).

In addition, if you subscribe to the weekly newsletter by entering your email address on the www.NaxosDirect.com home page, you will receive $2.50 off your next order. The weekly newsletter keeps you informed of all sales, exclusives and new release preorder specials.

Take advantage of our current offer: 25% off entire site, including AudioBooks, Blu-Ray, DVD and CDs as we celebrate Indie-pendence. Sale ends July 10, 2009.

Thank you again for shopping with NaxosDirect and Classical Music Superstore.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on July 03, 2009, 05:39:36 AM
Also, I just called HBDirect (http://www.hbdirect.com/index.php) to get more info about how they do business. They told me a few things that I was curious about:

1. They only sell new CDs

2. Shipping is $4.50 for the first CD, additional CDs are .50. They ship incomplete orders and will not charge anything extra to make multiple shipments. They do not charge until they ship.

2. Not everything on their site is necessarily available. They try to get it form the distributor and if they can't, they send an email within 9-10 days.

Their customer service, over the phone, with no "on-hold" waiting time, is excellent.  
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 06:04:20 AM
Quote from: George on July 03, 2009, 05:39:36 AM
Also, I just called HBDirect (http://www.hbdirect.com/index.php) to get more info about how they do business. They told me a few things that I was curious about:

1. They only sell new CDs

2. Shipping is $4.50 for the first CD, additional CDs are .50. They ship incomplete orders and will not charge anything extra to make multiple shipments. They do not charge until they ship.

2. Not everything on their site is necessarily available. They try to get it form the distributor and if they can't, they send an email within 9-10 days.

Their customer service, over the phone, with no "on-hold" waiting time, is excellent.  

George, Morning.  Sounds like an excellent alternative to BRO, whose search function is not one of the easier to use.  With the relentless rise of the Pound against the Dollar, MDT no longer has much price advantage over some of the US based e-tailers ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on July 03, 2009, 06:15:14 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 06:04:20 AM
George, Morning.  Sounds like an excellent alternative to BRO, whose search function is not one of the easier to use.

HBDirect has actually a very useful search utility which I quite like. You can narrow things down (as you search) better than most other online stores I have been to.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on July 03, 2009, 06:19:10 AM
Quote from: opus106 on July 03, 2009, 06:15:14 AM
HBDirect has actually a very useful search utility which I quite like. You can narrow things down (as you search) better than most other online stores I have been to.

Yes, you can search by catalog number too, though haven't tried that yet.

Another cool thing is that if you order a CD and day or two later want to get more cds, you can call them and simply add to your order and just pay .50 to ship each CD. On amazon, many sellers don't give you that option. Hoever, the order listed online won't reflect the added CDs, as the don't have a way to update orders that are added to over the phone on their website.   
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 06:53:24 AM
Quote from: George on July 03, 2009, 06:19:10 AM
Yes, you can search by catalog number too, though haven't tried that yet.

Another cool thing is that if you order a CD and day or two later want to get more cds, you can call them and simply add to your order and just pay .50 to ship each CD. On amazon, many sellers don't give you that option. Hoever, the order listed online won't reflect the added CDs, as the don't have a way to update orders that are added to over the phone on their website.   

Isn't it $2.98 per item for S&H with the Amazon Market Place vendor?  But then the same vendor may not have the second item you want.  It has always been one-item per order for me with MP.  But for a box set, $2.98 is a good deal for S&H.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 03, 2009, 02:40:22 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 05:26:24 AM
$2.99 per disc download?
No. Three weeks ago NaxosDirect had a $2.99 sale where several hundred physical CDs were being sold for three bucks.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 02:42:16 PM
Quote from: Brian on July 03, 2009, 02:40:22 PM
No. Three weeks ago NaxosDirect had a $2.99 sale where several hundred physical CDs were being sold for three bucks.

Pardon me.  But I thought you were a 100% download guy ...    ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 03, 2009, 02:44:38 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 02:42:16 PM
Pardon me.  But I thought you were a 100% download guy ...    ;D
;D Erm ... not really, I have eMusic (30 tracks per month downloaded) but I also have somewhere around 300-350 CDs ... not bad for a teenager?  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 02:50:53 PM
Quote from: Brian on July 03, 2009, 02:44:38 PM
;D Erm ... not really, I have eMusic (30 tracks per month downloaded) but I also have somewhere around 300-350 CDs ... not bad for a teenager?  :)

You must be among the 0.00005% of the download generation that actually believe in owning physical media ...    ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 03, 2009, 02:55:49 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 02:50:53 PM
You must be among the 0.00005% of the download generation that actually believe in owning physical media ...    ;D
I even bought a couple physical CDs from PentaTone, Ondine, and harmonia mundi, after getting the mp3 downloads.  8) 8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 02:58:37 PM
Quote from: Brian on July 03, 2009, 02:55:49 PM
I even bought a couple physical CDs from PentaTone, Ondine, and harmonia mundi, after getting the mp3 downloads.  8) 8)

We need many more of your generation who share your belief, i.e. owning physical media, to keep recorded classical music alive for the next 50 years ...     0:)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on July 03, 2009, 03:00:55 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 02:58:37 PM
We need many more of your generation who share your belief, i.e. owning physical media, to keep recorded classical music alive for the next 50 years ...     0:)

Just not too many, I don't need any more competition in grabbing all those OOP goodies.  8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 03:03:57 PM
Quote from: George on July 03, 2009, 03:00:55 PM
Just not too many, I don't need any more competition in grabbing all those OOP goodies.  8)

George,  I bet you are just competing against those old farts, not against the likes of Brian ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 03, 2009, 03:24:08 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 03:03:57 PM
George,  I bet you are just competing against those old farts, not against the likes of Brian ...
;D I did once grab the last copy of an OOP Calliope CD (HIP Chopin) from a shop in Toronto because it was the only place on the Internet I could find it...  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 03, 2009, 05:13:40 PM
Quote from: Brian on July 03, 2009, 03:24:08 PM
;D I did once grab the last copy of an OOP Calliope CD (HIP Chopin) from a shop in Toronto because it was the only place on the Internet I could find it...  ;D

Great cyber-detective work ...    ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Henk on July 06, 2009, 02:59:04 AM
Is there a classical music store where you don't have to pay with creditcard close to (or better: in) the Netherlands? Really a bad thing that the Netherlands doesn't have a good online store specialised in selling classical music.

I want to pay with paypal and don't want to pay much shipping cost and taxes and don't want to wait long for a receive my cd's. No I order at Cduniverse, but sometimes I have to pay large taxes (often when the packages are big).

Henk
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on July 06, 2009, 06:06:37 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 06, 2009, 02:59:04 AM
...

I want to pay with paypal and don't want to pay much shipping cost and taxes and don't want to wait long for a receive my cd's. No I order at Cduniverse, but sometimes I have to pay large taxes (often when the packages are big).

Henk

I feel for you, brother.  There aren't many online dealers in Canada who carry respectable stock; (Amazon.ca isn't bad and I order a lot from them).  We here in this country get dinged for taxes and tarrifs and brokerage quite meticulously by those who specialize in collecting these levies.

The most blood thursty are FedEx and UPS who always collect taxes & tarrifs (if relevant), and added a hefty brokerage charge -- the pure fact is that these outfits are in the brokeage business as much as they are in the delivery business and derive a significant portion of their profits from the former.  On the other hand, Canada Post charges a flat fee for brokerage: $5 or $8 for expedited post (although they don't really "expedite" foreign source parcels); they charge nothing on parcels under Cdn$20.

OK, now let me mention ArkivMusic (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/main.jsp) that operates out the the U.S.  This comment applies to Canada, and perhaps other countries too.   When you place an order with them, they compute a delivery fee that is proportionally less for large orders (as you would expect).  However it is very likely that the order will be sent to you in multiple installments coming from different locations via U.S. Postal Service, but, N.B. they do not charge extra from the multiple actual shipments.

The resulting packages are typically small, and even when worth over C$20, still fly under Canada Post's radar for brokerage & tax collection.  Could this work for packages sent to the Netherlands??  Maybe you could give it a try.  Anyway, ArkivMusic has one of the world's best selections, including exclusive 'ArkivCD' reissues (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/AlbumGroup;jsessionid=0A0B55A486FA32908A9193F2EF9B8698?album_group=8), and absolutely the best designed website; their prices are compeditive

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 06, 2009, 07:33:16 PM
Quote from: Feanor on July 06, 2009, 06:06:37 AM
I feel for you, brother.  There aren't many online dealers in Canada who carry respectable stock; (Amazon.ca isn't bad and I order a lot from them).  We here in this country get dinged for taxes and tarrifs and brokerage quite meticulously by those who specialize in collecting these levies.

The most blood thursty are FedEx and UPS who always collect taxes & tarrifs (if relevant), and added a hefty brokerage charge -- the pure fact is that these outfits are in the brokeage business as much as they are in the delivery business and derive a significant portion of their profits from the former.  On the other hand, Canada Post charges a flat fee for brokerage: $5 or $8 for expedited post (although they don't really "expedite" foreign source parcels); they charge nothing on parcels under Cdn$20.

OK, now let me mention ArkivMusic (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/main.jsp) that operates out the the U.S.  This comment applies to Canada, and perhaps other countries too.   When you place an order with them, they compute a delivery fee that is proportionally less for large orders (as you would expect).  However it is very likely that the order will be sent to you in multiple installments coming from different locations via U.S. Postal Service, but, N.B. they do not charge extra from the multiple actual shipments.

The resulting packages are typically small, and even when worth over C$20, still fly under Canada Post's radar for brokerage & tax collection.  Could this work for packages sent to the Netherlands??  Maybe you could give it a try.  Anyway, ArkivMusic has one of the world's best selections, including exclusive 'ArkivCD' reissues (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/AlbumGroup;jsessionid=0A0B55A486FA32908A9193F2EF9B8698?album_group=8), and absolutely the best designed website; their prices are compeditive



I have ordered a few hundred CD's from MDT in the UK since January and have not paid a cent of VAT or duty.  That was my original concern as I had no clue as to what kind of foreign taxes I could be paying when I buy from a foreign country.  I am already paying hundred of dollars in dividend income taxes to a number of European countries every year.  All governments love taxes ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on July 07, 2009, 09:04:07 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on July 06, 2009, 07:33:16 PM
 

I have ordered a few hundred CD's from MDT in the UK since January and have not paid a cent of VAT or duty.  That was my original concern as I had no clue as to what kind of foreign taxes I could be paying when I buy from a foreign country.  I am already paying hundred of dollars in dividend income taxes to a number of European countries every year.  All governments love taxes ...

Bye the bye, I believe the US has a quite lenient policy on tarrifs and taxes.  I have sold various hifi equipment to American buyers and without exception they have paid no taxes, duties, or brokerage under US$200; (compare with the Canadian authorities $20 excemption maximum).

By the way, I have ordered from MDT a couple of times too with good results, but I still prefer ArkivMusic if for no better reason than the slickness of their website.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 07, 2009, 05:40:37 PM
Quote from: Feanor on July 07, 2009, 09:04:07 AM
Bye the bye, I believe the US has a quite lenient policy on tarrifs and taxes.  I have sold various hifi equipment to American buyers and without exception they have paid no taxes, duties, or brokerage under US$200; (compare with the Canadian authorities $20 excemption maximum).

By the way, I have ordered from MDT a couple of times too with good results, but I still prefer ArkivMusic if for no better reason than the slickness of their website.

I have taken care to keep each of my MDT orders to no higher than $200 and maybe that is why I have not been required to pay any duty yet.  I stopped buying from ArkivMusic a few years back when it became clear that I was not willing to pay for both S&H and sale tax since I do not live in PA ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Henk on July 20, 2009, 10:35:58 AM
I'll get a creditcard. Didn't know it's possible to restrict the amount of money on a credit card. That's a big advantage for me. If someone steals money from my credit card they can't steal much money.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on July 23, 2009, 08:05:10 AM
Just confirming what a great source Hyperion's own website is for purchasing. I bought a disc discounted in their clearance bin by over 50%, and despite being under £5, it still qualified for free shipping. In addition to that they shipped it first class in a corrugated cardboard sleeve inside a bubble mailer, rendering it superbly protected. It was sealed as well. Service like this is very customer-friendly, and their frequent sales, discounts on bulk orders and free shipping make the label not as expensive as it once had the reputation for being. Good on them, and hopefully they will recieve a lot of support from customers.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Wanderer on July 23, 2009, 09:58:39 AM
Quote from: Lethe on July 23, 2009, 08:05:10 AM
Just confirming what a great source Hyperion's own website is for purchasing. I bought a disc discounted in their clearance bin by over 50%, and despite being under £5, it still qualified for free shipping. In addition to that they shipped it first class in a corrugated cardboard sleeve inside a bubble mailer, rendering it superbly protected. It was sealed as well. Service like this is very customer-friendly, and their frequent sales, discounts on bulk orders and free shipping make the label not as expensive as it once had the reputation for being. Good on them, and hopefully they will recieve a lot of support from customers.

I have nothing but positive things to say about Hyperion's website ordering service, as well. They pack meticulously, the discs are always sealed and everything arrives in pristine condition.

Jpc.de, on the contrary, may not always be the best of packers (the boxes they use are somewhat flimsy and they almost always arrive in a seemingly dilapidated state - not to the detriment of the discs inside, though, which are protected by huge quantities of white foamy plastic pebbles) but I was impressed today by their quick delivery; they shipped a big box on Monday and it arrived this morning by courier. Considering the meagre flat rate they charge for p & p, this made a very favourable impression.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on July 23, 2009, 01:27:52 PM
Quote from: Lethe on July 23, 2009, 08:05:10 AM
In addition to that they shipped it first class in a corrugated cardboard sleeve inside a bubble mailer, rendering it superbly protected. It was sealed as well.

When you order a few things from Hyperion, they come in a little cardboard box, very carefully packed and protected internally, and sealed with extravagant quantities of tape, expertly applied. Opening one of these boxes keeps me usefully occupied between successive new lists of bottom ten offers.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on July 25, 2009, 02:34:46 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on July 23, 2009, 09:58:39 AM
Jpc.de, on the contrary, may not always be the best of packers (the boxes they use are somewhat flimsy and they almost always arrive in a seemingly dilapidated state - not to the detriment of the discs inside, though, which are protected by huge quantities of white foamy plastic pebbles) but I was impressed today by their quick delivery; they shipped a big box on Monday and it arrived this morning by courier. Considering the meagre flat rate they charge for p & p, this made a very favourable impression.

Interestingly, my experience mirrors yours to the letter. The JPC package arrived startlingly quickly, and while the foam beads stopped the CDs rattling around, because they were poured on top (rather than the CDs being in the middle of them) their protective qualities were somewhat compromised. And the box was indeed quite beaten up, but the CDs themselves in good order.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Renfield on July 25, 2009, 05:59:55 AM
On the general topic of online stores, after breaching the 'ca. 2000 disc' mark a while ago (I won't say 'how's that for a teenager-plus-two', because it's not my money I'm generally spending ;)), I've put the purchasing on hold, with the main exception being offers from online stores.

I'm placing my first CD order since the time we did the Edinburgh GMG meet-up on Monday, it mostly being a bunch of Chandos discs (due to the MDT offer). So it would seem online stores are a handy way to pace one's purchases, if one isn't in a hurry to listen to something.

(And I suspect Elgarian isn't doing something entirely dissimilar with Hyperion.)


Re packaging, I'm quite taken with the near-cubic boxes MDT uses - they're, out of lack of a better word, 'cute'. And highly useful for storage!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: 71 dB on July 25, 2009, 06:33:37 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 20, 2009, 10:35:58 AM
I'll get a creditcard. Didn't know it's possible to restrict the amount of money on a credit card. That's a big advantage for me. If someone steals money from my credit card they can't steal much money.

If someone uses your credit card, you inform your credit card company about it. The card is terminated and your losses and compensated.

The more you pay for the card the more you will be given credit. I have the lowest possible limit (800 euros).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on July 25, 2009, 06:57:14 AM
Quote from: Renfield on July 25, 2009, 05:59:55 AM
(And I suspect Elgarian isn't doing something entirely dissimilar with Hyperion.)

Indeed, Elgarian is still trying to get into the last Hyperion box that arrived. An unexpectedly effective way to reduce spending.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Henk on July 29, 2009, 09:50:55 AM
Quote from: 71 dB on July 25, 2009, 06:33:37 AM
If someone uses your credit card, you inform your credit card company about it. The card is terminated and your losses and compensated.

The more you pay for the card the more you will be given credit. I have the lowest possible limit (800 euros).

Thanks for this information! I had to know this earlier (stupid bank employees had to tell me this when I asked them how to pay safely on internet  >:().

Ordered a credit card (MasterCard Classic). Hopefully they send it quickly.

Henk
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 31, 2009, 12:45:49 PM
I've just started having a problem on Amazon when I hit 'one click purchase' where the browser timer thing just goes round and round and the order doesn't go through. If I relaunch the website then I can order one thing before it happens again.

Is it my IE browser and do I need to clean something out 'cookies?' or is Amazon overloaded or something?

Its never happened before and I'm concerned about multiple orders.

TIA  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on July 31, 2009, 01:54:35 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 31, 2009, 12:45:49 PM
I've just started having a problem on Amazon when I hit 'one click purchase' where the browser timer thing just goes round and round and the order doesn't go through. If I relaunch the website then I can order one thing before it happens again.

Is it my IE browser and do I need to clean something out 'cookies?' or is Amazon overloaded or something?

Its never happened before and I'm concerned about multiple orders.

TIA  :)

I've noticed this sort of thing happening increasingly often - not with ordering on Amazon, for me, but with logging into my Paypal account, and with posting on certain forums like this one at times.

It's certainly worth clearing out all your cookies and temporary internet files - that's the simplest thing to try in the first instance.

The second thing to try is a different browser. I quite often find that when IE is messing about, Firefox works better - or vice versa.

A third thing to try is to change your IP address. In my case I can do this by disconnecting from the internet through my router, waiting a few seconds, and then reconnecting. In my case I get assigned a new IP address (it depends on your ISP whether this happens for you). Quite often a new IP address will completely solve my problem. Sometimes it might take a couple of tries (ie two or three IP addresses until a 'good' one is found). I don't understand the reason, but I assume that somewhere between me and the problematic server, there's a log jam. Changing my IP address may mean that the log jam is bypassed. Whatever the real reason, all I know is that it usually works for me.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 02, 2009, 04:46:35 AM
Quote from: Bogey on August 02, 2009, 04:35:10 AM
Thanks Novi.  I really liked what I heard in the Kuijken.  The Forster did not get a fair shake here, but at least there are two I have enjoyed through sampling (the other the Herreweghe).  However, fun to have someone new for Bach on the shelf.

Bill,

Morning.  Have you ever ordered from JPC?  I have never bought any CD's from continental European e-tailers.  I heard the shipping cost to the US can be quite high.  I once paid just under $30 for shipping when I bought that mammoth 60-CD Harnoncourt Bach Cantatas set along with a few other CD singles.  But that was understandable since the package was on the heavy side and MDT had it delivered in 2 days and required signature on delivery since it was a high dollar value order ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on August 02, 2009, 05:10:53 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on August 02, 2009, 04:46:35 AM
 

Bill,

Morning.  Have you ever ordered from JPC?  I have never bought any CD's from continental European e-tailers.  I heard the shipping cost to the US can be quite high.  I once paid just under $30 for shipping when I bought that mammoth 60-CD Harnoncourt Bach Cantatas set along with a few other CD singles.  But that was understandable since the package was on the heavy side and MDT had it delivered in 2 days and required signature on delivery since it was a high dollar value order ...

I'm obviously not Bill, but jpc charges flat rates for shipping (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/home/static?page=porto), the rate for the US is 13 EUR.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 05, 2009, 04:09:01 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on August 05, 2009, 03:19:19 AM
Yes it is. My mistake.

Any good suggestions for good values at Presto Classical?  MDT is the ONLY European e-tailer I have made any purchases from ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on August 06, 2009, 12:08:10 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on August 05, 2009, 04:09:01 PM


Any good suggestions for good values at Presto Classical?  MDT is the ONLY European e-tailer I have made any purchases from ...

Looks like someone spliced this onto a different thread.

Well, I intend to buy some of the Naive Vivaldi operas from PrestoClassical while their sale is on. Their 20% off price seems lower than any others I can find. Haven't decided yet which ones to go for. There's no hurry as the sale is on till September.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 08, 2009, 07:05:23 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on July 23, 2009, 01:27:52 PM
When you order a few things from Hyperion, they come in a little cardboard box, very carefully packed and protected internally, and sealed with extravagant quantities of tape, expertly applied. Opening one of these boxes keeps me usefully occupied between successive new lists of bottom ten offers.

Folks at MDT always do a superb packaging job.  Any damages to the jewel cases (fewer than 5) after I have ordered a few hundred CD's from MDT since late last year were no doubt "hidden" damages that occurred during shipments from the distributors to MDT, which MDT folks really could not see anyway.  Packaging from US e-tailers is a hit-or-miss affair and it is rare that I receive an order without at least one cracked CD case ...   :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on August 09, 2009, 06:35:11 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on August 08, 2009, 07:05:23 PM
...  Packaging from US e-tailers is a hit-and-miss affair and it is rare that I receive an order without at least one cracked CD case ...   :(

Yes, true enough.  But for me a small crack or chip isn't a bit deal because I immediately rip the CD to a computer file and play it from there.  Small damage is no big deal if the jewel case is going to sit undisturbed on the shelf.  A problem is SACDs which must be physically played (at least for multichannel or stereo DSD).  And whereas a standard empty CD case can bought for a few cents if it's necessary to replace a broken one, SACD cases are a different style that I haven't seen sold separately

I don't read the booklets as often as I ought to, but if I did, I'd remove them from the cases and file them file them in separate, more compact filing cases.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 09, 2009, 07:04:04 AM
Quote from: Feanor on August 09, 2009, 06:35:11 AM
Yes, true enough.  But for me a small crack or chip isn't a bit deal because I immediately rip the CD to a computer file and play it from there.  Small damage is no big deal if the jewel case is going to sit undisturbed on the shelf.  A problem is SACDs which must be physically played (at least for multichannel or stereo DSD).  And whereas a standard empty CD case can bought for a few cents if it's necessary to replace a broken one, SACD cases are a different style that I haven't seen sold separately

I don't read the booklets as often as I ought to, but if I did, I'd remove them from the cases and file them file them in separate, more compact filing cases.

SACD jewel cases are available.  I bought a supply of them a few months ago.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on August 17, 2009, 08:15:54 AM
Attention Twitter users: Follow NaxosDirect's account. Every week there's a giveaway of some sort - I just got a free copy of their new CD of world premieres by Michael Daugherty, signed by the composer.  8)

(http://www.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.559372.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Novi on September 12, 2009, 06:08:03 AM
I just wanted to put in a good word for PrestoClassics.

A package I ordered went missing, but I didn't realise until about a month afterwards as I'd been away (I had it delivered to a friend's). Presto immediately sent a replacement, first class registered post. When this hadn't arrived after some 10 days, I called again to check up; records showed that the package was still en route but Presto suggested that if it still hadn't arrived by the following week, they would send it again through DHL. As it happened, the CDs arrived after 2 weeks (if this was first class, I hate to think what cattle class delivery's like - take a bow, Royal Mail ::)), but a big thumbs up to Presto for handling the situation most efficiently and helpfully. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on September 12, 2009, 08:30:10 AM
Quote from: Novi on September 12, 2009, 06:08:03 AM
I just wanted to put in a good word for PrestoClassics.

A package I ordered went missing, but I didn't realise until about a month afterwards as I'd been away (I had it delivered to a friend's). Presto immediately sent a replacement, first class registered post. When this hadn't arrived after some 10 days, I called again to check up; records showed that the package was still en route but Presto suggested that if it still hadn't arrived by the following week, they would send it again through DHL. As it happened, the CDs arrived after 2 weeks (if this was first class, I hate to think what cattle class delivery's like - take a bow, Royal Mail ::)), but a big thumbs up to Presto for handling the situation most efficiently and helpfully. :)

The story also shows that DHL's service sucks! :o  I've had bad experiences with them several times. It annoyed me that much that I now try to avoid any seller that uses DHL...

Give me regular postal services ANY time!

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on September 12, 2009, 08:56:24 AM
Quote from: Novi on September 12, 2009, 06:08:03 AM
I just wanted to put in a good word for PrestoClassics.

A package I ordered went missing, but I didn't realise until about a month afterwards as I'd been away (I had it delivered to a friend's). Presto immediately sent a replacement, first class registered post. When this hadn't arrived after some 10 days, I called again to check up; records showed that the package was still en route but Presto suggested that if it still hadn't arrived by the following week, they would send it again through DHL. As it happened, the CDs arrived after 2 weeks (if this was first class, I hate to think what cattle class delivery's like - take a bow, Royal Mail ::)), but a big thumbs up to Presto for handling the situation most efficiently and helpfully. :)

I am willing to give PrestoClassics a try.  It is now running some great sales on Harmonia Mundi.  I have noticed a number of forum members shop at Presto often.  The only European e-tailer I have used to date is MDT, which has been excellent after a few thousands dollars worth of purchases since the beginning of this year ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on September 13, 2009, 11:37:59 AM
I've had excellent service from PrestoClassical, and would recommend them without reservation.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on September 13, 2009, 12:53:42 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on September 13, 2009, 11:37:59 AM
I've had excellent service from PrestoClassical, and would recommend them without reservation.

I will definitely give PrestoClassical a try since I am interested in a few Harmonia Mundi CD's, which are on sale now ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on September 15, 2009, 07:02:17 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on September 13, 2009, 11:37:59 AM
I've had excellent service from PrestoClassical, and would recommend them without reservation.

Elgarian,  Does PrestoClassical do a good job packaging the CD's?  MDT has always done such a superb job that I have never received any CD with a busted jewel case ... 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: flyingdutchman on September 15, 2009, 07:48:55 PM
Well packaged in a box.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Wanderer on September 15, 2009, 10:44:03 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on September 13, 2009, 11:37:59 AM
I've had excellent service from PrestoClassical, and would recommend them without reservation.

Seconded. I've ordered from them a number of times. Excellent packaging and speedy delivery.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on September 15, 2009, 11:37:35 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on September 15, 2009, 07:02:17 PM
Elgarian,  Does PrestoClassical do a good job packaging the CD's?  MDT has always done such a superb job that I have never received any CD with a busted jewel case ... 

Just adding my voice to those who've already commented. The packaging is excellent and very protective. Also, if you order several items with different supply dates, they're willing to dispatch them in different batches as they become available, at no extra postage cost.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on September 16, 2009, 09:21:31 AM
The two times I ordered from PrestoClassical I received the CDs in excellent shape. And on both occasions, the delivery times were consistent. Just yesterday I received a mail confirming the shipment of a recent order, and if all goes well, I should be getting the package come Monday.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on September 16, 2009, 04:39:07 PM
Thank you all for sharing your shopping experience with PrestoClassical.  For a period of time, perhaps before the current global recession, I was regularly receiving CD's from US domestic e-tailers including Amazon when I could find multiple busted CD jewel cases in each order.  That is why I now have replacement jewel cases of all types stocked up in my basement (including the SACD jewel case).  After a while, I just got quite fed up.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on September 17, 2009, 05:08:18 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on September 16, 2009, 04:39:07 PM
Thank you all for sharing your shopping experience with PrestoClassical.  For a period of time, perhaps before the current global recession, I was regularly receiving CD's from US domestic e-tailers including Amazon when I could find multiple busted CD jewel cases in each order.  That is why I now have replacement jewel cases of all types stocked up in my basement (including the SACD jewel case).  After a while, I just got quite fed up.

What's your source for the SACD cases if I may ask?  I've got a few smashed SACD cases from the likes of Amazon.ca and ArchivMusic but I've found no local supplier for replacements.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on September 17, 2009, 04:25:24 PM
Quote from: Feanor on September 17, 2009, 05:08:18 AM
What's your source for the SACD cases if I may ask?  I've got a few smashed SACD cases from the likes of Amazon.ca and ArchivMusic but I've found no local supplier for replacements.

Here you go.  You will find all kinds of CD cases at this place.

http://www.sleevetown.com/super-jewel-boxes.shtml
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on September 17, 2009, 04:42:55 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on September 17, 2009, 04:25:24 PM
Here you go.  You will find all kinds of CD cases at this place.

http://www.sleevetown.com/super-jewel-boxes.shtml

That's great; thanks a lot.  :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fëanor on September 22, 2009, 07:58:43 AM
I noticed today when I got my promotional email from ArkivMusic, that they are now selling downloads, at least from Naxos.  I haven't been looking at online sellers much very recently so I don't know if others are doing this too.

I'm interested to see you can get a single-disc Naxos or the equivalent MP3 files for US$6.99 (sale) -- or you can get both for $8.99. (Damned if I know why I would buy downloads if I was getting the disc, though, ripping being such a trivial task.)  However it struck me that $2.00 would be more or less fair price for the download if sold by itself.  :-\

The downloads are 320 kpbs which will be adequate for a lot of people, (not me).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on October 11, 2009, 06:39:03 PM
Quote from: Feanor on September 22, 2009, 07:58:43 AM
I noticed today when I got my promotional email from ArkivMusic, that they are now selling downloads, at least from Naxos.  I haven't been looking at online sellers much very recently so I don't know if others are doing this too.

I'm interested to see you can get a single-disc Naxos or the equivalent MP3 files for US$6.99 (sale) -- or you can get both for $8.99. (Damned if I know why I would buy downloads if I was getting the disc, though, ripping being such a trivial task.)  However it struck me that $2.00 would be more or less fair price for the download if sold by itself.  :-\

The downloads are 320 kpbs which will be adequate for a lot of people, (not me).

I see no reason why you would go for downloads with the kind of audio system you have.  I do not care for downloads either for the same reason.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on October 26, 2009, 07:36:49 PM
http://www.naxosdirect.co.uk/clearance/

Naxos Direct's UK outlet is having quite a large clear-out. Previously their special offers only had about 10 pages, but now it's risen to 30 and includes a lot of good stuff (not just the "Music for a Lovely Romantic Afternoon" type compilations) for £3 with free shipping.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on October 26, 2009, 07:42:10 PM
Quote from: Lethe on October 26, 2009, 07:36:49 PM
http://www.naxosdirect.co.uk/clearance/

Naxos Direct's UK outlet is having quite a large clear-out. Previously their special offers only had about 10 pages, but now it's risen to 30 and includes a lot of good stuff (not just the "Music for a Lovely Romantic Afternoon" type compilations) for £3 with free shipping.

Does the UK outlet ship to the United States? The USA store has a $3 sale on quite a few CDs, but the selections are somewhat different.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on October 26, 2009, 07:46:14 PM
Towards the middle of the list I see that they have some DaCapo discs for £5.

Quote from: Brian on October 26, 2009, 07:42:10 PM
Does the UK outlet ship to the United States?

Seems not :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on October 26, 2009, 07:57:24 PM
Quote from: Lethe on October 26, 2009, 07:46:14 PM
Towards the middle of the list I see that they have some DaCapo discs for £5.

Seems not :(

"We distribute exclusively within the UK only"

That is really irritating. There are, by my count, 14 CDs on sale in the UK that aren't on sale in the USA, which I would gladly buy if they'd send them over here. Their loss of 42 quid, I guess...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on October 26, 2009, 08:13:07 PM
Quote from: Brian on October 26, 2009, 07:57:24 PM
"We distribute exclusively within the UK only"

That is really irritating. There are, by my count, 14 CDs on sale in the UK that aren't on sale in the USA, which I would gladly buy if they'd send them over here. Their loss of 42 quid, I guess...

Same - I had to get a friend in Canada to ship something to me when I bought from the CA site. Damn those crypto-fascists trying to prevent us from getting good deals!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on October 26, 2009, 09:46:40 PM
Quote from: Brian on October 26, 2009, 07:57:24 PM
"We distribute exclusively within the UK only"

I consider that as a blessing in disguise. 0:)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on October 26, 2009, 09:57:31 PM
Quote from: Lethe on October 26, 2009, 08:13:07 PM
Same - I had to get a friend in Canada to ship something to me when I bought from the CA site. Damn those crypto-fascists trying to prevent us from getting good deals!

Ah, the free jumbo box sets!  ;D  I managed to snag those jumbo boxes for $3 each the next time they made a pricing error.

op106, you're right of course ... I don't need to spend the money.  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on October 27, 2009, 04:18:34 PM
Quote from: Lethe on October 26, 2009, 08:13:07 PM
Same - I had to get a friend in Canada to ship something to me when I bought from the CA site. Damn those crypto-fascists trying to prevent us from getting good deals!

Japanese audio manufacturers have been doing the same for years - they release certain models only for the European market or the domestic market.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on November 05, 2009, 06:10:13 AM
Classicsonline (download site) went down a few weeks ago during a major promotion - their server was overloaded with people trying to buy it.

Today I got this email:

Dear Valued Customer,

The overwhelming response to our '88 Tracks' promotion was just that - overwhelming. Our records indicate that you attempted to purchase and were not able to complete the transaction. You can try again now by clicking here.


I've always been super-impressed with Naxos' customer service. What a great company.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on December 22, 2009, 01:53:12 PM
MDT Disappointment!  I do most of my CD shopping online using a variety of different places, both in the USA (e.g. Amazon, Marketplace, BRO, etc.) and 'across the pond', mainly MDT - I've made many purchases from the latter and have been up until today thoroughly impressed w/ their service and some great deals on box sets!

Well, my most recent order arrived today which included the Glazunov Symphony 1-3,9 2-CD slim jewel box set w/ Serebrier - as usual, the package was well done w/ nice wrapping of the 4 items included; however the purchase mentioned was not 'shrunk-wrapped' in plastic and the 2nd disc had two areas of some type of material adherent to the surface.

I knew the disc would not play at those sites and attempted some gentle cleaning (just detergent & warm water w/ a CD cloth) - some of the material was removed but the disc skipped on track 4 which I assume was the site of the deposits!

Bottom line for me - I was sent a 'used' set w/ a damaged disc that was not inspected at MDT - pretty poor, esp. for someone that has likely spent hundreds of bucks in the last year or more w/ them!  Sent an e-mail, so shall await their response - I'm confident that they will come through, but whoever packaged that box should be put on the rack!  ;) ;D

(http://www.planetlarg.net/linux-cluster/images/photos-old/rack-torture.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on December 22, 2009, 02:04:49 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on December 22, 2009, 01:53:12 PM
MDT Disappointment!  I do most of my CD shopping online using a variety of different places, both in the USA (e.g. Amazon, Marketplace, BRO, etc.) and 'across the pond', mainly MDT - I've made many purchases from the latter and have been up until today thoroughly impressed w/ their service and some great deals on box sets!

Well, my most recent order arrived today which included the Glazunov Symphony 1-3,9 2-CD slim jewel box set w/ Serebrier - as usual, the package was well done w/ nice wrapping of the 4 items included; however the purchase mentioned was not 'shrunk-wrapped' in plastic and the 2nd disc had two areas of some type of material adherent to the surface.

I knew the disc would not play at those sites and attempted some gentle cleaning (just detergent & warm water w/ a CD cloth) - some of the material was removed but the disc skipped on track 4 which I assume was the site of the deposits!

Bottom line for me - I was sent a 'used' set w/ a damaged disc that was not inspected at MDT - pretty poor, esp. for someone that has likely spent hundreds of bucks in the last year or more w/ them!  Sent an e-mail, so shall await their response - I'm confident that they will come through, but whoever packaged that box should be put on the rack!  ;) ;D

(http://www.planetlarg.net/linux-cluster/images/photos-old/rack-torture.jpg)

In Europe new discs are not always shrink wrapped.  I think it is extremely likely the disc you were sent was new stock which got contaminated at the factory or somewhere down the distribution chain.  I expect MDT will offer a replacement with no trouble (although their web site says they are closed for holiday break until the new year).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 22, 2009, 03:34:47 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on December 22, 2009, 02:04:49 PM
In Europe new discs are not always shrink wrapped.  I think it is extremely likely the disc you were sent was new stock which got contaminated at the factory or somewhere down the distribution chain.  I expect MDT will offer a replacement with no trouble (although their web site says they are closed for holiday break until the new year).

I purchased close to 1000 CD's so far this year and most were from MDT.  I did received two CD's that were not shrink-wrapped but they played just fine, though I could not tell if they were used CD's or not since their conditions were good, i.e. no noticeable scuff marks.  I never bothered to email them about the incidences.  I do have to return one CD from the Barbirolli's Sibelius set which is defective but will not do so until after Christmas since MDT office will be closed shortly for holidays until 1/4 anyway.  I was told to send the CD back with a note indicating the location of the defect and they will order for me a replacement CD and give me credit for the return airmail.  I have been generally quite happy with MDT service.  I also tried Presto Classic and it too is a pleasure to do busines with.  I particularly like their quotes for shipping in USD, which is independent of the latest dollar/pound exchange rate.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on December 22, 2009, 03:44:16 PM
The following appears on the MDT web site (return policy)

QuotePlease note: MDT is aware that some items will be delivered without shrink wrap due to the standard music manufacturing processes in their country of origin.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on December 22, 2009, 03:59:39 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on December 22, 2009, 03:44:16 PM
The following appears on the MDT web site (return policy)

Thanks Guys - I was aware of the 'shrink wrap' situation in other countries, so was not worried initially until inspecting that 2nd disc; however, in the absence of a 'shrink wrap', one may not be sure if the product is indeed 'fresh' or 'used'?  I have great trust in MDT, and assume that they will resolve my complaint to my satisfaction.

I've just received a number (now, just a few) of products from shippers (mainly the Amazon Marketplace) which were claimed to be 'new', but obviously had been opened and w/ food stains, fingerprints, etc. on the discs.

Now, I don't put MDT in this category @ all - I expect full satisfaction from them - Dave  :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 22, 2009, 04:07:24 PM
I lost the 2-DVD set on Bach St Matthew Passion by Ton Koopman, courtesy of USPS.  The Amazon MarketPlace vendor promptly refunded my credit card after the target date that was given to me.  So my experience with that merchant remains untarnished.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MN Dave on January 26, 2010, 12:42:36 PM
Inexpensive batches of hot composers are popular at ye olde Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Classical/b/ref=dm_bb_instrum_b?ie=UTF8&node=624926011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=13STJT0AK4Y8KRARW1F8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=87191022&pf_rd_i=163856011
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on January 26, 2010, 03:25:47 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on December 22, 2009, 03:59:39 PM
Thanks Guys - I was aware of the 'shrink wrap' situation in other countries, so was not worried initially until inspecting that 2nd disc; however, in the absence of a 'shrink wrap', one may not be sure if the product is indeed 'fresh' or 'used'?  I have great trust in MDT, and assume that they will resolve my complaint to my satisfaction.

I've just received a number (now, just a few) of products from shippers (mainly the Amazon Marketplace) which were claimed to be 'new', but obviously had been opened and w/ food stains, fingerprints, etc. on the discs.

Now, I don't put MDT in this category @ all - I expect full satisfaction from them - Dave  :D

Just a quick follow-up on the above issue; took 3 e-mails but finally received a response - mailed the damaged discs back to them, and was refunded both for the original cost & my shipping - quite satisfied - indeed, put in an order w/ them for 8 more CD(s) -  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 26, 2010, 05:38:48 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on January 26, 2010, 03:25:47 PM
Just a quick follow-up on the above issue; took 3 e-mails but finally received a response - mailed the damaged discs back to them, and was refunded both for the original cost & my shipping - quite satisfied - indeed, put in an order w/ them for 8 more CD(s) -  ;D

MDT is getting me a replacement CD for this set and gave me credit for the return postage.  The last three tracks were practically unplayable on my desktop CD/DVD drive and the last track was unplayable on my Sony ES changer, which normally is quite good at errors correction ...

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414Y1JM39XL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 27, 2010, 07:27:29 AM
Barnes & Noble decided not to ship the new Naxos CD I got my mom for her birthday because "the release date has been changed." Of course, my contacts at Naxos tell me that there has been no change to the release date. Last time I ever preorder anything from Barnes & Noble.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 27, 2010, 06:36:36 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 27, 2010, 07:27:29 AM
Barnes & Noble decided not to ship the new Naxos CD I got my mom for her birthday because "the release date has been changed." Of course, my contacts at Naxos tell me that there has been no change to the release date. Last time I ever preorder anything from Barnes & Noble.

Is B&N as financially strapped as Borders?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Wanderer on February 02, 2010, 11:58:33 PM
The first Abeille box arrived yesterday via courrier. It contained two large boxsets and a single CD. I was kind of worried about the state the single disc would be in but Abeille proved to be a most meticulous packer; a sturdy compartmentalized big box, each boxset in its own second box inside (!) and the CD - unscathed -  between thick carton pages. Liberal amounts of Naxos-labeled tape outside, as well.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 05, 2010, 01:27:29 PM
The Amazon seller Go Hastings shipped me the wrong CD.  I have complained, I will advise whether I receive a satisfactory response.  (On the other hand, $1.60 for a Telarc release is not a great loss.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 08, 2010, 09:23:57 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on February 05, 2010, 01:27:29 PM
The Amazon seller Go Hastings shipped me the wrong CD.  I have complained, I will advise whether I receive a satisfactory response.  (On the other hand, $1.60 for a Telarc release is not a great loss.)

Just to update, they offered to refund and didn't require me to return the CD. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Wanderer on February 10, 2010, 12:43:31 AM
The second Abeille megabox arrived yesterday; like the first one, it came meticulously packaged and with all  its contents in pristine condition.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 12, 2010, 07:48:36 AM
Quote from: Renfield on February 12, 2010, 07:38:49 AM
Yes, it's definitely not essential at that price. I got it for €15 new, on offer from JPC.

Yes, I remember seeing the same offer, but it wasn't cheap after shipment to the States was included.  It is odd that Germany -> US is vastly more expensive than UK -> US.  Not that there is much incentive to order anything these days.  With the sequential blizzards I haven't had a postal delivery in a week.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bunny on February 12, 2010, 08:06:08 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on February 12, 2010, 07:48:36 AM
Yes, I remember seeing the same offer, but it wasn't cheap after shipment to the States was included.  It is odd that Germany -> US is vastly more expensive than UK -> US.  Not that there is much incentive to order anything these days.  With the sequential blizzards I haven't had a postal delivery in a week.

German postal service doesn't handle international package delivery.  They have subcontracted that to DHL which is independent and not cheap.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on February 13, 2010, 10:03:28 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 09:13:19 AM


(http://www.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/5028421930251.jpg)

Mozart: Complete Keyboard Works (one and two performers) - 14 CDs
Bart van Oort
Brilliant Classics

Until Feb. 7 Abeille Musique offered it around EUR 13 or so.  :o But that's history now.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:13:51 AM
Quote from: Antoine Marchand on February 13, 2010, 10:03:28 AM
Until Feb. 7 Abeille Musique offered it around EUR 13 or so.  :o But that's history now.

Winter will come around once again, my friend. :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:16:21 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:13:51 AM
Winter will come around once again, my friend. :D

You must be paying a fortune to have CD's shipped to you From Europe ...   ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:20:15 AM
Quote from: Bunny on February 12, 2010, 08:06:08 AM
German postal service doesn't handle international package delivery.  They have subcontracted that to DHL which is independent and not cheap.

I thought DHL is owned by Deutsche Post?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:21:29 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:16:21 AM
You must be paying a fortune to have CD's shipped to you From Europe ...   ;)

Actually, Abeille turned out to be fairly cheap considering the kind of discounts they were offering. Of course, I didn't bite this time around.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:24:30 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:21:29 AM
Actually, Abeille turned out to be fairly cheap considering the kind of discounts they were offering. Of course, I didn't bite this time around.

That place looks like it was running going-out-of-business sales - liquidation sales.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:27:47 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:24:30 AM
That place looks like it was running going-out-of-business sales - liquidation sales.

They aren't likely to go anywhere now that they have GMG's undivided attention. :D They were probably just enticing us; and if so, they have succeeded admirably!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:32:26 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:27:47 AM
They aren't likely to go anywhere now that they have GMG's undivided attention. :D They were probably just enticing us; and if so, they have succeeded admirably!

I do not have any desire to buy anything from them since I only buy from the UK e-tailers, which generally have excellent selections when it comes to early music ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:36:44 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:32:26 AM
I do not have any desire to buy anything from them

Bummer. I think they just lost a quarter of their potential customer base. :(

( ;) Just kidding.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:45:07 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:36:44 AM
Bummer. I think they just lost a quarter of their potential customer base. :(

( ;) Just kidding.)

BTW,  BRO offers great prices with dirt-cheap shipping for US buyers.  It provides me excellent opportunities to fill in some of the gaps in my collection, which are often not the most popular selections ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on February 13, 2010, 10:45:49 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:13:51 AM
Winter will come around once again, my friend. :D

... and Plato will teach in the Academy again. The eternal return of the same.

Sometimes I forget you're writing from India.  :D 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:53:32 AM
Quote from: Antoine Marchand on February 13, 2010, 10:45:49 AM
... and Plato will teach in the Academy again. The eternal return of the same.

Yes, true, but then the world gets destroyed in 2012. So, the Abeille Winter sale will probably occur only once more. :(

Quote
Sometimes I forget you're writing from India.  :D 

It's the interwebz, after all.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on February 13, 2010, 11:55:58 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 13, 2010, 10:53:32 AM
It's the interwebz, after all.

Distances from Santiago-Chile to Chennai-India:

10,136.7 miles

or

16,313.4 kilometers

or

8,808.6 nautical miles

:o :)

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on February 13, 2010, 12:58:32 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:16:21 AM
You must be paying a fortune to have CD's shipped to you From Europe ...   ;)

Abeille was giving free shipping (to the US anyway) if you bought 16 or more items. So from that point of view, also a  big win.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bunny on February 13, 2010, 04:23:22 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 13, 2010, 10:20:15 AM
I thought DHL is owned by Deutsche Post?

? They operate in many other countries including the USA and Latin America, so they are more like Fedex or UPS than a branch of a national postal service. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 18, 2010, 05:57:38 AM
Crap. I gave Abeille Musique the wrong address. It's gonna get returned to them.

I don't speak French. What do I do?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on February 18, 2010, 06:26:13 AM
Quote from: Brian on February 18, 2010, 05:57:38 AM
Crap. I gave Abeille Musique the wrong address. It's gonna get returned to them.

I don't speak French. What do I do?
Send them an email in English? I seem to remember someone mentioning that they scommunicated with them in English.

The other two alternatives:

- Take a crash course in written French
- moving to the location you submitted

somehow doesn't seem very practical.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on February 18, 2010, 06:37:22 AM
Quote from: erato on February 18, 2010, 06:26:13 AM
Send them an email in English? I seem to remember someone mentioning that they scommunicated with them in English.

The other two alternatives:

- Take a crash course in written French
- moving to the location you submitted

somehow doesn't seem very practical.

Third alternative:

- Q could probably help you with some nice email in French.

:D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on February 18, 2010, 08:16:04 AM
Quote from: Antoine Marchand on February 18, 2010, 06:37:22 AM
Third alternative:

- Q could probably help you with some nice email in French.

:D
That's wimpy.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on February 18, 2010, 08:41:18 AM
Quote from: erato on February 18, 2010, 08:16:04 AM
That's wimpy.

... yes, totally unadventurous and dull.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 18, 2010, 08:43:18 AM
Quote from: erato on February 18, 2010, 06:26:13 AM
Send them an email in English? I seem to remember someone mentioning that they scommunicated with them in English.

The other two alternatives:

- Take a crash course in written French
- moving to the location you submitted

somehow doesn't seem very practical.

Google has a translation tool.  It' not advertised on their home page, you have to follow the links to more stuff.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 18, 2010, 12:40:41 PM
Quote from: erato on February 18, 2010, 06:26:13 AM
- moving to the location you submitted

I gave them the wrong postal code (my summer home's post code and my current post code are just two numbers apart, 7_0_5, and I am always mixing them up).

Sent an email in English this morning, at maybe 4 pm Paris time. Waiting to hear back.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 20, 2010, 05:39:43 AM
Quote from: Brian on February 18, 2010, 12:40:41 PM
I gave them the wrong postal code (my summer home's post code and my current post code are just two numbers apart, 7_0_5, and I am always mixing them up).

Sent an email in English this morning, at maybe 4 pm Paris time. Waiting to hear back.

Brian, have you been busy listening to the massive amount of CD's you ordered from that French joint?  You have been largely MIA these days ...    ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 20, 2010, 02:19:18 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 20, 2010, 05:39:43 AM
Brian, have you been busy listening to the massive amount of CD's you ordered from that French joint?  You have been largely MIA these days ...    ;D

Read my post again ... I gave them the wrong zip code and am waiting to hear back from them. The package was shipped and is being returned to them, so I likely will not see it for a week or two.  :(

My hard drive died two weeks ago and my computer is only just now back to full functionality.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 20, 2010, 02:22:55 PM
Quote from: Brian on February 20, 2010, 02:19:18 PM
Read my post again ... I gave them the wrong zip code and am waiting to hear back from them. The package was shipped and is being returned to them, so I likely will not see it for a week or two.  :(

My hard drive died two weeks ago and my computer is only just now back to full functionality.

OK, the death of your hard-drive explained your MIA.  I was under the impression you bought from that French joint a few times ...    ???
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Manos on February 28, 2010, 04:18:05 PM
I've been curious about this 'drop-ship' thing. When I recently ordered some CD's from ArkivMusic, they arrived in a nice white cardboard box from Franklin, TN. Soon after that I placed an order with HBDirect. It arrived in a nice white cardboard box from Franklin, TN. Who is the actual supplier?

[Considering the recent news from Chile, I hope we hear soon from Antoine Marchand.]
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 01, 2010, 06:33:38 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on February 10, 2010, 12:43:31 AM
The second Abeille megabox arrived yesterday; like the first one, it came meticulously packaged and with all  its contents in pristine condition.

Just a follow-up to Tasos' comments on shipping from Abeille Musique, of course, this time to the USA.

I placed two orders; the first arrived well packaged w/ no damage.  However, the second 'larger' shipment came in a thin cardboard container in which the discs were tightly packed w/o surrounding protection - a portion of the carton's edge was torn so that a number of the CDs were visible.  Fortunately, on inspection, none of the CD jewel boxes were broken, so I suspect all is well, but will be listening to these discs into next weekend!

The prices are certainly right, but out of stock items (which might impact on shipping charges?) and the packaging of my second carton will likely give me pause to order from them again - but I'm glad that others had a good experience w/ retailer.   :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on March 01, 2010, 07:41:00 AM
Quote from: SonicMan on March 01, 2010, 06:33:38 AM
Just a follow-up to Tasos' comments on shipping from Abeille Musique, of course, this time to the USA.

I placed two orders; the first arrived well packaged w/ no damage.  However, the second 'larger' shipment came in a thin cardboard container in which the discs were tightly packed w/o surrounding protection - a portion of the carton's edge was torn so that a number of the CDs were visible.  Fortunately, on inspection, none of the CD jewel boxes were broken, so I suspect all is well, but will be listening to these discs into next weekend!

The prices are certainly right, but out of stock items (which might impact on shipping charges?) and the packaging of my second carton will likely give me pause to order from them again - but I'm glad that others had a good experience w/ retailer.   :D

My shipment arrived in fine shape, but I paid something like 20 cents on the dollar, compared to list prices, I'm not about to be fussy.  Aside from that, the shipment did not come from the French site anyway.  The postmark was from Germany and the return address indicated it was shipped directly from a Naxos facility.

The sites prices are back to normal now and there is no incentive to order from them until there is another blow-out sale anyway.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on March 01, 2010, 08:09:05 AM
Quote from: Manos on February 28, 2010, 04:18:05 PM
[Considering the recent news from Chile, I hope we hear soon from Antoine Marchand.]

Thank you very much for your concern, Manos. The earthquake of the last Saturday has been a real tragedy for Chile, but fortunately my family and I are fine here in Santiago, where the damages were important, but not totally devastating like in other zones towards the South. Thanks again for your concern.   
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 01, 2010, 09:22:35 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on March 01, 2010, 07:41:00 AM
My shipment arrived in fine shape, but I paid something like 20 cents on the dollar, compared to list prices, I'm not about to be fussy.  Aside from that, the shipment did not come from the French site anyway.  The postmark was from Germany and the return address indicated it was shipped directly from a Naxos facility.

Interesting - my box had the same site of origin, i.e. shipped from Germany w/ a bunch of Naxos tape.

However, I am quite fussy about packaging items for shipment - I ship a lot of cartons, each is packed carefully and often 'double box', but that's just me.  There is still no excuse for the shipment to have arrived in that condition, a couple of more drops & tears, the CDs would have fallen out of the box!  But glad that your shipment was fine - so far I've gone through a half dozen discs and all are playing fine -  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on March 01, 2010, 09:36:55 AM
Quote from: SonicMan on March 01, 2010, 09:22:35 AM
Interesting - my box had the same site of origin, i.e. shipped from Germany w/ a bunch of Naxos tape.

However, I am quite fussy about packaging items for shipment - I ship a lot of cartons, each is packed carefully and often 'double box', but that's just me.  There is still no excuse for the shipment to have arrived in that condition, a couple of more drops & tears, the CDs would have fallen out of the box!  But glad that your shipment was fine - so far I've gone through a half dozen discs and all are playing fine -  :)

I've moved enough times that most of my cd jewel cases are cracked anyway.  What really annoys me is that the DVD cases often don't hold the disc securely enough so that they pop off in transit even if the box has no exterior damage.  CD cases are designed so that even if the disc gets off the hub there is nowhere for it to go.  But the DVD cases are oversized and the discs can rattle around and get scratched if they are not on the hub.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Tom 1960 on March 07, 2010, 03:49:48 AM
Excuse me guys if this question has posed here many times. I did a search before posting and came up empty. It's not very often I purchase from Berkshire Record Outlet so I don't know if this is the norm. I placed an order from them almost 2 weeks ago and have yet to receive my order. If it doesn't show by Tuesday, I'll either email them or drop them a line. Location wise these guys are just an hour or so away, so I don't understand why it's taken so long. No question they have great prices but is this normal procedure for these guys?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on March 07, 2010, 04:07:45 AM
QuotePlease allow up to four weeks for delivery. Please note the date your order was placed and wait a full four weeks before contacting us, regardless of how quickly you may have received previous orders.

http://www.broinc.com/index.php?p=order_information#ship
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: UB on March 07, 2010, 04:12:24 AM

I have not bought from BRO for a couple of years because we have been out of the country. However at that time they took 4 to 5 weeks (as indicated in the post that came up while I was writing this one) and if you bugged them too much before that they tended to lose your order. But I also found them amazingly quick to fix any mistake - I got the wrong CD in the right case and they sent a replacement out priority mail so I got it in three days on the West Coast.

They have tons of orders and the last time I was in their warehouse it was less than state-of-the-art. Actually it is worth visiting the place - are they still only open on Saturdays for a few hours for walk in customers?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Tom 1960 on March 07, 2010, 04:57:53 AM
Something to consider next time before placing an order. I wish I had noticed the 4 weeks notice before placing the order, but live and learn. I guess they do serve a purpose for classical music fans who wish to save money and don't mind the long waiting period. The recordings I ordered are widely available and will seriously consider next time if the trade off of cost savings versus the need to get these discs in a reasonable period of time is worthwhile. To be honest, 4 weeks in this day in age seems to be abit ridiculous but that's just me. YMMV.  :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on March 07, 2010, 05:29:35 AM
My pile of discs to listen to is way too big already, so I actually would consider a long delivery time a bonus.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 07, 2010, 07:32:26 AM
Quote from: Tom 1960 on March 07, 2010, 04:57:53 AM
Something to consider next time before placing an order. I wish I had noticed the 4 weeks notice before placing the order, but live and learn. I guess they do serve a purpose for classical music fans who wish to save money and don't mind the long waiting period. The recordings I ordered are widely available and will seriously consider next time if the trade off of cost savings versus the need to get these discs in a reasonable period of time is worthwhile. To be honest, 4 weeks in this day in age seems to be abit ridiculous but that's just me. YMMV.  :D

Patience, sir -  ;) :D

I order often from BRO and certainly feel that the 'savings' is well worth the extra wait; my orders have often arrived in less than 4 weeks, but I've not kept tract - I usually have multiple orders in from different places, so 'something' seems to be showing up at the house several times a week (so, one solution is to have a half dozen 'outstanding' orders from all over the USA & Europe!  ;D).

But, I must say that I've waited weeks on orders from a number of non-BRO retailers depending on whether items are in stock or not?   :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Tom 1960 on March 07, 2010, 08:55:44 AM
I guess I'm alittle spoiled. As an obsessed jazz music collector these past few years, I've become quite used to receiving ordered items in less than a weeks time. Maybe things are somewhat different when it comes to obtaining classical music recordings. I'll chill for the time being.  :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Tom 1960 on March 08, 2010, 01:43:04 PM
Cds arrived today. All is well in my world once again.  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on March 09, 2010, 07:02:51 PM
I will cut off Amazon if it ever attempts to collect sales tax and shift all my purchases to MDT and Presto for good. 

Amazon cuts off Colo. affiliates
The e-commerce giant has cut ties with Colo. online businesses that help it sell products because of a new state law aimed at getting out-of-state, online retailers to collect sales tax ...
(http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=525943)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on March 10, 2010, 07:25:18 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on March 09, 2010, 07:02:51 PM
I will cut off Amazon if it ever attempts to collect sales tax and shift all my purchases to MDT and Presto for good. 

Amazon cuts off Colo. affiliates
The e-commerce giant has cut ties with Colo. online businesses that help it sell products because of a new state law aimed at getting out-of-state, online retailers to collect sales tax ...
(http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=525943)

Is my impression correct that you live in New York state?  In New York state you have to self-report all on-line purchases on your state income tax and pay sales tax anyway.  I wonder how many people actually do that.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on March 10, 2010, 07:59:44 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on March 10, 2010, 07:25:18 AM
Is my impression correct that you live in New York state?  In New York state you have to self-report all on-line purchases on your state income tax and pay sales tax anyway.  I wonder how many people actually do that.

Amazon already charges sales tax in New York.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on March 10, 2010, 08:11:17 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on March 10, 2010, 07:25:18 AM
Is my impression correct that you live in New York state?  In New York state you have to self-report all on-line purchases on your state income tax and pay sales tax anyway.  I wonder how many people actually do that.

California also requires it on their state income tax returns.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 10, 2010, 08:28:52 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on March 10, 2010, 07:25:18 AM
Is my impression correct that you live in New York state?  In New York state you have to self-report all on-line purchases on your state income tax and pay sales tax anyway.  I wonder how many people actually do that.

Not certain but I suspect that is true for many states - in North Carolina, called the 'use tax' (described HERE (http://www.dornc.com/faq/use.html); thus, residents of this state should pay sales tax on all out-of-state purchases (for me, CDs, books, & wine are the main items) - I would need to keep tract of all of these purchases, then calculate the appropriate sales tax and put that amount into my tax returns.  The main exception would be for stores that have a 'physical presence' in the state and would charge you the sales tax, but I've dealt w/ few of those merchants online.   :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on March 12, 2010, 06:01:48 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on March 10, 2010, 07:25:18 AM
Is my impression correct that you live in New York state?  In New York state you have to self-report all on-line purchases on your state income tax and pay sales tax anyway.  I wonder how many people actually do that.

I thought people who live in NYS pay sales tax to their e-tailers.  I work in NYC but do not live in NYS ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 24, 2010, 04:25:23 PM
Today, my first BAD shipping experience from MDT across the pond to me in North Carolina - small box w/ about 6 discs (5 in jewel boxes) - 4 of the jewel boxes were broken in various ways!  Now I had plenty of 'jewel box parts'  for replacements, and the discs all look fine so not worried about each playing.

But interestingly, the CDs were packaged as usual by MDT, i.e. 2-3 wrapped in bubble wrap and packed neatly and tightly into the box - I'm assuming that these jewel boxes were in perfect shape when put together in England by MDT - believe the problem was on the way here - package probably dropped, thrown, etc. busting the plastic parts - decided not to make a complaint to MDT since the 'middle men' were probably the fault.  Dave  :-\
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on March 24, 2010, 06:25:57 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on March 24, 2010, 04:25:23 PM
Today, my first BAD shipping experience from MDT across the pond to me in North Carolina - small box w/ about 6 discs (5 in jewel boxes) - 4 of the jewel boxes were broken in various ways!  Now I had plenty of 'jewel box parts'  for replacements, and the discs all look fine so not worried about each playing.

But interestingly, the CDs were packaged as usual by MDT, i.e. 2-3 wrapped in bubble wrap and packed neatly and tightly into the box - I'm assuming that these jewel boxes were in perfect shape when put together in England by MDT - believe the problem was on the way here - package probably dropped, thrown, etc. busting the plastic parts - decided not to make a complaint to MDT since the 'middle men' were probably the fault.  Dave  :-\

While the MDT packaging is first rate, there are just many ways the USPS can bust a package.  I have all but given up on Amazon US.  I can count on average 50% of each order from Amazon US arrives with busted CD jewel cases due to a combination of poor packaging and poor handling by the USPS ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Manos on March 25, 2010, 06:57:11 PM
Crotchet uses packaging that has yet to let me down. While this article (http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y201/m09/abu0047/s02) refers to shipping books, the packaging method looks identical to Crotchet's packaging. (See Figure 2 on that page.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on March 29, 2010, 02:09:21 PM
After probably 100s of CDs delivered without problems, I just got an order from MDT that was destroyed, the CD itself bent beyond playability.  But it was Royal Mail (it came in a Royal Mail "We are sorry" baggie) that did the damage, not USPS.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on March 29, 2010, 02:16:15 PM
If you are going to send something through the mail you have to accept the small but finite chance that it will be lost or destroyed.  It is a cost vs performance trade-off.  If your CD is really priceless irreplaceable, then spend $20 bucks to FedEx it, rather than $1.50 to send it through the mail.  Or better yet, hand deliver it on a soft pillow.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 19, 2010, 03:00:51 PM
Quote from: Daverz on March 29, 2010, 02:09:21 PM
After probably 100s of CDs delivered without problems, I just got an order from MDT that was destroyed, the CD itself bent beyond playability.  But it was Royal Mail (it came in a Royal Mail "We are sorry" baggie) that did the damage, not USPS.

You get no apology from USPS, period.   ::)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on May 03, 2010, 06:32:26 AM
Just a note that this month, Hyperion's website has a "please, somebody, buy me..." style sale on its entire English Orpheus series, which it amusingly describes as "what may well have been the least successful, in commercial terms at least, series in the history of recorded music."

Link here! (http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/o.asp?o=1028)

Dyads and normal discs are half-price, Helios discs have a paltry quid off.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on May 20, 2010, 02:16:28 PM
Has somebody bought from the website of the Italian label "Tactus"?

http://www.tactus.biz/store/

:)

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Marc on May 20, 2010, 02:23:26 PM
Quote from: Antoine Marchand on May 20, 2010, 02:16:28 PM
Has somebody bought from the website of the Italian label "Tactus"?

http://www.tactus.biz/store/

:)
Nope.

;D

But I do have some organ discs with Liuwe Tamminga .... not sure if they are issued by Tactus though .... have to check it out .... tomorrow that is .... have to get to bed first .... it's late and my futile brains stopped working.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on May 20, 2010, 02:29:13 PM
Quote from: Marc on May 20, 2010, 02:23:26 PM
Nope.

;D

But I do have some organ discs with Liuwe Tamminga .... not sure if they are issued by Tactus though .... have to check it out .... tomorrow that is .... have to get to bed first .... it's late and my futile brains stopped working.

I saw some enticing discs by Tamminga there. But I am principally interested in Frescobaldi/Vartolo.

I would like to know if they are reliable sellers.  :)


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 20, 2010, 02:52:03 PM
Quote from: Antoine Marchand on May 20, 2010, 02:29:13 PM
I saw some enticing discs by Tamminga there. But I am principally interested in Frescobaldi/Vartolo.

I would like to know if they are reliable sellers.  :)

Antoine - well, I cannot vouch for them personally - have not used the site; however, I do own a nice Tactus collection (including some licensed for Brilliant), so can recommend the label.  Dave
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on May 20, 2010, 02:54:05 PM
Quote from: Lethe on May 03, 2010, 06:32:26 AM
Just a note that this month, Hyperion's website has a "please, somebody, buy me..." style sale on its entire English Orpheus series, which it amusingly describes as "what may well have been the least successful, in commercial terms at least, series in the history of recorded music."

Link here! (http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/o.asp?o=1028)

Dyads and normal discs are half-price, Helios discs have a paltry quid off.

Oh goodness; the "English Violin Concertos" CD has samples which sound absolutely fabulous. I might need to buy that disc.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 21, 2010, 11:47:50 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 20, 2010, 02:54:05 PM
Oh goodness; the "English Violin Concertos" CD has samples which sound absolutely fabulous. I might need to buy that disc.
It's a treat. I had a splurge on Thomas Linley recently (I've walked past his house in Bath so many times that I felt I ought to listen to his music), and that disc was one of the few ways of getting to know him.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on May 22, 2010, 05:56:54 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 20, 2010, 02:54:05 PM
Oh goodness; the "English Violin Concertos" CD has samples which sound absolutely fabulous. I might need to buy that disc.

What kind of shipping and handling costs do we have to pay to have the CD's shipped to the US by Hyperion?  I would think free shipping only applies to UK residents ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on June 05, 2010, 07:28:58 AM
Amazon Seeking a Patent for the 1-Nod Technology (http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/06/making_online_orders_with_a_nod_or_a_smile_bezos_seeks_patent.html)

It should be fun to watch the Purchases Today thread if and when this is put in place.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on June 05, 2010, 08:57:36 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on June 05, 2010, 07:28:58 AM
Amazon Seeking a Patent for the 1-Nod Technology (http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/06/making_online_orders_with_a_nod_or_a_smile_bezos_seeks_patent.html)

It should be fun to watch the Purchases Today thread if and when this is put in place.
I look forward to the first reports of somebody accidentely buying a TV because they sneezed ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on June 05, 2010, 09:23:08 AM
Quote from: Lethe on June 05, 2010, 08:57:36 AM
I look forward to the first reports of somebody accidentely buying a TV because they sneezed ;D

I've already patented a new feature; the appearance of a spouse's face over your shoulder automatically clears the screen and replaces is with a search for lawn supplies.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on June 05, 2010, 03:46:12 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on June 05, 2010, 07:28:58 AM
Amazon Seeking a Patent for the 1-Nod Technology (http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/06/making_online_orders_with_a_nod_or_a_smile_bezos_seeks_patent.html)

It should be fun to watch the Purchases Today thread if and when this is put in place.

As protection, I have already bought a neck brace to wear whilst surfing.  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on June 05, 2010, 06:46:25 PM
Quote from: George on June 05, 2010, 03:46:12 PM
As protection, I have already bought a neck brace to wear whilst surfing.  ;D

I'm waiting for the first news story, when a 16 wheeler pulls up to deliver 116,387 copies of "The Shawshank Redemption" only to find the resident at his computer, having an epileptic seisure.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on June 05, 2010, 07:22:29 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on June 05, 2010, 06:46:25 PM
I'm waiting for the first news story, when a 16 wheeler pulls up to deliver 116,387 copies of "The Shawshank Redemption" only to find the resident at his computer, having an epileptic seisure.

;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on July 13, 2010, 11:00:49 AM
Abeille's Summer Sale.

http://www.abeillemusique.com/Soldes-d-ete-2010/clelist-185.html

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on July 13, 2010, 12:58:14 PM
I would say that 99.9% of my collection has come from Amazon Marketplace sellers. There are only a few reliable sellers I buy from on Amazon, but I have got some amazing deals and these sellers sell CDs alot cheaper than buying directly from Amazon or any other online store.

Unfortunately, the days of going into a record store and finding something worthwhile, at least for me, are long gone. I have to rely on companies like Amazon to help fill the void.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on July 13, 2010, 01:09:31 PM
Last time I went into a record store I had more discs than they had.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on July 13, 2010, 01:18:00 PM
Quote from: erato on July 13, 2010, 01:09:31 PM
Last time I went into a record store I had more discs than they had.

Lol....I know how sad is that! :D But it's so true. I own around 6,000 or so classical recordings and it seems that every store I've been in for the past 10 years doesn't even have a classical selection worth displaying.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on July 13, 2010, 01:55:28 PM
Quote from: erato on July 13, 2010, 01:09:31 PM
Last time I went into a record store I had more discs than they had.

Hi Erato - LOL, too!  ;D

I cannot remember the last time I walked into a 'mortar & brick' music store but the experience was pretty miserable!  :-\

I started to order online in the pre-WWW days (from CDNow as I remembered) - yes, all text based w/o GUI - this dates me back into the 1980s - can't recall - but now nearly ALL of my CD orders are online - use mostly Amazon (mainly the Market Place), MDT, and Berkshire Record Outlet, along w/ several others.

Now, I'm starting to do a few online downloads - yes, for me I'd rather have the disc in hand w/ the liner notes and some type of container, but who knows what will be offered in the future?   :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 13, 2010, 06:37:14 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on July 13, 2010, 11:00:49 AM
Abeille's Summer Sale.

http://www.abeillemusique.com/Soldes-d-ete-2010/clelist-185.html

I bet shipping cost is 300% of the CD price.     ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on July 13, 2010, 06:41:11 PM
My experience over the weekend at J&R, the B&M store I used to shop very frequently in the 80's, was really not bad.  I found this set at a great price.  The set is not even available on Amazon US ...

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on July 13, 2010, 06:48:37 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on July 13, 2010, 06:37:14 PM
I bet shipping cost is 300% of the CD price.     ;D

7 Euros on my previous order of 40 CDs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on July 13, 2010, 07:01:24 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on July 13, 2010, 06:41:11 PM
set is not even available on Amazon US ...

So what?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on July 13, 2010, 07:47:46 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 13, 2010, 07:01:24 PM
So what?

Well, somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on July 13, 2010, 07:59:33 PM
Quote from: Daverz on July 13, 2010, 07:47:46 PM
Well, somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed...

I'm just saying that just because a CD set isn't offered by Amazon doesn't make them a valuable resource for collectors.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: jhar26 on July 18, 2010, 12:05:01 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 13, 2010, 01:18:00 PM
Lol....I know how sad is that! :D But it's so true. I own around 6,000 or so classical recordings and it seems that every store I've been in for the past 10 years doesn't even have a classical selection worth displaying.
And it's even worse for jazz. Come to think about it, most stores these days don't even have a pop/rock selection worth displaying. Most sales people there are totally clueless also. Even when you ask for a cd from a well known composer or artist they give you that "what planet are you from?" look.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on July 18, 2010, 06:45:59 PM
Quote from: jhar26 on July 18, 2010, 12:05:01 AM
And it's even worse for jazz. Come to think about it, most stores these days don't even have a pop/rock selection worth displaying. Most sales people there are totally clueless also. Even when you ask for a cd from a well known composer or artist they give you that "what planet are you from?" look.

This is very true sadly as the days of CD stores are over. There are a few specialty CD stores however and I've spoken with some different people about this same issue. Depending on what city you're near, I'm sure there are some people with a good knowledge of classical music. I'm not expecting somebody to know everything I'm talking about, but I think as requirement in order to work in a CD store the employee must pass a musical knowledge test that covers all genres. This will help weed out those who aren't passionate about music.

I actually walked into a CD store about 10 years ago and I asked the sales clerk if he had any recordings of Debussy's La Mer and the guy just looked at me as if I just asked him to give me one of his kidneys. I recall him saying "What is that?" or something to that effect. I just looked at him and said "Are you serious?"  ???
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 14, 2010, 07:38:11 PM
I think B&M music store will continue to exist in some form.  Look no further than J&R Music in NYC, where the music store is just one of a half dozen stores under the J&R name.  When stores like HMV, Tower and Record Hunter have vanished over the past twenty years, J&R Music continues to be in business.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on August 14, 2010, 09:19:09 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on August 14, 2010, 07:38:11 PM
I think B&M music store will continue to exist in some form.  Look no further than J&R Music in NYC, where the music store is just one of a half dozen stores under the J&R name.  When stores like HMV, Tower and Record Hunter have vanished over the past twenty years, J&R Music continues to be in business.

Well J&R are more than just CDs right? Don't they sell audio/video equipment as well?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bulldog on August 14, 2010, 09:55:59 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 14, 2010, 09:19:09 PM

Well J&R are more than just CDs right? Don't they sell audio/video equipment as well?

A ton of it as well as cell phones, popcorn makers, travel irons, brooms, air conditioners, pens and pencils.  I went to their website and was floored at all the offerings.   
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on November 04, 2010, 10:01:40 AM
What happens when you order from Hyperion's own web site?  I ordered a few of those "somebody buy me" things and after several days no shipping confirmation, no indication on the order status page that anything has been shipped.  Do they take a while to ship?  Do they ship but without giving you an email notice?  Do they just take your money and invest it in Ponzi schemes? 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 04, 2010, 10:09:10 AM
They ship immediately, very reliably but with no separate shipping confirmation. Relax, dude.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bulldog on November 04, 2010, 10:14:06 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on November 04, 2010, 10:01:40 AM
What happens when you order from Hyperion's own web site?  I ordered a few of those "somebody buy me" things and after several days no shipping confirmation, no indication on the order status page that anything has been shipped.  Do they take a while to ship?  Do they ship but without giving you an email notice?  Do they just take your money and invest it in Ponzi schemes?

How many days since you made your order?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on November 04, 2010, 10:23:54 AM
Quote from: erato on November 04, 2010, 10:09:10 AM
They ship immediately, very reliably but with no separate shipping confirmation. Relax, dude.

That's cool.

Quote from: Bulldog on November 04, 2010, 10:14:06 AM
How many days since you made your order?

I think it was Monday, four days.  Not that I'd expect to receive it by now, but I was anticipating a little email that says, "your item has been dispatched."  (In the UK, they don't ship, they "dispatch.")

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bulldog on November 04, 2010, 10:25:57 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on November 04, 2010, 10:23:54 AM
I think it was Monday, four days.  Not that I'd expect to receive it by now, but I was anticipating a little email that says, "your item has been dispatched."  (In the UK, they don't ship, they "dispatch.")

Can't blame a guy for wanting to be kept in the loop, especially when there's money involved.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on November 04, 2010, 11:51:35 AM
The one time I ordered a "someone buy me," I got purchase confirmation and then, since I was in Texas, two weeks of silence passed before one random day the CD finally arrived in the mail. It was the Arriaga/Vorisek symphonies CD, and in the two weeks it took to arrive, the conductor (Charles Mackerras) died.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on November 04, 2010, 12:00:13 PM
Quote from: Brian on November 04, 2010, 11:51:35 AM
The one time I ordered a "someone buy me," I got purchase confirmation and then, since I was in Texas, two weeks of silence passed before one random day the CD finally arrived in the mail. It was the Arriaga/Vorisek symphonies CD, and in the two weeks it took to arrive, the conductor (Charles Mackerras) died.

Hmmm, like one of those horror movies where fate marks people for death.  Three sets of performers on death watch.

(http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571175171.png)

(http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571150819.png)

(http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571150765.png)


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on November 04, 2010, 02:50:20 PM
Darn it I might buy something: Robert Fuchs' clarinet quintet sounds really tempting.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on November 04, 2010, 02:53:51 PM
Quote from: Brian on November 04, 2010, 02:50:20 PM
Darn it I might buy something: Robert Fuchs' clarinet quintet sounds really tempting.

I believe they are early works, but some of the excepts in the Janacek disc sounded really interesting.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on November 04, 2010, 04:39:23 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 13, 2010, 12:58:14 PM
I would say that 99.9% of my collection has come from Amazon Marketplace sellers. There are only a few reliable sellers I buy from on Amazon, but I have got some amazing deals and these sellers sell CDs alot cheaper than buying directly from Amazon or any other online store.

Unfortunately, the days of going into a record store and finding something worthwhile, at least for me, are long gone. I have to rely on companies like Amazon to help fill the void.

I no longer buy from ImportCD as often after a series of orders each came with its busted CD jewel case.  In one case, the entire fatboy case was literally crushed, though fortunately no CD's were damaged.  Newbury Comics has a good shipping protection record.  ImportCD just cuts too many corners in packaging IMO.  These days, the lion share of my CD purchases came from MDT or Presto Classical and both package their CD's extremely well.  But the recent strength in pound sterling could be a problem if it continues since I rarely make small purchases ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 04, 2010, 11:54:56 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on November 04, 2010, 04:39:23 PM
But the recent strength in pound sterling could be a problem if it continues since I rarely make small purchases ...
It's not the pound that is strong, it's the USD that's weak....
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on November 10, 2010, 06:50:05 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on November 04, 2010, 04:39:23 PM
I no longer buy from ImportCD as often after a series of orders each came with its busted CD jewel case.  In one case, the entire fatboy case was literally crushed, though fortunately no CD's were damaged.  Newbury Comics has a good shipping protection record.  ImportCD just cuts too many corners in packaging IMO.  These days, the lion share of my CD purchases came from MDT or Presto Classical and both package their CD's extremely well.  But the recent strength in pound sterling could be a problem if it continues since I rarely make small purchases ...

That's the rub I have with ImportCDs as well. They do cut too many corners with packaging, which is why I hardly use them. Newbury Comics is a pretty decent company. I've had a few problems, but usually they provide good service. I usually buy all of my Naxos, Chandos, Ondine recordings from Classical Music Superstore who provide excellent service and fast shipping. Usually if buy 4 or 5 CDs from them at the same time, they package it in a box, which really helps with the protection of the CDs. Another seller I like is Blowitoutofhere. I have had very little problems with them. In the end, it's all a matter of who you buy the CDs from.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on November 11, 2010, 06:55:57 AM
Never had any trouble with ImportCD.com, except that once they sent me a PAL DVD even though it was advertised as NTSC.  They refunded with no fuss.

But that order directly from hyperion-records.co.uk still has not arrived.  Order placed Oct 30.  Even with the steep "please buy me" discount, not getting the product takes the fun out of ordering.   :(

(ooops, typo, it was Oct 30, not Oct 10).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on November 11, 2010, 07:00:48 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on November 11, 2010, 06:55:57 AMBut that order directly from hyperion-records.co.uk still has not arrived.  Order placed Oct 10.  Even with the steep "please buy me" discount, not getting the product takes the fun out of ordering.   :(

I seldom buy CDs from overseas. I have bought from Amazon UK, but buying there is like buying from the main Amazon site, so never had any problems with orders not being delivered. Ordering from the UK does take a little while though as opposed to buying in US, but if the price is right, I'm willing to wait a week or so.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on November 11, 2010, 09:21:54 AM
Quote from: erato on November 04, 2010, 11:54:56 PM
It's not the pound that is strong, it's the USD that's weak....

Here's the 5-year trend for GBP/USD:

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=GBPUSD=X&t=5y&l=on&z=m&q=l&c=

Today's $1.61/GBP is still a pretty good rate compared to the $2 plateau of a couple years ago.  Still lots of good deals on MDT.  The Yen/USD rate sucks, though.

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=USDJPY=X&t=5y&l=on&z=m&q=l&c=

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on November 11, 2010, 12:19:12 PM
Quote from: Daverz on November 11, 2010, 09:21:54 AM
Here's the 5-year trend for GBP/USD:

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=GBPUSD=X&t=5y&l=on&z=m&q=l&c=

Today's $1.61/GBP is still a pretty good rate compared to the $2 plateau of a couple years ago.  Still lots of good deals on MDT.  The Yen/USD rate sucks, though.

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=USDJPY=X&t=5y&l=on&z=m&q=l&c=

A new release from Hyperion costs $20 plus shipping on Amazon, 14 pounds plus shipping on Hyperion's own web site, and 8.50 pounds plus shipping on mdt.  So much for the efficient market theory.  Too bad there is no way to do arbitrage on Hyperion CDs.  If you could buy a million copies and sell a million copies in Derbyshire UK and Portland OR, you could make a mint!
   
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on November 13, 2010, 07:48:33 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 11, 2010, 07:00:48 AM

I seldom buy CDs from overseas. I have bought from Amazon UK, but buying there is like buying from the main Amazon site, so never had any problems with orders not being delivered. Ordering from the UK does take a little while though as opposed to buying in US, but if the price is right, I'm willing to wait a week or so.

I have had some pretty good deals from Amazon UK.  I got both Richter - Pianist of the Century and the Karajan Symphony Edition boxes at great promotional prices before Amazon US even stocked the titles ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on November 13, 2010, 07:52:30 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on November 13, 2010, 07:48:33 PM
I have had some pretty good deals from Amazon UK.  I got both Richter - Pianist of the Century and the Karajan Symphony Edition boxes at great promotional prices before Amazon US even stocked the titles ...

Same here. I got some good deals on Amazon UK. It's also interesting to note that Amazon UK carries titles that the regular Amazon site doesn't carry. I bought both of Andrew Davis' RVW and Elgar sets over on the UK site for great prices.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on November 13, 2010, 08:01:28 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 13, 2010, 07:52:30 PM

Same here. I got some good deals on Amazon UK. It's also interesting to note that Amazon UK carries titles that the regular Amazon site doesn't carry. I bought both of Andrew Davis' RVW and Elgar sets over on the UK site for great prices.

I got some extremely good deals at Presto Classical and MDT for sets that would have cost me $20 or $30 more had I bought them from US based etailers.  The 60-CD Complete Bach Cantatas set by Harnoncourt and a few other CD's cost me a little over $200 with shipping.  The same set would have cost me at some $150 more, go figure.  I was somewhat hesitant in ordering overseas initially for obvious reasons ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 13, 2010, 08:11:05 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on November 13, 2010, 08:01:28 PM
I was somewhat hesitant in ordering overseas initially for obvious reasons ...
????
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on November 13, 2010, 08:35:24 PM
Quote from: erato on November 13, 2010, 08:11:05 PM
   ????

It is not exactly easy to track a lost package sent from Europe, my friend.  Thankfully, that has not happened YET ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on November 13, 2010, 09:24:18 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 13, 2010, 07:52:30 PM

Same here. I got some good deals on Amazon UK. It's also interesting to note that Amazon UK carries titles that the regular Amazon site doesn't carry. I bought both of Andrew Davis' RVW and Elgar sets over on the UK site for great prices.

Unfortunately, many Amazon UK MarketPlace vendors do not ship outside of the UK.  What a bummer?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on November 13, 2010, 09:27:50 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on November 13, 2010, 09:24:18 PM
Unfortunately, many Amazon UK MarketPlace vendors do not ship outside of the UK.  What a bummer?

Which is why I seldom buy from Amazon UK. I would prefer to buy from Amazon UK and get a good deal than buy from some unknown seller that is outside the United States.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on November 14, 2010, 05:37:45 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 13, 2010, 09:27:50 PM

Which is why I seldom buy from Amazon UK. I would prefer to buy from Amazon UK and get a good deal than buy from some unknown seller that is outside the United States.

Relax!  You are fully protected when you buy through the Amazon MarketPlace.  This is true for Amazon US and true for Amazon UK as well since you pay the vendor through Amazon.  If the vendor does not deliver, you take up the issue with Amazon, which may have to eat the loss ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on November 14, 2010, 05:44:49 AM
In any case, my package from Hyperion arrived, which means it took two weeks.  Longer than I've come to expect for packages from England, but not outrageous.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on December 16, 2010, 05:02:04 AM
Does anybody know where I can buy the following CD as a lossless download? I'm sick of waiting for it to dip to around £10 second-hand (it feels unreasonable to pay £15+ for a second hand disc that could be 15 years old and worn out). Naxos is very fine and good for offering its catalogue in mp3, but I'm willing to pay even up to full price for lossless, and they seem to be refusing me that service :( If only the disc was on a more progressive label like Chandos...

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oKTZdALzL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 16, 2010, 05:25:41 AM
Quote from: Lethe on December 16, 2010, 05:02:04 AM
Does anybody know where I can buy the following CD as a lossless download? I'm sick of waiting for it to dip to around £10 second-hand (it feels unreasonable to pay £15+ for a second hand disc that could be 15 years old and worn out). Naxos is very fine and good for offering its catalogue in mp3, but I'm willing to pay even up to full price for lossless, and they seem to be refusing me that service :( If only the disc was on a more progressive label like Chandos...

Have an eye on this place (http://www.passionato.com/album-detail/AN4b100ff569fab/). Or maybe even send them a mail asking if they're planning to offer lossless. (Why would anyone list a disc and not offer a download?)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on December 16, 2010, 05:34:40 AM
Woah, that one actually does seem to offer it in flac, thanks! A shame that there is no booklet, but for the price I can't grumble.

I guess I should've checked beyond Classics Online/iTunes/eMusic, thanks!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 16, 2010, 05:36:49 AM
Oh, so that N/A was just for my part of the world, then. :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 16, 2010, 05:40:18 AM
Quote from: Lethe on December 16, 2010, 05:34:40 AM
A shame that there is no booklet, but for the price I can't grumble.

Notes (http://www.naxos.com/mainsite/blurbs_reviews.asp?item_code=8.223553&catNum=223553&filetype=About%20this%20Recording&language=English#)

:)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on December 16, 2010, 05:44:52 AM
Okay, you officially join Scarpia as websearch Master ;D Thank you so much!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 16, 2010, 05:50:29 AM
Quote from: Lethe on December 16, 2010, 05:44:52 AM
Okay, you officially join Scarpia as websearch Master ;D Thank you so much!

Disclaimer: No search involved. I was aware of both places prior to the query.

And I though Drasko was considered the WSM in these parts. :D ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: George on December 16, 2010, 05:53:47 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on December 16, 2010, 05:50:29 AM
And I though Drasko was considered the WSM in these parts. :D ;)

me too.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on December 16, 2010, 05:55:16 AM
Perhaps there are different ranks, with Drasko as Websearch Overlord ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on December 28, 2010, 09:42:39 PM
Allegro is having a 25% off Lyrita sale (http://www.allegro-music.com/label_search.asp?label=lyr).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on December 29, 2010, 01:44:10 AM
Amazon.com is having a lobotomy.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on December 29, 2010, 07:35:06 AM
 ;) "If so, you may wish to stop being so damn restrictive" ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on December 30, 2010, 05:33:13 PM
http://www.europadisc.co.uk/offer/710/Nimbus_BOXSETS,0,84.htm

Not a super-duper cheap bargain, but still very good: Europadisc is having a Nimbus boxed set sale - up to 6CDs ones for £11 inc VAT.

Does anybody have any suggestions?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on December 30, 2010, 06:42:01 PM
Quote from: Lethe on December 30, 2010, 05:33:13 PM
http://www.europadisc.co.uk/offer/710/Nimbus_BOXSETS,0,84.htm

Not a super-duper cheap bargain, but still very good: Europadisc is having a Nimbus boxed set sale - up to 6CDs ones for £11 inc VAT.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

This is one:

(http://www.europadisc.co.uk/images/products-190/1274970063_NI256870.jpg)

Wonderful performances (on period instruments) and great sound quality (this set was not recorded by Nimbus; it's a licensed recording).

:)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on December 31, 2010, 07:42:29 AM
Hyperion just sent me a disc.

It was sent from London postcode SE9 to me, in London postcode E1. There is a By Air Mail sticker affixed.
:P
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 31, 2010, 04:48:57 PM
Quote from: Brian on December 31, 2010, 07:42:29 AM
Hyperion just sent me a disc.

It was sent from London postcode SE9 to me, in London postcode E1. There is a By Air Mail sticker affixed.
:P

Starting tomorrow, the VAT goes up to 20% in the UK ...

:o
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on January 06, 2011, 12:30:26 PM
The Crapification of iTunes' Classical Music Store (http://www.mcelhearn.com/2011/01/04/the-crapification-of-itunes-classical-music-store/)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on January 06, 2011, 12:44:31 PM
Hmmm, a recent order to Newbury Comics was canceled without explanation.   ???
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 06, 2011, 12:56:26 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on January 06, 2011, 12:44:31 PM
Hmmm, a recent order to Newbury Comics was canceled without explanation.   ???

Very strange. I just got something from them week-before-last... :-\

Any experience with this boatload of Brits selling to US on the Marketplace now? I have a couple orders to try them out, haven't received anything from any of them yet, including a reply to my query. I wonder at their business model. Their prices are great, although you can charge anything if you aren't going to deliver.

I use an AM seller in Germany called  "medimops" (yes, really), and in 10-12 orders have had excellent results. And they don't take more than a couple of days longer than in-country dealers. Makes me wonder about that lot of Brits.... :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on January 06, 2011, 01:07:01 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 06, 2011, 12:56:26 PM
Very strange. I just got something from them week-before-last... :-\

Any experience with this boatload of Brits selling to US on the Marketplace now? I have a couple orders to try them out, haven't received anything from any of them yet, including a reply to my query. I wonder at their business model. Their prices are great, although you can charge anything if you aren't going to deliver.

I use an AM seller in Germany called  "medimops" (yes, really), and in 10-12 orders have had excellent results. And they don't take more than a couple of days longer than in-country dealers. Makes me wonder about that lot of Brits.... :-\

8)

Placed a few orders with vendors matching matching that description (UK based) and they are slow to deliver, but things arrived eventually.

I've dealt with Newbury before with no difficulties.  I know they have their own web site so it is possible the item in question was already sold, but I would have expected the courtesy of an explanation.   :-\
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 06, 2011, 01:26:07 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on January 06, 2011, 01:07:01 PM
Placed a few orders with vendors matching matching that description (UK based) and they are slow to deliver, but things arrived eventually.

I've dealt with Newbury before with no difficulties.  I know they have their own web site so it is possible the item in question was already sold, but I would have expected the courtesy of an explanation.   :-\

Yeah, I never had them do what happened to you. Of course, there are some rather coarse elements in the Greater Boston area... :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 06, 2011, 01:33:18 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 06, 2011, 01:26:07 PM
Yeah, I never had them do what happened to you. Of course, there are some rather coarse elements in the Greater Boston area... :-\

8)

You can avoid them if you spot the big shaggy beards from a long enough way off ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on January 06, 2011, 01:36:29 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 06, 2011, 01:33:18 PM
You can avoid them if you spot the big shaggy beards from a long enough way off ;)

I know the m.o..  If the CD contains any stravinsky, prokofiev or schoenberg, it is mysteriously "lost in the mail."   ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 07, 2011, 07:56:51 AM
I must say, Abeille Musique's website is badly made in some respects. I don't mean the website layout, but the way the site works.

I just registered an account, but I did not receive a confirmation+account activation e-mail, which is a norm for virtually every (reputable) website.

After registering, a new window offered to let me edit my account information, along with a couple of check boxes for letting them send newsletters and such. After I unchecked the boxes and clicked the "modify" button, I was returned to the same page with no indication of what had just happened. Oh, and the boxes were checked again. Now, that's just sloppy.

Maybe they'll just have to give their customers access to their databases so that they could confirm these things on their own. ::)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brahmsian on January 07, 2011, 08:01:53 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 07, 2011, 07:56:51 AM
I must say, Abeille Musique's website is badly made in some respects. I don't mean the website layout, but the way the site works.

I just registered an account, but I did not receive a confirmation+account activation e-mail, which is a norm for virtually every (reputable) website.

After registering, a new window offered to let me edit my account information, along with a couple of check boxes for letting them send newsletters and such. After I unchecked the boxes and clicked the "modify" button, I was returned to the same page with no indication of what had just happened. Oh, and the boxes were checked again. Now, that's just sloppy.

Maybe they'll just have to give their customers access to their databases so that they could confirm these things on their own. ::)

I agree, their website could use a tune-up.  I'm pretty sure I had received a confirmation of account activation, but not 100% sure on that.  Still, there are some whopping good deals to be had on there.  As long as you can get by 'en francais'.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 13, 2011, 03:43:07 AM
Abeille Musique charges more to ship to England than to the United States? That's crazy! They're demanding 9 euros to ship one item to London.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 13, 2011, 04:12:54 AM
Amazon.co.uk (and lots of other examples) charges more for sending to Norway than to Roumania, since we're outside the EU. And lots of their resellers don't even ship to Norway at all, but Roumania and Greece are OK.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 13, 2011, 05:07:51 AM
Quote from: Brian on January 13, 2011, 03:43:07 AM
Abeille Musique charges more to ship to England than to the United States? That's crazy! They're demanding 9 euros to ship one item to London.

Last year, it was that much (or about that much) for three items or less. So, yeah, add a couple of more items and see if the shipping rate changes.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Wanderer on January 13, 2011, 10:15:31 AM
Quote from: erato on January 13, 2011, 04:12:54 AM
Amazon.co.uk (and lots of other examples) charges more for sending to Norway than to Roumania, since we're outside the EU. And lots of their resellers don't even ship to Norway at all, but Roumania and Greece are OK.

It's all about the numbers. Andrei and I must be shopping a lot.  8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 14, 2011, 05:17:51 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 13, 2011, 03:43:07 AM
Abeille Musique charges more to ship to England than to the United States? That's crazy! They're demanding 9 euros to ship one item to London.

They must have learned the US airlines pricing model from the old days when it cost more to fly from NY to Chicago than from NY to SF ...   ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 07, 2011, 03:14:31 PM
MDT - experiences over the holidays and advice, please!  :-\

On December 24 or so, I placed a moderate order w/ MDT which was shipped on 1/7/2011 - to date (i.e. 2/7/2011), I've not received this order (but have been charged!) - an e-mail last week stated that their trans-Atlantic shippings have met w/ delays - now I'll willing to give them 6 weeks so and will wait until mid-February, if the package has not arrived.

But, for USA customers using this 'over the pond' site, have you experienced similar delays to the USA this holiday season?  Thanks - Dave
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 07, 2011, 03:35:10 PM
Dave, I'm having that experience with MDT right now, and I'm only a few hundred miles away from them!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 07, 2011, 04:02:45 PM
Quote from: Brian on February 07, 2011, 03:35:10 PM
Dave, I'm having that experience with MDT right now, and I'm only a few hundred miles away from them!

Hi Brian - well, I'll wait another few weeks (or less) - others have complained about similar delays - thanks for responding - Dave  :) 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on February 08, 2011, 12:48:55 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on February 07, 2011, 03:14:31 PM
MDT - experiences over the holidays and advice, please!  :-\

On December 24 or so, I placed a moderate order w/ MDT which was shipped on 1/7/2011 - to date (i.e. 2/7/2011), I've not received this order (but have been charged!) - an e-mail last week stated that their trans-Atlantic shippings have met w/ delays - now I'll willing to give them 6 weeks so and will wait until mid-February, if the package has not arrived.

But, for USA customers using this 'over the pond' site, have you experienced similar delays to the USA this holiday season?  Thanks - Dave
It took about 6-7weeks for me to get a package. I would email them asap to make sure they know about it even if you decide to give it more time (if you have not already written them).  They asked me to wait twice and it did eventually get there.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 08, 2011, 03:15:39 PM
Quote from: ukrneal on February 08, 2011, 12:48:55 PM
It took about 6-7weeks for me to get a package. I would email them asap to make sure they know about it even if you decide to give it more time (if you have not already written them).  They asked me to wait twice and it did eventually get there.

Ukrneal - thanks for your reply; I did contact them about a week ago and received the same response, thus my reason for waiting another couple of weeks.  Interestingly, I made another smaller order w/ them about a week after the one in question and it arrived a few weeks ago, so I was rather confused w/ the reasoning?  Just kind of weird  - Dave  :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 08, 2011, 03:23:09 PM
Recent orders from mdt and hyperion have been taking a bit longer than usual, but not longer than 2 weeks, or maybe 3.  I remember reading that around holiday time when the weather was dreadful and there were the terror scares things were being put on boats instead of aircraft, so it is possible some packages are making very slow and circuitous passages to their destinations.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 08, 2011, 06:45:54 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on February 07, 2011, 03:14:31 PM
MDT - experiences over the holidays and advice, please!  :-\

On December 24 or so, I placed a moderate order w/ MDT which was shipped on 1/7/2011 - to date (i.e. 2/7/2011), I've not received this order (but have been charged!) - an e-mail last week stated that their trans-Atlantic shippings have met w/ delays - now I'll willing to give them 6 weeks so and will wait until mid-February, if the package has not arrived.

But, for USA customers using this 'over the pond' site, have you experienced similar delays to the USA this holiday season?  Thanks - Dave

Dave,  I reported a loss to MDT on 1/18 for my order that was shipped on 12/17 and the replacement arrived last week.  Today, I finally received orders from Presto that were shipped on 1/4 and 1/5.  But I received a Presto order that was shipped on 1/28 last week.  Go figure ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 08, 2011, 06:47:39 PM
Quote from: Brian on February 07, 2011, 03:35:10 PM
Dave, I'm having that experience with MDT right now, and I'm only a few hundred miles away from them!

Have you visited Derby yet?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 09, 2011, 07:10:52 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 08, 2011, 06:45:54 PM
Dave,  I reported a loss to MDT on 1/18 for my order that was shipped on 12/17 and the replacement arrived last week.  Today, I finally received orders from Presto that were shipped on 1/4 and 1/5.  But I received a Presto order that was shipped on 1/28 last week.  Go figure ...

Hi Stuart - well same situation here; Scarpia may have a good point about water vs. air shipments over the holidays and w/ the bad weather - I'll give MDT 6 weeks and if still not here - send them another e-mail.

Quote from: Coopmv on February 08, 2011, 06:47:39 PM
Have you visited Derby yet?

Not sure what 'Derby' is?  Assume another retailer across the pond?  Now I have visited Churchill Downs in Louisville, KT several times, but not during Derby time -  ;) ;D   Dave
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 09, 2011, 04:47:06 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on February 09, 2011, 07:10:52 AM
Not sure what 'Derby' is?  Assume another retailer across the pond?  Now I have visited Churchill Downs in Louisville, KT several times, but not during Derby time -  ;) ;D   Dave

Dave,  That was more of a question for Brian since he is now a resident of London and he mentioned MDT (located in Derby) is not that far away ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 09, 2011, 05:21:07 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 09, 2011, 04:47:06 PM
Dave,  That was more of a question for Brian since he is now a resident of London and he mentioned MDT (located in Derby) is not that far away ...

Stuart - thanks for the explanation - I did 'google' Derby and found a city in England, so thought that was the relationship?  Dave  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 10, 2011, 02:39:38 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 09, 2011, 04:47:06 PM
Dave,  That was more of a question for Brian since he is now a resident of London and he mentioned MDT (located in Derby) is not that far away ...

Haven't visited Derby, but if I do, maybe I'll collect the CDs in person!

I e-mailed MDT early this afternoon; no response so far.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 10, 2011, 04:32:05 PM
Quote from: Brian on February 10, 2011, 02:39:38 PM
Haven't visited Derby, but if I do, maybe I'll collect the CDs in person!

I e-mailed MDT early this afternoon; no response so far.

I will be curious to know if you hear from MDT tomorrow.  MDT really rolls out the red-carpet for me since it has always responded to my email inquiries within 24 hours, which is quite impressive given the time difference.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 11, 2011, 05:10:04 PM
Well, good news!  ;D

My MDT order arrived today (2/11 - shipped on 1/7) - took nearly 5 weeks; the box was deformed on one edge; OK what may be damaged?

Fortunately, the packaging was well done - no damage to any of the contents - now I have a LOT of listening time to do!  Will post -  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 12, 2011, 10:30:20 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 10, 2011, 04:32:05 PM
I will be curious to know if you hear from MDT tomorrow.  MDT really rolls out the red-carpet for me since it has always responded to my email inquiries within 24 hours, which is quite impressive given the time difference.

They did indeed write back to say they're sending a new order.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 22, 2011, 12:24:44 PM
Based on recent experience, avoid Borders on-line ordering.  Despite claims that they expect to continue in business, I find the quality of their on-line service is now unacceptable.  I am in the annoying situation of having a product ordered before the bankruptcy showing "backordered" even though it is "in-stock" on the web site, and when I try to contact their customer service on the web site get "that feature is not available now."  This is not a bankruptcy that anything useful will emerge from.


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on February 22, 2011, 12:34:29 PM
Sounds balls, sorry mate :-X That Mozart set is so ubiquitous it'll show up affordably again I'm sure.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 22, 2011, 12:40:12 PM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on February 22, 2011, 12:34:29 PM
Sounds balls, sorry mate :-X That Mozart set is so ubiquitous it'll show up affordably again I'm sure.

I think stock of the current version of the Hogwood set is dwindling, presumably there will be a new box set, but when?  I think it is inevitable that these things will distributed only digitally in the future, which is not my preference.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 22, 2011, 12:56:29 PM
Quote from: Brian on February 12, 2011, 10:30:20 AM
They did indeed write back to say they're sending a new order.

And I mentioned in the Purchases Today thread last Saturday that 2 box sets that I ordered from MDT arrived in perfect order in 13 days from order date. I was delighted with that, better than I could have hoped given the late trends in shipments from Europe to America. :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 23, 2011, 08:14:22 AM
Day 4 of Borders having my item listed in stock and not shipping.  Day 2 of not bothering to reply to my request to cancel.   ???
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: karlhenning on February 23, 2011, 08:24:44 AM
Oof.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 23, 2011, 08:29:51 AM
If they don't cancel my order by tomorrow I will try to call their customer service number.  I am reluctant to take that step, because I suspect their phone lines are tied up with calls to suicide prevention hotlines.   However, they have managed to convert me to a person who occasionally purchased from Borders to a person who will never spend a penny at Borders if I live to be 1000 years old.   ???
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on February 24, 2011, 10:14:04 AM
Borders still did not reply to my e-mail, so I had to call.  After 15 minutes on the phone, the two orders were cancelled.  No more borders.com for me, coupons or no coupons.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Orpheus on February 25, 2011, 11:08:52 AM
Any opinions about the amazon marketplace seller "In Tune UK"?

Thanks in advance

Orpheus
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on March 03, 2011, 09:20:00 PM
Can we get a list going of labels that offer HQ covers/booklets/notes on their sites? Additions/corrections are strongly desired. I don't know if this applies to their whole catalogues - I don't want to check every disc's page, but I view them offering this option for at least some releases to be a statement of intent, meaning that all future releases should be offered this way.

HQ covers & full booklets:

Hyperion (http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/) (the model for this concept - notes available in HTML or PDF booklets)
Chandos (http://www.chandos.net/) (the older issues aren't very good)
Toccata (http://www.toccataclassics.com/) (very respectable website)
DaCapo (http://www.dacapo-records.dk/en/) (front covers, but the booklets are for paying downloaders only)
Sterling (http://www.sterlingcd.com/) (in concept only: I find that their links either faulty or placeholders - presumably the latter)
Onyx (http://www.onyxclassics.com/index.php) (notes are also available in HTML)
ATMA Classique (http://www.atmaclassique.com/)

HQ covers:

Tudor (http://www.tudor.ch/) (HQ front and rear covers)
Glossa (http://www.glossamusic.com/glossa/default.aspx) (very limited implementation, and the notes are currently not full, just PR blurb)
Neos (https://neos-music.com/) (HQ front cover)

Full notes:

Soli Deo Gloria (http://www.solideogloria.co.uk/) (it's in a PDF, but not booklet format)
Naxos/Marco Polo (http://www.naxos.com/) (also HQ rear covers for Naxos, but not front, for some reason)
Linn (http://www.linnrecords.com)

Emusic.com used to offer HQ front covers to non-paying users, but no longer do.

I view labels offering free artwork as a token of respect to people who buy their discs. I don't want to laboriously digitise the booklets - I want to download them in 10 seconds, and as such, tend to more closely support the labels which offer this functionality.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on March 07, 2011, 04:15:27 PM
Archivmusic is having one of their periodic Albany sales.  3 CDs  (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/listPage.jsp?list_id=2167&page_size=100)for  (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/listPage.jsp?list_id=2167&page_size=100)$30  (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/listPage.jsp?list_id=2167&page_size=100).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on March 08, 2011, 04:53:39 AM
A good time for the inquisitive to pick up a George Lloyd disc, perhaps - his music has been so well-supported by that label. There can never be enough recordings of third-tier symphonists ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidRoss on March 24, 2011, 07:59:14 AM
FYI, re. MDT:

Many may recall the slow shipping during Dec/Jan.  Apparently that was due to the unusually cold and snowy winter, for my last purchase arrived about one week after ordering.  Furthermore, there was an issue with the item and MDT customer service responded promptly, politely, and professionally.  I have yet to be disappointed by this vendor, my top choice for discs from abroad.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on March 26, 2011, 07:46:10 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on March 24, 2011, 07:59:14 AM
FYI, re. MDT:

Many may recall the slow shipping during Dec/Jan.  Apparently that was due to the unusually cold and snowy winter, for my last purchase arrived about one week after ordering.  Furthermore, there was an issue with the item and MDT customer service responded promptly, politely, and professionally.  I have yet to be disappointed by this vendor, my top choice for discs from abroad.

It does appear the CD's I recently ordered at both MDT and Presto Classical are arriving much faster the past few weeks.   My WAGNER Der Ring des Nibelungen. Bayreuther Festspiele / Pierre Boulez. Deutsche Grammophon 8DVDs was shipped on 3/15 by MDT and the set arrived earlier this week.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 06, 2011, 10:03:38 AM
A nice message greeted me when I visited Amazon UK. It should greet you too, if you live in one of the countries mentioned below.

QuoteSuper Saver Delivery to Other International destinations

Amazon.co.uk offers FREE Super Saver Delivery to the following countries (offer ends May 15, 2011):

Australia, India, New Zealand and South Africa.

Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200627060)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on April 06, 2011, 10:07:37 AM
Still intermittent problems from the UK, in my experience.  One shipment from Hyperion arrived in less than a week, but another from Zoverstock has not arrived after 5 weeks, and a letter from Northern Ireland took well over three weeks.

Another comment, goHastings has sent me the wrong CD again.  This time they have failed to answer my e-mail.
 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on April 06, 2011, 01:35:04 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 06, 2011, 10:03:38 AM
A nice message greeted me when I visited Amazon UK. It should greet you too, if you live in one of the countries mentioned below.

Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200627060)
But since Norway, within sight across the narrow North sea, is neither EU nor empire, they still charge like the light brigade to send stuff here. Amazing.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 06, 2011, 07:57:28 PM
Quote from: The new erato on April 06, 2011, 01:35:04 PM
But since Norway, within sight across the narrow North sea, is neither EU nor empire, they still charge like the light brigade to send stuff here. Amazing.

Stop complaining, you have JPC and its crazy price reductions shipping to you at 6 Euros per order. >:(


Oh, and speaking of JPC: someone should notify them about this goof up.


QuoteFor orders under EUR 0 [within Germany], a contribution of EUR 2.99 towards postage & packing is charged.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on April 06, 2011, 08:41:58 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 06, 2011, 07:57:28 PM
Stop complaining, you've got JPC and its crazy price reductions shipping to you at 6 Euros per order. >:(


Oh, and speaking of JPC: someone should notify them about this goof up.




JPC had changed its policy considerably. The used to charge 15 euros per order while they are located close to the border with the Netherlands (near Osnabrück).

Now they charge 5 euros and I get almost every month an email offering FREE shipping for orders placed within 3 or 4 days. Naturally now just wait for that and move the wishlist into the shopping bag and .. presto! ;D

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 09, 2011, 08:33:43 AM
Quote from: Que on April 06, 2011, 08:41:58 PM
JPC had changed its policy considerably. The used to charge 15 euros per order while they are located close to the border with the Netherlands (near Osnabrück).

Now they charge 5 euros and I get almost every month an email offering FREE shipping for orders placed within 3 or 4 days. Naturally now just wait for that and move the wishlist into the shopping bag and .. presto! ;D

Q

What does JPC charge for shipping to the US?  The moment Amazon starts to collect sale tax for CT, I will only buy CD's from Europe since I am not subject to any VAT ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on April 09, 2011, 08:48:24 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on April 09, 2011, 08:33:43 AM
What does JPC charge for shipping to the US?  The moment Amazon starts to collect sale tax for CT, I will only buy CD's from Europe since I am not subject to any VAT ...

They charge a flat rate of 13 euros, and outside EU - no VAT. Details HERE (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/home/static/-/lang/en/currency/EUR/page/porto).

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 10, 2011, 12:52:34 PM
Quote from: Que on April 09, 2011, 08:48:24 AM
They charge a flat rate of 13 euros, and outside EU - no VAT. Details HERE (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/home/static/-/lang/en/currency/EUR/page/porto).

Q

Thanks Q.  A flat rate clearly encourages buying more than just a small handful of CD's ...     ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidRoss on April 11, 2011, 07:42:12 PM
Followup on MDT service:

The last item I ordered from them was slightly damaged--in transit, I suppose.  Several of the retaining clips had broken loose, allowing the disc to rattle around in the case, and it had a nasty little scratch about halfway through the 4th movement of Bruckner's 7th that rendered it unplayable at that point.  I notified MDT of the issue, neither requesting nor demanding any response from them.

The next day their customer service notified me that they would replace the disc.  Shipping was a bit slower this time, but I received it today and it arrived intact.  I'm still a huge fan of this little family business.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 12, 2011, 05:22:15 PM
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 11, 2011, 07:42:12 PM
Followup on MDT service:

The last item I ordered from them was slightly damaged--in transit, I suppose.  Several of the retaining clips had broken loose, allowing the disc to rattle around in the case, and it had a nasty little scratch about halfway through the 4th movement of Bruckner's 7th that rendered it unplayable at that point.  I notified MDT of the issue, neither requesting nor demanding any response from them.

The next day their customer service notified me that they would replace the disc.  Shipping was a bit slower this time, but I received it today and it arrived intact.  I'm still a huge fan of this little family business.

Agree.  I had to replace CD2 of the EMI Barbirolli Sibelius set due to a defect that makes the last few tracks totally unplayable.  MDT ordered the replacement very quickly and even credited me for the postage I had to pay to return the damaged CD to the UK ...

I suspect the retaining clips in the CD jewel cases were broken when the CD's were shipped from the distributor to MDT warehouse, as I have had similar experience even when my order was very well packaged.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on April 12, 2011, 11:19:08 PM
Mdt has been a mainstay in my CD buying for over 10 years and are a quality outfit (though I have little but praise for europadisc and prestoclassical as well and use them both regularly, depending on current offers etc).  In fact I have good experiences with most, inckluding Russian and Czech sites (Russiancdshop.com have the best packaging of any site I've used).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 15, 2011, 12:06:24 PM
Quote from: The new erato on April 06, 2011, 01:35:04 PM
But since Norway, within sight across the narrow North sea, is neither EU nor empire, they still charge like the light brigade to send stuff here. Amazing.

Quote
Super Saver Delivery to European destinations

Amazon.co.uk offers free Super Saver Delivery to the following countries:

Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Andorra, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Vatican city, Poland.

Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html/?nodeId=200355380)


Happy? ;D

And you don't even have a last date! *mumbles under his breath*
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on April 15, 2011, 12:37:55 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 15, 2011, 12:06:24 PM
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html/?nodeId=200355380)


Happy? ;D

And you don't even have a last date! *mumbles under his breath*
Yeah -problem is the 25 £ minimum - there's a tax limit of (currently) around 22 £, over that Norwegian customs add  25% + 10 £ fee to all incoming orders, which takes a £ 25 order to £ 41, quickly negating all P+P advantages, and making small packages the order of the day.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on April 15, 2011, 12:40:46 PM
Quote from: The new erato on April 15, 2011, 12:37:55 PM
Yeah -problem is the 25 £ minimum - there's a tax limit of (currently) around 22 £, over that Norwegian customs add  25% + 10 £ fee to all incoming orders, which takes a £ 25 order to £ 41, quickly negating all P+P advantages, and making small packages the order of the day.

Wow, in the US I've never had to pay customs for an import (even for several hundred dollars).  On the other hand, the Republicans just voted to abolish Medicaid, so maybe a little import duty wouldn't be such a hardship after all.  Do you like Americans in Norway?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on April 15, 2011, 12:46:21 PM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on April 15, 2011, 12:40:46 PM
Wow, in the US I've never had to pay customs for an import (even for several hundred dollars).  On the other hand, the Republicans just voted to abolish Medicaid, so maybe a little import duty wouldn't be such a hardship after all.  Do you like Americans in Norway?
I excercise my right under some amendment or other to not answer that......

The 25% is Norwegian VAT, added since we don't pay VAtT(subtracted from the order) for exports from the EU (currently 17.5% in the UK)- so it's some kind of quid pro quo, bot it still akes it costly to achove Super Saver delivery.

And with the current state of the US economy, they certainly should collect all the taxes they can.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 16, 2011, 06:53:57 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 15, 2011, 12:06:24 PM
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html/?nodeId=200355380)


Happy? ;D

And you don't even have a last date! *mumbles under his breath*

The Super Saver Delivery to European destinations claim by Amazon UK may not be worth the number of bytes it takes up on its server given the general pricing practice at Amazon - it almost always charges more for the same CD's than the boutique online stores (on sale or not).  I have found it is usually a wash and the boutique online stores may come out slightly ahead in terms of money saving ...

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 16, 2011, 07:01:13 AM
Quote from: The new erato on April 15, 2011, 12:46:21 PM
I excercise my right under some amendment or other to not answer that......

The 25% is Norwegian VAT, added since we don't pay VAtT(subtracted from the order) for exports from the EU (currently 17.5% in the UK)- so it's some kind of quid pro quo, bot it still akes it costly to achove Super Saver delivery.

And with the current state of the US economy, they certainly should collect all the taxes they can.

VAT may be coming to the US as well, though its actual implementation may be complicated since all 50 states have different sale tax rates and that revenue sharing with the federal government can take forever to hash over.  For now, the party is continuing since VAT does not apply to me, though a member of another forum was hit by a $15 bill from the US Customs for a $259 order from Presto Classical.  I tend to spread my CD's over several orders to minimize the chance of loss and the possibility that I may have to pay a duty ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 16, 2011, 07:06:32 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on April 16, 2011, 07:01:13 AM
VAT may be coming to the US as well, though its actual implementation may be complicated since all 50 states have different sale tax rates and that revenue sharing with the federal government can take forever to hash over.

I'm not sure if it's the same, but I came across the news a couple of days ago, that a senator was planning to introduce a bill that would make all customers in the US shopping online (at US-based stores, of course) pay sales taxes.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 16, 2011, 07:10:24 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 16, 2011, 07:06:32 AM
I'm not sure if it's the same, but I came across the news a couple of days ago, that a senator was planning to introduce a bill that would make all customers in the US shopping online (at US-based stores, of course) pay sales taxes.
That is different than VAT, but also true. It is already true for some states already (for example, New York).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 16, 2011, 07:12:28 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 16, 2011, 07:06:32 AM
I'm not sure if it's the same, but I came across the news a couple of days ago, that a senator was planning to introduce a bill that would make all customers in the US shopping online (at US-based stores, of course) pay sales taxes.

The question is whether there will be enough votes to pass that bill in both the US Senate and the House.  The Republicans have a solid majority in the House and will most likely vote it down.  The likes of Amazon and eBay also have very powerful backers on Capitol Hill ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 16, 2011, 07:23:28 AM
Quote from: The new erato on April 15, 2011, 12:46:21 PM

And with the current state of the US economy, they certainly should collect all the taxes they can.

If the US stops having that Roman Empire mentality and stops being the World Cop, the economy should do fine ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 16, 2011, 07:25:48 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on April 16, 2011, 07:10:24 AM
That is different than VAT, but also true. It is already true for some states already (for example, New York).

I will cut off Amazon in a heartbeat if it starts to collect sale tax for CT ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 23, 2011, 01:01:09 PM
A fellow US member of another forum at which I have been a member just posted that he recently received a bill from the US Customs for the order he had received from Presto Classical.  This has certainly gotten my attention.  While the UK government cannot hit me with any VAT, I certainly have not expected to have to pay duties on imported CD's that are not in the hundreds of dollars per order.  Given the random order at which these orders arrive, I also doubt the US Customs can track the cumulative total over a given period of time.  WTF is going on?    :o
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on April 23, 2011, 01:37:36 PM
I'm surprised they haven't been doing it until now. Tax-milking VAT dodgers has been standard practice in Europe since forever.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 23, 2011, 01:44:35 PM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on April 23, 2011, 01:37:36 PM
I'm surprised they haven't been doing it until now. Tax-milking VAT dodgers has been standard practice in Europe since forever.

You are being illogical here.  We do not have a VAT here in the US and how can we be considered VAT dodgers?   ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on April 23, 2011, 04:01:48 PM
Woah, I think "being dumb" describes it better ;D Perhaps I used the wrong word for the same thing? I am sure that each state has a sales tax of some kind which works in much the same way, albeit at a lower percentage than is common in Europe.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 23, 2011, 04:13:33 PM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on April 23, 2011, 04:01:48 PM
Woah, I think "being dumb" describes it better ;D Perhaps I used the wrong word for the same thing? I am sure that each state has a sales tax of some kind which works in much the same way, albeit at a lower percentage than is common in Europe.

Most people who have never lived in the US do not understand this crazy patchwork of sale tax imposed by most of the 50 states and not all items are taxable either.  For instance, one pays no sale tax on clothes in NJ.  Since the advent of internet, etailers do not have to collect sale tax for any state where they have no physical presence - B&M stores or affiliates.  The US Congress has pretty much confirmed that statute on more than one occasion.  The state of IL recently wanted Amazon to collect sale taxes from its state residents.  Amazon responded by immediately terminating all its affiliates based in that state.  Individual states certainly cannot impose sale tax on CD's purchased from the UK since that will be overreaching.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on April 23, 2011, 05:37:43 PM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on April 23, 2011, 04:01:48 PM
Woah, I think "being dumb" describes it better ;D Perhaps I used the wrong word for the same thing? I am sure that each state has a sales tax of some kind which works in much the same way, albeit at a lower percentage than is common in Europe.

It has to do with the fact that each state in the US is in some sense independent, and that the Constitution grants the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce.  The state of New York, say, does not have the authority to impose a tax on a company in New Jersey unless that company has done something that makes it subject to the jurisdiction of New York (such as having a New York office).  Otherwise New York would be violating the rights of the New Jersey company, or attempting to regulate interstate commerce, which is a power reserved to the federal government.  Some argue that connecting to the internet alone is a sufficient presence in a state for taxes to be collected, but that argument has not won out.  A strong argument against that is that any company connected to the internet would have to be prepared to levy sales taxes based on the local laws, which can vary not only from state to state, but city to city!

New York, has tried to get around this by levying the tax directly on its citizens, rather than on the out-of-state company.  You are supposed to list, on your NY State Income Tax form,  all out of state purchases and send in the required tax yourself.  So even though Amazon doesn't collect it, a New Yorker is in principal not off the hook.  I'd like to know if anyone has ever done that.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on April 23, 2011, 06:53:10 PM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on April 23, 2011, 05:37:43 PM
New York, has tried to get around this by levying the tax directly on its citizens, rather than on the out-of-state company.  You are supposed to list, on your NY State Income Tax form,  all out of state purchases and send in the required tax yourself.  So even though Amazon doesn't collect it, a New Yorker is in principal not off the hook.  I'd like to know if anyone has ever done that.

I'm shocked! Shocked!  That anyone would fail to declare interstate purchases on their state income tax form!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 24, 2011, 07:12:35 AM
Quote from: Daverz on April 23, 2011, 06:53:10 PM
I'm shocked! Shocked!  That anyone would fail to declare interstate purchases on their state income tax form!

You must be a politician since most of them do not have a tax they do not like ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 24, 2011, 07:13:33 AM
BTW,  Amazon has been collecting sale tax on behalf of NY, at least for NYC ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on April 29, 2011, 09:54:41 AM
I've increasingly found MovieMars (an Amazon Marketplace seller) to be undependable.  Several times I have ordered a CD to have the order canceled several days layer, only to find MovieMars continuing to sell the same CD at a higher price.  I don't recommend them unless there is no alternative.


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: karlhenning on April 29, 2011, 10:01:15 AM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on April 29, 2011, 09:54:41 AM
I've increasingly found MovieMars (an Amazon Marketplace seller) to be undependable.  Several times I have ordered a CD to have the order canceled several days layer, only to find MovieMars continuing to sell the same CD at a higher price.  I don't recommend them unless there is no alternative.

I used to find them highly reliable.  But . . . my latest experience was of such abysmal customer service . . . no, I shan't ever order from them again, perhaps.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on April 29, 2011, 10:04:51 AM
Quote from: Apollon on April 29, 2011, 10:01:15 AM
I used to find them highly reliable.  But . . . my latest experience was of such abysmal customer service . . . no, I shan't ever order from them again, perhaps.

What was the problem?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on April 29, 2011, 10:05:50 AM
I've had a similar experience with them not having what they list... I just don't bother with Movie Mars anymore.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on April 29, 2011, 10:50:24 AM
Leon, they only have two business days to ship by amazon policy... you are already entitled to cancel the order and order from someone else.  You're not charged until they ship the item anyway.  There are so many alternatives like blowitoutahere, classical music superstore, zoverstock etc that promptly ship that I wouldn't waste my time on any store that won't ship by next business day.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on April 29, 2011, 11:01:14 AM
Oh if it's only yesterday no problem, that doesn't seem unreasonable.  I think you're right, just wait until Monday.  I bet it will be shipped before then anyway. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on April 29, 2011, 11:05:47 AM
Quote from: Leon on April 29, 2011, 10:55:39 AM
This is the note on the order (which I made yesterday, not the day before as I orginally thought), "This portion of your order is being prepared for shipment and cannot be canceled or changed."

So, I guess I'll have to wait another day to see what happens.  If it hasn't shipped by Monday, and the same status is tagged to the order, I'll contact the seller and depending upon their response, file a claim.  They still are getting 5 out of 5 reviews by happy customers who tell of prompt delivery ... so hope springs eternal.

That is Amazon's standard message.  I normally don't get upset if a Marketplace seller takes an extra day or two to ship the item, particularly if the price is good.   My main problem is sellers who ship the wrong item (GoHastings is a repeat offender in this category)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on April 29, 2011, 12:57:26 PM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on April 29, 2011, 11:05:47 AM
That is Amazon's standard message.  I normally don't get upset if a Marketplace seller takes an extra day or two to ship the item, particularly if the price is good.   My main problem is sellers who ship the wrong item (GoHastings is a repeat offender in this category)

Living in a town with a Hastings, and having lived in another town with a Hastings as well, I can say that they usually hire high school students.  Nothing against high school students, but I think odds are they are not keenly aware of the differences between various classical music cds. :-\
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on April 30, 2011, 06:43:06 AM
Quote from: haydnfan on April 29, 2011, 10:05:50 AM
I've had a similar experience with them not having what they list... I just don't bother with Movie Mars anymore.

I rarely use them in part because they are located in Charlotte, North Carolina, so I get 'hit' w/ state sales tax (not really a problem); but I've had the same other experiences, discs ordered and not available, orders canceled, items listed as available there but NOT!   :-\
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 30, 2011, 06:50:40 AM
It's interesting to read comments here. With CDs, I don't even pay too much attention to how long it takes until 3-4 weeks have gone by (with most, the key is 30 days, so you need to get a claim in within that time to remain within the letter of their rules). If the CD gets to me (at all) and is the right one, I am usually satisfied. If I really need a cd by a certain date, I will just order it further in advance or use some sort of 2-3 day delivery. And if an item is out of stock, I figure the blame lies with someone here (stealing MY cd - the nerve!).  >:D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 30, 2011, 07:09:36 AM
Quote from: Apollon on April 29, 2011, 10:01:15 AM
I used to find them highly reliable.  But . . . my latest experience was of such abysmal customer service . . . no, I shan't ever order from them again, perhaps.

They once sold me a used Schwarzkopf's CD as new and never bothered to respond to my email complaint.  I just wonder how they manage to keep their review rating up ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on April 30, 2011, 09:44:13 AM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on April 30, 2011, 06:43:06 AM
I rarely use them in part because they are located in Charlotte, North Carolina

I read that as North Corea at first - that was quite a double-take.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on May 07, 2011, 02:14:17 AM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on April 29, 2011, 09:54:41 AM
I've increasingly found MovieMars (an Amazon Marketplace seller) to be undependable.  Several times I have ordered a CD to have the order canceled several days layer, only to find MovieMars continuing to sell the same CD at a higher price.  I don't recommend them unless there is no alternative.

Same here! ::) Recently an item was cancelled for being out of stock. They obviously offer items they do not have. Most annoying however, was the fact that Amazon does not allow giving feedback on cancelled orders.... :P Which is rather perverse, because the fact that a seller offers an out of stock item, is my nr. 1 complaint by far.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on May 07, 2011, 06:37:47 AM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on April 30, 2011, 09:44:13 AM
I read that as North Corea at first - that was quite a double-take.

I will continue to buy the bulk of my CD's from either MDT or Presto Classical as long as the US Customs does not start to harass me ...   ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on May 14, 2011, 07:09:56 AM
It seems that shipping from the UK to the US has been getting slow again.  For a while I was getting things after about a week, now orders from two weeks ago have still not arrived (from MDT and from Zoverstocks).  I'm making it a priority to order from domestic sources where possible.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on May 14, 2011, 07:14:05 AM
I like long delivery and even ioccasionally preorder stuff. Anticipation is fun, and knowing thet something interesting will turn up in the mailbox some day isn't a bad feeling....
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on May 14, 2011, 07:20:26 AM
The noticeable delay could be due to stepped-up package inspections after the terror mastermind was taken out in Pakistan ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on May 17, 2011, 05:16:51 PM
Worth noting that www.importcds.com (which I believe is the same outfit that sells under amazon marketplace using the same name) is a good deal for new Hyperion and Chandos CDs.   Both labels are listed for under $12, with only $1.50 shipping (and $1.50 handling on the first item).  Cheaper than most deals for new CDs on Amazon.  You can also pay using paypal.


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: haydnguy on May 23, 2011, 09:51:28 PM
I had an interesting experience. I had a gift card balance at Amazon that should have taken care of a couple of CD's I ordered. The amount was not deducted from the amount due. I have just emailed them about it so it will be interesting to see how easy it goes. They have 12 hours to respond.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on May 23, 2011, 10:20:39 PM
Quote from: haydnguy on May 23, 2011, 09:51:28 PM
I had an interesting experience. I had a gift card balance at Amazon that should have taken care of a couple of CD's I ordered. The amount was not deducted from the amount due. I have just emailed them about it so it will be interesting to see how easy it goes. They have 12 hours to respond.

On the payment page you have the choice of using gift card balance.  If an order has not shipped you can also change the payment method on the order status page, no emailing necessary.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: haydnguy on May 23, 2011, 10:37:58 PM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on May 23, 2011, 10:20:39 PM
On the payment page you have the choice of using gift card balance.  If an order has not shipped you can also change the payment method on the order status page, no emailing necessary.

Too late, it's shipped. That's good to know, thanks for telling me!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on May 27, 2011, 07:46:11 PM
Be warned.  This is a whine.

Because of coupons, I've placed two orders with Barnes and Noble, one last Friday, and one yesterday evening(Thursday). 

Checking this afternoon, I discover that the order placed last night won't be shipped until Tuesday,  May 31.  Well, one day is because of Memorial Day (legal holiday here in the US,  for you non-Yankees), but that's definitely not "usually ships in 24 hours" territory.

But it's the first order that has me fuming.  That was shipped on Monday, May 23 via DHL, which was fine--the next business day, and I placed the order so late on Friday it was really early Saturday morning.  Then the tracking information didn't show up until yesterday, and I started fuming.  When I checked back today, I started really fuming.
Monday--shipped via DHL from B&N facility in Kentucky.
Tuesday--no reported action
Wednesday--no reported action
Thursday--processed at DHL facility in Kentucky.
Friday--transferred at the same Kentucky facility to the US Postal Service.
Friday evening--apparently at a USPS facility in Kentucky with actual delivery probably on next Tuesday (again, one day further delay because of Memorial Day).

FIVE DAYS AND MY ORDER STILL HASN'T LEFT KENTUCKY!

The B&N claim that the order woud arrive in 2-6 business days will actually be met, but FIVE DAYS IN ONE STATE !!!  C'mon guys, the Derby was a couple of weeks ago,  there's nothing to hold you up now.
And it's only 3 CDs, not like it's some huge parcel.

Borders is actually just as bad--the order I placed at the same time will apparently be delivered on Tuesday as well, but I expected that from Borders because I know that's how it worked when I ordered for in store pickup (no longer available because the closest Borders is almost an hour away), and FedEx's tracking at least shows the parcel is moving around in their system, and NOT SITTING AROUND IN ONE FACILITY FOR ALMOST A WHOLE WEEK!!!

I'm already writing up the complaint I'll be sending to B&N once the order actually gets here, and I'm crossing my fingers about the second order.

What is really aggravating is the contrast provided by ArkivMusic.  I placed an order for 8 cds from the Naive Vivaldi Edition on Tuesday.  It was shipped on Wednesday, and arrived just before dinnertime today (Friday) via FedEx.  That's my third order with them, and all three arrived relatively quickly.  I've got another order that might have been shipped today (haven't checked yet to see if it has, or whether it won't go out until Tuesday).    And Amazon has been relatively efficient, too, just not as quick as Arkiv.  It's the brick and mortar companies that are being slowpokes. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on May 27, 2011, 07:58:24 PM
What you are describing is fairly typical, especially when you you are getting free shipping.  The shipping companies have invented "sub-prime"shipping which is slower than ordinary postal service, despite the fact that it is being sent by a private shipping company like DHL.  "Smartpost" is one name for it.  This sort of service seems to consist of items being shuttled around when whenever there happens to be extra space available on a truck going vaguely in the right direction.   Amazon free-shipping tends to be like this, as well as Borders when you get shipping for free. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on May 28, 2011, 07:53:20 PM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on May 27, 2011, 07:58:24 PM
What you are describing is fairly typical, especially when you you are getting free shipping.  The shipping companies have invented "sub-prime"shipping which is slower than ordinary postal service, despite the fact that it is being sent by a private shipping company like DHL.  "Smartpost" is one name for it.  This sort of service seems to consist of items being shuttled around when whenever there happens to be extra space available on a truck going vaguely in the right direction.   Amazon free-shipping tends to be like this, as well as Borders when you get shipping for free.

You're probably right--although the two orders I've done from Amazon were all done by USPS, and arrived relatively quickly.  Are you hinting I've been sort of lucky? And the Arkiv order I got yesterday on FedEx was the first not to be sent by USPS.

The Borders order, btw, actually arrived today, and the Arkiv order I mentioned was shipped yesterday (meaning within 24 hours)  by USPS.    So that leaves only B&N hanging out to dry.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on May 28, 2011, 08:56:05 PM
Quote from: kishnevi on May 28, 2011, 07:53:20 PM
You're probably right--although the two orders I've done from Amazon were all done by USPS, and arrived relatively quickly.  Are you hinting I've been sort of lucky? And the Arkiv order I got yesterday on FedEx was the first not to be sent by USPS.

There is no consistency to it, especially with Amazon.  The ultra-circuitous shipping only seems to happen when you have free supersaver shipping, and seems to depend on things like the weight of the package - they evidently search for the absolute cheapest method.  I've had the experience of ordering two things from Amazon on free shipping, have them ship the same day, with one arriving a week before the other.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: haydnguy on June 02, 2011, 12:25:10 AM
Gosh, I've never had a problem with Amazon's free shipping. (I'm in the prime club). The only time I've ever had a glitch was when the UPS guy delivered the package to an empty house next door to mine but that was the UPS guys fault. Even then it was delivered on time.  8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 02, 2011, 05:30:08 AM
Quote from: haydnguy on June 02, 2011, 12:25:10 AM
Gosh, I've never had a problem with Amazon's free shipping. (I'm in the prime club). The only time I've ever had a glitch was when the UPS guy delivered the package to an empty house next door to mine but that was the UPS guys fault. Even then it was delivered on time.  8)

So you pay $45/year and get free shipping for ALL Amazon orders during the year.  Does it apply to MarketPlace orders as well?  If so, it may be worth joining the prime club since I buy from MP sellers quite often ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on June 02, 2011, 05:32:41 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 02, 2011, 05:30:08 AM
So you pay $45/year and get free shipping for ALL Amazon orders during the year.  Does it apply to MarketPlace orders as well?  If so, it may be worth joining the prime club since I buy from MP sellers quite often ...

It doesn't apply to marketplace.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: karlhenning on June 02, 2011, 05:36:23 AM
Neither the Amazon Prime, nor the Super Saver, apply to the Marketplace third-partiers.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: karlhenning on June 02, 2011, 05:37:25 AM
Of course, I do a lot of business with the Marketplace third-partiers, because the price plus shipping still works out to savings. (And the third-party purchases still benefit GMG.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on June 02, 2011, 06:44:14 AM
There is one exception though... some sellers send their things to amazon to sell.  Those are marked "fulfillment by amazon" and even though are sold by a marketplace seller qualifies for prime shipping.

Another cool thing about prime membership is that older movies and tv shows are free to watch on amazon vod.  Unfortunately it tooks to be about the same offerings as netflix watch instantly.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 02, 2011, 07:07:56 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 02, 2011, 05:37:25 AM
(And the third-party purchases still benefit GMG.)

Provided you launch the Amazon webpage from the GMG site before you do your shopping.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: karlhenning on June 02, 2011, 07:15:03 AM
Aye. Or bookmark that link, and Use Thy Bookmark.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on June 02, 2011, 01:02:56 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 02, 2011, 05:37:25 AM
Of course, I do a lot of business with the Marketplace third-partiers, because the price plus shipping still works out to savings. (And the third-party purchases still benefit GMG.)

It's especially nice when you're a cheating git such as myself and let your six housemates use your prime account :-* I sometimes feel genuinely sorry for all the money I lose Amazon by doing this - the lower priority stuff I set to normal shipping.

Edit: I somehow read your post as an endorsement of Prime, how odd. Either way, it's definitely useful if you have a couple of heavy buyers in the house.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on June 02, 2011, 01:48:49 PM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on June 02, 2011, 01:02:56 PM
It's especially nice when you're a cheating git such as myself and let your six housemates use your prime account :-* I sometimes feel genuinely sorry for all the money I lose Amazon by doing this - the lower priority stuff I set to normal shipping.

Edit: I somehow read your post as an endorsement of Prime, how odd. Either way, it's definitely useful if you have a couple of heavy buyers in the house.

I had prime for a short period, but at this point Amazon-proper almost never has the best prime on music or video.  If I were buying more books at the moment it might be worth it.

In any case, my pet peeve nowadays is how much stuff is "out-of-stock."  On Amazon things off the beaten path, such as many releases from BIS, are listed as out of stock, and I've been trying to get the blu-ray of the Valencia ring, but find it is out of stock at almost every on-line retailer.   >:(   I fear this is a result of the persistent economic downturn, so that producers and distributors are reluctant to order or manufacture in adequate quantities for fear of getting stuck with unsold merchandise. 

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 02, 2011, 09:31:31 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 02, 2011, 05:37:25 AM
Of course, I do a lot of business with the Marketplace third-partiers, because the price plus shipping still works out to savings. (And the third-party purchases still benefit GMG.)

I've been finding that on items Amazon has in stock,  Marketplace is not really worth it:  the Marketplace price often seems to be $2.98 lower than Amazon's own price.  And since the shipping charge for Marketplace orders seems to be generally $2.98, it's really the same price as Amazon.   I have placed a couple of Marketplace orders,  but only on stuff not in stock with Amazon itself.   I did a Marketplace order last night of yet another installment of the Naive Vivaldi edtion (Senna Festaggimente) which will supposedly take up to two weeks to get to me.

Meanwhile on my latest order from Amazon--it was shipped in two installments via a company named Lasership.  Never heard of them, googling the name brought up some Amazon discussion boards which revealed it's apparently a low budget courier company.  "Some guy in a Honda drove by and threw my package on the driveway.  Thank God it wasn't something electronic!"   There were also complaints about delivery being reported up to two days before the package actually arrive, or reported even though the package never arrived.  Installment 1 arrived via a guy knocking on the door, who turned out to have a little van with a peel off "delivery service" sign on the van door, while I was eating lunch.  Crossing my fingers about the second package which is (according to Amazon) due to be delivered tomorrow. 

For those considering Amazon Prime--a lot of the complaints were from Prime members and not a few talked about cancelling or not renewing because of bad service.  Amazon apparently is always looking out for cheapie delivery service, without pausing to consider why they may be cheapie.   You'd think a company as big as Amazon would be able to negotiate a suitably discounted rate with someone like FedEx or UPS.

BTW, my orders from Barnes and Noble that prompted my rant the other day on this thread both came through--the second one was shipped on Tuesday and arrived via UPS today.   Also arrived today several CDs ordered via Arkiv.  BTW, apparently Arkiv arranges for dropshipments from Harmonia Mundi of orders of HM and Hyperion recordings, since this was the second time I've received a package with the return address given as "c/o Harmonia Mundi"

So now I have a couple of piles of CDs to listen to (including half a Bruckner box, a three hour Vivaldi oratorio, three quarters of a complete Beethoven string quartet cycle, a couple of Hamelin CDs, and more Vivaldi).  I guess I need to stop ordering and start listening....
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on June 02, 2011, 09:41:17 PM
Quote from: kishnevi on June 02, 2011, 09:31:31 PM
I've been finding that on items Amazon has in stock,  Marketplace is not really worth it:  the Marketplace price often seems to be $2.98 lower than Amazon's own price.  And since the shipping charge for Marketplace orders seems to be generally $2.98, it's really the same price as Amazon.

But in most cases you can save big time on box sets from a Marketplace seller compared to Amazon's standard price.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on June 02, 2011, 09:57:20 PM
Quote from: kishnevi on June 02, 2011, 09:31:31 PM
So now I have a couple of piles of CDs to listen to (including half a Bruckner box, a three hour Vivaldi oratorio, three quarters of a complete Beethoven string quartet cycle, a couple of Hamelin CDs, and more Vivaldi).  I guess I need to stop ordering and start listening....
No, now is the time to order more. You won't care when the next ones arrive, because you have others to listen to. It's actually perfect!  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on June 02, 2011, 10:31:28 PM
Quote from: kishnevi on June 02, 2011, 09:31:31 PM
I've been finding that on items Amazon has in stock,  Marketplace is not really worth it:  the Marketplace price often seems to be $2.98 lower than Amazon's own price.  And since the shipping charge for Marketplace orders seems to be generally $2.98, it's really the same price as Amazon.   I have placed a couple of Marketplace orders,  but only on stuff not in stock with Amazon itself.   I did a Marketplace order last night of yet another installment of the Naive Vivaldi edtion (Senna Festaggimente) which will supposedly take up to two weeks to get to me.

For new single discs a $3 dollar difference may be typical, but that's still an advantage because I usually don't have the $25 minimum needed to Amazon Free Shipping.   But I often find used discs or steeply discounted discs on Marketplace that make it a clear advantage.  Beyond that, typically marketplace vendors give better shipping service than Amazon free shipping. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: haydnguy on June 03, 2011, 01:30:20 AM
Gosh, I must be the lucky one here concerning shipping. I've never had anything but UPS from Amazon. Might be where I live there aren't a lot of choices. I just assumed that everyone else was getting good service too.  ???
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on June 03, 2011, 09:41:51 AM
Quote from: haydnguy on June 03, 2011, 01:30:20 AM
Gosh, I must be the lucky one here concerning shipping. I've never had anything but UPS from Amazon. Might be where I live there aren't a lot of choices. I just assumed that everyone else was getting good service too.  ???

I've found that with prime shipping they'll use either ups or fedex (which ever is faster), nearly always ups for me, and then super saver shipping is usually usps.

I love when you order with 2 day shipping, and it arrives early, the next day!! :)  I heard the wonderful plop this morning and there my Schubert lieder set was... 8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on June 03, 2011, 10:19:44 AM
Wow that mdt shipment is taking time.  I've found that overseas orders can vary from a week to a month.  I look forward to some DFD Schubert this evening with a beer in hand. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 03, 2011, 12:22:42 PM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on June 02, 2011, 10:31:28 PM
For new single discs a $3 dollar difference may be typical, but that's still an advantage because I usually don't have the $25 minimum needed to Amazon Free Shipping.   But I often find used discs or steeply discounted discs on Marketplace that make it a clear advantage.  Beyond that, typically marketplace vendors give better shipping service than Amazon free shipping.

Well, let me put it this way:  I've yet to have a problem reaching that $25 minimum :)  I have enough on my wish list that I can always find something to add on to reach the required figure.  My problem is keeping the orders to a reasonable amount.   And I am, from prior experience locally, leery of used CDs, so I plan on ordering them only when there's a signficant price difference or there are no new alternatives (which has been the case, twice in the couple of weeks since I started ordering binging.).   And the Marketplace orders I've gotten seem to be about the same as Amazon's, and one currently being processed is definitely slower---the Vivaldi disc I mentioned before.

The fact that what I'm ordering is relatively mainstream may also play into it.    The most outre things on my wishlist right now are probably Hamelin's Alkan recordings.

Quote from: Mirror Image on June 02, 2011, 09:41:17 PM
But in most cases you can save big time on box sets from a Marketplace seller compared to Amazon's standard price.
Not at least the ones I'm looking at right now.   And much of what I want is not box sets (although there are a couple of there now, and Amazon is offering some relatively decent discounts on some of them) but series of CDs, like the Hamelin recordings, the MTT Mahler CDs I need to complete that series, etc.

And some CDs are offered at by Amazon at a price that's so low that it's not worth bothering comparing.  For instance, the Lindberg cello concerto CD you posted a couple of days ago is now under $10.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: haydnguy on June 03, 2011, 08:19:06 PM
Quote from: DavidW on June 03, 2011, 10:19:44 AM
Wow that mdt shipment is taking time.  I've found that overseas orders can vary from a week to a month.  I look forward to some DFD Schubert this evening with a beer in hand. :)

My latest order was supposed to be here today. I just looked outside and there it was! 8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on June 03, 2011, 08:24:39 PM
Quote from: kishnevi on June 03, 2011, 12:22:42 PMThe fact that what I'm ordering is relatively mainstream may also play into it.    The most outre things on my wishlist right now are probably Hamelin's Alkan recordings.
Not at least the ones I'm looking at right now.   And much of what I want is not box sets (although there are a couple of there now, and Amazon is offering some relatively decent discounts on some of them) but series of CDs, like the Hamelin recordings, the MTT Mahler CDs I need to complete that series, etc.

And some CDs are offered at by Amazon at a price that's so low that it's not worth bothering comparing.  For instance, the Lindberg cello concerto CD you posted a couple of days ago is now under $10.

The Lindberg recording which has the Cello Concerto I bought for $6 plus shipping from a Marketplace seller. To buy it directly from Amazon is $8 plus shipping. I saved $2 from buying from a third-party seller than directly from Amazon and this may be a small difference, but it's still saving money. Like I said, it's with the box sets that you will begin to find better prices.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 03, 2011, 09:17:42 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 03, 2011, 08:24:39 PM
The Lindberg recording which has the Cello Concerto I bought for $6 plus shipping from a Marketplace seller. To buy it directly from Amazon is $8 plus shipping. I saved $2 from buying from a third-party seller than directly from Amazon and this may be a small difference, but it's still saving money. Like I said, it's with the box sets that you will begin to find better prices.

I bought the Lindberg as part of a larger order, so I didn't pay shipping, so the third party vendor would have actually been more expensive. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on June 03, 2011, 09:22:27 PM
Quote from: kishnevi on June 03, 2011, 09:17:42 PM
I bought the Lindberg as part of a larger order, so I didn't pay shipping, so the third party vendor would have actually been more expensive.

Oh, I see. The only thing bad about Amazon Marketplace is you have to pay for shipping for each item. If you're buying multiple items from different sellers I can understand this, but if you're buying multiple items from the same seller, they should combine the shipping.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 04, 2011, 06:20:30 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 03, 2011, 09:22:27 PM
Oh, I see. The only thing bad about Amazon Marketplace is you have to pay for shipping for each item. If you're buying multiple items from different sellers I can understand this, but if you're buying multiple items from the same seller, they should combine the shipping.

MI, That $2.98 is per item, even if you buy multiple items from the same MP seller.  I guess that is the rule laid down by Amazon ...     >:(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on June 04, 2011, 06:36:05 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 04, 2011, 06:20:30 AM
MI, That $2.98 is per item, even if you buy multiple items from the same MP seller.  I guess that is the rule laid down by Amazon ...     >:(

Yup that rule is laid down by amazon.  How to fix it: many of the big mp sellers have their own website and if you order through them directly you can reduced shipping.  I have to say though that I save so much buying on the mp that the shipping cost doesn't bother me a bit. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on June 04, 2011, 08:52:53 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 04, 2011, 06:36:05 AM
Yup that rule is laid down by amazon.  How to fix it: many of the big mp sellers have their own website and if you order through them directly you can reduced shipping.  I have to say though that I save so much buying on the mp that the shipping cost doesn't bother me a bit. :)

One of the best is www.importcds.com, which sells as importcds on amazon marketplace.  Recently their prices on most of the premium import labels (bis, cpo, chandos, hanssler) are at about $12.50 per disc, and only $1.50 per disc shipping, with additional $1.50 handling charge on the first disc.  Plus, they support paypal payment.  Usually works out to a better deal than a new disc on Amazon marketplace.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on June 04, 2011, 08:55:56 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 04, 2011, 06:20:30 AM
MI, That $2.98 is per item, even if you buy multiple items from the same MP seller.  I guess that is the rule laid down by Amazon ...     >:(

Yes, and it's something I disagree with, but I have no other source for buying CDs and I certainly don't like B&N or buying from an overseas company.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on June 04, 2011, 08:57:54 AM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on June 04, 2011, 08:52:53 AM
One of the best is www.importcds.com, which sells as importcds on amazon marketplace.  Recently their prices on most of the premium import labels (bis, cpo, chandos, hanssler) are at about $12.50 per disc, and only $1.50 per disc shipping, with additional $1.50 handling charge on the first disc.  Plus, they support paypal payment.  Usually works out to a better deal than a new disc on Amazon marketplace.

Nice!  That is a good resource, I should bookmark it. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 04, 2011, 09:18:58 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 04, 2011, 08:55:56 AM
Yes, and it's something I disagree with, but I have no other source for buying CDs and I certainly don't like B&N or buying from an overseas company.

I don't blame you since B&N will collect sale tax also in addition to hitting you with a shipping charge.  Moreover, B&N prices are rarely any good.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on June 04, 2011, 09:22:57 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 04, 2011, 09:18:58 AM
I don't blame you since B&N will collect sale tax also in addition to hitting you with a shipping charge.  Moreover, B&N prices are rarely any good.

They also have a lousy return policy.  I ordered the Bach edition from them, and they shipped me the Beethoven edition (idiots!). That was when I discovered that you have to pay return shipping + 20% restocking fee.  So I just kept it. ::)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 04, 2011, 06:36:46 PM
Quote from: DavidW on June 04, 2011, 09:22:57 AM
They also have a lousy return policy.  I ordered the Bach edition from them, and they shipped me the Beethoven edition (idiots!). That was when I discovered that you have to pay return shipping + 20% restocking fee.  So I just kept it. ::)

I have gotten some pretty good deals at the now shutdown Borders store in my town.  40% off list price on some Harmonia Mundi SACD's when I presented my online coupons.  I still have some Borders gift-card I received at Christmas which I should use up before Borders is shut down for good ...    :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on June 04, 2011, 07:15:18 PM
Quote from: DavidW on June 04, 2011, 09:22:57 AM
They also have a lousy return policy.  I ordered the Bach edition from them, and they shipped me the Beethoven edition (idiots!). That was when I discovered that you have to pay return shipping + 20% restocking fee.  So I just kept it. ::)

Woah what ??? Shouldn't there be laws to stop that kind of dirty practice?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on June 04, 2011, 07:20:03 PM
Quote from: DavidW on June 04, 2011, 09:22:57 AM
They also have a lousy return policy.  I ordered the Bach edition from them, and they shipped me the Beethoven edition (idiots!). That was when I discovered that you have to pay return shipping + 20% restocking fee.  So I just kept it. ::)

I can't believe that would still apply when it was their error. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 04, 2011, 07:22:06 PM
Quote from: DavidW on June 04, 2011, 09:22:57 AM
They also have a lousy return policy.  I ordered the Bach edition from them, and they shipped me the Beethoven edition (idiots!). That was when I discovered that you have to pay return shipping + 20% restocking fee.  So I just kept it. ::)

I did not know B&N actually charges restocking fees for returned items.  Not good and I am glad I have never given it any business ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on June 04, 2011, 07:33:02 PM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on June 04, 2011, 07:20:03 PM
I can't believe that would still apply when it was their error.

Indedie :\ UK distance selling laws, for eg, would entitle you to a strong claim to both keeping the item they sent, and also demanding the correct one.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on June 04, 2011, 07:37:51 PM
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on June 04, 2011, 07:20:03 PM
I can't believe that would still apply when it was their error.

Well it appears that they've changed their return policy, but just 2 years ago (or was it 3?) they were pretty lousy.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on June 17, 2011, 06:01:31 AM
Well I have a positive experience... classical music superstore is awesome!  When I told them about having a missing cd from the Ligeti edition they said they would simply mail me the cd! :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on July 06, 2011, 06:37:36 AM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on March 03, 2011, 09:20:00 PM
HQ covers & full booklets:

Hyperion (http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/) (the model for this concept - notes available in HTML or PDF booklets)
Chandos (http://www.chandos.net/) (the older issues aren't very good)
Toccata (http://www.toccataclassics.com/) (very respectable website)
DaCapo (http://www.dacapo-records.dk/en/) (front covers, but the booklets are for paying downloaders only)
Sterling (http://www.sterlingcd.com/) (in concept only: I find that their links either faulty or placeholders - presumably the latter)
Onyx (http://www.onyxclassics.com/index.php) (notes are also available in HTML)
ATMA Classique (http://www.atmaclassique.com/)

HQ covers:

Tudor (http://www.tudor.ch/) (HQ front and rear covers)
Glossa (http://www.glossamusic.com/glossa/default.aspx) (very limited implementation, and the notes are currently not full, just PR blurb)
Neos (https://neos-music.com/) (HQ front cover)

Full notes:

Soli Deo Gloria (http://www.solideogloria.co.uk/) (it's in a PDF, but not booklet format)
Naxos/Marco Polo (http://www.naxos.com/) (also HQ rear covers for Naxos, but not front for some reason)
Linn (http://www.linnrecords.com)
Buywell (http://www.buywell.com) (PDF booklets for Australian Eloquence releases)

Has anyone discovered any new additions for this list of services that record labels offer on their websites?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Drasko on July 06, 2011, 09:05:17 AM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on July 06, 2011, 06:37:36 AM
Has anyone discovered any new additions for this list of services that record labels offer on their websites?

Buywell offers pdf booklets for Australian Eloquence releases.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on August 01, 2011, 04:48:03 PM
Hyperion now offers an additional new tier of reduced items, the "Bargain Basement" (~£3.99 for full-priced discs):

http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/o.asp?o=1032

In addition to their usual half-price section (~£5.50 for full-priced discs):

http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/o.asp?o=1016
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on August 03, 2011, 03:26:37 PM
QuoteHas anyone discovered any new additions for this list of services that record labels offer on their websites?

There are some very useful links at http://www.dreamstreaming.info/sitelinks/download/

Many of the record labels offer HQ images and PDF booklets. 

I have also found Google images increasingly helpful - the ability to limit search results to high quality images is useful. 

One final resource which I use from time to time is http://www.allcdcovers.com/covers
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on August 03, 2011, 04:29:53 PM
Weird question, but - do you ever take into account the area of a country (a large one, such as the US) when purchasing?

An example: I just bought a marketplace item. Both sellers advertised it as new condition, one in California, one in New York. My only reason for picking the latter was that it was potentially going to be better for not having sat in a baking hot warehouse as it may have done from the other, potentially sunnier vendor.

Irrational, or? :P I suppose I could also pretend I am saving the environment by reducing air miles too ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 03, 2011, 04:34:49 PM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on August 03, 2011, 04:29:53 PM
Weird question, but - do you ever take into account the area of a country (a large one, such as the US) when purchasing?

An example: I just bought a marketplace item. Both sellers advertised it as new condition, one in California, one in New York. My only reason for picking the latter was that it was potentially going to be better for not having sat in a baking hot warehouse as it may have done from the other, potentially sunnier vendor.

Irrational, or? :P I suppose I could also pretend I am saving the environment by reducing air miles too ;)

Interesting concept.  I have been buying my CD's mainly from the UK and now Germany.  I am just amazed at the good availability of some recordings in Europe which are otherwise quite difficult to find stateside.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on August 03, 2011, 05:27:40 PM
QuoteWeird question, but - do you ever take into account the area of a country (a large one, such as the US) when purchasing?

An example: I just bought a marketplace item. Both sellers advertised it as new condition, one in California, one in New York. My only reason for picking the latter was that it was potentially going to be better for not having sat in a baking hot warehouse as it may have done from the other, potentially sunnier vendor.

On the other hand, I suspect that temperature fluctuation in California (between summer and winter) is less extreme than in New York, and that this stability is better for media.  Perhaps warehouses will have better aircon in California? 

Whilst I have been living in Australia I have certainly been conscious of the source location when placing orders - more to do with shipping times than anything.  Generally, I find the UK (home for me) fastest of all.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on August 03, 2011, 07:55:00 PM
Modern warehouses should be temperature controlled to at least some degree: I think more important is the simple length of time the item has been sitting around in the wearhouse,  getting more and more chances for the packaging to get dinged, etc. 

My usual preference is to buy American, simply because that avoids customs delays for me, and usually means shorter shipping times.  (But not always.  The York Bowen I ordered from a UK Amazon vendor on 7/27 arrived today--air mailed--three weeks ahead of suggested delivery time.  In contrast, the Arkivmusic order I placed on 7/29 arrived in the same mail.)   At least one UK vendor I won't order from again (Zoverstocks) because it took so long for my order with them to arrive (over a month).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on August 10, 2011, 09:14:50 AM
Could someone please enlighten me on UK VAT?

For those who are not aware, the prices listed in Amazon UK include a UK VAT wherever applicable, but once you move the items to the basket and provide a shipping address it is altered (or not) accordingly. If I read this page (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=502578) correctly, the VAT on CDs is 20%. However, the final price shown in my invoice was arrived at by deducting from the original by a few percent less. After a couple of mails back and forth between myself and the customer service team, who said the price shown was due to a technical error, I've been promised a refund of the difference. To see how things were done at other UK stores, I checked MDT and their rate was the same as that used by Amazon. I have sent them (Amazon) feedback regarding this numerical mismatch which I hope they read, or else I've to keep badgering them after every purchase for refund on the count of misleading information. :P
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on August 10, 2011, 09:30:12 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on August 10, 2011, 09:14:50 AM
Could someone please enlighten me on UK VAT?

For those who are not aware, the prices listed in Amazon UK include a UK VAT wherever applicable, but once you move the items to the basket and provide a shipping address it is altered (or not) accordingly. If I read this page (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=502578) correctly, the VAT on CDs is 20%. However, the final price shown in my invoice was arrived at by deducting from the original by a few percent less. After a couple of mails back and forth between myself and the customer service team, who said the price shown was due to a technical error, I've been promised a refund of the difference. To see how things were done at other UK stores, I checked MDT and their rate was the same as that used by Amazon. I have sent them (Amazon) feedback regarding this numerical mismatch which I hope they read, or else I've to keep badgering them after every purchase for refund on the count of misleading information. :P
Well 20% is added to the basic price making a 8 £ CD costing 9,60 £ which will be the listed price. Now, 8 £ is 16,66 % less than 9,60....

20% of 8 is 1,60,  16,66% of 9,60 is 1,60 too.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on August 10, 2011, 09:33:48 AM
Quote from: The new erato on August 10, 2011, 09:30:12 AM
Well 20% is added to the basic proce making a 8 £ CD costing 9,60 £ which will be the listed price. Now, 8 £ is 16,66 % less than 9,60....

20% of 8 is 1,60,  16,66% of 9,60 is 1,60 too.

Thanks, Erato. I shall now go think this over. :-[

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4AMgjzsAM0/TWLZAljMuqI/AAAAAAAABOY/Inix_eyGMsA/s200/DunceCap02.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on August 10, 2011, 09:36:18 AM
20% added to the price without VAT = 16,66% deducted from the price with VAT added.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on August 10, 2011, 09:47:48 AM
Quote from: The new erato on August 10, 2011, 09:36:18 AM
20% added to the price without VAT = 16,66% deducted from the price with VAT added.

Oh, I got that part. ;D Just not happy with myself not thinking about it that way initially.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on August 10, 2011, 10:20:35 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on August 10, 2011, 09:47:48 AM
Oh, I got that part. ;D Just not happy with myself not thinking about it that way initially.
Selfrecrimination? I know a lot about that.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on August 16, 2011, 05:21:53 AM
They charge when they ship. And they ship when the release is received by them. For some labels, releasedays are quite approximate.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on August 16, 2011, 05:35:17 AM
Sometimes earlier, sometimes later (for shipping that is). It is more in the hands of the distributor than of the shop. As for receipt, I don't receive the discs before Norwegians customs has inspected the package, which may well take a week or two in addition to the transport.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Wanderer on August 16, 2011, 08:50:58 AM
Quote from: George on August 16, 2011, 06:30:10 AM
Sorry, one more question: so does this mean I can cancel my order at any time, as long as its prior to shipping?

Yes, just e-mail them with your order number and the item(s) you want canceled. They're very obliging.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 17, 2011, 07:03:11 PM
Quote from: George on August 16, 2011, 06:30:10 AM
Sorry, one more question: so does this mean I can cancel my order at any time, as long as its prior to shipping?

My latest order from Jpc just arrived today and it was shipped on 8/1.  USPS attempted to deliver the package this past Saturday but the package could not be dropped off without my signature.  It was finally delivered today without a signature since I authorized my wife to be my agent who in turn requested the USPS to deliver without a signature.  What a hassle!  My first order from jpc did not require a signature, probably due to the dollar amount being below certain threshold.  That fix-rate shipping (12.99 Euro) charged by jpc discourages people from placing small order.  At least I did not get a bill from the US Customs ...   :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on August 18, 2011, 06:48:33 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on August 17, 2011, 07:03:11 PM
At least I did not get a bill from the US Customs ...   :)

Which reminds of a question I should have asked some time ago.  How is US Customs handled on foreign purchases.  Are there thresholds and limits?  Do I just get a bill in the mail.  (So far, the couple of overseas purchases I've made seem to have fallen under whatever radar Customs uses.  Or maybe I'll get some gigantic bill three months from now.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Vesteralen on August 18, 2011, 08:45:45 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on August 18, 2011, 06:48:33 AM
Which reminds of a question I should have asked some time ago.  How is US Customs handled on foreign purchases.  Are there thresholds and limits?  Do I just get a bill in the mail.  (So far, the couple of overseas purchases I've made seem to have fallen under whatever radar Customs uses.  Or maybe I'll get some gigantic bill three months from now.)

I don't know the answer to this, but you're scarin' me.   :o
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on August 18, 2011, 01:18:44 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on August 18, 2011, 06:48:33 AM
Which reminds of a question I should have asked some time ago.  How is US Customs handled on foreign purchases.  Are there thresholds and limits?  Do I just get a bill in the mail.  (So far, the couple of overseas purchases I've made seem to have fallen under whatever radar Customs uses.  Or maybe I'll get some gigantic bill three months from now.)

You guys in the US are lucky, Dutch customs get their hands on everything, EVERYTHING. :'(

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on August 18, 2011, 01:21:05 PM
Quote from: ~ Que ~ on August 18, 2011, 01:18:44 PM


You guys in the US are lucky, Dutch customs get their hands on everything, EVERYTHING. :'(

Q
Yep, duty free CDs AND a budget deficit!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on August 18, 2011, 02:30:44 PM
Quote from: ~ Que ~ on August 18, 2011, 01:18:44 PM


You guys in the US are lucky, Dutch customs get their hands on everything, EVERYTHING. :'(

Q

Well you can think about that again when you're placing another jpc order with free shipping! :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 18, 2011, 06:59:47 PM
Quote from: DavidW on August 18, 2011, 02:30:44 PM
Well you can think about that again when you're placing another jpc order with free shipping! :D

I think the relatively steep shipping fee charged by jpc for shipping to the US is in part mitigated by the elimination of the VAT.  But then we here in the US also get to buy some CD's that are not even available stateside.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on August 18, 2011, 11:08:37 PM
Quote from: DavidW on August 18, 2011, 02:30:44 PM
Well you can think about that again when you're placing another jpc order with free shipping! :D

I know, I know. ;D The efficiency of the custom services does mean that I hardly ever order outside of the EU, except for a single disc that wll stay below the threshold.

But frankly, practically anything is available in the EU and most hard-to-find tiny-tiny labels are European. So yes, I'm more than good. 8)
Of course apart from the fact that what you guys pay in dollars for a CD what Europeans pay in euros.... 8) (At least as long the euro is still worth anything - we might soon be forced to pay in Swiss franks or gold... ;D)

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: karlhenning on August 19, 2011, 04:53:51 AM
Quote from: ~ Que ~ on August 18, 2011, 11:08:37 PM
I know, I know. ;D The efficiency of the custom services does mean that I hardly ever order outside of the EU, except for a single disc that wll stay below the threshold.

Ah, prohibitive tarriffs, eh?  Free Trade not to the liking of our European brethren, wot? ; )
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on August 19, 2011, 02:57:55 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 19, 2011, 04:53:51 AM
Ah, prohibitive tarriffs, eh?  Free Trade not to the liking of our European brethren, wot? ; )

Well, I guess it's not anything crazy or anything but it adds up: a tariff of 19% to compensate for the VAT they missed out on, a customs handling fee and then of course the difference in shipping costs. No way that could compensate lower US prices in most cases... :-\

But at least we can buy Cuban cigars! ;D

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 19, 2011, 05:53:53 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on August 18, 2011, 06:48:33 AM
Which reminds of a question I should have asked some time ago.  How is US Customs handled on foreign purchases.  Are there thresholds and limits?  Do I just get a bill in the mail.  (So far, the couple of overseas purchases I've made seem to have fallen under whatever radar Customs uses.  Or maybe I'll get some gigantic bill three months from now.)

Try to place a single order that is over $400.  I believe the first $400 of  foreign goods you bring back to the States as a tourist is tax exempt.  At least that was the old number I remember.     
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: TheGSMoeller on August 19, 2011, 06:57:15 PM
Quick (and possibly dumb) question... :-\

Are the MP3s purchased through Amazon.com the same file size as the MP3s purchased through iTunes?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: TheGSMoeller on August 19, 2011, 07:26:56 PM
Quote from: George on August 19, 2011, 07:12:14 PM
No, itunes uses AAC and amazon uses MP3, so the files are definitely going to be different sizes.

And there are no stupid questions, only stupid Flanders. (http://freeemoticonsandsmileys.com/pictures/displaypictures/Simpsons%20Display%20Pictures/avatar3213.gif)

So for example, could the Amazon.com MP3 of a recording be a better quality sound than the AAC file of the same recording on iTunes?

(http://sphilpott.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/neighbors.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: TheGSMoeller on August 19, 2011, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: George on August 19, 2011, 07:43:38 PM

amazon:


itunes:


So, it looks they are both 256 kbit/s, but AAC is supposed to have better sound quality at the same bitrate as MP3. However, I suspect that differences at this level will be very, very minimal, if even audible at all.

The best thing to do is get a CD you are familiar with and rip a track you know well at 256 AAC and then again at 256 MP3 (variable bit rate, or VBR) and compare the two tracks on the source you will be using to listen to the music on.

When I rip my own CDs to listen on my Blackberry, I use VBR MP3, at approximately 245 kbit/sec (V0, lame encoding) and it always sounds great, whether classical, rock, pop, etc.  :)


Very cool, thanks a bunch for the info, George.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on August 19, 2011, 09:02:31 PM
Just wanted to add that I buy music from both and they sound the same.  And even though initially aac was a better codec than mp3 (at 128k and below), the amount of work that has gone into improving the mp3 codec has made it as efficient as aac. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: TheGSMoeller on August 20, 2011, 03:30:28 AM
Quote from: DavidW on August 19, 2011, 09:02:31 PM
Just wanted to add that I buy music from both and they sound the same.  And even though initially aac was a better codec than mp3 (at 128k and below), the amount of work that has gone into improving the mp3 codec has made it as efficient as aac.

Thanks, David.
I buy from both depending on the cheaper price. Biggest downside to iTunes...A few months ago I pulled out my older external hardrive to upload some of my iTunes purchases from about 5 years ago. Forgot that I had bought them under my ex-wife's account and couldn't access them anymore without her iTunes account/password, even after moving them from my old laptop, to external hardrive to my new iMac and it still asks for that account info because my iMac is not authorized for those purchases.
She always finds a way to haunt me  >:D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on August 20, 2011, 06:08:32 AM
Oh well they're not protected anymore, everything I've bought is in m4a format.  It is a drag for those that purchased music before then. :-\
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on September 14, 2011, 04:27:00 PM
Is MDT's website down?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on September 14, 2011, 10:42:49 PM
Quote from: Brian on September 14, 2011, 04:27:00 PM
Is MDT's website down?
I did my usual dozen orders last night, and it worked like a charm each time. Unfortunately.  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on September 18, 2011, 09:27:52 AM
Oooh, nobody tell the Classicsonline webmaster...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on September 18, 2011, 11:42:02 PM
^ Wow, fascinating view "backstage"!

Reminds me of a cheapo DVD I bought once, with a back blurb which was essentially a cut-and-pasted less-than-favourable review of the movie.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on September 21, 2011, 12:04:59 PM
Toccata Classics' releases are looking more and more interesting each new update. They make Naxos look downright uncreative in their repertoire choices ;)

http://www.toccataclassics.com/inpreparation.php
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on September 21, 2011, 12:25:13 PM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Pettersson on September 21, 2011, 12:04:59 PM
Toccata Classics' releases are looking more and more interesting each new update. They make Naxos look downright uncreative in their repertoire choices ;)

http://www.toccataclassics.com/inpreparation.php (http://www.toccataclassics.com/inpreparation.php)


Indeed! And Martin Anderson knows what he's about. He knows the music and he knows intelligent people who know the music, too. He is doing us music-lovers a great service.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on September 23, 2011, 09:19:38 AM
Via a Gramophone newsletter:

QuoteTo celebrate 10 years of The Sixteen's lively and successful record label, CORO, and to mark the launch of our new downloads site www.thesixteendigital.com we are delighted to offer you a FREE download of one of our most popular CDs - Venetian Treasures - featuring glorious Italian choral music.

http://the-sixteen.org.uk/page/3230
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on October 11, 2011, 07:29:32 PM
Does PrestoClassical have a wishlist function of any sort.

And, while I'm at it, any sort of order tracking on their website?

I'm not able to find those, and I don't know if my limited web-fu is to blame, or their site simply don't offer those.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on October 12, 2011, 03:27:38 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 11, 2011, 07:29:32 PM
Does PrestoClassical have a wishlist function of any sort.

It's all cookie-based. You can add items to your basket and and as long as you don't delete the pertinent cookies from that browser, the stuff in the basket stays until you check them out (again, as viewed from the browser from which they were added).

Quote
And, while I'm at it, any sort of order tracking on their website?

I'm not able to find those, and I don't know if my limited web-fu is to blame, or their site simply don't offer those.

You can't create an account with them, so how do you expect them to let you track your orders at their website? For convenience, I archive my order confirmation and dispatch e-mails at my end.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on October 12, 2011, 06:08:22 AM
Thought that a quote from an email message I just received would be of interest - I ordered the 8-CD box of Sequentia doing the music of Hildegard von Bingen - came w/ no booklet(s) at all which is difficult w/ this type of music (already owned 3 of these recordings w/ booklets - indispensable to understanding the music); now this group has a website HERE (http://www.sequentia.org/index.html), and I contacted them out of curiosity; actually my contact there wrote Sony and got the response below - I guess that to supply the customer written information whether in a booklet and/or online as PDF files revolves around the expected contenders!  No great surprise, I guess -  :-\

QuoteDear Dave,

here is the answer I received from SONY 'strategic marketing' in response to my question:

...
The boxed sets within the MASTERS series are special offers in limited editions.
The music lover gets the chance to buy a repertoire cycle for the price of 1-2 high price CDs.
I think it wouldn't be wise to distribute comprehensive booklets (and only the booklets)
online as they represent the one and only selling point of all high and mid price CD albums which are on sale.
Furthermore digital booklets are very sought after to complete illegal downloads.

I think we should investigate if we can set up deluxe editions comprising music + pdf on iTunes.
Then the consumers can download their book with the music they have purchased.
This makes not always economically sense, especially when physical product is still available on amazon for example.
In many cases it is cheaper for a consumer to buy a real CD with booklet than downloading it on iTunes.
...

That's how it will remain, I think. If they can think up a way to make money out of booklets, they'll do something about it.
Best wishes,
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on October 12, 2011, 06:41:45 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on October 12, 2011, 03:27:38 AM
It's all cookie-based. You can add items to your basket and and as long as you don't delete the pertinent cookies from that browser, the stuff in the basket stays until you check them out (again, as viewed from the browser from which they were added).
Wouldn't work for me.  To clarify with a concrete example:  I have two Amazon wishlists.  One of them has about thirty five items on it, and consists of the items I'll probably be ordering in the near future.  The other has about 250 items, some of stuff I intend to order but not very soon; some of it stuff I sort of want, but may never order, and meanwhile want a convenient place to keep track of; some of it recordings I simply want to remind myself about; and some I will order if the price ever goes down to a level I can live with.  My wishlist with Arkivmusic is much smaller but similar.  When I order from them, I pick out what I want, but I never order the entire wishlist.

It's not necessarily a problem when they have a sale on a specific label or group of recordings, because they keep those together on one page.  But they now have a sale on most of their box sets, and you have to hunt through different pages to track down each individual box set.  Which is a pain because I will need to do it twice for whatever I order--once to get the price so I can comparison shop, and then again to actually order whatever I end up ordering from them.  At the moment I have a list on paper sitting by my computer--and since I plan on ordering a bunch of Gardiner's Bach cantatas (I have enough of that cycle already to know I want the rest) before I order any of those box sets, I can't resort to your method.

Quote
You can't create an account with them, so how do you expect them to let you track your orders at their website? For convenience, I archive my order confirmation and dispatch e-mails at my end.

Every email I get concerning an order stays in my inbox until I get the items, and then is archived, so that's no problem.  But other sites (Arkivmusic, for example) have a setup by which you can track the individual order with the order number and your email address without creating an overall account, so I think Presto could do it.

But thank you for at least confirming that it wasn't simply me not seeing something painfully obvious.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on October 12, 2011, 07:22:11 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 12, 2011, 06:41:45 AM
It's not necessarily a problem when they have a sale on a specific label or group of recordings, because they keep those together on one page.  But they now have a sale on most of their box sets, and you have to hunt through different pages to track down each individual box set.

They have a separate section for the boxes as well with search filters.

Quote
  Which is a pain because I will need to do it twice for whatever I order--once to get the price so I can comparison shop, and then again to actually order whatever I end up ordering from them.  At the moment I have a list on paper sitting by my computer--and since I plan on ordering a bunch of Gardiner's Bach cantatas (I have enough of that cycle already to know I want the rest) before I order any of those box sets, I can't resort to your method.

I would suggest adding your list to Presto's basket, then once you have compared the prices, change the quantity to 0 for whichever boxes you don't want, update and then check out. That's the easiest way I can see.

QuoteEvery email I get concerning an order stays in my inbox until I get the items, and then is archived, so that's no problem.  But other sites (Arkivmusic, for example) have a setup by which you can track the individual order with the order number and your email address without creating an overall account, so I think Presto could do it.

I too have a bunch of website suggestions that I must email them someday. Not being a frequent buyer though, permanent accounts isn't a priority for me. :)

Quote
But thank you for at least confirming that it wasn't simply me not seeing something painfully obvious.

:) You're welcome.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on November 23, 2011, 05:42:41 AM
Dear Amazon,
                  What's the point of offering me free MP3 downloads after I purchase something from your store, if I can't buy them because of stupid copyright restrictions? >:(

Yours Cheated,
Navneeth
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on November 23, 2011, 05:49:45 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on November 23, 2011, 05:42:41 AM
Dear Amazon,
                  What's the point of offering me free MP3 downloads after I purchase something from your store, if I can't buy them because of stupid copyright restrictions? >:(

Yours Cheated,
Navneeth

Dear Navneeth,
         Dura lex, sed lex.

Amazon.com
Legal Department

;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 23, 2011, 05:57:47 AM
What pisses me off with amazon is that I've bought tons of CDs from them over the years, still the only promotional credits I get from them are for buying MP3 downloads (which I've never ever have bought). With their systems they ought to know that, and to understand that offers slike these are only irritating. What with offering me credits with relevance to stuff I actually buy?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on November 23, 2011, 06:05:12 AM
Quote from: The new erato on November 23, 2011, 05:57:47 AM
What pisses me off with amazon is that I've bought tons of CDs from them over the years, still the only promotional credits I get from them are for buying MP3 downloads (which I've never ever have bought). With their systems they ought to know that, and to understand that offers slike these are only irritating. What with offering me credits with relevance to stuff I actually buy?

It's a reasonable point of view. I don't even know how to use those credits to purchase MP3 because I'm not interested in such kind of products... And Amazon knows this perfectly well. After all they have a complete record of my purchases and all the time they offer to me things adjusted to that record.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on November 23, 2011, 06:06:47 AM
Quote from: Antoine Marchand on November 23, 2011, 05:49:45 AM
Dear Navneeth,
         Dura lex, sed lex.

Amazon.com
Legal Department

;D

Dear Amazon,
      Now you're trying to communicate with me in a language I don't understand. I at least appreciate your consistency in maintaining disloyalty to your customer.

[Looking for Legalese Translators,]
Navneeth
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on November 23, 2011, 06:11:26 AM
Quote from: The new erato on November 23, 2011, 05:57:47 AM
What pisses me off with amazon is that I've bought tons of CDs from them over the years, still the only promotional credits I get from them are for buying MP3 downloads (which I've never ever have bought). With their systems they ought to know that, and to understand that offers slike these are only irritating. What with offering me credits with relevance to stuff I actually buy?

What is just as frustrating (to me) is that I have been a customer there since <>2001. I have purchased over 2000 CD's from them, which should be enough to establish at least a vague idea of what my interest is. And yet "Recommendations for You" never hits on anything relevant to my interests. No, sorry, I won't be buying the new "Il Divo" disk, why would you think I would? Because I bought Jacobs' "...Figaro"? I get an average of 30 recommendations a day for things that I can't even remotely see myself buying.

Relevance. Ha! I like that, Erato. :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 23, 2011, 06:18:41 AM
I wonder about the definition of classical and get slightly nauseated by what people buy under the impresson of it being classical - Il Divo, Bocelli, Libera (a popular kind of Diapers in Norway), Katherine Jenkins, Rieu,....page after page in the Top Sellers Classical.

Why can't someone invent a separate  category for this kind of stuff?

And any suggestions as to what to call it?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Antoine Marchand on November 23, 2011, 06:20:15 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on November 23, 2011, 06:06:47 AM
Dear Amazon,
      Now you're trying to communicate with me in a language I don't understand. I at least appreciate your consistency in maintaining disloyalty to your customer.

[Looking for Legalese Translators,]
Navneeth

  :D ;D :D

You know, lawyers love these Latin quotations; although they don't know Latin.  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on November 23, 2011, 06:22:37 AM
Quote from: The new erato on November 23, 2011, 06:18:41 AM
I wonder about the definition of classical and get slightly nauseated by what people buy under the impresson of it being classical - Il Divo, Bocelli, Libera (a popular kind of Diapers in Norway), Katherine Jenkins, Rieu,....page after page in the Top Sellers Classical.

Why can't someone invent a separate  category for this kind of stuff?

And any suggestions as to what to call it?

Faux-classical. Fauxical (with the X now back out of its vow of silence).
Non-canon/non-unsung-geniuses Classical
Not-so-serious music
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 23, 2011, 06:23:49 AM
Crappical?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on November 23, 2011, 06:31:52 AM
Quote from: The new erato on November 23, 2011, 06:18:41 AM
I wonder about the definition of classical and get slightly nauseated by what people buy under the impresson of it being classical - Il Divo, Bocelli, Libera (a popular kind of Diapers in Norway), Katherine Jenkins, Rieu,....page after page in the Top Sellers Classical.

Why can't someone invent a separate  category for this kind of stuff?

And any suggestions as to what to call it?

Offal?   >:D

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: chasmaniac on November 23, 2011, 06:33:22 AM
clASSical
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on November 23, 2011, 06:34:39 AM
Quote from: chasmaniac on November 23, 2011, 06:33:22 AM
clASSical

Subtle.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: hafod on November 23, 2011, 07:45:45 AM
Quote from: The new erato on November 23, 2011, 06:18:41 AM
I wonder about the definition of classical and get slightly nauseated by what people buy under the impresson of it being classical - Il Divo, Bocelli, Libera (a popular kind of Diapers in Norway), Katherine Jenkins, Rieu,....page after page in the Top Sellers Classical.

Why can't someone invent a separate  category for this kind of stuff?

And any suggestions as to what to call it?

It used to be called 'easy listening' and covered a multitude of sins.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on November 23, 2011, 09:46:45 AM
Quote from: George on November 23, 2011, 08:27:27 AM
Hi Gurn,

My understanding is that they base recommendations not on what we buy, but on what we rate. Sp if you haven't spent any time rating stuff, then the recommendations are bound to be poor.

Makes sense, but I have rated something like 550 items now (it tells you how many, but I've forgotten the exact number). I guess I need to rate badly the things I don't like, that would carry more weight than rating well the things I DO like. :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on November 23, 2011, 10:55:23 AM
I think Amazon knows my tastes fairly well, since they keep suggesting stuff that i've bought elsewhere.  But I am rather tired of the emails offering me less than specatular prices on fauxical music. A Diavolo con il Divo!   But it's still better than the first few ones they sent, which seemed to be based on the premise that buying Mahler recordings indicated a interest in death metal/goth music. 

Of course, I actually buy less from Amazon than any other place--Arkivmusic and Prestoclassical seem to be the prime sources at the moment.   But, while I have two more orders planned with Presto,  I'm going to try to limit myself seriously after next month.  For one thing, I've got a listen to pile of several hundred CDs to get through,  and for another I've caught up on almost all the series I wanted to catch up on when I started online ordering a few months ago.  I won't be totally stopping the purchases, but they'll be rather more targeted and limited than they have been up to now.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on November 23, 2011, 05:38:46 PM
Quote from: The new erato on November 23, 2011, 05:57:47 AM
What pisses me off with amazon is that I've bought tons of CDs from them over the years, still the only promotional credits I get from them are for buying MP3 downloads (which I've never ever have bought). With their systems they ought to know that, and to understand that offers slike these are only irritating. What with offering me credits with relevance to stuff I actually buy?

You are not alone.  Those MP3 credits are absolutely worthless to me since I do not buy downloads, period ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Will Sheard on December 06, 2011, 07:11:01 PM
Quote from: Antoine Marchand on November 23, 2011, 06:05:12 AM
It's a reasonable point of view. I don't even know how to use those credits to purchase MP3 because I'm not interested in such kind of products... And Amazon knows this perfectly well. After all they have a complete record of my purchases and all the time they offer to me things adjusted to that record.

I agree that Amazon's system should be able to provide more incentives to customers who don't want to go down the MP3 route. However, I tend to go with unusual, super-cheap album purchases with these MP3 deals - which, let's face it, either get used or don't. There are several excellent RAGA label CDs of Indian Classical music by the incomparable Nikhil Banerjee, the CDs of which are priced in the standard $10+ range, but for which the MP3 asking price is often just three or four dollars. They're certainly worth checking out.

As for the coupon value, it is automatically added to your account, so MP3 purchases just subtract from that value. Of course, if you buy more MP3s than the credit in your account, you have to pay with your debit/credit card to make up the difference. The system is actually pretty straight-forward.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 07, 2012, 06:04:35 PM
Quote from: KeithW on January 07, 2012, 04:23:42 PM
If you want an early present, Presto are shipping late January for $135, compared to Amazon's $200.

Thanks, Keith. I've never used Presto and I hardly ever buy from overseas. Is Presto a safe website and have you used them?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on January 07, 2012, 06:25:54 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 07, 2012, 06:04:35 PM
Thanks, Keith. I've never used Presto and I hardly ever buy from overseas. Is Presto a safe website and have you used them?

Absolutely my favorite. I used them when I lived in Australia, and I do so now that I am in the US.  Their website is very secure, and I have never had any problems with transactions.  Their packaging is very high quality, and I have had no problems with damage, unlike Amazon shipments.  I have twice had problems with wrong discs in box sets - one due to EMI and once to Brilliant.  Presto have sent replacements quickly at no cost.

their special offers are often worthwhile, for example 25-30% off sepcific labels or 50% off box sets, and their shipping rates are sensible - a slightly higher price for the first disc - around $3 I think, and then  fixed $1 or so for each subsequent disc.  Box sets count as a single disc.

Highly recommended.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 07, 2012, 06:31:07 PM
Quote from: KeithW on January 07, 2012, 06:25:54 PM
Absolutely my favorite. I used them when I lived in Australia, and I do so now that I am in the US.  Their website is very secure, and I have never had any problems with transactions.  Their packaging is very high quality, and I have had no problems with damage, unlike Amazon shipments.  I have twice had problems with wrong discs in box sets - one due to EMI and once to Brilliant.  Presto have sent replacements quickly at no cost.

their special offers are often worthwhile, for example 25-30% off sepcific labels or 50% off box sets, and their shipping rates are sensible - a slightly higher price for the first disc - around $3 I think, and then  fixed $1 or so for each subsequent disc.  Box sets count as a single disc.

Highly recommended.

Thanks for the information, Keith. This is most helpful. I'll check them out.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on January 07, 2012, 11:08:47 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on January 07, 2012, 06:30:08 PM
And speaking of Presto. I've ordered from them several times in the last few months, and (knock on wood) so far have no problems with them.  I've got two orders en route to me now from them (one of them seems to have gotten delayed in the Christmas rush, but I'm expecting it to land any day now).  The only criticisms I have of their system is that it's not possible to keep a wish list, and no way of keeping track of an order while they are processing it.  Also, you will get charged Visa transactions fees for overseas purchases if that's how your card operates, so that needs to be calculated into the purchase. Shipping charges are like Arkivmusic--order more than a few and it works out to about 1USD per item.   But their sales are often good deals (usually by brand, and lasting a month or more).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Wanderer on January 07, 2012, 11:21:52 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 07, 2012, 06:04:35 PM
Is Presto a safe website and have you used them?

I can vouch for Presto, as well. Shopped from them many times, not a problem, ever.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 08, 2012, 12:11:45 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on January 07, 2012, 11:21:52 PM
I can vouch for Presto, as well. Shopped from them many times, not a problem, ever.
Same here - shipped to the US with no problem. They have better prices on some companies, for example Dutton (and that magnifies if they go on sale). They usually have 1-3 new sales added each week, so it pays to drop by periodically.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on January 08, 2012, 04:43:02 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 08, 2012, 12:11:45 AM
Same here - shipped to the US with no problem. They have better prices on some companies, for example Dutton (and that magnifies if they go on sale). They usually have 1-3 new sales added each week, so it pays to drop by periodically.

Or sign up for their weekly newsletter which advises of new sales, and those about to end, as well as headlines of new releases.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 08, 2012, 04:54:40 AM
+1 for Presto. It was there that I placed my first overseas order online. Despite my low frequency of purchases compared to the average GMGer, they have never let me down in the three or four  years since my first order with them. They're shipping rate has increased somewhat during the time and can get costly if it's a small order, but among the UK e-tailers, they are the only ones to consider a box as a single item*, as Keith already mentioned, which is a plus in my book.


*If there are others, I'd like to know.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on January 08, 2012, 05:29:27 AM
Navneeth, Amazon's Super Saver delivery is free for orders over £25, and, for normal deliveries, they consider box sets as single items.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200039400


Amazon UK marketplace seller dodax-online-uk won't be getting any of my money in the future. I ordered James Ehnes: In Recital over two months ago, and since it hadn't arrived well after the ETA, I emailed them through Amazon, it took almost a month before they admitted that the item was late. Now it has been five days since they e-mailed me about the item being unavailable and the refund, which they should wire to me through Amazon, hasn't been wired yet. The only good thing is that I might actually earn a few cents since Euro has weakened during the time they've had my money.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 08, 2012, 05:39:34 AM
Quote from: North Star on January 08, 2012, 05:29:27 AM
Navneeth, Amazon's Super Saver delivery is free for orders over £25, and, for normal deliveries, they consider box sets as single items.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200039400

Thanks. I had those specialist places in mind, but yes that's another UK seller who in the past year, due to their Free Shipping offer and some good discounts, has become my first choice for 'classical' purchases. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 05:16:39 AM
WTF happened to my shopping cart, Abeille Musique?!!! >:(

Here's a bad experience even before I made a purchase: The carefully selected list of items that had been part of my cart for the past few days had vanished when I checked earlier in the day. Without logging in I was scouring their lists (for the umpteenth time!) this morning when I noticed that the Brahms' chamber music box from Hyperion was no longer on sale, and this was an item I had added to my cart last week. But when I logged in immediately to see whether they had left me a message ("We have reserved the one just for you, sir." or "Sorry, no longer in stock, slow-poke!"), all I saw was an empty shopping cart!

Be warned, people!

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on January 25, 2012, 05:18:10 AM
Fie!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 25, 2012, 05:22:49 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 05:16:39 AM
WTF happened to my shopping cart, Abeille Musique?!!! >:(

Here's a bad experience even before I made a purchase: The carefully selected list of items that had been part of my cart for the past few days had vanished when I checked earlier in the day. Without logging in I was scouring their lists (for the umpteenth time!) this morning when I noticed that the Brahms' chamber music box from Hyperion was no longer on sale, and this was an item I had added to my cart last week. But when I logged in immediately to see whether they had left me a message ("We have reserved the one just for you, sir." or "Sorry, no longer in stock, slow-poke!"), all I saw was an empty shopping cart!

Be warned, people!

French, you know... :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 05:23:12 AM
Quote from: Gurnatron5500 on January 25, 2012, 05:22:49 AM
French, you know... :)

8)

Well, now I do. ::)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DaveF on January 25, 2012, 05:29:53 AM
Has anyone had any experience of Play.com?  (A search of these forums fails to find it, so I guess not.)  I wonder whether they may be what might politely be termed "a waste of time", since they appear to list on their website items that have long been deleted from the catalogue which they have no means of supplying.  In July last year I ordered A Sei Voci's 6-disc set of Josquin - deleted as a bargain box but listed as available by play.com.  In mid-December an apology arrived, saying they were unable to supply in time for Christmas, and hoped I hadn't ordered it as a Christmas present!  (Not even my wife begins preparing for Christmas that early.)  Stocks would be arriving in the new year, apparently.  So when I spotted another deleted goody on their site (one of the Clerks' Ockeghem discs) I thought I'd e-mail them first to check they were able to supply before I ordered.  A few days later a reply comes back: they are sorry my order for the Ockeghem disc is taking so long, but they hope to be able to supply within 28... something.   Days?  Years?  So, not good to far.  But I'm quite prepared to hear that others have received excellent service.

DF
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on January 25, 2012, 05:30:19 AM
Nom d'un nom d'un nom . . . .
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 25, 2012, 06:02:05 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 05:16:39 AM
WTF happened to my shopping cart, Abeille Musique?!!! >:(

Here's a bad experience even before I made a purchase: The carefully selected list of items that had been part of my cart for the past few days had vanished when I checked earlier in the day. Without logging in I was scouring their lists (for the umpteenth time!) this morning when I noticed that the Brahms' chamber music box from Hyperion was no longer on sale, and this was an item I had added to my cart last week. But when I logged in immediately to see whether they had left me a message ("We have reserved the one just for you, sir." or "Sorry, no longer in stock, slow-poke!"), all I saw was an empty shopping cart!

Be warned, people!
Putting a disc in a shopping cart doen't mean you have one reserved. I simply cannot see how that could be. keeping the copmntent of shopping carts is another issue however, and I consider it bad practice to delete them without warning, though there certainly are technical scenarios resulting in a shopping cart being deleted (in connection with cookie deletion and other mishaps on the computer).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 06:16:36 AM
Quote from: The new erato on January 25, 2012, 06:02:05 AM
Putting a disc in a shopping cart doen't mean you have one reserved.

I didn't say it does. As you should be able to gather from my post, all I was expecting from them at the least was a notification of some sort -- nothing more, nothing less. (The part about reservation was just me hoping against hope. ;))

Quotethough there certainly are technical scenarios resulting in a shopping cart being deleted (in connection with cookie deletion and other mishaps on the computer).

But this is a case of persistent storage. In fact, when I saw this I was at another computer (i.e. not in my home).

As an aside: If you have taken part (or even read the T&C) in something like Amazon's Black Friday Lightning Deals, you may know that once you have added something to your shopping cart, it is reserved for you for the next 15 minutes (or some other fixed amount of time).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on January 25, 2012, 07:51:22 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 05:16:39 AM
WTF happened to my shopping cart, Abeille Musique?!!! >:(

Here's a bad experience even before I made a purchase: The carefully selected list of items that had been part of my cart for the past few days had vanished when I checked earlier in the day. Without logging in I was scouring their lists (for the umpteenth time!) this morning when I noticed that the Brahms' chamber music box from Hyperion was no longer on sale, and this was an item I had added to my cart last week. But when I logged in immediately to see whether they had left me a message ("We have reserved the one just for you, sir." or "Sorry, no longer in stock, slow-poke!"), all I saw was an empty shopping cart!

Be warned, people!

Well despite the tremendous bargains offered (just put in an order last week!) at the French site, I rarely visit that website (No English options - UGHH!  And except for 'wine terms' I don't speak/read French -  :D).  In fact on my last order, I had a French-English dictionary site opened on another page and w/ some copy-pasting efforts I was able to understand the choices, esp. when checking out.  I did receive email confirmation so hopefully my order will be arriving in the near future.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 08:02:58 AM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on January 25, 2012, 07:51:22 AM
In fact on my last order, I had a French-English dictionary site opened on another page and w/ some copy-pasting efforts I was able to understand the choices, esp. when checking out.  I did receive email confirmation so hopefully my order will be arriving in the near future.

I have installed BabelFish for Firefox which can either translate the selected text (from many languages to other languages from the set and not just English) or the whole page using Google Translator. It's currently not available at AMO and incompatible with latest release of the browser, but I have it in a decent working condition under Firefox Compatibility Reporter. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lethevich on January 25, 2012, 08:04:10 AM
Quote from: DaveF on January 25, 2012, 05:29:53 AM
Has anyone had any experience of Play.com?  (A search of these forums fails to find it, so I guess not.)  I wonder whether they may be what might politely be termed "a waste of time", since they appear to list on their website items that have long been deleted from the catalogue which they have no means of supplying.  In July last year I ordered A Sei Voci's 6-disc set of Josquin - deleted as a bargain box but listed as available by play.com.  In mid-December an apology arrived, saying they were unable to supply in time for Christmas, and hoped I hadn't ordered it as a Christmas present!  (Not even my wife begins preparing for Christmas that early.)  Stocks would be arriving in the new year, apparently.  So when I spotted another deleted goody on their site (one of the Clerks' Ockeghem discs) I thought I'd e-mail them first to check they were able to supply before I ordered.  A few days later a reply comes back: they are sorry my order for the Ockeghem disc is taking so long, but they hope to be able to supply within 28... something.   Days?  Years?  So, not good to far.  But I'm quite prepared to hear that others have received excellent service.

I've used them with success, although only to buy common stuff. They definitely don't specialise in the obscure as well as Amazon do.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on January 25, 2012, 02:16:46 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 08:02:58 AM
I have installed BabelFish for Firefox which can either translate the selected text (from many languages to other languages from the set and not just English) or the whole page using Google Translator. It's currently not available at AMO and incompatible with latest release of the browser, but I have it in a decent working condition under Firefox Compatibility Reporter. :)

Google chrome as a web browser is a good solution here - it automatically detects a web page in a language other than your default, and offers to translate into your language.  Obviously, it doesn't work if what appears to betwixt is actually an image, but most of the time it does the job.

The one drawback is that these technologies are becoming so good that humorous translations are now sadly too infrequent.


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on January 25, 2012, 04:22:19 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 06:16:36 AM
I didn't say it does. As you should be able to gather from my post, all I was expecting from them at the least was a notification of some sort -- nothing more, nothing less. (The part about reservation was just me hoping against hope. ;))

But this is a case of persistent storage. In fact, when I saw this I was at another computer (i.e. not in my home).


That's the likely reason there.  I would expect that if you log in from home you'll find--voila! voici!-- the shopping cart to be showing with whatever you left on there from the last time.

I know that if I log in to Arkivmusic, I can see my wish list from any computer, but my shopping cart only from my home computer (or whichever computer I use to build up the cart).  Apparently they store the wish list on their computer but the shopping cart is only on your computer.

ETA--come to think of it, not only is it computer specific but it's also browser specific--if I use Opera, I can't see the cart I made using another browser, for example.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 25, 2012, 09:20:30 PM
Yes, and that's because most shopping carts use cookies, if you change computer or browser, the cookies are gone and the shopping cart is blank.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 10:20:31 PM
Quote from: KeithW on January 25, 2012, 02:16:46 PM
Google chrome as a web browser is a good solution here - it automatically detects a web page in a language other than your default, and offers to translate into your language.  Obviously, it doesn't work if what appears to betwixt is actually an image, but most of the time it does the job.

I find Chrome's translation service a bit intrusive (I'll call you when I need you! Okay?).

Quote
The one drawback is that these technologies are becoming so good that humorous translations are now sadly too infrequent.

;D

Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on January 25, 2012, 04:22:19 PM
That's the likely reason there.  I would expect that if you log in from home you'll find--voila! voici!-- the shopping cart to be showing with whatever you left on there from the last time.

I know that if I log in to Arkivmusic, I can see my wish list from any computer, but my shopping cart only from my home computer (or whichever computer I use to build up the cart).  Apparently they store the wish list on their computer but the shopping cart is only on your computer.

ETA--come to think of it, not only is it computer specific but it's also browser specific--if I use Opera, I can't see the cart I made using another browser, for example.


Quote from: The new erato on January 25, 2012, 09:20:30 PM
Yes, and that's because most shopping carts use cookies, if you change computer or browser, the cookies are gone and the shopping cart is blank.

This type of cart is not supposed to be based on cookies; at least that's one what one would expect when one is required to create an account to store items. (BTW, I came home, checked the basket in the browser in which I "shopped" -- it was empty -- and only then posted my complaint here.)

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 25, 2012, 10:35:21 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 10:20:31 PM

This type of cart is not supposed to be based on cookies; at least that's one what one would expect when you one is required to create an account to store items. (BTW, I came home, checked the basket in the browser in which I "shopped" -- it was empty -- and only then posted my complaint here.)
I do agree, but long experience has told me to only thrust wish lists, not carts; I do assume abeillemusic support a wishlist? Terrible site designwise, but there's lots of bad sites (hmv.co.uk anyone?) out there.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 10:56:08 PM
Quote from: The new erato on January 25, 2012, 10:35:21 PM
I do agree, but long experience has told me to only thrust wish lists, not carts; I do assume abeillemusic support a wishlist?

They have a "heart" symbol next to each item in the cart and I think it's a provision to move them to a wish-list.

QuoteTerrible site designwise, but there's lots of bad sites (hmv.co.uk anyone?) out there.

It looks sensible when compared to their Japanese site the last time I saw it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on January 26, 2012, 05:44:18 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 10:56:08 PM
They have a "heart" symbol next to each item in the cart and I think it's a provision to move them to a wish-list.


I thought it was some sort of warning about stress as the cart fills up and the costs grow.   :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on January 26, 2012, 10:57:37 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 10:20:31 PM
This type of cart is not supposed to be based on cookies; at least that's one what one would expect when one is required to create an account to store items. (BTW, I came home, checked the basket in the browser in which I "shopped" -- it was empty -- and only then posted my complaint here.)

In that case you're right.   I would do more than complain.  But perhaps somewhere in les terms de service there's a proviso that lets them delete carts after a certain period of time or at their discretion?  If there isn't it--I can't think of any logical explanation.   You'd think a store would want to make shopping easier, not harder.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on January 26, 2012, 11:10:29 AM
Ah, les proviseaux de service!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 28, 2012, 04:48:04 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 25, 2012, 05:16:39 AM
WTF happened to my shopping cart, Abeille Musique?!!! >:(

Here's a bad experience even before I made a purchase: The carefully selected list of items that had been part of my cart for the past few days had vanished when I checked earlier in the day. Without logging in I was scouring their lists (for the umpteenth time!) this morning when I noticed that the Brahms' chamber music box from Hyperion was no longer on sale, and this was an item I had added to my cart last week. But when I logged in immediately to see whether they had left me a message ("We have reserved the one just for you, sir." or "Sorry, no longer in stock, slow-poke!"), all I saw was an empty shopping cart!

Be warned, people!

Well, it's happened again, but this time it's about half the basket. I'll have to find out which item, if any, has gone out of stock. With such a misbehaving site, I wonder whether I should to let them store my credit card info there.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 28, 2012, 07:11:38 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 28, 2012, 04:48:04 AM
Well, it's happened again, but this time it's about half the basket. I'll have to find out which item, if any, has gone out of stock. With such a misbehaving site, I wonder whether I should to let them store my credit card info there.
Abeille is a bit of a strange site. I think the cart has a time limit. I know if I have an error in the checkout process, I will lose the whole cart too. So I jsut copy all the item codes so that if I lose it, it is easy to reconstruct. They do not store the credit card info either. You will need to re-enter it every time. But having used them a few years in a row, they do appear to otherwise be reliable.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 28, 2012, 07:20:10 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 28, 2012, 07:11:38 AM
Abeille is a bit of a strange site. I think the cart has a time limit. I know if I have an error in the checkout process, I will lose the whole cart too. So I jsut copy all the item codes so that if I lose it, it is easy to reconstruct. They do not store the credit card info either. You will need to re-enter it every time. But having used them a few years in a row, they do appear to otherwise be reliable.

Abeille Musique is not the only CD etailer that does this.  While Amazon (US & UK)always retain the cart items, I have noticed some US based etailers also clear out the cart after certain time limit has been reached.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Sergeant Rock on January 28, 2012, 07:26:40 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on January 28, 2012, 07:20:10 AMI have noticed some US based etailers also clear out the cart after certain time limit has been reached.

JPC does too.

Sarge
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on January 28, 2012, 05:57:54 PM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on January 28, 2012, 07:26:40 AM
JPC does too.

Sarge

Speaking of JPC, but on another tangent: how does JPC ship?

They emailed me to say my order was shipped, but did not say how it was shipped, or provide a tracking number or anything--nor does any such information show up when I check on the order at JPC's website.

I'm kind of assuming that it will show up in the hands of my mailwoman,  but it would be nice to be sure of that, especially since the recent near fiasco with Presto was due to a lost "you weren't home to sign" slip she supposedly left in my mailbox.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 28, 2012, 06:05:59 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on January 28, 2012, 05:57:54 PM
Speaking of JPC, but on another tangent: how does JPC ship?

They emailed me to say my order was shipped, but did not say how it was shipped, or provide a tracking number or anything--nor does any such information show up when I check on the order at JPC's website.

I'm kind of assuming that it will show up in the hands of my mailwoman,  but it would be nice to be sure of that, especially since the recent near fiasco with Presto was due to a lost "you weren't home to sign" slip she supposedly left in my mailbox.

I placed my second order in December and to be honest, I am still not sure how jpc ships.  The package did end up in my mailbox, though the first order required some signature and was delivered twice.  Then my wife somehow told the PO I would waive the signature requirement and the mailman ended up leaving the package at the door without the signature.  With both MDT and Presto, I only ran into the signature requirement once when the order was close to $200.  As such I have always limited the order amount to under $100 in order to avoid that signature requirement.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 28, 2012, 08:25:54 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 28, 2012, 07:11:38 AM
Abeille is a bit of a strange site. I think the cart has a time limit. I know if I have an error in the checkout process, I will lose the whole cart too. So I jsut copy all the item codes so that if I lose it, it is easy to reconstruct. They do not store the credit card info either. You will need to re-enter it every time. But having used them a few years in a row, they do appear to otherwise be reliable.

Thanks, Neal, for the reassurance*.


*But my credit card thinks that was uncalled for.  ::)  :-\
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on January 29, 2012, 05:31:47 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 28, 2012, 04:48:04 AM
Well, it's happened again, but this time it's about half the basket. I'll have to find out which item, if any, has gone out of stock. With such a misbehaving site, I wonder whether I should to let them store my credit card info there.

As a previous poster said, I don't trust the shopping cart to remember anything long term. That's what wishlists are for.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on January 29, 2012, 09:41:05 PM
Quote from: eyeresist on January 29, 2012, 05:31:47 PM
As a previous poster said, I don't trust the shopping cart to remember anything long term. That's what wishlists are for.

Less than a week is long term? ???
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on January 29, 2012, 10:57:55 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on January 29, 2012, 09:41:05 PM
Less than a week is long term? ???
Anything outside the 24 hour cycle.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on January 30, 2012, 04:00:16 AM
That cart is so yesterday.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on January 30, 2012, 04:31:04 AM
Good morning, George!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on February 09, 2012, 05:27:34 AM
Despite the qualms that I had about Abeille Musique's website, I'm glad to note that they have delivered. Well, almost -- they couldn't procure one of the items I had ordered, but were quick to send across a refund receipt. And the whole thing, from order to delivery, took around 9 days.

As for the packaging, there wasn't much in the way of cushioning material except for folded piece of cardboards on either end of the box to keep the CDs and boxes from moving about inside.

And yes, it was sent from a Naxos warehouse in Germany.

:)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 09, 2012, 05:42:02 AM
Has the tacet label authorized any digital downloads?  I can't find them on amazon mp3, itunes or their own website.  It looks like they're physical media only!?  Is that right!?!  How am I supposed to buy the Auryn Q recordings?  (I've abandoned physical format)  Are they really that far behind in the times?  How do you stay in business with that kind of shabby business model?

If anyone knows of a site where you can buy digital downloads of their recordings, please post. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Szykneij on February 23, 2012, 11:47:26 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 09, 2012, 05:42:02 AM
Has the tacet label authorized any digital downloads?  I can't find them on amazon mp3, itunes or their own website.  It looks like they're physical media only!?  Is that right!?!  How am I supposed to buy the Auryn Q recordings?  (I've abandoned physical format)

Yes, David is just one step away from complete abandonment of his physical format.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Bulldog on February 23, 2012, 12:32:43 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 09, 2012, 05:42:02 AM
Has the tacet label authorized any digital downloads?  I can't find them on amazon mp3, itunes or their own website.  It looks like they're physical media only!?  Is that right!?!  How am I supposed to buy the Auryn Q recordings?  (I've abandoned physical format)  Are they really that far behind in the times?  How do you stay in business with that kind of shabby business model?

If anyone knows of a site where you can buy digital downloads of their recordings, please post. :)

Sounds like you might want to consider getting back into the physical format.  Why did you discard it?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on February 23, 2012, 04:36:58 PM
Quote from: Szykneij on February 23, 2012, 11:47:26 AM
Yes, David is just one step away from complete abandonment of his physical format.

A superintelligent shade of the colour blue.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 23, 2012, 05:41:06 PM
Quote from: Bulldog on February 23, 2012, 12:32:43 PM
Sounds like you might want to consider getting back into the physical format.  Why did you discard it?

Storage.  I don't like having lots of stuff that can just go into a hard drive and the cloud with no physical space.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 23, 2012, 05:41:42 PM
Quote from: Szykneij on February 23, 2012, 11:47:26 AM
Yes, David is just one step away from complete abandonment of his physical format.

lol :D ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Szykneij on February 23, 2012, 05:56:32 PM
Quote from: eyeresist on February 23, 2012, 04:36:58 PM
A superintelligent shade of the colour blue.

42
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ElliotViola on March 23, 2012, 12:17:37 PM
Thought I would share my publisher's webstore.

He advertises his site as the 'lowest cost sheet music on the internet', and arranges a lot of his own stuff. I've done a few arrangements, including transcriptions of Bach Suites/Partitas for Viola (from Violin). There is a very large collection of free transcriptions and arrangements, along with free music of most classical genres for many instruments.

http://olcbarcelonamusic.musicaneo.com (http://olcbarcelonamusic.musicaneo.com)

From OLC Barcelona:

QuoteWe would like to offer musicians the possibility to find any kind of sheet music they could be looking for. In OLC Barcelona Sheet Music you will find hundreds of original scores written by the greatest classical composers, especially piano works. Most of them are for free! However, you will be glad to find so many classical arrangements written by dozens of arrangers; easy piano versions from classics, piano arrangements of orchestral works (symphonies, concertos,...), classical works turned into jazz versions , piano works arranged for chamber music,... You will not find those piano arrangements in other websites!

They also do an 'arrange by request' feature, where you email them and they arrange it for you...

The reason it's slightly better than IMSLP for some of the content is that most of the stuff OLC have is more modern typesetting and not photocopies of old ripped music that is nearly illegible.

I hope this can help somebody out!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Szykneij on March 25, 2012, 04:25:30 PM
I just went to Amazon to check out clips of a Saint-Saens String Quartets CD I was interested in ordering. It doesn't really affect me since I don't buy downloads, but I noticed you can download each movement of the two quartets for 99-cents except for the first movement of SQ1 and the finale of SQ2. To get those two movements, you have to buy the whole album. I guess if the track is over 10 minutes long, they don't sell it individually, which seems like a silly policy for classical recordings.  The album download costs $8.99, but I just bought the disc used on ebay for $7.50, including shipping.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on April 22, 2012, 09:21:19 AM
Quote from: Szykneij on March 25, 2012, 04:25:30 PM
I just went to Amazon to check out clips of a Saint-Saens String Quartets CD I was interested in ordering. It doesn't really affect me since I don't buy downloads, but I noticed you can download each movement of the two quartets for 99-cents except for the first movement of SQ1 and the finale of SQ2. To get those two movements, you have to buy the whole album. I guess if the track is over 10 minutes long, they don't sell it individually, which seems like a silly policy for classical recordings.  The album download costs $8.99, but I just bought the disc used on ebay for $7.50, including shipping.

I know what CD that is, and I enjoy it. By the way, for MP3 enthusiasts, eClassical charges by length - so, for instance, a track under 10 seconds long costs mere pennies but a four-minute track will cost you over $2. This means that Yevgeny Sudbin's recent Paganini Rhapsody on BIS, which is divided into two dozen tracks, costs $3.50 instead of the $25 a site like Amazon or Classicsonline might demand.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on April 22, 2012, 09:22:24 AM
I'm a little annoyed with MDT. They announced they'd be launching a new website design "after April 16th." It hasn't happened yet. Wonder if we'll get it this week...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 22, 2012, 01:24:26 PM
Quote from: Szykneij on March 25, 2012, 04:25:30 PM
I just went to Amazon to check out clips of a Saint-Saens String Quartets CD I was interested in ordering. It doesn't really affect me since I don't buy downloads, but I noticed you can download each movement of the two quartets for 99-cents except for the first movement of SQ1 and the finale of SQ2. To get those two movements, you have to buy the whole album. I guess if the track is over 10 minutes long, they don't sell it individually, which seems like a silly policy for classical recordings.  The album download costs $8.99, but I just bought the disc used on ebay for $7.50, including shipping.

I hear you.  Download is not for me.  I can count the number of downloads in less than 2 hands but those downloads are the Royal Concertgebouw live concerts I downloaded from its website for free and may not be available on CD.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on May 04, 2012, 06:27:38 PM
Quote from: Brian on April 22, 2012, 09:22:24 AM
I'm a little annoyed with MDT. They announced they'd be launching a new website design "after April 16th." It hasn't happened yet. Wonder if we'll get it this week...

Same old MDT so far. Three weeks behind on that new web design...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on May 05, 2012, 12:18:40 AM
Well, it definitely is "After April 16th". So I don't see what you are complaining about.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on May 05, 2012, 10:37:25 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 04, 2012, 06:27:38 PM
Same old MDT so far. Three weeks behind on that new web design...

Relax Brian.  Don't get too hung up on 4/16, we are done with the IRS for the year.  Who cares about if MDT even updates its website ...     ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on May 06, 2012, 06:02:10 PM
Quote from: The new erato on May 05, 2012, 12:18:40 AMWell, it definitely is "After April 16th". So I don't see what you are complaining about.

:D

"And to protect Mother Earth, each copy contains a certain percentage of recycled paper."
"And what percent is that?"
"Zero. Zero's a percent!"

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 11:47:59 AM
On Amazon UK Marketplace there's a seller called zoverstocks. I ordered a CD from them back in January that never arrived. I waited till the last of the delivery estimate dates before notifying them, and fair enough, they refunded my money, observing that it must have got lost in the post. Well, I thought, these things happen - I suppose.

In April I gave them another shot and placed two orders a couple of days apart. As before, they apparently shipped promptly. But here I am, on 9th May, still waiting. It's possible they may turn up in the next few days before the latest delivery estimate is exceeded; but it all seems very odd, and I'm already anticipating two more 'lost in the post' explanations - despite the fact that in the last ten years no package addressed to me has ever been knowingly lost (zoverstocks excepted). But why should items posted here in the UK, even at 2nd class, take so long to reach a UK address?

Does anyone have any experience of this seller? Curiously, there's very little negative feedback on their profile.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on May 09, 2012, 11:50:24 AM
I've placed four orders with them over the past year or so, Alan, and they've been reliable.  And that entails shipping by inflatable dinghy, too!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on May 09, 2012, 11:51:47 AM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 11:47:59 AM
On Amazon UK Marketplace there's a seller called zoverstocks. I ordered a CD from them back in January that never arrived. I waited till the last of the delivery estimate dates before notifying them, and fair enough, they refunded my money, observing that it must have got lost in the post. Well, I thought, these things happen - I suppose.

In April I gave them another shot and placed two orders a couple of days apart. As before, they apparently shipped promptly. But here I am, on 9th May, still waiting. It's possible they may turn up in the next few days before the latest delivery estimate is exceeded; but it all seems very odd, and I'm already anticipating two more 'lost in the post' explanations - despite the fact that in the last ten years no package addressed to me has ever been knowingly lost (zoverstocks excepted). But why should items posted here in the UK, even at 2nd class, take so long to reach a UK address?

Does anyone have any experience of this seller? Curiously, there's very little negative feedback on their profile.

I've had positive experiences with them, delivering to me here in the US and previously to me in Australia.  I have had a couple of instances recently where things from other sellers have not arrived, though, and I have attributed it to the vagaries of the USPS.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 12:03:28 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 09, 2012, 11:50:24 AM
I've placed four orders with them over the past year or so, Alan, and they've been reliable.  And that entails shipping by inflatable dinghy, too!

I think that explains it Karl. On land, those inflatable dinghies move ever so slowly.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 12:04:32 PM
Quote from: KeithW on May 09, 2012, 11:51:47 AM
I've had positive experiences with them, delivering to me here in the US and previously to me in Australia.  I have had a couple of instances recently where things from other sellers have not arrived, though, and I have attributed it to the vagaries of the USPS.

Thanks Keith.

So it seems I have every reason still to be hopeful.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on May 09, 2012, 12:15:50 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 12:03:28 PM
I think that explains it Karl. On land, those inflatable dinghies move ever so slowly.

I think there are lanes dedicated to the inflatable dinghies on Mass. Ave in Cambridge.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 12:24:17 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 09, 2012, 12:15:50 PM
I think there are lanes dedicated to the inflatable dinghies on Mass. Ave in Cambridge.

No such luck over here. On the whole, the postal service inflatable dinghies keep to the inside lane on motorways, but they keep getting gridlocked with snails, slugs, and the slower-moving caterpillars. It can't be easy for them.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on May 09, 2012, 01:01:00 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 12:24:17 PM
No such luck over here. On the whole, the postal service inflatable dinghies keep to the inside lane on motorways, but they keep getting gridlocked with snails, slugs, and the slower-moving caterpillars. It can't be easy for them.

It's the driving on the wrong side that done for them.... :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on May 09, 2012, 05:42:55 PM
I ordered from them a couple of times, because they seem to offer the cheapest price on many items.  My problem is not the transit time per se, but the time they seem to take to ship the item--several days, it seemed, almost a week in one case.  So no more zoverstocks.  And don't forget, the "shipment date" is the date they tell Amazon they shipped it, and putting it in the mailbox on Saturday afternoon counts as shipping it, even if the mailman doesn't pick it up until Monday afternoon--and they may have told Amazon they shipped it on Friday afternoon....

Others who seem to either be slow to ship or to use inflatable dinghies are MovieMars and marvelio, which can take up to a week longer than other Marketplace vendors to get to me.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on May 09, 2012, 06:02:56 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 12:24:17 PM
No such luck over here. On the whole, the postal service inflatable dinghies keep to the inside lane on motorways, but they keep getting gridlocked with snails, slugs, and the slower-moving caterpillars. It can't be easy for them.

Maybe you can argue for a dedicated Olympic lane for the dinghies.  I was in London last week, and a taxi driver was giving me his unbiased opinion on what they'll do for traffic flow.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on May 09, 2012, 06:51:09 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 12:03:28 PMI think that explains it Karl. On land, those inflatable dinghies move ever so slowly.

Might be easier to deflate the dinghy and attach it to the leg of a passing crane or other waterbird?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 10:58:50 PM
Quote from: eyeresist on May 09, 2012, 06:51:09 PM
Might be easier to deflate the dinghy ...

Which reminds me of the story about the Inflateable Headmaster of the Inflateable School who was telling off the naughty Inflateable Boy: 'You've let me down; you've let the school down; and you've let yourself down!'
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on May 10, 2012, 03:45:25 AM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 10:58:50 PM
Which reminds me of the story about the Inflateable Headmaster of the Inflateable School who was telling off the naughty Inflateable Boy: 'You've let me down; you've let the school down; and you've let yourself down!'

No reaction from anyone?  I guess it fell flat.  :D

I suspect this correspondence should now cease.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 10, 2012, 07:54:53 AM
Would you believe it? One of the dinghies from zoverstocks has arrived this morning. Quite how they arrived at the decision that the condition of this CD is 'very good' remains a mystery, but it did at least arrive. So there's hope for the other one yet.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on May 10, 2012, 07:56:48 AM
Dinghy ahoy!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on May 10, 2012, 06:26:49 PM

"Very good" = has not actually disintegrated into dust (just yet).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on May 10, 2012, 06:50:06 PM
I mentioned I have ordered from Marvelio, and found their shipping less than satisfactory.  To illustrate--they shipped an item (Handel-Caldera Carmelite Vespers on DHM--Erato has posted it on the Purchases and Listening threads) on May 1.  I'm pretty sure they are located in the US, where I live.  Prestoclassical sent me an order in multiple packages, the last one being sent on May 3.  It arrived today--just a week to cross the Atlantic, rather swiftly in fact--while the Marvelio item still is in transit (and of course no way to track it!).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on May 10, 2012, 07:12:57 PM
I should commend Amazon UK, that their recent deliveries were NOT packaged so as to fall apart during transit, as happened several times earlier this year.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on May 10, 2012, 07:44:09 PM
I had a bizarre packaging situation with amazon.com today.  I had ordered the latest in the Naive Vivaldi series which was released this week.  A single CD arrived in a packing box roughly 12" x 6" x 4" in size, surrounded by lots of good packing paper.  Well protected, but overkill.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on May 10, 2012, 07:50:33 PM
Quote from: KeithW on May 10, 2012, 07:44:09 PMI had a bizarre packaging situation with amazon.com today.  I had ordered the latest in the Naive Vivaldi series which was released this week.  A single CD arrived in a packing box roughly 12" x 6" x 4" in size, surrounded by lots of good packing paper.  Well protected, but overkill.

It probably gave the packers a laugh :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on May 11, 2012, 04:02:41 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on May 10, 2012, 06:50:06 PM
I mentioned I have ordered from Marvelio, and found their shipping less than satisfactory.

Hm, a shame!  I've ordered two items from them in the past six months (both Haydn, curiously) . . . I hadn't observed any especial delay.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on May 11, 2012, 04:20:10 AM
Quote from: KeithW on May 10, 2012, 07:44:09 PM
I had a bizarre packaging situation with amazon.com today.  I had ordered the latest in the Naive Vivaldi series which was released this week.  A single CD arrived in a packing box roughly 12" x 6" x 4" in size, surrounded by lots of good packing paper.  Well protected, but overkill.

Amazon have started a campaign for more sane packaging; I used to get parcels from them that were like that, on a regular basis. Since they only allow feedback of their service to be on packaging, I used to give them the lowest possible marks, with a few well-chosen arrows on the side. However, they have improved greatly in the last 6-12 months, so I can't complain so much. :)

Quote from: eyeresist on May 10, 2012, 07:12:57 PM
I should commend Amazon UK, that their recent deliveries were NOT packaged so as to fall apart during transit, as happened several times earlier this year.

Never had that happen, but the traditional box with a CD in it that one could then use to store the spare motor for one's motorcycle seems to be gone.  ::)

8)

PS - that Supraphon Dvorak box arrived yesterday in a large padded envelope. I believe that is an Amazon first!! :)

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on May 11, 2012, 04:29:04 AM
Quote from: Gurnatron5500 on May 11, 2012, 04:20:10 AM
PS - that Supraphon Dvorak box arrived yesterday in a large padded envelope. I believe that is an Amazon first!! :)

Huzzah!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on May 11, 2012, 04:36:35 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 11, 2012, 04:29:04 AM
Huzzah!

My feelings exactly!  :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 11, 2012, 11:29:59 AM
Quote from: Gurnatron5500 on May 11, 2012, 04:20:10 AM
PS - that Supraphon Dvorak box arrived yesterday

A matter for jubilation indeed. The latest news on mine is that the Official Amazon Postal Dinghy is being carried roughly north-eastward in leisurely fashion by the gulf stream, with estimated delivery date sometime in 2015. I expect it will be all the sweeter for it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on May 11, 2012, 11:34:35 AM
It will have that Sargasso tang, too!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on May 11, 2012, 03:31:29 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 11, 2012, 11:29:59 AM
A matter for jubilation indeed. The latest news on mine is that the Official Amazon Postal Dinghy is being carried roughly north-eastward in leisurely fashion by the gulf stream, with estimated delivery date sometime in 2015. I expect it will be all the sweeter for it.

If it's any consolation,  I've found that AmazonUK and MDT dinghies can take up to three weeks to get to me here in Florida from the day I get the "it's been shipped!" email.  Presto, possibly living up to its name, is usually one to two weeks.  I assume they put paddles into their dinghies.

Meanwhile, my Marvelio dinghy has yet to appear. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on May 11, 2012, 06:40:33 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 09, 2012, 11:47:59 AM
On Amazon UK Marketplace there's a seller called zoverstocks. I ordered a CD from them back in January that never arrived. I waited till the last of the delivery estimate dates before notifying them, and fair enough, they refunded my money, observing that it must have got lost in the post. Well, I thought, these things happen - I suppose.

In April I gave them another shot and placed two orders a couple of days apart. As before, they apparently shipped promptly. But here I am, on 9th May, still waiting. It's possible they may turn up in the next few days before the latest delivery estimate is exceeded; but it all seems very odd, and I'm already anticipating two more 'lost in the post' explanations - despite the fact that in the last ten years no package addressed to me has ever been knowingly lost (zoverstocks excepted). But why should items posted here in the UK, even at 2nd class, take so long to reach a UK address?

Does anyone have any experience of this seller? Curiously, there's very little negative feedback on their profile.

There is a twofer issued by BC that is only available from an Amazon UK MP vendor at a reasonable price, I may venture into your territory soon.  I have so far avoided any Amazon MP vendors that are not US based.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 12, 2012, 09:02:38 AM
I would like to apologise for repeatedly mis-spelling the word 'inflatable', not merely in this thread, but in others. I wondered about silently correcting all the mis-spellings, but then, as I stood in my hair-shirt, all repentant 'n stuff, I thought I would let them stand, as an example to all of the depths of human folly.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on May 12, 2012, 09:05:33 AM
I thought you meant inflatusable.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 12, 2012, 09:08:28 AM
Quote from: The new erato on May 12, 2012, 09:05:33 AM
I thought you meant inflatusable.

No. I was also not meaning 'inflatulent'.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on May 12, 2012, 09:20:44 AM
Glad to have that cleared up!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on May 12, 2012, 09:23:00 AM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 12, 2012, 09:08:28 AM
No. I was also not meaning 'inflatulent'.

The lost Langgaard symphony? …
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on May 13, 2012, 06:39:53 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 12, 2012, 09:23:00 AM
The lost Langgaard symphony? ...

No, Nielsen - with solo for timpani and whoopee cushion.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on May 15, 2012, 10:02:17 AM
(http://i45.tinypic.com/301mqud.png)

I doubt whether it deserves such a high position like that. I mean, surely a Boppy Cottony Cute Slipcover is infinitely more relaxing that a plastic CD case!



P.S.: I have already sent them my feedback regarding this listing. 0:)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on May 15, 2012, 10:07:17 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on May 15, 2012, 10:02:17 AM
. . . surely a Boppy Cottony Cute Slipcover is infinitely more relaxing that a plastic CD case!

and it is the perfect accessory for listening to Nielsen's Imaginary Journey to the Whooppie Cushion . . . .
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on May 15, 2012, 05:03:21 PM
Since I mentioned it on this thread--
the Marvelio dinghy, which was supposedly shipped on May 1,  actually arrived today.  May 15.  Two weeks to get from Pennsylvania to Florida.    Took as long as most orders from England that have to clear customs and the Atlantic Ocean to get to me.   Will not be using this guy again. (This is the second time it's happened with this vendor, although the first time was not quite so bad.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on May 15, 2012, 05:59:36 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on May 15, 2012, 05:03:21 PM
Since I mentioned it on this thread--
the Marvelio dinghy, which was supposedly shipped on May 1,  actually arrived today.  May 15.  Two weeks to get from Pennsylvania to Florida.    Took as long as most orders from England that have to clear customs and the Atlantic Ocean to get to me.   Will not be using this guy again. (This is the second time it's happened with this vendor, although the first time was not quite so bad.)

I know that Marvelio say they are located in PA, but (I have used them twice with precisely the same results as yours) I think they are actually in Germany and when you order they ship to PA and then transship to you. I can't remember now what the tipoff was to that, but something in my first order spelled it out. I will say, however, that one of my favorite AMP vendors is 'Medimops', which used to make no bones about being located in Germany (they even used to send me a thank you letter all in German, thank Google). Then they slightly changed their name and now say they ship from New Jersey, but it takes the extra week plus I still get the Dankeschön letter. :D I don't care, every disk I have gotten from them has been reasonably priced, well packed, and in better condition than most used CD's that I buy. I don't worry unless time is of the essence. :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on May 15, 2012, 06:53:25 PM
Quote from: Gurnatron5500 on May 15, 2012, 05:59:36 PM
I know that Marvelio say they are located in PA, but (I have used them twice with precisely the same results as yours) I think they are actually in Germany and when you order they ship to PA and then transship to you. I can't remember now what the tipoff was to that, but something in my first order spelled it out. I will say, however, that one of my favorite AMP vendors is 'Medimops', which used to make no bones about being located in Germany (they even used to send me a thank you letter all in German, thank Google). Then they slightly changed their name and now say they ship from New Jersey, but it takes the extra week plus I still get the Dankeschön letter. :D I don't care, every disk I have gotten from them has been reasonably priced, well packed, and in better condition than most used CD's that I buy. I don't worry unless time is of the essence. :)

8)

Grumble, grumble--
Well, they should say they're in Germany, and I wouldn't have gotten upset.
Although I probably wouldn't have ordered from them, because I picked them on the grounds they were the least expensive on that item among US based vendors, and figured the extra half a dollar or dollar or whatever it is was worth not having to wait the extra time for an order to come in from Europe. 

I was in fact beginning to wonder if they actually shipped on the day they claimed, or if had gotten lost in the mail.

I suppose I should go back to Zoverstocks.  They may be slow and across the pond, but at least they're honest about being slow and across the pond.. 

(And Medimops is a vendor I've had a bad experience with--a used CD rated "very good" quality that turned out to be missing the slipcase and having a long scratch.  Hopefully, that was a rare occurence--but that's one reason I don't buy used CDs online if I can help it.  I want to inspect the goods first, if it's used.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on May 15, 2012, 06:56:54 PM
I suppose I should add (if it already isn't clear) that I don't like deferred gratification.  My mother always tried to pull that trick on me when I was a kid, and it never worked.  I want my _________________ NOW!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 15, 2012, 11:25:30 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on May 15, 2012, 06:53:25 PM
I suppose I should go back to Zoverstocks.  They may be slow and across the pond, but at least they're honest about being slow and across the pond.. 

Update on my Zoverstocks experiences:

1. My purchase from them in January never arrived. (Refunded)
2. One of my two orders in April arrived, but took two weeks (this within the uk) and, despite being described as 'very good', was a mess.
3. My third order has now exceeded its latest delivery date and I've contacted them seeking action about it.

Maybe they use punctured dinghies?

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on May 15, 2012, 11:54:12 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on May 15, 2012, 06:56:54 PM
I suppose I should add (if it already isn't clear) that I don't like deferred gratification.  My mother always tried to pull that trick on me when I was a kid, and it never worked.  I want my _________________ NOW!
When I get several packages at once, I will sometimes leave some of them unopened for a few days to spread the enjoyment around.  As long as the cds find their way to me, I don't care how long they take to get to me (unless they are a present). I think I am not exactly the norm.... :o ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on May 16, 2012, 12:41:31 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on May 15, 2012, 11:54:12 PM
When I get several packages at once, I will sometimes leave some of them unopened for a few days to spread the enjoyment around.  As long as the cds find their way to me, I don't care how long they take to get to me (unless they are a present). I think I am not exactly the norm.... :o ;)
You're not alone. I couldn't care less about delivery times, Ich habe genug.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on May 16, 2012, 02:14:50 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on May 15, 2012, 06:56:54 PMI suppose I should add (if it already isn't clear) that I don't like deferred gratification.  My mother always tried to pull that trick on me when I was a kid, and it never worked.  I want my _________________ NOW!

Perhaps if you filled in the blank you'd get it sooner?

;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 16, 2012, 11:24:26 AM
More about Zoverstocks:

On the credit side, as soon as I notified them of the CD's non-arrival they refunded my money. But still, inconvenience and a waste of time on two out of three orders, and a misleading quality description on the third, doesn't constitute a good record. Won't use 'em again.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: nico1616 on May 17, 2012, 06:04:37 AM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 16, 2012, 11:24:26 AM
More about Zoverstocks:

On the credit side, as soon as I notified them of the CD's non-arrival they refunded my money. But still, inconvenience and a waste of time on two out of three orders, and a misleading quality description on the third, doesn't constitute a good record. Won't use 'em again.

My experiences with zoverstocks are much better. In the last months I placed some 25 orders and they all arrived within 2 weeks. Only one was lost, but I got a refund. The description very good was mostly accurate. Their strongest asset is of course the price, so much to choose from in the £0.01-0.10 range :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on May 17, 2012, 10:10:24 AM
After complaining about one Amazon MP vendor, I thought I'd put in a "like" for two MP vendors who appear to be very new/small, going by the low number of ratings they've received:  hortie1 and safelightmedia.  They were two of the three vendors from whom I ordered recordings of Shostakovich 4 over the weekend.  Both were shipped Sunday night/Monday, and in my  mailbox, stoutly packaged in both cases, on Wednesday by lunchtime.  The third one, from blowitoutahere,  was shipped at the same time but has not yet landed, but I've ordered enough times from them that I'm not unduly concerned.  (Since I ordered "new" and not used,  condition was not really relevant.)

Regarding Zoverstocks,  while I've never ordered used CDs from them,  and not ordered from them that often (and not recently, either), no order has been lost in transit.  (In fact, the only two orders with which I've had problems have been AmazonUS itself, and Prestoclassical, and in the case of the latter, the problem turned out to be the local mail, and was no fault of Presto's.)  My only complaint with them has been they take up to a week to ship the item and then seem to ship it by slower delivery, so it can take up to two extra weeks to get to me across the Atlantic compared to other UK vendors.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on May 18, 2012, 05:16:07 PM
Quote from: Elgarian on May 16, 2012, 11:24:26 AM
More about Zoverstocks:

On the credit side, as soon as I notified them of the CD's non-arrival they refunded my money. But still, inconvenience and a waste of time on two out of three orders, and a misleading quality description on the third, doesn't constitute a good record. Won't use 'em again.

I have not bought from any non-US based Amazon MP vendors to date.  I almost did from an Amazon UK vendor but then found out it did not ship to the US ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on June 07, 2012, 03:13:38 AM
Hey Brian, look at what MDT (or the hired web devs, rather) has inadvertently let out in the wild: http://mdt.wip.iweb.co.uk/ ! :D (note the 'wip')
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on June 14, 2012, 10:53:29 AM
Apropos to the 'grand opening', I saw this in the e-mail I received:

We can confirm that the new website has been developed on the latest technology, meaning your data can easily be manipulated... [emphasis mine]

By whom? :-\ I'm sure it's well meant, but that doesn't sound comforting.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 14, 2012, 05:30:42 PM
I just realized Presto Classical charged against my credit card as soon as my order was placed last Sunday and my email notification for dispatch was only sent yesterday.  Is this the way Presto works?  Amazon does not charge my credit card until shipment time ...    :-\
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: eyeresist on June 14, 2012, 06:20:04 PM
QuoteHello,

Due to a lack of availability, we will not be able to obtain the following item(s) from your order:

  Dmitri Shostakovich, Borodin Quartet "Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets [6 CD]"

We've canceled the item(s) and apologize for the inconvenience. We must also apologize for the length of time it has taken us to reach this conclusion.

I placed my order with Amazon on 26 March (this year).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 14, 2012, 06:44:00 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 14, 2012, 05:30:42 PM
I just realized Presto Classical charged against my credit card as soon as my order was placed last Sunday and my email notification for dispatch was only sent yesterday.  Is this the way Presto works?  Amazon does not charge my credit card until shipment time ...    :-\

Yes, and they provide no way of checking order status or tracking an order once shipped.  But I've ordered from them several times, and the only problem turned out to be the joint fault of myself and the USPS, and they were quick and responsive when I needed their help on that.    I prefer using them to MDT. 

If it bothers you (and I can understand it--it's just I'm used to their system by now), order only items that they say will ship in 1 day: I've found those things really do ship those things within 24 hours.  I placed an order a couple of nights ago; the next evening when I checked my email I found a dispatch notification waiting for me.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 17, 2012, 12:52:45 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on June 14, 2012, 06:44:00 PM
Yes, and they provide no way of checking order status or tracking an order once shipped.  But I've ordered from them several times, and the only problem turned out to be the joint fault of myself and the USPS, and they were quick and responsive when I needed their help on that.    I prefer using them to MDT. 

If it bothers you (and I can understand it--it's just I'm used to their system by now), order only items that they say will ship in 1 day: I've found those things really do ship those things within 24 hours.  I placed an order a couple of nights ago; the next evening when I checked my email I found a dispatch notification waiting for me.

I would say the average ship time I have experienced with Presto is 4 to 5 business days.  I have never experienced any next-day shipment ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 17, 2012, 12:54:02 PM
Quote from: eyeresist on June 14, 2012, 06:20:04 PM
I placed my order with Amazon on 26 March (this year).

Join the club, as this is the way of Amazon ...   
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 17, 2012, 06:52:56 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 17, 2012, 12:52:45 PM
I would say the average ship time I have experienced with Presto is 4 to 5 business days.  I have never experienced any next-day shipment ...

There usual method seems to be to ship the whole order at once, and if one item is listed as being available in 4-5 business days, the entire order won't be shipped until that one item is ready to be shipped, even if you check the option that directs them send you the order in partial packages, as soon as the items are available--although there have been exceptions, and if you pre-order a new release, they don't make you wait for that to send out the rest of the order.

It just so happens that this last order consisted of items that were all listed as being available within one day, and were shipped accordingly.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 19, 2012, 04:27:24 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on June 17, 2012, 06:52:56 PM
There usual method seems to be to ship the whole order at once, and if one item is listed as being available in 4-5 business days, the entire order won't be shipped until that one item is ready to be shipped, even if you check the option that directs them send you the order in partial packages, as soon as the items are available--although there have been exceptions, and if you pre-order a new release, they don't make you wait for that to send out the rest of the order.

It just so happens that this last order consisted of items that were all listed as being available within one day, and were shipped accordingly.

I prefer to receive the entire order at the same time.  I can wait ...    ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on June 20, 2012, 12:29:56 PM
I have never ordered from a US reseller on Amazon UK (only UK and EU ones) but "All your Music" comes up with the cheapest price on a couple of boxsets I have an eye on.

Their rating is ok. Has anyone in UK/EU had any experience with them before please ?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on June 22, 2012, 05:04:13 AM
mdt finally did it. They replaced one of the cleanest looking, easy-to-use, non-resourceful clogging, informative websites in the business with another flashy nightmare.  Now (eg) you cannot search by composer in offerings listings but there are plenty of other small niceties I miss.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on June 22, 2012, 05:38:31 AM
A result of form over function, or attentiongrabbing over substance. Just like telly, really.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on June 22, 2012, 06:19:49 AM
Quote from: The new erato on June 22, 2012, 05:04:13 AM
mdt finally did it. They replaced one of the cleanest looking, easy-to-use, non-resourceful clogging, informative websites in the business with another flashy nightmare.  Now (eg) you cannot search by composer in offerings listings but there are plenty of other small niceties I miss.
Their previous search engine was lousy for my needs, though then again, most of them are. I usually cut and pasted my entries and their old system was not made for that. We'll see if the newer one is any better.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on June 22, 2012, 06:21:04 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on June 22, 2012, 06:19:49 AM
Their previous search engine was lousy for my needs, though then again, most of them are. I usually cut and pasted my entries and their old system was not made for that. We'll see if the newer one is any better.

Their previous search engine often sorted results by release date, which I found useful when seeing, for instance, what that thing was that came out in January that I wanted to buy but forgot about.  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 23, 2012, 10:08:43 AM
Just placed my first order on the new MDT website today.  I cannot say the new website is that much better than the old one ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 24, 2012, 04:55:19 AM
Have any US members received this email from MDT?  I still see my full shipping and billing addresses intact under My Account tab ...

************************************************************************************************

Dear Customer,

The new MDT website has just launched. Unfortunately due to a technical issue with US state codes we have removed all US addresses. This is to avoid confusion as you would have experienced an issue with the checkout.

Upon placing your next order you will be prompted with the relevant input boxes to re-enter your address details.

We do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Further information about changes to the MDT website can be viewed at http//www.mdt.co.uk/welcome



MDT Mail Order.

MDT.co.uk


______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 24, 2012, 09:50:16 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 24, 2012, 04:55:19 AM
Have any US members received this email from MDT?  I still see my full shipping and billing addresses intact under My Account tab ...

************************************************************************************************

Dear Customer,

The new MDT website has just launched. Unfortunately due to a technical issue with US state codes we have removed all US addresses. This is to avoid confusion as you would have experienced an issue with the checkout.

Upon placing your next order you will be prompted with the relevant input boxes to re-enter your address details.

We do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Further information about changes to the MDT website can be viewed at http//www.mdt.co.uk/welcome



MDT Mail Order.

MDT.co.uk


______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.
______________________________________________________________________

I got the same email today.  It's been a while since I've ordered from them, and I don't have any immediate plans to order there, so I haven't checked.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 24, 2012, 09:54:31 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on June 24, 2012, 09:50:16 AM
I got the same email today.  It's been a while since I've ordered from them, and I don't have any immediate plans to order there, so I haven't checked.

I have no clue as to what that email is trying to tell me.  From what I can see after I have logged in, my addresses have not been deleted.  I did change my password since the new website would not accept any password with 6 or fewer characters ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 24, 2012, 11:10:49 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 24, 2012, 09:54:31 AM
I have no clue as to what that email is trying to tell me.  From what I can see after I have logged in, my addresses have not been deleted.  I did change my password since the new website would not accept any password with 6 or fewer characters ...

You got me curious, so I logged in.

My addresses were wiped out, so at the moment I have no default shipping/billing address with them--which is what the email said would happen.

Perhaps your addresses are there because you have already ordered off the new website?

Alternatively, wait a couple of days, and then check to see if the right hand has gotten around to telling the left hand what it's doing.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 24, 2012, 11:19:37 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on June 24, 2012, 11:10:49 AM
You got me curious, so I logged in.

My addresses were wiped out, so at the moment I have no default shipping/billing address with them--which is what the email said would happen.

Perhaps your addresses are there because you have already ordered off the new website?

Alternatively, wait a couple of days, and then check to see if the right hand has gotten around to telling the left hand what it's doing.

Indeed, I had to re-enter just about everything, from billing and shipping addresses to payment methods before I could place my order yesterday.  Then I got that email this morning, which was what caused the confusion.  By the way, I did notice a glitch on the new website, I had to enter my address twice.  The website did not take it the first time for some reasons.  On the second try, I entered it under Address Book and the address was saved.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on June 26, 2012, 06:20:06 PM
What is going on?  Is the UK economy falling off the cliff?  I just placed my order with MDT over the weekend but I received email notification today that the order has been dispatched ...    :o
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 14, 2012, 08:31:51 AM
Has anyone ever been to www.ariama.com? I just saw a tweet about them having a sale, and they claim to be a leading classical CD/download site, but I've never heard of them before. So far I'm seeing fairly reasonable prices for the downloads and standard rates for physical CDs. Their sales are good; a few BIS SACDs are available for lossless download for US $8.39 right now. Not sure how many labels they carry.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on July 19, 2012, 05:38:20 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 14, 2012, 08:31:51 AM
Has anyone ever been to www.ariama.com? I just saw a tweet about them having a sale, and they claim to be a leading classical CD/download site, but I've never heard of them before. So far I'm seeing fairly reasonable prices for the downloads and standard rates for physical CDs. Their sales are good; a few BIS SACDs are available for lossless download for US $8.39 right now. Not sure how many labels they carry.

I have bought a few downloads from them.  As always, I bought FLAC.  I can't remember the details exactly, but I recall that Apple Lossless came as well - I certainly have both in the downloads folder - their website indicates that they detect the buyer's normal music player and provide the appropriate format along with FLAC.  My downloads included some EMI albums.  Very happy with the process and end quality - all worked well.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on August 26, 2012, 10:32:34 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on June 26, 2012, 06:20:06 PM
What is going on?  Is the UK economy falling off the cliff?  I just placed my order with MDT over the weekend but I received email notification today that the order has been dispatched ...    :o

Looks like my speculation from 2 months ago was confirmed late last week - that the UK is now in a double-dip recession ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on September 14, 2012, 04:54:20 PM
Both Presto Classical and MDT ship my orders super-fast these days, often the next day after I have placed my orders.  The UK is definitely in a double-dip recession, though the recent strength of the Sterling against the Dollar belies the economic reality.  Perhaps the market still has more confidence in the way the Brits manage their economy than the smoke and mirrors Washington uses to manage the US economy when the real unemployment rate is some 16% ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: PaulSC on October 30, 2012, 12:22:49 PM
Looking for a bit of advice from folks in the USA with experience ordering from JPC. I placed my first-ever order with them — one double CD, a hard-to-find recording for which I was willing to pay the steep shipping charge. I received notification by e-mail that the item shipped October 10. Nothing has arrived yet. I'm willing to give the shipment more time to reach me, but I wonder if it would be better to inquire with JPC about it via e-mail. I don't have a tracking number or any real details about the method of shipment.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Scarpia on October 30, 2012, 01:13:34 PM
Quote from: PaulSC on October 30, 2012, 12:22:49 PM
Looking for a bit of advice from folks in the USA with experience ordering from JPC. I placed my first-ever order with them — one double CD, a hard-to-find recording for which I was willing to pay the steep shipping charge. I received notification by e-mail that the item shipped October 10. Nothing has arrived yet. I'm willing to give the shipment more time to reach me, but I wonder if it would be better to inquire with JPC about it via e-mail. I don't have a tracking number or any real details about the method of shipment.

My general experience is that shipment from Germany (as I assume with JPC) is rather slow but reliable.  A three week wait is not out of the ordinary.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: PaulSC on October 30, 2012, 05:28:03 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on October 30, 2012, 01:13:34 PM
My general experience is that shipment from Germany (as I assume with JPC) is rather slow but reliable.  A three week wait is not out of the ordinary.
Thanks, that's reassuring to hear!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on October 30, 2012, 06:36:35 PM
Not trying to unassure you, but an order JPC shipped to me on 10/15 arrived yesterday (although I had to go to the post office to actually pick it up today, because I wasn't home when the mail came yesterday).  JPC seems to be among the more efficient vendors

However, shipments from European vendors like Amazon.es and MDT can routinely take up to a month to get me, and I'm sure Sandy has messed up shipment deliveries all around the US, since nothing is flying in or out of New York airports right now.   So not getting your order until after Election Day may be a real possibility, and no cause for alarm.

You should be able to log in to the JPC website and find any trackings number for your order, if they exist.  If not, email them at the end of the week if nothing has shown up.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on October 31, 2012, 01:33:15 AM
jpc's deliveries are the quickest I've experienced - NB : from shipping to delivery. Shipping often is delayed when items are not in stock.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: PaulSC on October 31, 2012, 09:33:59 AM
Thanks for the additional replies. Note that I am basing this on the shipping notification I received from JPC. But I will give things one more week and then (if nothing arrives) contact JPC.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 03, 2012, 06:47:00 PM
Quote from: PaulSC on October 31, 2012, 09:33:59 AM
Thanks for the additional replies. Note that I am basing this on the shipping notification I received from JPC. But I will give things one more week and then (if nothing arrives) contact JPC.
Why wait? I would contact them now. I agree that it is likely that Sandy may have really delayed things  and it may be another week or two. But I would still let them know you are concerned and see what they say. I've done that with MDT twice. They were very responsive. The first time I got it by waiting, but the second had to be resent. Both times they told me to wait a bit longer.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on November 05, 2012, 11:54:26 AM
Quote from: PaulSC on October 30, 2012, 12:22:49 PM
Looking for a bit of advice from folks in the USA with experience ordering from JPC. I placed my first-ever order with them — one double CD, a hard-to-find recording for which I was willing to pay the steep shipping charge. I received notification by e-mail that the item shipped October 10. Nothing has arrived yet. I'm willing to give the shipment more time to reach me, but I wonder if it would be better to inquire with JPC about it via e-mail. I don't have a tracking number or any real details about the method of shipment.

I had a large order with them in August - same issue about lack of shipping/tracking number.  The order took a long time to arrive - around 6 weeks.  I have had around a dozen orders from them in the past - both to Australia and here to the US - and they all arrived quickly.  I'd take Neal's advice - contact them.  I did, and my parcel arrived the next day.  I suspect that there was little connection between my query and delivery, but it is worth maintaining dialogue.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: PaulSC on November 19, 2012, 10:30:55 AM
I've been remiss in bringing my JPC story up to date. On the advice of helpful folks here at GMG, I e-mailed JPC and received a prompt and reassuring response. Roughly 2 weeks later, my purchase arrived in good shape. Took a long time, but I have no complaints!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on November 19, 2012, 10:32:04 AM
All's well what ends well!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on December 01, 2012, 01:27:21 PM
I've seen folks here at GMG ordering from Arkivmusic. I've always considered them too expensive to consider - should I rethink my position?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 01, 2012, 01:37:19 PM
Quote from: stingo on December 01, 2012, 01:27:21 PM
I've seen folks here at GMG ordering from Arkivmusic. I've always considered them too expensive to consider - should I rethink my position?

No, you can often get better deals from a number of Amazon MP vendors and do not have to pay sale tax unless you live in a state that Amazon collects sale tax for ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on December 01, 2012, 01:39:50 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on December 01, 2012, 01:37:19 PM
No, you can often get better deals from a number of Amazon MP vendors and do not have to pay sale tax unless you live in a state that Amazon collects sale tax for ...

Amazon's recently started to collect sales tax so it's a consideration, but I find the prices and shipping rates better in the MP than Arkiv.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 01, 2012, 01:43:34 PM
Quote from: stingo on December 01, 2012, 01:39:50 PM
Amazon's recently started to collect sales tax so it's a consideration, but I find the prices and shipping rates better in the MP than Arkiv.

There are other alternatives.  The moment Amazon collects sale tax for CT, I will move all my business to MDT and Presto, both UK based e-tailers.  They will not collect sale tax for CT and I do not pay VAT either.  The shipping charge for Presto is quite reasonable and quoted in Dollar anyway ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on December 01, 2012, 01:59:25 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on December 01, 2012, 01:43:34 PM
There are other alternatives.  The moment Amazon collects sale tax for CT, I will move all my business to MDT and Presto, both UK based e-tailers.  They will not collect sale tax for CT and I do not pay VAT either.  The shipping charge for Presto is quite reasonable and quoted in Dollar anyway ...

Yes, I've recently started buying at Presto and liked the deals I was getting. MDT is good too, but their shipping rates (especially on boxed sets) are higher than Presto. So Presto it has been.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 01, 2012, 02:02:55 PM
Quote from: stingo on December 01, 2012, 01:59:25 PM
Yes, I've recently started buying at Presto and liked the deals I was getting. MDT is good too, but their shipping rates (especially on boxed sets) are higher than Presto. So Presto it has been.

Presto has the best shipping rate for European e-tailers, though its on-sale labels at any given time may be more limited compared with MDT.  It is highly unlikely they will ever collect state sale tax regardless of what state you live in ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on December 01, 2012, 04:09:52 PM
Quote from: stingo on December 01, 2012, 01:27:21 PM
I've seen folks here at GMG ordering from Arkivmusic. I've always considered them too expensive to consider - should I rethink my position?

Yes.
They do charge sales tax, and their shipping rates are comparable to Prestoclassical, which is the other vendor I use a lot of.  Of course, with Presto, you need to watch out for foreign transaction fees, which some cards will charge even on dollar denominated transactions.  I recently got a Capital One care, which does not those kind of charges,  so I can avoid them. 

Arkivmusic is in general more expensive, but they may be worth using in select cases.
--New releases:  usually (but with enough exceptions that it's not a general rule) below Amazon/AmazonMP prices.
--Weekend specials:  about half the time,  better than AmazonMP prices
--Sales on specific labels:  sometimes cheaper, sometimes not.

And to be honest,  if a CD is $15 or under, I don't run around to check AmazonMP if it's one I've been thinking about.  I order it from Arkiv when it's on sale, in preference to letting it remain on my Amazon wishlist until the day after forever....

The final factor is that Arkiv is usually very prompt about shipping;  assuming it's in stock,  they seem to ship an order I place over the weekend on Monday, although sometimes a partial shipment doesn't get sent out until Tuesday.   This in contrast to some Amazon MP vendors, or Amazon itself, that seem to take three or four days to get it into the mail.

Among European retailers, I use Presto, for items they have on sale;  they also (in my experience) seem to have slightly lower prices on sale items than MDT does, and of course lower shipping charges.  JPC is also good, although I don't use them that often.

My suggestion is to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to keep up to date on what they have on sale, and also their new releases letter; and if you see an item you're interested in, check.  It may be worth ordering from them--or not.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 01, 2012, 04:56:28 PM
Quote from: stingo on December 01, 2012, 01:59:25 PM
Yes, I've recently started buying at Presto and liked the deals I was getting. MDT is good too, but their shipping rates (especially on boxed sets) are higher than Presto. So Presto it has been.

One additional strong point for Presto and MDT is they both pack the CD's exceptionally well compared with the US etailers.  Only once in a blue moon do I receive a CD with busted jewel case.  I have given MDT a few thousand dollars worth of business over the past few years ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on December 01, 2012, 05:47:11 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on December 01, 2012, 04:56:28 PM
One additional strong point for Presto and MDT is they both pack the CD's exceptionally well compared with the US etailers.  Only once in a blue moon do I receive a CD with busted jewel case.  I have given MDT a few thousand dollars worth of business over the past few years ...

JPC is another vendor that is very good on that point.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on December 01, 2012, 06:29:56 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 01, 2012, 05:47:11 PM
JPC is another vendor that is very good on that point.

Agreed - except shipping to the States has a significant flat charge, so it's incentive  put together large orders (some of which may night be fiscally feasible at the time).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: flyingdutchman on December 12, 2012, 05:51:11 PM
I look forward to the day people realize that sales tax actually helps fund important programs and infrastructure in their state.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on December 12, 2012, 06:41:05 PM
Quote from: jo jo starbuck on December 12, 2012, 05:51:11 PM
I look forward to the day people realize that sales tax actually helps fund important programs and infrastructure in their state.

You obviously don't live in my state, which has a GOP governor and legislature dedicated to the idea that they should fund as few things with as little money as possible  as they can get away with.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on December 13, 2012, 03:31:40 AM
Granted, I should not mind to pay the 6.25% sales tax to the Commonwealth.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Sammy on December 13, 2012, 08:33:51 AM
Quote from: jo jo starbuck on December 12, 2012, 05:51:11 PM
I look forward to the day people realize that sales tax actually helps fund important programs and infrastructure in their state.

It also helps fund waste and inappropriate programs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: flyingdutchman on December 13, 2012, 06:48:47 PM
You know, I've lived 52 years, and in all that time, the amount of "waste" as you call it, only came into being during the late 70s to now, and in all that time our health system and infrastructure has disintegrated.  I would rather pay my taxes and have health care and decent roads and transportation systems than a belief that we as individuals shouldn't have to pay for something because we "don't use it."
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 20, 2012, 09:02:34 AM
Is anyone else from outside the UK seeing MDT's 'ex. VAT' field display the same number as the UK price?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 20, 2012, 09:23:33 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on December 20, 2012, 09:02:34 AM
Is anyone else from outside the UK seeing MDT's 'ex. VAT' field display the same number as the UK price?
I see different prices when I select a recording. When I look at the cart, it shows only one price.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 20, 2012, 09:27:13 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 20, 2012, 09:23:33 AM
I see different prices when I select a recording. When I look at the cart, it shows only one price.

Thanks; just want to make sure where the problem lies before I shoot off an email. I've been noticing this for about a week or two. I'm logged in, my address is in place, yet the prices are the same in the CD page. And it's the same price that appears in the cart as well. (I even tried it in two different browsers.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 20, 2012, 09:30:04 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on December 20, 2012, 09:27:13 AM
Thanks; just want to make sure where the problem lies before I shoot off an email. I've been noticing this for about a week or two. I'm logged in, my address is in place, yet the prices are the same in the CD page. And it's the same price that appears in the cart as well. (I even tried it in two different browsers.)
Maybe try selecting a different currency?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 20, 2012, 09:50:36 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 20, 2012, 09:30:04 AM
Maybe try selecting a different currency?

No difference.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on December 20, 2012, 10:22:23 AM
As it turns out, the page displays only the ex. VAT rate -- twice! -- when I'm logged in. When I log out, it's the UK rate and ex. VAT rate.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Sammy on December 20, 2012, 11:02:40 AM
Quote from: jo jo starbuck on December 13, 2012, 06:48:47 PM
You know, I've lived 52 years, and in all that time, the amount of "waste" as you call it, only came into being during the late 70s to now, and in all that time our health system and infrastructure has disintegrated.  I would rather pay my taxes and have health care and decent roads and transportation systems than a belief that we as individuals shouldn't have to pay for something because we "don't use it."

You appear to have a higher opinion of government than I possess.  So be it.  By the way, your "we don't use it" theme has nothing to do with my approval or disapproval of the myriad of government programs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on December 21, 2012, 07:29:31 AM
Quote from: sanantonio on December 21, 2012, 07:14:42 AM
I ordered this disc on December 4th from Zoverstocks

[asin]B001MUJSXW[/asin]

Supposedly it shipped on within two days of my order.  However, now the estimated delivery is Jan 2-15, 2013.  I complained to the seller and got this email:

The 30-minute window is meaningless since who would know that it would take a month for something to arrive within 30 minutes of ordering it?

I haven't ordered from those folks, but they have some nice bargains from time to time. The seller I resort to in Europe is Medimops/Media Pearl/Momox (all the same company) in Germany. They have similar delivery time issues, but I have always gotten my order, and most times the quality of the disks is way better than the rating it got from them. I always post in my feedback for them that if you aren't in any particular hurry, you can scarcely do better.  One thing I find amusing (in its own way) is that they advertise "Ships from New Jersey". What this means is that they ship from Germany to New Jersey (probably in bulk) and then re-ship from Jersey. Not really relevant, I just find it amusing. :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on December 21, 2012, 07:46:40 AM
Quote from: sanantonio on December 21, 2012, 07:21:00 AM
Thanks.  I guess I'll just wait it out since this is a nice 4-CD collection for less than $16.00, including shipping; such as it is.

I order a lot of CDs from the Amazon MP (often single discs/sets & from many different sellers as long as their ratings are in the high 90% range) - the projected 'arrival time' is often wide w/ the outlying date rather long, BUT these usually come much earlier than stated; so, I suspect you may receive the product before that mid-January date - good luck!  Dave :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 25, 2012, 05:35:40 PM
Quote from: sanantonio on December 21, 2012, 11:11:53 AM
Well, today when I checked the mail guess what was there.  Yep - the Zoverstocks shipment.  I suppose they are very conservative with the delivery estimates.  All's well that ends well.

:D

I probably should check out this Amazon UK MarketPlace vendor ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: TheGSMoeller on December 25, 2012, 07:33:10 PM
I've ordered a plenty from Zoverstock, I expect a few weeks for delivery so I'm never disappointed from that aspect, but as far as used discs go I've never had an issue with quality or condition of the disc from them. I would recommend Zoverstock.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on December 26, 2012, 05:48:41 AM
I've always had positive experiences with Zoverstock, as well.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 29, 2012, 08:40:59 AM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on December 25, 2012, 07:33:10 PM
I've ordered a plenty from Zoverstock, I expect a few weeks for delivery so I'm never disappointed from that aspect, but as far as used discs go I've never had an issue with quality or condition of the disc from them. I would recommend Zoverstock.

I just placed my first order with Zoverstock yesterday.  Their delivery estimate is first week of February.  Does it really take that long to get a single CD to the US?    :o
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: TheGSMoeller on December 29, 2012, 08:09:11 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on December 29, 2012, 08:40:59 AM
I just placed my first order with Zoverstock yesterday.  Their delivery estimate is first week of February.  Does it really take that long to get a single CD to the US?    :o

No, but it does take a few weeks. Trust me, just forget about the order, going to the mail box then will be like finding a $10 bill in your pants that you didn't know had. It will be a nice treat  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: nico1616 on December 30, 2012, 09:14:03 AM
Zoverstocks is slow but you get excellent products most of the time.
I ordered dozens of cds there, and only had two problems. One cd was replaced, the other refunded.
Great customer service but you have to be patient :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 30, 2012, 12:24:13 PM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on December 29, 2012, 08:09:11 PM
No, but it does take a few weeks. Trust me, just forget about the order, going to the mail box then will be like finding a $10 bill in your pants that you didn't know had. It will be a nice treat  ;D

It generally takes me no more than 2 weeks to receive my orders from MDT or Presto Classical ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 31, 2012, 04:52:00 PM
Is £40.00 for the following set at MDT considered a good price?  Perhaps not ...

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51D-gDH%2B3GL._AA160_.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 31, 2012, 05:22:10 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on December 31, 2012, 04:52:00 PM
Is £40.00 for the following set at MDT considered a good price?  Perhaps not ...

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51D-gDH%2B3GL._AA160_.jpg)

It usually costs that or more at other sites. Importcds has it for $55+shipping (59.98 if in the US). I don;t know their rates outside the US.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on December 31, 2012, 05:58:25 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 31, 2012, 05:22:10 PM
It usually costs that or more at other sites. Importcds has it for $55+shipping (59.98 if in the US). I don;t know their rates outside the US.

The current exchange rate is £1 = $1.60, so ImportCD's clearly has a better price ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 01, 2013, 01:22:12 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on December 31, 2012, 04:52:00 PM
Is £40.00 for the following set at MDT considered a good price?  Perhaps not ...

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51D-gDH%2B3GL._AA160_.jpg)
I paid around that when I bought it from europadisc in March last year (came to £38 less VAT). Never seen a better price.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 01, 2013, 09:06:27 AM
Quote from: The new erato on January 01, 2013, 01:22:12 AM
I paid around that when I bought it from europadisc in March last year (came to £38 less VAT). Never seen a better price.

Except that teaser price on Amazon, which became "permanently" unavailable in no time ...    ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on January 01, 2013, 11:44:46 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on December 31, 2012, 04:52:00 PM
Is £40.00 for the following set at MDT considered a good price?  Perhaps not ...

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51D-gDH%2B3GL._AA160_.jpg)

I paid €60 at jpc, which is some £49 - so MDT's offer is not bad at all. Still, if there is a cheaper US offer...

Anyway, I'd recommend the set as such - beautiful! :)

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 17, 2013, 03:35:24 PM
Does anybody know if Hyperion's on-site download prices subtract VAT when you download to the USA?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on January 17, 2013, 04:53:46 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on December 31, 2012, 04:52:00 PM
Is £40.00 for the following set at MDT considered a good price?  Perhaps not ...

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51D-gDH%2B3GL._AA160_.jpg)

I got mine for US$53 including shipping from Importcds, during one of their bi-annual 10% off sales.  At the time, it was a much better deal than the other prices I saw, maybe not so much right now.  It's been a marvelous experience listening through it all, worth every penny. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JerryS on January 18, 2013, 07:44:13 AM
Quote from: Brian on January 17, 2013, 03:35:24 PM
Does anybody know if Hyperion's on-site download prices subtract VAT when you download to the USA?

I bought a download (Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 [FLAC Studio Master (24-bit 96 kHz) Album])  from Hyperion yesterday. My credit card was charged the GBP amount listed on the site using the current conversion rate, 1.60 yesterday. VAT was not mentioned or itemized.

I converted the HD audio files to wav files and burned them to DVD-A using Discwelder Bronze.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 19, 2013, 07:31:35 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 31, 2012, 05:22:10 PM
It usually costs that or more at other sites. Importcds has it for $55+shipping (59.98 if in the US). I don;t know their rates outside the US.

I just ordered this set yesterday at Amazon US for just under $66 (shipping already included).  There is no advantage of buying the set from across the pond since there is really no price break there for me ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2013, 08:55:11 AM
Has anyone else got one of these yet?

Dear Gurn,
We thought you'd like to know that eligible songs from "Dvorak: Symphonic Works" by Antonin Dvorak, a CD you purchased in 2012, are being added to your Cloud Player library. This means that high-quality MP3 versions of these songs are available for you to play or download from Cloud Player for FREE. You can find your songs in the "Purchased" playlist. Please note that some songs from the above CD are not eligible for this feature and may not be available in your Cloud Player library.

In addition, we're excited to announce AutoRip. Now when you buy any CD with the  logo, all songs from the MP3 version of that album will instantly be delivered to your Amazon Cloud Player library for FREE.

I don't know to what extent I am going to make use of this. I found it interesting though. So if I buy a disk direct from Amazon, they will rip it and stick the MP3's into the mythical "cloud" for me. Free, of course.    :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fafner on January 21, 2013, 12:15:45 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on January 19, 2013, 07:31:35 AM
There is no advantage of buying the set from across the pond since there is really no price break there for me ...

I generally stopped buying stuff from the US, not because of the price, but because of the EU import obstructions.
Everything above 22 euros in value is subject to VAT (21%) + customs handling fee (approximately $10). And even if no VAT is required, the package usually spends as much as a month in customs and sometimes it even gets lost (= stolen).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 21, 2013, 07:24:38 AM
Quote from: Fafner on January 21, 2013, 12:15:45 AM
I generally stopped buying stuff from the US, not because of the price, but because of the EU import obstructions.
Everything above 22 euros in value is subject to VAT (21%) + customs handling fee (approximately $10). And even if no VAT is required, the package usually spends as much as a month in customs and sometimes it even gets lost (= stolen).

There is no VAT in the US YET.  I am not sure what dollar threshold would trigger an import duty when I buy from Europe, though I have exceeded $200 on a single order only on one occasion.  Buying on Amazon US is still good as long as I do not have to pay state sale tax.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 28, 2013, 03:09:47 PM
Um. So MDT's giving me a quote of $66.99 shipping on my $183 shopping cart.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 28, 2013, 03:27:12 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 28, 2013, 03:09:47 PM
Um. So MDT's giving me a quote of $66.99 shipping on my $183 shopping cart.

Not too bad I guess. What do they charge for the shipment of each item?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 28, 2013, 05:41:16 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 28, 2013, 03:09:47 PM
Um. So MDT's giving me a quote of $66.99 shipping on my $183 shopping cart.

Shipping & Handling is not cheap at MDT.  I think Presto Classical is a bit cheaper when it comes S&H but MDT does have much better selections ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on January 28, 2013, 07:49:08 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on January 28, 2013, 05:41:16 PM
Shipping & Handling is not cheap at MDT.  I think Presto Classical is a bit cheaper when it comes S&H but MDT does have much better selections ...

I've found that if Presto has the same item on sale as MDT,  it will be cheaper at Presto;  and shipping charges are way less at Presto. You'd pay $66 in shipping charges only if you were ordering 60 plus items (and a box set counts as one item) or you were ordering an especially big and bulky boxset.  (About $3 for the first item, and approximately $1 per item for anything after that.) And I find the selection at Presto meets my needs as well as MDT's does.  Perhaps that's just a function of the type of music I prefer--at any rate,  I've stopped using MDT, mostly because of those shipping charges, which did seem rather steep to me when I did order from them once or twice.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on January 28, 2013, 08:16:26 PM
Re: Presto, hear hear: I've bailed on good-looking MDT deals pretty much routinely because the large shipping rates to the USA cancel out the deal entirely.  On my last couple order from Presto, medium-small by my standards (~8 items), shipping came to perhaps $1.30 per item, a bit cheaper than Importcds domestic shipping (though the prices between those places end up balancing out, pending sales) and very little more than BRO.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on January 28, 2013, 08:47:09 PM
MDT must charge per disc, because my ultimate total has been much higher at MDT than at Presto, at least for shipping to the US.  Maybe MDT has changed their shipping policy recently?  Presto charges per item, not per disc; though I have noticed that occasional heavier box sets incur a surcharge for weight.  (Nothing that I've ordered from them has suffered such a charge, yet.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on January 28, 2013, 08:59:17 PM
Quote from: Octave on January 28, 2013, 08:47:09 PM
MDT must charge per disc, because my ultimate total has been much higher at MDT than at Presto, at least for shipping to the US.  Maybe MDT has changed their shipping policy recently?  Presto charges per item, not per disc; though I have noticed that occasional heavier box sets incur a surcharge for weight.  (Nothing that I've ordered from them has suffered such a charge, yet.)

MDT changed their shipping policies quite some time ago.  They are still cheaper than Amazon for single discs.

I usually use Presto for box sets, though MDT may still comes out cheaper for small sets.  You could also check Crotchet.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 29, 2013, 04:34:17 AM
Quote from: George on January 28, 2013, 08:37:27 PM
MDT -   $2.00 for first CD, $1.00 every CD thereafter

Yeah, my problem was I had a couple of big jazz boxes (e.g., the RCA Complete Nina Simone) for which they were obviously charging by the disc instead of by the box.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on January 29, 2013, 04:31:56 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 29, 2013, 04:34:17 AM
Yeah, my problem was I had a couple of big jazz boxes (e.g., the RCA Complete Nina Simone) for which they were obviously charging by the disc instead of by the box.

In that case, I can only imagine what the big Brilliant boxes ship for!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 29, 2013, 06:18:14 PM
Quote from: George on January 29, 2013, 05:29:01 AM
Yes, for boxes, Presto is the way to go. For old school, jewel CDs, MDT is cheaper. (this is all speaking for shipping only)

Presto does not care if one item is a box set with 20 CD's, you pay that single item rate - $3.25.  MDT will pro-rate the box.  I have yet to figure out how they come up with the shipping charge if you have a box in the order ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 30, 2013, 12:50:04 AM
mdt was my go to shop until their new postage rates started to apply a couple of years ago. Now I rarely use them, except for single discs when they have attractive offers and they've lost at least 80% of my business.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on January 31, 2013, 06:22:09 AM
Quote from: The new erato on January 30, 2013, 12:50:04 AM
mdt was my go to shop until their new postage rates started to apply a couple of years ago. Now I rarely use them, except for single discs when they have attractive offers and they've lost at least 80% of my business.

MDT used to have better postage rates?  I do not like etailers make money off me via shipping & handling.  They already make money off the products I order ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 31, 2013, 07:48:12 AM
To be fair to MDT, when I lived in England and shipped boxes to the USA, they cost a fortune. I think I spent $80 mailing two boxes of sweaters. So Presto may be losing a lot of money on their P&P/shipping rates.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: bluto32 on February 01, 2013, 08:43:26 AM
Just a note to say how pleased I've been with Presto Classical. I've placed about 20 orders with them over the last couple of years, and everything has always arrived in perfect condition due to their sturdy packaging (strong cardboard boxes with bubble wrap) which puts Amazon to shame. For the first time, my most recent order contained a box set with a faulty disc; it looked fine, but skipped on a couple of tracks. I phoned up Presto, and received a replacement disc four days later without any hassle - a very good turnaround given they had to order in another box set.

Bluto
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 02, 2013, 12:39:48 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 31, 2013, 07:48:12 AM
To be fair to MDT, when I lived in England and shipped boxes to the USA, they cost a fortune. I think I spent $80 mailing two boxes of sweaters. So Presto may be losing a lot of money on their P&P/shipping rates.

I cannot agree with your assumption that Presto Classical is losing a lot of money on their P&P/shipping rates.  They have to be making money overall or they would not be around for long ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on February 03, 2013, 03:10:17 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 02, 2013, 12:39:48 PM
I cannot agree with your assumption that Presto Classical is losing a lot of money on their P&P/shipping rates.  They have to be making money overall or they would not be around for long ...

I hardly think that MDT is gouging, though.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 03, 2013, 05:01:40 PM
Quote from: Daverz on February 03, 2013, 03:10:17 PM
I hardly think that MDT is gouging, though.

I was not the one who claimed MDT was gouging.  I just think they may have made a little extra profits by charging somewhat more in postage and handling than Presto does.  But then MDT also has much better selections than Presto at any given time ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: flyingdutchman on February 10, 2013, 04:15:30 PM
Did you all notice how Amazon has now tucked the marketplace vendors almost out of view?  Very sneaky.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on February 11, 2013, 09:42:33 AM
Looks like MDT too now has an Amazon Storefront. (Or am I noticing it too late? Unlikely since they only have a little over a 100 ratings at the mo.)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aag/main/ref=olp_merch_name_2?ie=UTF8&asin=B009YKMALY&isAmazonFulfilled=0&seller=A14LGJSX9SPNF8

Boxes might work out cheaper through this place, assuming prices are the same between the two portals.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 11, 2013, 03:58:27 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 11, 2013, 09:42:33 AM
Looks like MDT too now has an Amazon Storefront. (Or am I noticing it too late? Unlikely since they only have a little over a 100 ratings at the mo.)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aag/main/ref=olp_merch_name_2?ie=UTF8&asin=B009YKMALY&isAmazonFulfilled=0&seller=A14LGJSX9SPNF8

Boxes might work out cheaper through this place, assuming prices are the same between the two portals.

Amazon MP is the place to be when an etailer wants to maximize its eCommerce exposure ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 15, 2013, 04:14:15 PM
For those curious about the fairness of shipping rates from MDT and Presto, I think I now have slightly more evidence.

I just received a shipment of CDs from MusicWeb, which I will be reviewing for them. There are a total of nine individual CDs: eight jewel cases and a cardboard 'digipak'. The discs were packed right up against each other, with no bubble wrap, no insulation, no foam peanuts, no newspaper: when you open the package, it's literally just two stacks of jewel cases. MusicWeb cannot afford to pack items with the care you receive from, say, Presto.

The cost [billed to MusicWeb] of shipping these nine (9) individual CDs from the UK by air mail to Texas? £14.08. This converts to US $21.84.

The cost [billed to me] of shipping nine (9) individual CDs from the UK by air mail to Texas, had I purchased them from Presto? US $11.55. Since Presto adds bubble wrap and other protective measures, adding weight to the packaging, they would have lost more than $10 on shipping these CDs.

The cost [billed to me] of shipping nine (9) individual CDs from the UK by air mail to Texas, had I purchased them from MDT? £7.25, or US $11.24.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on February 15, 2013, 04:47:42 PM
Quote from: George on February 15, 2013, 04:39:27 PM
I've noticed recently that MDT charges my credit card in pounds, so my credit card charges me a 3% fee to convert to dollars. Presto does not, as they bill in USA dollars. Any way to get MDT to bill me in USA dollars?
I'm sure someone will let you know, but even so, get a Capital One credit card. They won't charge that fee (and it's great for travelling abroad as a result). If you go abroad with any regularity (even if every few years), it is worth it (and you will find it useful for these types of online transactions too).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on February 15, 2013, 04:54:46 PM
Quote from: George on February 15, 2013, 04:49:54 PM
Thanks!

Is there a yearly fee for that card?
No, though I assume they have a range of cards like most (so you just may need to pay attention to which is which if you apply).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 15, 2013, 04:55:32 PM
Quote from: George on February 15, 2013, 04:49:54 PM
Thanks!

Is there a yearly fee for that card?

I have a basic one with no fee. Lived off it when I lived in England.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 16, 2013, 10:30:56 AM
Quote from: George on February 15, 2013, 04:39:27 PM
I've noticed recently that MDT charges my credit card in pounds, so my credit card charges me a 3% fee to convert to dollars. Presto does not, as they bill in USA dollars. Any way to get MDT to bill me in USA dollars?

I have always paid a FX transaction fee for all my MDT orders ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 16, 2013, 10:33:32 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on February 15, 2013, 04:47:42 PM
I'm sure someone will let you know, but even so, get a Capital One credit card. They won't charge that fee (and it's great for travelling abroad as a result). If you go abroad with any regularity (even if every few years), it is worth it (and you will find it useful for these types of online transactions too).

I think my wife has a CapitalOne card and I get solicitation from them all the time.  The problem is I already have too many credit cards but wish to cancel some of them but do not because my credit score would take a hit for the cancellation - what a bunch of craps!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 16, 2013, 10:37:26 AM
Quote from: Brian on February 15, 2013, 04:14:15 PM
For those curious about the fairness of shipping rates from MDT and Presto, I think I now have slightly more evidence.

I just received a shipment of CDs from MusicWeb, which I will be reviewing for them. There are a total of nine individual CDs: eight jewel cases and a cardboard 'digipak'. The discs were packed right up against each other, with no bubble wrap, no insulation, no foam peanuts, no newspaper: when you open the package, it's literally just two stacks of jewel cases. MusicWeb cannot afford to pack items with the care you receive from, say, Presto.

The cost [billed to MusicWeb] of shipping these nine (9) individual CDs from the UK by air mail to Texas? £14.08. This converts to US $21.84.

The cost [billed to me] of shipping nine (9) individual CDs from the UK by air mail to Texas, had I purchased them from Presto? US $11.55. Since Presto adds bubble wrap and other protective measures, adding weight to the packaging, they would have lost more than $10 on shipping these CDs.

The cost [billed to me] of shipping nine (9) individual CDs from the UK by air mail to Texas, had I purchased them from MDT? £7.25, or US $11.24.

Brian, I still think Presto makes money overall even if the shipping it charges does not cover the actual postage 100%.   
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lisz on February 17, 2013, 07:18:19 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2013, 08:55:11 AM
Has anyone else got one of these yet?

Dear Gurn,
We thought you'd like to know that eligible songs from "Dvorak: Symphonic Works" by Antonin Dvorak, a CD you purchased in 2012, are being added to your Cloud Player library. This means that high-quality MP3 versions of these songs are available for you to play or download from Cloud Player for FREE. You can find your songs in the "Purchased" playlist. Please note that some songs from the above CD are not eligible for this feature and may not be available in your Cloud Player library.

In addition, we're excited to announce AutoRip. Now when you buy any CD with the  logo, all songs from the MP3 version of that album will instantly be delivered to your Amazon Cloud Player library for FREE.

I don't know to what extent I am going to make use of this. I found it interesting though. So if I buy a disk direct from Amazon, they will rip it and stick the MP3's into the mythical "cloud" for me. Free, of course.    :-\

8)

Yes, I got a notice earlier this week that most of the selections from six CDs I have bought at Amazon are now available on the Amazon cloud. I can download  them to a max of 10 devices or stream them at will using wireless.

I downloaded the Amazon App on my iPhone plugged it into the MP3 link on my radio and got a pretty pleasant sound...   

Should be able to hook up to my stereo also but haven't tried that yet.

Anyone else using the Cloud?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on February 17, 2013, 08:59:52 AM
Well, I got one too. There's a slight problem, though: the Cloud Player is only available to US customers. ::)

I still haven't got over their stupidity of offering me free MP3 downloads, and they send me this!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lisz on February 17, 2013, 02:39:54 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 17, 2013, 08:59:52 AM
Well, I got one too. There's a slight problem, though: the Cloud Player is only available to US customers. ::)

I still haven't got over their stupidity of offering me free MP3 downloads, and they send me this!

Oh! Sorry to hear that. That is not nice!  :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 17, 2013, 03:03:06 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on February 17, 2013, 08:59:52 AM
Well, I got one too. There's a slight problem, though: the Cloud Player is only available to US customers. ::)

I still haven't got over their stupidity of offering me free MP3 downloads, and they send me this!

I have been getting those free MP3 offers for some times.  But yours truly do not care for MP3 and have NEVER owned an iPod ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 17, 2013, 03:17:17 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 17, 2013, 03:03:06 PM
I have been getting those free MP3 offers for some times.  But yours truly do not care for MP3 and have NEVER owned an iPod ...

Your Win 8 phone can play them with ease. I don't know if you spend time out of your house (I assume you do spend some though). It's handy for that. Hell, if it is MP3 SQ you are concerned about, then playing it on your phone and out-of-doors  will easily cancel any of those issues!   :D

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 17, 2013, 03:56:28 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 17, 2013, 03:17:17 PM
Your Win 8 phone can play them with ease. I don't know if you spend time out of your house (I assume you do spend some though). It's handy for that. Hell, if it is MP3 SQ you are concerned about, then playing it on your phone and out-of-doors  will easily cancel any of those issues!   :D

8)

I only listen to music when I am driving.  My 14-hour workday consists of 3 1/2 hour daily commute into NYC (via commuter railway), which I would like to cut out after 14 1/2 years.  I am hoping to stay local, i.e. in CT.
I do listen to music on my desktop via the MS Media player and have ripped a bunch of CD's at 192.  I still prefer physical media and really do not plan to use the Lumia 920 as a music player.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 17, 2013, 04:08:03 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 17, 2013, 03:56:28 PM
I only listen to music when I am driving.  My 14-hour workday consists of 3 1/2 hour daily commute into NYC (via commuter railway), which I would like to cut out after 14 1/2 years.  I am hoping to stay local, i.e. in CT.
I do listen to music on my desktop via the MS Media player and have ripped a bunch of CD's at 192.  I still prefer physical media and really do not plan to use the Lumia 920 as a music player.

I put a couple of gigabytes of music on any device that will handle it, including the phone & the Kindle Fire HD. Because you just never know! I toss a set of phones into the gear bag and am ready for anything.  :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 17, 2013, 04:16:15 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 17, 2013, 03:03:06 PM
I have been getting those free MP3 offers for some times.  But yours truly do not care for MP3 and have NEVER owned an iPod ...

Stuart - I have an older iPod Touch (2G) w/ about 80 hrs of MP3 music (an eclectic mixture of classical & non-classical) - I take it on the road w/ small Brookstone portable speakers that accept the iPod; also have a Sangean radio for the bedroom that accepts the iPod (puts me to sleep at night),  some Rockfish Bluetooth headphones which I pair w/ the iPod while exercising @ the YMCA (nice to be wireless), and finally an inexpensive Teac sound system on the porch that also accepts the iPod - MP3 or another lossy audio codec is the only way to have a lot of music on a portable device to use in these situations - NOW, I still have all of my CDs and in the den w/ the big speakers that's my preference, BUT nice to have 'both worlds' of sound options available - Dave :)

(http://www.imprintitems.com/sitewide/images/products/prodbigimgs/6491527.jpg)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51P1yRTmcXL.jpg) 

(http://www.rocketfishproducts.com/generated/images/products/productdetail/9246862_ra.jpg)  (http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images345x345/475796.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 17, 2013, 04:35:28 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 17, 2013, 04:08:03 PM
I put a couple of gigabytes of music on any device that will handle it, including the phone & the Kindle Fire HD. Because you just never know! I toss a set of phones into the gear bag and am ready for anything.  :)

8)

Oh Gurn, the way you describe this sounds like "I keep some cocaine in my gear bag just in case I need a hit..."
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 17, 2013, 04:41:35 PM
MY GOD! I just checked my 'new' Amazon Cloud account and have 190 'albums' for streaming and/or download! Yikes -  ;D

Well, I'll turn on the Wi-Fi on the iPod tonight and go to Safari -> Amazon -> My Account to see if I can play my music over the Sangean radio via the Cloud - Dave :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 17, 2013, 05:53:34 PM
Quote from: Brian on February 17, 2013, 04:35:28 PM
Oh Gurn, the way you describe this sounds like "I keep some cocaine in my gear bag just in case I need a hit..."

Brian,  Aren't you an MP3 addict yourself?  I do not walk around with the earbuds in my ears ...    ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on February 17, 2013, 06:00:35 PM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 17, 2013, 04:16:15 PM
Stuart - I have an older iPod Touch (2G) w/ about 80 hrs of MP3 music (an eclectic mixture of classical & non-classical) - I take it on the road w/ small Brookstone portable speakers that accept the iPod; also have a Sangean radio for the bedroom that accepts the iPod (puts me to sleep at night),  some Rockfish Bluetooth headphones which I pair w/ the iPod while exercising @ the YMCA (nice to be wireless), and finally an inexpensive Teac sound system on the porch that also accepts the iPod - MP3 or another lossy audio codec is the only way to have a lot of music on a portable device to use in these situations - NOW, I still have all of my CDs and in the den w/ the big speakers that's my preference, BUT nice to have 'both worlds' of sound options available - Dave :)

(http://www.imprintitems.com/sitewide/images/products/prodbigimgs/6491527.jpg)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51P1yRTmcXL.jpg) 

(http://www.rocketfishproducts.com/generated/images/products/productdetail/9246862_ra.jpg)  (http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images345x345/475796.jpg)

Dave,  It may take a while before I get into cloud-classical music listening.  For now, I still listen to classical music the old-fashioned way.  I do listen to internet radio quite regularly though.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lisz on February 17, 2013, 06:47:54 PM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 17, 2013, 04:41:35 PM
MY GOD! I just checked my 'new' Amazon Cloud account and have 190 'albums' for streaming and/or download! Yikes -  ;D

Well, I'll turn on the Wi-Fi on the iPod tonight and go to Safari -> Amazon -> My Account to see if I can play my music over the Sangean radio via the Cloud - Dave :)

I had to download the Amazon Cloud Player, Dave, to stream on my iPhone, don't know about the IPod.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 17, 2013, 07:07:28 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on February 17, 2013, 06:00:35 PM
Dave,  It may take a while before I get into cloud-classical music listening.  For now, I still listen to classical music the old-fashioned way.  I do listen to internet radio quite regularly though.

Hey Stuart - still my favorite way to listen to music, i.e. on a good sound system! :)

Of course, the other option w/ an iPod & a Wi-Fi connection is that the Pandora app allows internet radio streaming of your 'personalized' channels - I've used that option on the porch when I do cook outs w/ the wife - Dave
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 17, 2013, 07:11:33 PM
Quote from: Hildegard on February 17, 2013, 06:47:54 PM
I had to download the Amazon Cloud Player, Dave, to stream on my iPhone, don't know about the IPod.

Hi Hildegard - I have an old iPod (2G w/ iOS 4.2.2) - needs a browser update - I can get Amazon to offer me my cloud files on my iPad (iOS v.6.x) but not the iPod - assume that your iPhone is running the newest iOS; I've been delaying purchase of a new iPod (just lazy I guess), but may be the time to upgrade (would like that camera option) - Dave :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Lisz on February 17, 2013, 08:49:25 PM
Quote from: Hildegard on February 17, 2013, 06:47:54 PM
I had to download the Amazon Cloud Player, Dave, to stream on my iPhone, don't know about the IPod.

Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 17, 2013, 07:11:33 PM
Hi Hildegard - I have an old iPod (2G w/ iOS 4.2.2) - needs a browser update - I can get Amazon to offer me my cloud files on my iPad (iOS v.6.x) but not the iPod - assume that your iPhone is running the newest iOS; I've been delaying purchase of a new iPod (just lazy I guess), but may be the time to upgrade (would like that camera option) - Dave :)

I have a 4G iPod, Dave, the red collector's one, so I'm holding on to it, but hardly use it anymore. I'm sitll running iOS5 on my 3GS iPhone and iPad2 but recently got notification to upgrade to iOS6, so I'm not too au courant.     

The reason to download the Amazon Cloud Player App though is that it gives you a better view of the Playlist on a smal screen like on the iPhone. Have not streamed on my iPad yet, which may do just fine without the App.

I'm listening to the stream tonight and am enjoying it this way. It's perfect for a smaller room. I have a Philips DCM250/37, and the sound is not too shabby. Hope you're enjoying yours.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 18, 2013, 07:19:13 AM
Quote from: Hildegard on February 17, 2013, 08:49:25 PM
I have a 4G iPod, Dave, the red collector's one, so I'm holding on to it, but hardly use it anymore. I'm sitll running iOS5 on my 3GS iPhone and iPad2 but recently got notification to upgrade to iOS6, so I'm not too au courant.     

The reason to download the Amazon Cloud Player App though is that it gives you a better view of the Playlist on a smal screen like on the iPhone. Have not streamed on my iPad yet, which may do just fine without the App.

I'm listening to the stream tonight and am enjoying it this way. It's perfect for a smaller room. I have a Philips DCM250/37, and the sound is not too shabby. Hope you're enjoying yours.

Well, as you can see from my pics, I can use that old iPod on all of those devices, either the MP3s or streaming from Pandora - BUT, I want to obtain a newer one for the same purpose - just my 'portable' music player - now, I can 'plug in' my iPad2 via a stereo jack to most of those devices, so may just download the app you mention to the iPad and play some of my cloud music just for a try!  Thanks - Dave :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 26, 2013, 07:54:44 AM
Amazon is trying to block me from buying some Thelonious Monk because "You added this item from a Wish List, but someone has already bought it from the same list." When I go to my wishlist, it says "Gift Item Purchased from Wish List. We keep it hidden so we don't spoil your surprise."

Well, yeah, it's definitely a surprise, cuz my wish list is set to be private and nobody else can view it. And I hadn't told anybody I wanted Monk albums, and it's not Christmas or my birthday. I'm super confused.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on February 26, 2013, 08:59:23 AM
Quote from: Brian on January 17, 2013, 03:35:24 PM
Does anybody know if Hyperion's on-site download prices subtract VAT when you download to the USA?

They don't.  I queried this with Hyperion a while back - they told me there was no VAT on digital sales thus the ticket price was the same inside and outside the Euro tax zone.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: listener on February 26, 2013, 11:59:59 AM
Quote from: Brian on February 26, 2013, 07:54:44 AM
Amazon is trying to block me from buying some Thelonious Monk because "You added this item from a Wish List, but someone has already bought it from the same list." When I go to my wishlist, it says "Gift Item Purchased from Wish List. We keep it hidden so we don't spoil your surprise."

Well, yeah, it's definitely a surprise, cuz my wish list is set to be private and nobody else can view it. And I hadn't told anybody I wanted Monk albums, and it's not Christmas or my birthday. I'm super confused.
The item may have been on other wish lists, and someone decided to finalize the purchase before you did.   That's possibly a generic response.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on February 27, 2013, 10:22:52 PM
Has everyone here who has used Amazon Spain (Amazon.es) for deliveries to North America been happy with the results? 

Sorry to ask a question that no doubt has been broached a hundred times, but searches didn't turn up anything, and I didn't want to browse this whole thread.  I have tested some potential purchases before at Amazon.es and been horrified by the shipping costs, but this most recent time, I really did the math and it proves to be a slightly-good-to-really-good deal; I guess it just depends what you're getting.  I think Jeffrey once said that they often take about a month to get your stuff to you; but I guess I've had this experience a number of times with Zoverstocks and Oxfordshire via Amazon US-MP.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on February 28, 2013, 12:00:01 AM
I use them all the time to Norway. Standard amazon packaging, standard delivery (my two last orders was sent on the same day/next day as the order, occasionally quite a bit later subject to availability I guess), cannot really see why it would be different to the US.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: KeithW on February 28, 2013, 11:57:16 AM
I've had a handful of deliveries from them.  No issues - packaging good by Amazon standards.  Delivery time didn't strike me as being too long - 7-10 days on average I think.  But I was conscious of what seemed like a hefty S&H charge.  Their low prices did offer some offset, as you indicate.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on February 28, 2013, 06:35:55 PM
I think AmazonSpain changed its shipping charges; my last two orders seem have been charged per item, and not the arbitrary per order fee I remember from before.  Does Amazon Italy still have the per order fee?

Yes, it does seem to take a month or just under for their orders to come through, although I think the most recent order only took three weeks to get to me.  It was actually mailed from Amazon's British facility, according to the packaging.   The delivery time is well within normal for any deliveries from Europe--anywhere from one week to four weeks:  JPC, Amazon France and Prestoclassical seem to be at the quicker end of the spectrum.  It's mostly a question of transit time:  Amazon Spain seems to be as quick, but no quicker, than any of the other Amazons (France, UK, Italy, US) I've dealt with in actually getting the item into the mail.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on March 02, 2013, 09:18:12 AM
Quote from: KeithW on February 28, 2013, 11:57:16 AM
I've had a handful of deliveries from them.  No issues - packaging good by Amazon standards.  Delivery time didn't strike me as being too long - 7-10 days on average I think.  But I was conscious of what seemed like a hefty S&H charge.  Their low prices did offer some offset, as you indicate.

You meant when compared to Amazon US?  It is rare not to receive cracked jewel cases these days from Amazon US ...     >:(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: huntsman on March 05, 2013, 01:40:29 AM
I've stumbled through a few of the latter pages of this thread, and it seems that almost without exception there are three outlets that everyone uses:

Presto
MDT
Amazon

That about right?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on March 05, 2013, 03:05:32 AM
At least quite a lot of us Europeans. Add europadisc.co.uk for my part.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fafner on March 05, 2013, 03:11:36 AM
I just made my first order from JPC.de.  They have a flat shipping rate of 5.99 EUR, so I guess it is more advantageous for large boxsets and multiple-item orders.

By the way, I ordered this:

(http://image-7.verycd.com/77bcdeda04d6d532938f552d2cc77a6971908/title-0082.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: huntsman on March 05, 2013, 04:43:19 AM
Their shipping is 28 Euros to South Africa for say, five CDs.

Presto are 8 EUROS for the same...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on March 05, 2013, 04:21:59 PM
Quote from: Fafner on March 05, 2013, 03:11:36 AM
I just made my first order from JPC.de.  They have a flat shipping rate of 5.99 EUR, so I guess it is more advantageous for large boxsets and multiple-item orders.

By the way, I ordered this:

(http://image-7.verycd.com/77bcdeda04d6d532938f552d2cc77a6971908/title-0082.jpg)

You are practically next doors to jpc.  It costs some 13 Euro in shipping to get an order from jpc to the US.  I have placed only 2 orders over the past two years.  I was offered a 20% discount coupon by jpc over the last Christmas but decided against any purchase.  I bought from MDT and Presto Classical for Christmas instead.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on March 23, 2013, 08:09:10 AM
The Tax-Free Internet Shopping Era May Be Over
Now it looks like it is a done deal that Amazon will start collecting sale tax for every item it and its MarketPlace sellers will sell.  A big win for whatever are left among the B&M stores and the states that have been salivating over the additional tax revenues.  What are your thoughts - the American members of GMG since we have never had any VAT?  I may shift all my future CD purchases to MDT and Presto since they cannot be forced to collect state sale tax ...  (http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/tax-free-internet-shopping-era-may-over-170449285.html)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: listener on April 05, 2013, 10:28:42 PM
article in The Guardian re amazon and merchant sellers is a bit long to copy and post here, if interested  go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/apr/05/love-amazon-hate-necessary-evil
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 06, 2013, 09:05:53 AM
Quote from: listener on April 05, 2013, 10:28:42 PM
article in The Guardian re amazon and merchant sellers is a bit long to copy and post here, if interested  go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/apr/05/love-amazon-hate-necessary-evil

A good friend of mine left his corporate job some ten years ago to become a trader on eBay - buying and selling coins and precious metals and does a few hundred transactions every two weeks or so out of his Manhattan co-op apartment.  He has done just fine.  As he puts it, who needs the corporate BS.  Most American companies have not been nice to their employees - the relentless offshoring and trying to squeeze as much out of their American employees ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: huntsman on April 06, 2013, 10:23:08 AM
I accepted the subject's concern that if Amazon toss him out he's up the proverbial creek, but juxtapose that with the fact that he's moved several times into successively bigger houses and added a Ferrari to the stable, and you get balance...!  ;) ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 06, 2013, 10:29:44 AM
Quote from: huntsman on April 06, 2013, 10:23:08 AM
I accepted the subject's concern that if Amazon toss him out he's up the proverbial creek, but juxtapose that with the fact that he's moved several times into successively bigger house and added a Ferrari to the stable, and you get balance...!  ;) ;D

This man is a cry baby and he needs to grow up.  Amazon is no different than any other business, it is there to make a profit ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: huntsman on April 06, 2013, 10:34:22 AM
Well, sometimes all an entrepreneur needs is a swift kick up the $%@#...

In many cases, it's an unwelcome loss of job but either way you hit bottom quickly and then the direction you travel is up to you...

;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on April 08, 2013, 01:57:53 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on April 06, 2013, 10:29:44 AM
Amazon is no different than any other business, it is there to make a profit ...

I wonder. Alternatively, one could suggest that the primary purpose of Amazon, like that of any merchant, is to supply goods (and yes, in the course of doing that, make a profit, but the profit merely ensures that it continues to fulfill its role as a merchant). It seems to be a matter of perception - like half full and half empty bottles.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on April 08, 2013, 03:39:42 AM
Quote from: Elgarian on April 08, 2013, 01:57:53 AM
I wonder. Alternatively, one could suggest that the primary purpose of Amazon, like that of any merchant, is to supply goods (and yes, in the course of doing that, make a profit, but the profit merely ensures that it continues to fulfill its role as a merchant). It seems to be a matter of perception - like half full and half empty bottles.

Exactly.

Reminds me of a chap here in the Financial District who was a guest speaker in a class one evening, who on that occasion offered the (admittedly leading) question, "Can you give me an example of a transaction in which neither party is exploited?"

A leading question, because it provoked the tendentious, one-sided view of the matter.  Thus, none of the students could come up with such an example (which was, as I say, his game). So he offered: "How about a dinner at a restaurant?"
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidRoss on April 08, 2013, 07:10:12 AM
Quote from: huntsman on March 05, 2013, 01:40:29 AM
I've stumbled through a few of the latter pages of this thread, and it seems that almost without exception there are three outlets that everyone uses:

Presto
MDT
Amazon

That about right?

You've now heard about jpc, also used by many if not most. Add Berkshire Record Outlet (BRO) to the list as a valuable source of cutouts and overstocks.

Note: profit ≠ greed
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on April 08, 2013, 07:40:35 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on April 08, 2013, 03:39:42 AM
Exactly.

Reminds me of a chap here in the Financial District who was a guest speaker in a class one evening, who on that occasion offered the (admittedly leading) question, "Can you give me an example of a transaction in which neither party is exploited?"

A leading question, because it provoked the tendentious, one-sided view of the matter.  Thus, none of the students could come up with such an example (which was, as I say, his game). So he offered: "How about a dinner at a restaurant?"


That's a dazzlingly brilliant question, isn't it? And I love the way his answer can be construed as an invitation.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on April 08, 2013, 07:48:59 AM
Quote from: Elgarian on April 08, 2013, 07:40:35 AM
That's a dazzlingly brilliant question, isn't it? And I love the way his answer can be construed as an invitation.

!!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 08, 2013, 08:23:40 AM
Quote from: huntsman on March 05, 2013, 01:40:29 AM
I've stumbled through a few of the latter pages of this thread, and it seems that almost without exception there are three outlets that everyone uses:

Presto
MDT
Amazon

That about right?

DavidRoss has already mentioned Berkshire Record Outlet, a great resource for deleted and overstocks.

I'd add

Amazon marketplace - I almost never buy from amazon-proper, which is way expensive.  Almost always from a "marketplace seller,"  which includes i-Deals, Classical Music Superstore (Naxos America) Movie-Mars, importcds, as well as individuals selling their used stuff.  I'm also partial to Zoverstocks, a marketplace seller based in the UK.  It tends to be slow, but "very good" used stuff from them is almost always "like new."  Once an item didn't arrive, and they apologized and refunded with no reluctance, even though the fault was likely with the postal service.

arkivmusic.com - their prices are typically not the lowest but they have a great drill-down search method.  You select a composer, and it shows you a list of genres, you select a genre and it shows you a list of works, you select a work and it shows you a list of performers, you select a performer and it shows you a list of recordings available.  Or you can start with performer, and it shows you a list of composers, etc.  It can be very good for getting an idea of what is available from a given composer, performer, conductor, etc.  Sometimes they have the lowest price if there is a sale of some sort.

importcds.com - They are the same as the importcds marketplace seller.  If you buy from their own site, the shipping can be cheaper, and sometimes the price on their own site is a lot lower than on amazon.com.  Their basic price for premium labels such as hyperion, BIS, Chandos, seems to be the lowest.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: huntsman on April 08, 2013, 08:25:47 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 08, 2013, 07:10:12 AM
You've now heard about jpc, also used by many if not most. Add Berkshire Record Outlet (BRO) to the list as a valuable source of cutouts and overstocks.

This outlet in the UK, David?

Note: profit ≠ greed
Quote from: The new erato on March 05, 2013, 03:05:32 AM
At least quite a lot of us Europeans. Add europadisc.co.uk for my part.

Noted: Thanks The new erato!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on April 08, 2013, 08:26:45 AM
Quote from: Coopmv on April 06, 2013, 10:29:44 AM
This man is a cry baby and he needs to grow up.  Amazon is no different than any other business, it is there to make a profit ...

:-X   :blank:
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: huntsman on April 08, 2013, 08:41:20 AM
Quote from: Parsifal on April 08, 2013, 08:23:40 AM
DavidRoss has already mentioned Berkshire Record Outlet, a great resource for deleted and overstocks.

I'd add

Amazon marketplace - I almost never buy from amazon-proper, which is way expensive.  Almost always from a "marketplace seller,"  which includes i-Deals, Classical Music Superstore (Naxos America) Movie-Mars, importcds, as well as individuals selling their used stuff.  I'm also partial to Zoverstocks, a marketplace seller based in the UK.  It tends to be slow, but "very good" used stuff from them is almost always "like new."  Once an item didn't arrive, and they apologized and refunded with no reluctance, even though the fault was likely with the postal service.

arkivmusic.com - their prices are typically not the lowest but they have a great drill-down search method.  You select a composer, and it shows you a list of genres, you select a genre and it shows you a list of works, you select a work and it shows you a list of performers, you select a performer and it shows you a list of recordings available.  Or you can start with performer, and it shows you a list of composers, etc.  It can be very good for getting an idea of what is available from a given composer, performer, conductor, etc.  Sometimes they have the lowest price if there is a sale of some sort.

importcds.com - They are the same as the importcds marketplace seller.  If you buy from their own site, the shipping can be cheaper, and sometimes the price on their own site is a lot lower than on amazon.com.  Their basic price for premium labels such as hyperion, BIS, Chandos, seems to be the lowest.

Thanks, Parcifal -

I've dealt with Zoverstocks and agree completely. Never considered dealing with these fellows directly, however...hmmm good idea, m'thinks!

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on April 08, 2013, 09:23:48 PM
Please no political "discussion" on this thread, thanks.  8)

Off topic posts have been removed.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on April 09, 2013, 11:05:56 AM
Hyperion's website is down?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on April 09, 2013, 11:10:16 AM
Nope.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on April 09, 2013, 11:23:19 AM
Oops, Chrome was auto-completing their URL with a ".com" for some reason.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 13, 2013, 10:30:08 AM
Quote from: Brian on April 09, 2013, 11:23:19 AM
Oops, Chrome was auto-completing their URL with a ".com" for some reason.

Chrome must have a way to tell a .org or .gov from .com ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 20, 2013, 08:13:55 AM
Since when did US AMP sellers think they were operating from mainland Europe? $14.29 to ship a single CD?! >:(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 20, 2013, 08:18:35 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 20, 2013, 08:13:55 AM
Since when did US AMP sellers think they were operating from mainland Europe? $14.29 to ship a single CD?! >:(

They have also learned the art of gouging ...    :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: niknala on April 20, 2013, 12:13:09 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 20, 2013, 08:13:55 AM
Since when did US AMP sellers think they were operating from mainland Europe? $14.29 to ship a single CD?! >:(

The shipping rates charged by Amazon Marketplace vendors is set by Amazon not by the vendors.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 20, 2013, 12:20:13 PM
Quote from: niknala on April 20, 2013, 12:13:09 PM
The shipping rates charged by Amazon Marketplace vendors is set by Amazon not by the vendors.

Oops, my mistake. It's only for "non-media items" that the sellers seem to have a free hand in setting the rates when shipping overseas. That said, it's still an atrocious cost!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 20, 2013, 02:14:28 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 20, 2013, 12:20:13 PM
Oops, my mistake. It's only for "non-media items" that the sellers seem to have a free hand in setting the rates when shipping overseas. That said, it's still an atrocious cost!

The price may be unattractive, but it may reflect the actual cost of shipment.  When I sell through amazon I normally lose money, not gain it, by their fixed shipping rate.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 21, 2013, 04:01:47 AM
Quote from: Parsifal on April 20, 2013, 02:14:28 PM
The price may be unattractive, but it may reflect the actual cost of shipment.  When I sell through amazon I normally lose money, not gain it, by their fixed shipping rate.

It may well be. My shock was primarily due to the fact that until as recently as a few weeks ago, the MP postage was $6.98 (or thereabouts).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: niknala on April 21, 2013, 06:56:26 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 21, 2013, 04:01:47 AM
It may well be. My shock was primarily due to the fact that until as recently as a few weeks ago, the MP postage was $6.98 (or thereabouts).

Yes, big shipping price jumps -- earlier this year the US Postal Service almost doubled the International First Class rate. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on April 21, 2013, 07:06:58 AM
Quote from: niknala on April 21, 2013, 06:56:26 AM
Yes, big shipping price jumps -- earlier this year the US Postal Service almost doubled the International First Class rate. 

That explains it, then.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 21, 2013, 01:00:49 PM
Quote from: niknala on April 21, 2013, 06:56:26 AM
Yes, big shipping price jumps -- earlier this year the US Postal Service almost doubled the International First Class rate.

The USPS does not have any choice since it is on the road to bankruptcy ...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 21, 2013, 02:05:36 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on April 21, 2013, 01:00:49 PM
The USPS does not have any choice since it is on the road to bankruptcy ...

That's off-topic here.  Maybe you should move this to your chicken-little thread, where your self-declared absolute knowledge of the global economy is more relevant.   ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Coopmv on April 21, 2013, 02:26:10 PM
Quote from: Parsifal on April 21, 2013, 02:05:36 PM
That's off-topic here.  Maybe you should move this to your chicken-little thread, where your self-declared absolute knowledge of the global economy is more relevant.   ;D

I have a good friend who is in management at the USPS and he shares his views with me after having worked there for over 30 years.  When a business is deep in the red, price increase is the natural step.  I certainly do not have very high opinion of you, along with a few others who think they are the know-it-alls when it comes to classical music.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 21, 2013, 02:31:06 PM
On the chicken-little thread, please.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Sammy on April 21, 2013, 02:54:07 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on April 21, 2013, 02:26:10 PM
When a business is deep in the red, price increase is the natural step. 

Not so.  A business might be in the red because its products/services have been priced too high for the specific market.  Other reasons could include structural deficiencies, poor service, outdated technologies, inadequate product identification/advertising, etc.  I just don't see anything natural about raising prices when your business is going down.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on April 21, 2013, 03:00:20 PM
Quote from: Sammy on April 21, 2013, 02:54:07 PM
Not so.  A business might be in the red because its products/services have been priced too high for the specific market.  Other reasons could include structural deficiencies, poor service, outdated technologies, inadequate product identification/advertising, etc.  I just don't see anything natural about raising prices when your business is going down.

Consider EMI. Their downfall over the last decade has coincided with the continual re-issues of everything possible at increasingly silly-low prices.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 21, 2013, 03:12:57 PM
If a business has declining revenue it will normally cut costs and seek new markets.  The postal service does not have the authority to do either without authorization from Congress.  In the past few years I've been reading in the papers that Congress has denied the postal service permission to close redundant post offices, curtail delivery schedules, reduce staff, salaries or benefit and pension contributions.   And I am not sure how cutting prices could help sales, since their rates (also set by Congress) are already cheaper than their competition (USP, Fedex, etc).  It is not reasonable to expect an entity to behave like a business if it is under restrictions that no other business is subject to.

In any case, as I understand it, this stuff is not supposed to be on the music part of the forum.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidRoss on April 21, 2013, 03:15:24 PM
Quote from: Sammy on April 21, 2013, 02:54:07 PM
Not so.  A business might be in the red because its products/services have been priced too high for the specific market.  Other reasons could include structural deficiencies, poor service, outdated technologies, inadequate product identification/advertising, etc.  I just don't see anything natural about raising prices when your business is going down.
Note, however, that the US Postal Service is not a business. If it were run like a business, FedEx and UPS never would have had a chance. But it's run like a government agency, which means that incompetence, inefficiency, and waste are all but guaranteed.

How ironic that, among the thousands of things our masters in Washington D.C. do today, the postal service is one of the very few they have legal authority for. One wonders: if the feds weren't so busy trampling the Constitutional limits on their activity, would they have been able to run the postal service competently instead of running it into the ground?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on April 21, 2013, 03:19:05 PM
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 21, 2013, 03:15:24 PM
Note, however, that the US Postal Service is not a business. If it were run like a business, FedEx and UPS never would have had a chance. But it's run like a government agency, which means that incompetence, inefficiency, and waste are all but guaranteed.
But as Parsifal pointed out, at this point most of the inefficiency and waste that's obvious to the public is dictated by Congress. The USPS isn't run like a business because it is controlled by, in essence, a board of regents who are not interested in its commercial success.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 21, 2013, 03:41:37 PM
I am always somewhat mystified by claims that the postal service is inefficient.  I can send a CD from New York to California for about $2 and it gets there in a few days.  They send a courier to my door six days a week to drop off and collect mail.  I leave my netflix envelop in the mail box and at 5 am the next morning I get an e-mail saying it has arrived at the netflix depot.  Do people think that if the postal service went away we'd really be better off with private couriers?  The postal service is just another front on the proxy war between Republicans and Democrats where stalemate is considered victory and compromise, defeat.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: BrianSA on April 22, 2013, 11:12:50 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on April 21, 2013, 04:01:47 AM
It may well be. My shock was primarily due to the fact that until as recently as a few weeks ago, the MP postage was $6.98 (or thereabouts).

I'm kind of-well, not pleased, but-relieved? enlightened?-to hear this.  I live in Canada and a month or so ago my delivery costs for Amazon also went from $6.98 to $14.29 or so with no apparent warning.  Inquiries to Amazon generated unhelpful (and, it seems to me, untrue) responses about Amazon marketplace sellers setting their own postage rates (when I knew I had never paid more than $6.98 for a single item order), rather than the simpler and more accurate response that postage rates had gone up.

Unfortunately, since I absolutely refuse to pay as much or more for postage than I pay for my puchases, which is how it usually works out under the new fee structure, this means that amazon.com has gone from being my primary supplier for CDs to a non-contender, and a lot of amazon marketplace sellers are going to have to get by without my business.  That's as much a loss for me as for them.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: listener on April 22, 2013, 11:31:48 AM
Quote from: BrianSA on April 22, 2013, 11:12:50 AM
I'm kind of-well, not pleased, but-relieved? enlightened?-to hear this.  I live in Canada and a month or so ago my delivery costs for Amazon also went from $6.98 to $14.29 or so with no apparent warning.  Inquiries to Amazon generated unhelpful (and, it seems to me, untrue) responses about Amazon marketplace sellers setting their own postage rates (when I knew I had never paid more than $6.98 for a single item order), rather than the simpler and more accurate response that postage rates had gone up.

Also in Canada, so I watch the Canadian site to get an order up to $28 to qualify for free shipping, or from England which shipping costs 3.08 pounds (and that's often covered by VAT reduction) and usually comes a week faster.   Note shipping from France can be EUR 8.00 compared to about EUR 14.00 from Germany
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidRoss on April 22, 2013, 05:33:00 PM
Quote from: Parsifal on April 21, 2013, 03:41:37 PM
I am always somewhat mystified by claims that the postal service is inefficient.
See http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/government_programs/july-dec11/postoffices_09-06.html
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on April 22, 2013, 05:59:34 PM
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 22, 2013, 05:33:00 PM
See http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/government_programs/july-dec11/postoffices_09-06.html

David, there are, in this case, two forms of efficiency. One of them is in keeping the business profitable, which is the issue addressed in this interesting PBS interview. The other, of course, is delivering the mail. I'm not sure which one that Parsifal is talking about, but in terms of delivering the mail, they are pretty damned efficient. I suspect that this is because Congress (also known as The Root of All EVIL) can't really interfere with that, as much as I am sure they would love to.

In fact, I believe that if a recall ballot for my congressman was to be mailed to me, I would have it in hand, ticked off the "Aye" box, and back to Washington in record time without ever needing to resort to FedEx..... and all for less than $1. What a bargain!!  0:)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidRoss on April 23, 2013, 09:30:36 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 22, 2013, 05:59:34 PM
David, there are, in this case, two forms of efficiency. One of them is in keeping the business profitable, which is the issue addressed in this interesting PBS interview. The other, of course, is delivering the mail. I'm not sure which one that Parsifal is talking about, but in terms of delivering the mail, they are pretty damned efficient. I suspect that this is because Congress (also known as The Root of All EVIL) can't really interfere with that, as much as I am sure they would love to.

In fact, I believe that if a recall ballot for my congressman was to be mailed to me, I would have it in hand, ticked off the "Aye" box, and back to Washington in record time without ever needing to resort to FedEx..... and all for less than $1. What a bargain!!  0:)

8)
Well, Gurn, in the second respect the USPS is efficient enough for most of my personal use, but in business for critical items we depended on FedEx because it had proven more reliable than the mail. Apparently many others do, too, and if USPS were equally efficient, there never would have been a market for FedEx to exploit.

Despite their shortcomings, I think USPS does a pretty good job. With a little bit of common sense, they could probably adapt to current conditions and be profitable while providing an essential, Constitutionally authorized service at a fair price.

Common sense, however, is getting to be a pretty rare commodity, and in government it's virtually non-existent!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 23, 2013, 10:05:47 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 23, 2013, 09:30:36 AM
Well, Gurn, in the second respect the USPS is efficient enough for most of my personal use, but in business for critical items we depended on FedEx because it had proven more reliable than the mail. Apparently many others do, too, and if USPS were equally efficient, there never would have been a market for FedEx to exploit.

In my household, we do a lot of internet shopping.  In the last two years there were two delivery issues.  One UPS package never showed up despite tracking showing it delivered, one Fedex priority overnight package was delivered to our address in error.  I think both were related to the fact that there is a street in our zip code whose name is similar to our street name.  The time required for a USPS package is not as predictable as FedEx or UPS, but I do not find USPS at all wanting with regard to reliability.

I agree that the problems at the USPS could easily be fixed.  But Congress is loath the solve any problem because each party fears that the other will get credit.   >:(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on April 23, 2013, 10:13:44 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 23, 2013, 09:30:36 AM
Well, Gurn, in the second respect the USPS is efficient enough for most of my personal use, but in business for critical items we depended on FedEx because it had proven more reliable than the mail. Apparently many others do, too, and if USPS were equally efficient, there never would have been a market for FedEx to exploit.

Despite their shortcomings, I think USPS does a pretty good job. With a little bit of common sense, they could probably adapt to current conditions and be profitable while providing an essential, Constitutionally authorized service at a fair price.

Common sense, however, is getting to be a pretty rare commodity, and in government it's virtually non-existent!

In the bolded section; certainly, I use UPS (although it is moot, really) when it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight. USPS doesn't even offer that service, so it isn't as though it is a competition there. But the fact is, when I hold my employees feet to the fire and make them justify "next daying" it, they very rarely can. Everything simply does NOT have to be there next day. We've saved thousands by just stopping and thinking first. Just sayin'...

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on April 23, 2013, 10:29:58 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 23, 2013, 10:13:44 AM
. . . Everything simply does NOT have to be there next day.

Testify, O Gurn!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Geo Dude on April 23, 2013, 10:36:23 AM
Quote from: Parsifal on April 23, 2013, 10:05:47 AM
I agree that the problems at the USPS could easily be fixed.  But Congress is loath the solve any problem because each party fears that the other will get credit.   >:(

Well, it's hard to argue with that. (Unfortunately.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidRoss on April 23, 2013, 10:44:35 AM
I'm particularly amused by the latest wrinkle in cheap shipping: an unholy alliance between UPS and the USPS, in which UPS gets the item from East Coast to West in a couple of days, then turns it over to the postal service, which takes several more days to cover the last 15 miles of the journey. ;)  Is this the worst of both worlds? First, UPS uses your package as a tackling dummy, then USPS slots it for "Rush--same decade" service...?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 23, 2013, 10:50:24 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 23, 2013, 10:44:35 AM
I'm particularly amused by the latest wrinkle in cheap shipping: an unholy alliance between UPS and the USPS, in which UPS gets the item from East Coast to West in a couple of days, then turns it over to the postal service, which takes several more days to cover the last 15 miles of the journey. ;)  Is this the worst of both worlds? First, UPS uses your package as a tackling dummy, then USPS slots it for "Rush--same decade" service...?

They have the same deal with Fedex (smartpost) and DHL.  All seem to have same peculiarity, that the primary carrier reports it has been "tendered" to USPS and two days later USPS registers "arrived at facility."  I find it impossible to determine which party is fudging the transfer date.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on April 24, 2013, 01:25:39 AM
Ack!  Apropos Nav's observation which jump-started the postal service discussion...it seems the price boost has come home to roost: I see that domestic CD shipping at Amazon US marketplace is now $4, up from $3.  Today is the first I've noticed it; I'd no idea this was in the works.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 24, 2013, 07:24:11 AM
Quote from: Octave on April 24, 2013, 01:25:39 AM
Ack!  Apropos Nav's observation which jump-started the postal service discussion...it seems the price boost has come home to roost: I see that domestic CD shipping at Amazon US marketplace is now $4, up from $3.  Today is the first I've noticed it; I'd no idea this was in the works.

That is a very recent development, perhaps overdue, since US postal rates increased some time ago.

If you believe in efficient markets, it should make no difference, since that fixed shipping fee is turned over to the seller.  If the increase in cost is affecting sales, the marketplace sellers can lower their prices by one dollar and return that cost increase to the customer.   Of course, not everyone believes in efficient markets.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on April 26, 2013, 06:40:22 AM
Quote from: Parsifal on April 24, 2013, 07:24:11 AM
That is a very recent development, perhaps overdue, since US postal rates increased some time ago.

If you believe in efficient markets, it should make no difference, since that fixed shipping fee is turned over to the seller.  If the increase in cost is affecting sales, the marketplace sellers can lower their prices by one dollar and return that cost increase to the customer.   Of course, not everyone believes in efficient markets.

Shipping & Handling isn't supposed to be a profit center, it's supposed to cover shipping & handling. I mail disks within the US regularly, and the cost of a single disk is $1.58. An bubble mailer envelope cost me less than .50. SO if I was getting $3 to cover my $2.08 investment, and stroll to the PO to drop it in the mail, I really find it hard to justify the need for a 33% increase in the charge.  Back in the day when eBay didn't regulate S & H, I used to see people charge $7 - 8 just because they could.  33% is a pretty good leap at one swoop, I'm just not too enthusiastic when it comes to bending over to find ways to justify it. :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on April 26, 2013, 07:08:07 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 26, 2013, 06:40:22 AM
Shipping & Handling isn't supposed to be a profit center, it's supposed to cover shipping & handling. I mail disks within the US regularly, and the cost of a single disk is $1.58. An bubble mailer envelope cost me less than .50. SO if I was getting $3 to cover my $2.08 investment, and stroll to the PO to drop it in the mail, I really find it hard to justify the need for a 33% increase in the charge.  Back in the day when eBay didn't regulate S & H, I used to see people charge $7 - 8 just because they could.  33% is a pretty good leap at one swoop, I'm just not too enthusiastic when it comes to bending over to find ways to justify it. :-\

8)

Is $1.58 the new rate?  In any case, it is the same $3 regardless of the size and weight of the item, it can sometimes cost significantly more.  I ship in small volumes and the packaging seems to cost me $1 or so.  Plus, Amazon encourages you to include a delivery confirmation number, another $0.65, I think.   Finally, you are entitled to a fair wage for the time you spend "handling."  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 28, 2013, 09:53:51 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 26, 2013, 06:40:22 AM
Shipping & Handling isn't supposed to be a profit center, it's supposed to cover shipping & handling. I mail disks within the US regularly, and the cost of a single disk is $1.58. An bubble mailer envelope cost me less than .50. SO if I was getting $3 to cover my $2.08 investment, and stroll to the PO to drop it in the mail, I really find it hard to justify the need for a 33% increase in the charge.  Back in the day when eBay didn't regulate S & H, I used to see people charge $7 - 8 just because they could.  33% is a pretty good leap at one swoop, I'm just not too enthusiastic when it comes to bending over to find ways to justify it. :-\

8)
A couple months ago, I got several one disc packages in the mail and I just happened to notice the different stamp costs for each. Some were under $2, while a couple were closer to $2.50. Also, the array of ways in which one disc is sent (wrapping and packagaing) is pretty remarkable. There is no consistency. I don't know if Amazon has any guidelines on these, but it's clear that noone reads them if they do.

For me, I will probably end up buying fewer discs with the postage change, which will help me keep my music spending down! :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: TheGSMoeller on May 06, 2013, 08:15:32 AM
Amazon MP seller shipping fee is up to $3.99 now. I didn't notice until yesterday. I don't recall any announcement at all, but it's been a while since its gone up, in fact I don't even remember the last time it's gone up.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on May 29, 2013, 11:05:23 PM
Europadisc.

Now, to those who have used their service, have you noticed any delays or particularly lengthy delivery times? Earlier this month (6/5, UK time) I ordered from them, for the first time, and two days later I received an e-mail stating that the items were ready to be dispatched. It's now over three weeks since that happened and I'm yet to receive them. CDs from UK stores (small boutique ones, like Presto and MDT, or big stores like Amazon) have never taken more than a fortnight to arrive; and this also includes the time from ordering to dispatch. And no, I haven't been contacted by Customs Dept. to pay duty or whatever -- it's always delivered at the door. I just want to make sure of their practices, before I send an e-mail informing them of the delay or possibly a parcel lost in transit.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Elgarian on May 29, 2013, 11:47:16 PM
Quote from: Opus106 on May 29, 2013, 11:05:23 PM
Europadisc.

Now, to those who have used their service, have you noticed any delays or particularly lengthy delivery times? Earlier this month (6/5, UK time) I ordered from them, for the first time, and two days later I received an e-mail stating that the items were ready to be dispatched. It's now over three weeks since that happened and I'm yet to receive them. CDs from UK stores (small boutique ones, like Presto and MDT, or big stores like Amazon) have never taken more than a fortnight to arrive; and this also includes the time from ordering to dispatch. And no, I haven't been contacted by Customs Dept. to pay duty or whatever -- it's always delivered at the door. I just want to make sure of their practices, before I send an e-mail informing them of the delay or possibly a parcel lost in transit.

I've dealt with them only very occasionally during the last couple of years, but haven't experienced anything like that sort of delay, Nav. I'd contact them if I were you.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on May 30, 2013, 12:12:02 AM
Probably lost or delayed in transit. Send them a mail.

On a related note: I have had two calls from private individuals in my neighbourhood the last 4 days reporting having found amazon packages with my name on it at the side of the road. One of them contained the complete Hyperion Liszt set..................... And the carrier is the Norwegian Mail. On the upside I don't have to pay import taxes on it as it is never registered as delivered.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on May 30, 2013, 12:48:48 AM
Thanks for the replies, Alan and Erato. Unless I have a surprise waiting for me at home, this evening I'll send them a mail.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on May 31, 2013, 08:44:16 AM
Quote from: The new erato on May 30, 2013, 12:12:02 AM
Probably lost or delayed in transit. Send them a mail.

On a related note: I have had two calls from private individuals in my neighbourhood the last 4 days reporting having found amazon packages with my name on it at the side of the road. One of them contained the complete Hyperion Liszt set..................... And the carrier is the Norwegian Mail. On the upside I don't have to pay import taxes on it as it is never registered as delivered.
Goodness, just out the back of the truck. Reminds me of the time when my father's plane was taking off and he looked out the window and saw his luggage on the runway.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on May 31, 2013, 09:48:00 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 31, 2013, 08:44:16 AM
Goodness, just out the back of the truck. Reminds me of the time when my father's plane was taking off and he looked out the window and saw his luggage on the runway.
As long as it wasn't parts of the plane......
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on May 31, 2013, 10:45:47 AM
Quote from: The new erato on May 31, 2013, 09:48:00 AM
As long as it wasn't parts of the plane......
Nope. He got to the destination, called back to the previous airport, and told them what yellow runway sign his luggage was nearest. They said, "you're crazy," and then called back to say they had it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on June 05, 2013, 05:20:24 PM
Well, I'm always amazed at some of the prices for CDs on the Amazon MP - I can't imagine WHY such idiots price these discs at the amounts being asked - TONIGHT, a new top record (maybe - can't remember) - but Brian brought up the composer Johann Quantz, mainly flute works - I've had a disc on my 'want list' for 2+ yrs (flute quartets) - BUT was just browsing the Amazon listings for this composer and saw the CD imaged below of 'Flute Concertos' - asking price from Japan is $788 (of course, $4 S/H - a deal breaker for me! ;)) - NOW, what idiot would even set this price and what fool would even consider paying for it?  Maybe it's a mistake?  Don't know but did chuckle - Dave :)

(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-8b4mtM8/0/M/Quantz_AmazonMP-M.png)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on June 05, 2013, 05:58:31 PM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on June 05, 2013, 05:20:24 PM
Well, I'm always amazed at some of the prices for CDs on the Amazon MP - I can't imagine WHY such idiots price these discs at the amounts being asked - TONIGHT, a new top record (maybe - can't remember) - but Brian brought up the composer Johann Quantz, mainly flute works - I've had a disc on my 'want list' for 2+ yrs (flute quartets) - BUT was just browsing the Amazon listings for this composer and saw the CD imaged below of 'Flute Concertos' - asking price from Japan is $788 (of course, $4 S/H - a deal breaker for me! ;)) - NOW, what idiot would even set this price and what fool would even consider paying for it?  Maybe it's a mistake?  Don't know but did chuckle - Dave :)

(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-8b4mtM8/0/M/Quantz_AmazonMP-M.png)

Listing on amazon marketplace is absolutely free, which means there is no risk and the potential reward is large.  I imagine that once in a blue moon some lunatic who absolutely must have one of those recordings goes for it. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on June 09, 2013, 01:06:16 PM
Many Amazon Marketplace sellers use computer software to set the prices of products - often with preposterous results! Click here to read the story of the Amazon Marketplace seller who tried selling a textbook for $23,698,655.93 (http://www.michaeleisen.org/blog/?p=358).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 09, 2013, 07:16:50 PM
A couple of weeks ago, I ordered (among other items) the Fouccrelle recording of the complete Bach organ works, a 14 CD box.

When it arrived,  I discovered that it contained CDs 1-4, 6-9, and 11-14; two copies of CD 10;  no copy of CD 5

Sent up a flare to Prestoclassical by email describing the problem; they responded within 24 hours with a promise to order in a new set from the distributor, and send me a copy of CD 5 when it arrived.   Approximately two days, later, they sent an email notifying me the CD had been dispatched;  it arrived on Friday--just about a week's transit time. 

So once more some very good service from Prestoclassical, and a very helpful gentleman there named Dave.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on June 09, 2013, 07:46:04 PM
I'm really glad you mentioned that error in the Bach/Foccroulle/Ricercar set, Jeffrey.  (The box is of course 16cd not 14cd, though I think that was just a typo.)  Your post sent me scurrying to double-check my own, which I'd only opened thus far to look at the fat booklet.   :-[  I probably still need to open each of these sleeves to make sure the correct discs were placed in each; Ricercar's a lovely label, but I don't understand the reasoning behind them sealing shut each and every paper disc sleeve like an envelope.  "Your product is absolutely not used!"  Ears only.

If it's okay to discuss defects and seller/label contacts:

[asin]B004UVCP9O[/asin]
Schubert: PIANO SONATAS 9 & 11 etc [Sviatoslav Richter] (Alto ALC1115, 2010)

The way I described the defect was:
QuoteIn the final long track (11), starting at 6:30, playback begins to halt and flutter and sputter (?), with frequent harsh digital clipping.  After eventually reaching ~7:30 (not in real time), playback seem to basically abort altogether.

Eventually they determined that even their office reference disc contained the same error, surprising them since the disc had been on the market for a few years now:
QuoteSince my last email, I've got into a complicated detectie exercise trying to determine which of our inventory is efective.  Apparently the first pressing was defective, the second which was supposed to replace it was OK, but then a subsequent pressing rather disastrously went back to the original defective master, a very disruptive and expensive mistake by our factory which we hope to get some compensation for.

Only mentioning this in case any of you own the disc and want to double-check, or in case you buy a new copy in the future.  AFAIK a replacement is in the mail to me.

I'll be happy to move this post if we already have a "defective products" thread, or if someone starts one.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on June 15, 2013, 09:59:15 AM
How fussy are you about stuff you order from Amazon Marketplace sellers?

I bought a CD graded "Like New" on Amazon Marketplace. I received it this week, and the disc was in perfect condition, and the booklet was present. No problems with either. But the case was a piece of crap, with one sticker on it, and two splotches of goo where other stickers had obviously been removed.

If I had been selling this CD, I would have graded it "Very Good" and written something like "Disc and booklet like new. Case with sticker goo," and priced it a couple of dollars less. I paid a couple of dollars more for "like new," and didn't get what I paid for. So I wrote to the seller, who responded by saying:
">a cd that has art work and disc like new should be graded "very good" because of some residue on a non broken or scratched jewel case? i cannot win. if i change the case i will get a complaint it wasn't sent in the original jewel case. i think i need to change careers..."

To which I responded with Amazon's definition of "Like New":
Used - Like New: An apparently untouched item in perfect condition. Original protective wrapping may be missing, but the original packaging is intact and pristine. There are absolutely no signs of wear on the item or its packaging. Instructions are included. Item is suitable for presenting as a gift.


I let him know that when I sell things on AM or eBay, I don't mark them Like New unless they meet those criteria.

Then the seller said:I guess I will throw out my 14 years of selling experience and hang it up.

Now it's time to give him feedback.

What would you do?


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on June 15, 2013, 10:11:05 AM
Quote from: Jay F on June 15, 2013, 09:59:15 AM
How fussy are you about stuff you order from Amazon Marketplace sellers?

I bought a CD graded "Like New" on Amazon Marketplace. I received it this week, and the disc was in perfect condition, and the booklet was present. No problems with either. But the case was a piece of crap, with one sticker on it, and two splotches of goo where other stickers had obviously been removed.

If I had been selling this CD, I would have graded it "Very Good" and written something like "Disc and booklet like new. Case with sticker goo," and priced it a couple of dollars less. I paid a couple of dollars more for "like new," and didn't get what I paid for. So I wrote to the seller, who responded by saying:
">a cd that has art work and disc like new should be graded "very good" because of some residue on a non broken or scratched jewel case? i cannot win. if i change the case i will get a complaint it wasn't sent in the original jewel case. i think i need to change careers..."

To which I responded with Amazon's definition of "Like New":
Used - Like New: An apparently untouched item in perfect condition. Original protective wrapping may be missing, but the original packaging is intact and pristine. There are absolutely no signs of wear on the item or its packaging. Instructions are included. Item is suitable for presenting as a gift.


I let him know that when I sell things on AM or eBay, I don't mark them Like New unless they meet those criteria.

Then the seller said:I guess I will throw out my 14 years of selling experience and hang it up.

Now it's time to give him feedback.

What would you do?

I always knock a star off for stuff like that, and I put a short statement in the comment section that I didn't agree with the seller's description, something simple like : graded as 'like new', but was 'very good', or maybe 'seller should have disclosed that there was label glue smeared on the case which prohibited me from giving it as a gift'. 

There is no point to knock off stars without telling why, but no need to go into a world of detail either. Don't let his sarcasm buffalo you. sarcasm is cheap while good service costs him something.

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on June 15, 2013, 10:11:53 AM
I'd contact Amazon, who will probably refund you in consideration for the unnecessary grief element. And I'd rate the seller very poor, for (a) misrepresenting the condition of the disc, (b) lousy customer service, and (c) snotty sass over and above (b).

Tell us who the seller was.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on June 15, 2013, 10:13:22 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on June 15, 2013, 10:11:05 AM
I always knock a star off for stuff like that, and I put a short statement in the comment section that I didn't agree with the seller's description, something simple like : graded as 'like new', but was 'very good', or maybe 'seller should have disclosed that there was label glue smeared on the case which prohibited me from giving it as a gift'. 

There is no point to knock off stars without telling why, but no need to go into a world of detail either. Don't let his sarcasm buffalo you. sarcasm is cheap while good service costs him something.

8)

Good.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 15, 2013, 10:44:44 AM
Perhaps I'm in a minority here, but if the only defect was sticker goo on the case, then I would have thought the appropriate action was an application of rubbing alcohol or GooBGone, not a complaint--in my eyes, it would have qualified as "Like New".

If it was more than that, then, yes, you should keep complaining until you get something satisfactory.  I've had one such problem with an Amazon MP vendor, MovieMops, and it took several complaints before the vendor agreed to refund some of the money.   (In that instance, the slipcase was missing and the CD was scratched.)

But it's just because of potential problems like this that I avoid buying used CD online, doing so only when it's the only option and the price is low enough that even if the CD condition (which for me is the only really important consideration)  is poor,  I won't mind the price.

And in either case the sarcasm was quite wrong, and justifies some negative feedback.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on June 15, 2013, 10:50:44 AM
Just a notice that my favorite non-Amazon vendor, www.importcds.com, is having a general sale, 10% off every order.  (You have to type in a discount code which is shown on the main page.) 

Importcds.com has prices which are usually about the same as the lowest Amazon MP price. (They also sell as an Amazon MP seller.)   A big advantage of using their own site is that after charging $3 for the first item, they only add $1.50 shipping per item.  That can save a lot if you order a few items at a time.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on June 15, 2013, 12:13:33 PM
Not my day with Amazon Marketplace sellers. This time it's the original version of the Emersons' Beethoven String Quartets box set. I opened it up and it smelled like I'd fallen into a perfume factory. I know some sellers use dryer sheets either as part of the packaging they send you, or in the boxes of bubble wrap and peanuts and what not they keep in their homes. It just reeks.

The total package is unambiguously horrible. Not the "very good" it was sold as. Smelly. Dirty. Scratched discs. I had no problem asking for either a return or a refund of half my money. I wish I didn't hate the new box sets as much as I do, or I'd've just bought one of those. As you may surmise from my complaining here and about another CD earlier, how things look is important to me, and I can't stand these new sleeves that are so tight you have to either use your fingertips to get the CD out, or risk having it fall on the floor.

I had no problem asking for either a return or a refund of half my money.

Jeffrey is right. Buying used CDs online is risky. I only do it when I can't get a new version of something for a reasonable price.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on June 15, 2013, 12:51:38 PM
Quote from: Jay F on June 15, 2013, 12:13:33 PM
Not my day with Amazon Marketplace sellers. This time it's the original version of the Emersons' Beethoven String Quartets box set. I opened it up and it smelled like I'd fallen into a perfume factory. I know some sellers use dryer sheets either as part of the packaging they send you, or in the boxes of bubble wrap and peanuts and what not they keep in their homes. It just reeks.

The total package is unambiguously horrible. Not the "very good" it was sold as. Smelly. Dirty. Scratched discs. I had no problem asking for either a return or a refund of half my money. I wish I didn't hate the new box sets as much as I do, or I'd've just bought one of those. As you may surmise from my complaining here and about another CD earlier, how things look is important to me, and I can't stand these new sleeves that are so tight you have to either use your fingertips to get the CD out, or risk having it fall on the floor.

I had no problem asking for either a return or a refund of half my money.

Jeffrey is right. Buying used CDs online is risky. I only do it when I can't get a new version of something for a reasonable price.
I have to agree with you. I tried making a number of used purchases earlier this year. 50% were fine and as good or better than advertised. Another 25% were not quite so, but not too bad (acceptable), but the other 25% had the same issues you related. I was lucky that all of the sellers seemed to be reasonable and very quick to respond. I don't know if it is the right way to deal with it, but I usually lay out the situation and ask the seller how they want to fix it. Most of the time, much to my surprise, they gave a full refund and didn't even ask for the disc back (admittedly, no sets, and nothing extravagently expensive). But the whole thing has made me leary of doing used in the future unless the disc is OOP and not possible at a decent price any other way. But even then, I think I will be using it sparingly and buy new where I can.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on June 15, 2013, 01:54:54 PM
Here's the response I got from the perfumed CD seller:

Hello, I really don't appreciate your comment. first of all you got a great deal for 18 dollars. Did you wanted me to send your the CD's in a Chanel Box? guess what? I will ship my items with what i got!! I'm not you buyer and whatever you do with them is your business!!

So I responded by leaving him this feedback on AM:

1 out of 5 (stars): Worst buying experience I've ever had on AM. Condition should have been marked "Poor" or seller should have stated that the package reeked of perfume or dryer sheets. The discs weren't VG, either. And seller was nasty about it: "Did you want me to send you the CDs in a Chanel Box? I'm not you, buyer and whatever you do with them is your business!!" Avoid like the plague, buyers.

Ugh. All the discs and packaging components are airing out on a table. I hope I'll want to go near them someday. Did I want him to send me the CDs "in a Chanel Box"? No, I'm complaining because they smell as if he did send them in a Chanel box.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: bigshot on June 15, 2013, 02:15:14 PM
I once got a used CD that smelled like Mussorgksy!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on June 15, 2013, 02:19:49 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on June 15, 2013, 12:51:38 PM
I have to agree with you. I tried making a number of used purchases earlier this year. 50% were fine and as good or better than advertised. Another 25% were not quite so, but not too bad (acceptable), but the other 25% had the same issues you related. I was lucky that all of the sellers seemed to be reasonable and very quick to respond. I don't know if it is the right way to deal with it, but I usually lay out the situation and ask the seller how they want to fix it. Most of the time, much to my surprise, they gave a full refund and didn't even ask for the disc back (admittedly, no sets, and nothing extravagently expensive). But the whole thing has made me leary of doing used in the future unless the disc is OOP and not possible at a decent price any other way. But even then, I think I will be using it sparingly and buy new where I can.

You must be a lot more fussy than me, because 99% of my used disc purchases are fine.  I don't pay much attention to the condition advertised (which is poorly defined anyway) I just restrict myself to sellers with very good feedback and go to used only if I can save 50% of the purchase price of a new item.  My favorite source for used is Zoverstocks.  Condition is always acceptable, although you must wait for the discs to make their way across the Atlantic.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DaveF on June 15, 2013, 02:21:35 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on June 15, 2013, 10:50:44 AM
Just a notice that my favorite non-Amazon vendor, www.importcds.com, is having a general sale, 10% off every order.

They also sell on eBay UK as all_your_music.  My favourite too.  All their eBay sales offer free postage - OK, they probably add postage to their prices, but it's a nice gesture.  My last purchase was Boulez's Webern/Varèse/Carter/Berio box - 6 discs for something silly like £13.  Delivery is extraordinarily quick, too.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pat B on June 15, 2013, 07:21:55 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on June 15, 2013, 10:44:44 AM
Perhaps I'm in a minority here, but if the only defect was sticker goo on the case, then I would have thought the appropriate action was an application of rubbing alcohol or GooBGone, not a complaint--in my eyes, it would have qualified as "Like New".
...
And in either case the sarcasm was quite wrong, and justifies some negative feedback.

Even as someone who really doesn't care about the jewel box (I use jazzloft sleeves) I have to disagree. Amazon's condition guidelines are very clear, Jay paid extra for 'Like New,' and his message was reasonable.

The indignant response from the seller ignored the obvious solution which was to grade it 'Used - Very Good,' perhaps with an explanation, as Jay suggested.

I'd like to know who that seller is, so I can avoid him just based on his rudeness.

With that said, my experience buying on AMP has been uniformly good. In the few cases where I have complained, the seller has offered an acceptable solution.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on June 15, 2013, 07:48:01 PM
Quote from: George on June 15, 2013, 04:17:03 PM
All of my online buying of used CDs is through amazon marketplace sellers. I used to not have a lot of trouble getting just what was advertised, in the condition advertised, but all that has changed for some reason. These days, almost all of the used stuff I buy that is isn't actually in the condition it was listed in. Sometimes it's better! Often it isn't, though. I get "Like New" stuff delivered in "Very Good" condition or cut-outs (that weren't listed as such) or club copies. When this happens, I promptly let the seller know and request a partial refund, one that I will be happy with. They either:

1. Agree and give me the discount I ask for, or
2. Give me a full refund (sellers with 100% ratings seem to handle it this way) or
3. They give me a smart ass answer and I simply file an A to Z claim (as Karl suggested) and get all my money back.

In the case of 3 (almost never happens), they get poor feedback (1 star); for cases 1 and 2, they get 5 stars.

So to me, buying on amazon is ideal. There is no risk. If I am not happy, I don't have to pay, that's amazon's guarantee. And as I described above, things almost never reach that point, as the sellers are usually willing to settle ahead of time.

What you describe, George, is the way returns/complaints usually play out for me on AM, and it's always been case #1 or #2. I never had a case #3 until today. Do you have to send the CDs back in case #3? I've already given the seller his 1 star, and I don't even want to touch his smelly shit again. I thought the smell might dissipate if I aired it all out, but all I have now is a smelly living room.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on June 15, 2013, 07:55:28 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 15, 2013, 10:11:53 AM
Tell us who the seller was.

Quote from: Pat B on June 15, 2013, 07:21:55 PM
Even as someone who really doesn't care about the jewel box (I use jazzloft sleeves) I have to disagree. Amazon's condition guidelines are very clear, Jay paid extra for 'Like New,' and his message was reasonable.

The indignant response from the seller ignored the obvious solution which was to grade it 'Used - Very Good,' perhaps with an explanation, as Jay suggested.

I'd like to know who that seller is, so I can avoid him just based on his rudeness.

The first seller, whom Karl and Pat are inquiring about, is rmutt99. The perfumed CDs guy calls himself fastmedia123.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on June 15, 2013, 08:42:54 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on June 15, 2013, 10:50:44 AM
Importcds.com...A big advantage of using their own site is that after charging $3 for the first item, they only add $1.50 shipping per item.  That can save a lot if you order a few items at a time.

Except for almost all 'heavy' items (box sets usually starting with 3 discs, sometimes even just two), which are $3.5 additional per item.  Plus a $1.50 surcharge per order, unless that has changed.  (It looks like maybe the new scheme is what you mentioned: $3 for the first item or $5 for the first 'heavy' item, then $1.50/$3.50 each additional.)  I've still found their prices to be the lowest I can find on many things, if only by a little. 

My only complaint is about Importcds' customer service, which in my limited experience is rather hurried, generic, and unhelpful....and I don't pester them much at all, about anything.  Unlike Arkiv and Presto, where I get marvelously responsive customer service.  (But usually pay "for" it!  So to speak.)

EDIT: on the other hand, I have had almost no problems with Importcds...I order, they ship extremely quickly....boom-boom.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on June 15, 2013, 10:01:41 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on June 15, 2013, 02:19:49 PM
You must be a lot more fussy than me, because 99% of my used disc purchases are fine.  I don't pay much attention to the condition advertised (which is poorly defined anyway) I just restrict myself to sellers with very good feedback and go to used only if I can save 50% of the purchase price of a new item.  My favorite source for used is Zoverstocks.  Condition is always acceptable, although you must wait for the discs to make their way across the Atlantic.
I might be fussier than you are. It is a good suggestion to stick to the higher rated sellers, as I did seem to get the better service from them. And Zoverstocks did generally give better descriptions that better matched the qualty of the actual product. And I don't mind that it can take 6 weeks, although one item did get lost from them, which they promptly credited. Where I paid a really low price (50% or more off list price), I have fewer complaints anyway. Still, I've only actually had a handful of cases where there were problems, so it's a small percentage we are talking about.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on June 16, 2013, 06:32:13 AM
Quote from: Jay F on June 15, 2013, 01:54:54 PM
Here's the response I got from the perfumed CD seller:

Hello, I really don't appreciate your comment. first of all you got a great deal for 18 dollars. Did you wanted me to send your the CD's in a Chanel Box? guess what? I will ship my items with what i got!! I'm not you buyer and whatever you do with them is your business!!

So I responded by leaving him this feedback on AM:

1 out of 5 (stars): Worst buying experience I've ever had on AM. Condition should have been marked "Poor" or seller should have stated that the package reeked of perfume or dryer sheets. The discs weren't VG, either. And seller was nasty about it: "Did you want me to send you the CDs in a Chanel Box? I'm not you, buyer and whatever you do with them is your business!!" Avoid like the plague, buyers.

Ugh. All the discs and packaging components are airing out on a table. I hope I'll want to go near them someday. Did I want him to send me the CDs "in a Chanel Box"? No, I'm complaining because they smell as if he did send them in a Chanel box.

It could have been worse.  It could have smelled like a sewage plant. 
But in this case, it sounds like I would have demanded a full refund. 
Too bad it's not possible to give a "zero" stars rating on Amazon. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on June 17, 2013, 04:05:01 AM
Quote from: Jay F on June 15, 2013, 07:55:28 PM
The first seller, whom Karl and Pat are inquiring about, is rmutt99. The perfumed CDs guy calls himself fastmedia123.

Thanks!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on June 17, 2013, 06:11:39 AM
Quote from: George on June 16, 2013, 07:58:52 AM
No.
I have to wait two business days after trying to resolve the matter with the seller before contacting Amazon about it.

Thanks for sharing your experience with Amazon, George. I've bought so many things from AM sellers, and this is the first time I've ever had an issue in which the seller was unwilling to make a bad purchase good. Whenever I've had an issue like this with something I've sold (which has happened only two or three times since 1999), I refund either half or all of their money, and I let them keep the item.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on June 17, 2013, 06:20:09 AM
Man, I appreciate now just what luck I have had with the third-partiers.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Jay F on June 17, 2013, 06:25:35 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 17, 2013, 06:20:09 AM
Man, I appreciate now just what luck I have had with the third-partiers.

Until last week, I'd've said the same thing. No problems for years and years, and then two in the same week.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on June 17, 2013, 06:25:51 AM
Last third-partier I had from Amazon, got my money back after never receiving the CD. They were, however, very apologetic about it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on June 19, 2013, 07:57:13 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on May 29, 2013, 11:05:23 PM
Europadisc.

Now, to those who have used their service, have you noticed any delays or particularly lengthy delivery times? Earlier this month (6/5, UK time) I ordered from them, for the first time, and two days later I received an e-mail stating that the items were ready to be dispatched. It's now over three weeks since that happened and I'm yet to receive them. CDs from UK stores (small boutique ones, like Presto and MDT, or big stores like Amazon) have never taken more than a fortnight to arrive; and this also includes the time from ordering to dispatch. And no, I haven't been contacted by Customs Dept. to pay duty or whatever -- it's always delivered at the door. I just want to make sure of their practices, before I send an e-mail informing them of the delay or possibly a parcel lost in transit.

That ended rather well. I sent an e-mail that very evening and received a reply within a couple of hours. I was politely asked to wait for one more week and told that if the parcel didn't turned up by then I would be sent replacement copies. Nothing turned up. I informed them about that on the 10th; new copies were dispatched on the 13th, and I received the package today. Throughout the communication, with one Richard Cox (who runs the store, I think), he was quick to respond and courteous. Thumbs up for Europadisc!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pat B on June 24, 2013, 07:26:02 AM
About a month ago I ordered an item from an AMP seller that showed 8 left in stock. The order was cancelled with a message that it was out of stock. Not the end of the world but still irritating. Eventually I left feedback of 3 stars ("neutral") with an explanation. Almost immediately the seller sent me an apology and an offer to send the disc free of charge.

I got the disc and removed the neutral rating. The seller, Lachobba78 (http://www.amazon.com/shops/AITPJ9L3FVST5), is now on my good list.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fafner on July 27, 2013, 06:47:41 AM
Hmm, I still do not have my Verdi box from Vivace Classical after two months.
No further info since they wrote that it is going to be delayed.

I cannot complain about not having anything to listen to, but I am starting to lose my patience.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on July 27, 2013, 06:57:31 AM
Quote from: Fafner on July 27, 2013, 06:47:41 AM
Hmm, I still do not have my Verdi box from Vivace Classical after two months.
No further info since they wrote that it is going to be delayed.

I cannot complain about not having anything to listen to, but I am starting to lose my patience.
I would defnitely write them again if you have not heard from them recently.

PS: Did this used to be Arkiv Europe?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on July 27, 2013, 07:33:19 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on July 27, 2013, 06:57:31 AM
I would defnitely write them again if you have not heard from them recently.

PS: Did this used to be Arkiv Europe?
Yes.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on October 06, 2013, 06:55:23 AM

I have three orders which shipped from Europe to the US (sold by marvelio and zoverstocks) which are overdue (orders of Aug 28, Aug 31, Sept 12).  I have found that shipping times from europe can vary wildly (perhaps due to backlog at customs).  Anyone else having a similar experience?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brahmsian on October 06, 2013, 07:03:16 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on October 06, 2013, 06:55:23 AM
I have three orders which shipped from Europe to the US (sold by marvelio and zoverstocks) which are overdue (orders of Aug 28, Aug 31, Sept 12).  I have found that shipping times from europe can vary wildly (perhaps due to backlog at customs).  Anyone else having a similar experience?

I've only ordered a few times from Europe, at Abeilles Musique in France.  Delivery time had been better than I expected.

I just recently ordered this week from the 'Russian CD shop'.  We'll see how long that takes.  :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on October 06, 2013, 07:05:52 AM
Quote from: ChamberNut on October 06, 2013, 07:03:16 AM

I just recently ordered this week from the 'Russian CD shop'.  We'll see how long that takes.  :D

Oh...what did you order from them, Ray? Anything good?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Opus106 on October 06, 2013, 07:10:24 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 06, 2013, 07:05:52 AM
Oh...what did you order from them, Ray? Anything good?

I bet it's total crap like Bach.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on October 06, 2013, 07:12:21 AM
Quote from: Opus106 on October 06, 2013, 07:10:24 AM
I bet it's total crap like Bach.

???
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brahmsian on October 06, 2013, 07:16:24 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 06, 2013, 07:05:52 AM
Oh...what did you order from them, Ray? Anything good?

The complete Miaskovsky string quartets, performed by the Taneyev SQ on Northern Flowers label.  Was cheaper overall, than going on Amazon.ca and via third party sellers.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on October 06, 2013, 07:17:10 AM
Quote from: ChamberNut on October 06, 2013, 07:16:24 AM
The complete Miaskovsky string quartets, performed by the Taneyev SQ on Northern Flowers label.  Was cheaper overall, than going on Amazon.ca and via third party sellers.

Nice! Hope you enjoy them, Ray. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on October 06, 2013, 07:23:45 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on October 06, 2013, 06:55:23 AM
I have three orders which shipped from Europe to the US (sold by marvelio and zoverstocks) which are overdue (orders of Aug 28, Aug 31, Sept 12).  I have found that shipping times from Europe can vary wildly (perhaps due to backlog at customs).  Anyone else having a similar experience?

Well, certainly similar on the 'vary wildly' front. I've ordered from both of those places as well as the German ones that all operate under the same name, one of which is Momox. Within the last 2 weeks I received one from England that took  less than a week (!)  and I have had a few that took up to 8 weeks. Twice I have had them not show up at all, one time got a refund, another time they shipped me a new copy of the disk (which is what I really wanted anyway) and told me if the original showed up to go ahead and keep it. It did show up about 3 months later. I have come to the conclusion that they are pretty reliable, but transportation times are out of their control, I think your speculation about Customs is pretty accurate. BTW, another seller I like over there is ONLINE EXPRESS out of Prague. They have some scarce labels, like Novalis. Only problem I have had with them is not always having what they advertise, which never fails to piss me off. When they do have it though, they are fast shipping.   :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on October 06, 2013, 07:31:33 AM
Good to hear that you have found marvelio generally reliable.  I will hang on a while longer.  I'm surprised because usually the overseas mail delays are worst around the December rush.  Last year a Zoverstocks package that was shipped in December never arrived (they refunded without quibbling), and it is starting to put me off overseas Amazon MPs.  I can't regret the marvelio order (the Vegh/Mozart Serenades box) because they undercut everyone else on price by a hundred bucks.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on October 06, 2013, 07:42:24 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on October 06, 2013, 06:55:23 AM
I have three orders which shipped from Europe to the US (sold by marvelio and zoverstocks) which are overdue (orders of Aug 28, Aug 31, Sept 12).  I have found that shipping times from europe can vary wildly (perhaps due to backlog at customs).  Anyone else having a similar experience?
My experience is just the opposite ;)
But seriously, it usually takes about a week more than the estimated time for sth from the US, but lately there have been smaller delays, or none.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on October 06, 2013, 07:46:20 AM
I want to de-rec the amazon seller Marvello who took 2 1/2 weeks to ship me cds not from overseas but from PA.  It should have taken at most a week to receive those cds.  That is a clear violation of amazon's policy which requires the seller to ship within two business days.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on October 06, 2013, 07:53:33 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 06, 2013, 07:46:20 AM
I want to de-rec the amazon seller Marvello who took 2 1/2 weeks to ship me cds not from overseas but from PA.  It should have taken at most a week to receive those cds.  That is a clear violation of amazon's policy which requires the seller to ship within two business days.

When you view the listings on Amazon MP, PA is given as the shipping location, but I believe they ship from Europe, which is somewhat deceptive in itself.  (The shipping service listed listed on the shipping notice is DHL GlobalMail).  If or when the package arrives I will presumably be able to tell the shipment date and origin.

We have in common that I don't feel a warm fuzzy feeling for marvelio right now, but I'm wiling to put up with slow delivery for the prices they were offering.  No delivery is another matter.



Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on October 06, 2013, 08:05:30 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 06, 2013, 07:46:20 AM
I want to de-rec the amazon seller Marvello who took 2 1/2 weeks to ship me cds not from overseas but from PA.  It should have taken at most a week to receive those cds.  That is a clear violation of amazon's policy which requires the seller to ship within two business days.
Delays are welcome by me as my heaps are too high already.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on October 06, 2013, 08:45:18 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on October 06, 2013, 06:55:23 AM
I have three orders which shipped from Europe to the US (sold by marvelio and zoverstocks) which are overdue (orders of Aug 28, Aug 31, Sept 12).  I have found that shipping times from europe can vary wildly (perhaps due to backlog at customs).  Anyone else having a similar experience?

I've ordered three times in the relatively recent past from Prestoclassical.  The first two orders took almost exactly one week to reach me.  The third one was sent out September 1724, and has not arrived, but I've had orders from Presto take two to three weeks to reach me, and overall up to a month from some European vendors, so it's too early to be alarmed.

However,  given the DC temper tantrums now going on aka The Shutdown,  wouldn't US Customs be impacted?  I'd not be surprised if many packages are sitting in some Customs facility waiting for customs inspectors to return from furlough, or wherever customs inspectors go during government shutdowns.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on October 06, 2013, 11:44:15 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 06, 2013, 07:46:20 AM
I want to de-rec the amazon seller Marvello who took 2 1/2 weeks to ship me cds not from overseas but from PA.  It should have taken at most a week to receive those cds.  That is a clear violation of amazon's policy which requires the seller to ship within two business days.

But it didn't really ship from PA, not originally at least. They are just like Momox, who say they ship from New Jersey. That's true, but when you place an order to them they ship it from Germany to New Jersey and then they ship it to you. I don't think that there is a single seller using that business model who actually originates a shipment from whatever drop box they use in order to have a USA address. Now, if you think THAT is wrong, then that's what you need to complain to Amazon about, the fact that they enable that bullshit.

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on October 06, 2013, 11:58:10 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 06, 2013, 08:45:18 AM
However,  given the DC temper tantrums now going on aka The Shutdown,  wouldn't US Customs be impacted?  I'd not be surprised if many packages are sitting in some Customs facility waiting for customs inspectors to return from furlough, or wherever customs inspectors go during government shutdowns.

Just wait til Ted Cruz finds out he can't keep ordering rare HIP Schubert chamber music CDs!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on October 06, 2013, 04:02:36 PM
Quote from: Brian on October 06, 2013, 11:58:10 AM
Just wait til Ted Cruz finds out he can't keep ordering rare HIP Schubert chamber music CDs!

New GOP talking point: Obama is keeping your JPC orders hostage!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on October 07, 2013, 04:36:10 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on October 06, 2013, 11:44:15 AM
But it didn't really ship from PA, not originally at least. They are just like Momox, who say they ship from New Jersey. That's true, but when you place an order to them they ship it from Germany to New Jersey and then they ship it to you. I don't think that there is a single seller using that business model who actually originates a shipment from whatever drop box they use in order to have a USA address. Now, if you think THAT is wrong, then that's what you need to complain to Amazon about, the fact that they enable that bullshit.

8)

Thanks for the fyi.  I just wish that they would advertise that.  Other sellers truthfully say "we ship internationally" so you know to expect a delay.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on October 07, 2013, 07:36:50 AM
Guess what arrived today, one of my packages from Marvelio (ordered August 31).

[asin]B000GFKUEK[/asin]

It was indeed sent DHL Global mail but the tracking number reports the origin was indeed PA last week.  That is consistent with Gurn's supposition that they sent product from Europe to the US in batches to be dispatched separately.

In any case, Marvelio's prices can be very low, and I would not hesitate to order again.  I can tolerate a delay, as long as the item arrives eventually.

I gave up on my Zoverstock package (ordered August 17) and complained.  They refunded immediately without quibbling.  I don't think I will order from Zoverstock again.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on October 07, 2013, 08:41:35 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 06, 2013, 07:46:20 AM
I want to de-rec the amazon seller Marvello who took 2 1/2 weeks to ship me cds not from overseas but from PA.  It should have taken at most a week to receive those cds.  That is a clear violation of amazon's policy which requires the seller to ship within two business days.

Tossers!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on October 07, 2013, 10:04:05 AM
That is unfortunate from Zoverstock Scarpia, I had good experiences with them in the past.  Maybe they're starting to slip.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on October 07, 2013, 10:19:24 AM
Pity . . . it's a while since last I ordered from them, but Zoverstock had always done right by me, as well.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on October 07, 2013, 11:34:50 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 06, 2013, 08:45:18 AM
I've ordered three times in the relatively recent past from Prestoclassical.  The first two orders took almost exactly one week to reach me.  The third one was sent out September 1724, and has not arrived, but I've had orders from Presto take two to three weeks to reach me, and overall up to a month from some European vendors, so it's too early to be alarmed.

However,  given the DC temper tantrums now going on aka The Shutdown,  wouldn't US Customs be impacted?  I'd not be surprised if many packages are sitting in some Customs facility waiting for customs inspectors to return from furlough, or wherever customs inspectors go during government shutdowns.

Update:  my order from Prestoclassical arrived in today's (Monday) mail.  So Customs is apparently not complete shutdown, or this got to the US before the shutdown began.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on October 14, 2013, 09:03:09 AM
FWIW, I had two little disappointments with Amazon MP sellers----Marvelio and Zoverstocks----at virtually the exact same time as Scarpia.
In both cases, however, everything regarding refund was zero-hassle; one PM to the seller did the trick.  This is the first such disappointment I've had with either, and I still think Zoverstocks has been really remarkably reliable in listing their used merch...I cannot remember ever being annoyed by shoddy discs being oversold.  Of course, I might be lucky; I have heard a couple complaints to the contrary.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on October 14, 2013, 09:14:13 AM
Quote from: Octave on October 14, 2013, 09:03:09 AM
FWIW, I had two little disappointments with Amazon MP sellers----Marvelio and Zoverstocks----at virtually the exact same time as Scarpia.
In both cases, however, everything regarding refund was zero-hassle; one PM to the seller did the trick.  This is the first such disappointment I've had with either, and I still think Zoverstocks has been really remarkably reliable in listing their used merch...I cannot remember ever being annoyed by shoddy discs being oversold.  Of course, I might be lucky; I have heard a couple complaints to the contrary.

One of my overdue Marvelio shipments arrived, and I am optimistic about the second.  It it takes as long as the first one did, it will arrive sometime this week.  But Zoverstocks, not so optimistic.  This is the second time a Zoverstocks shipment never arrived at all.  They did refund without quibbling, and for the second time I've re-ordered the item from another seller for a similar price.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fafner on October 14, 2013, 09:22:50 AM
I never had any problems with Zoverstocks or any of the sellers who ship from Europe, but some of the orders that shipped from the US never arrived. (I am in Europe.) I'd say it's generally not the seller's fault, but rather the package gets lost somewhere along the way.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on October 14, 2013, 04:17:31 PM
That is well thought out George.  You are a meticulous shopper! :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on October 18, 2013, 06:05:01 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 07, 2013, 11:34:50 AM
Update:  my order from Prestoclassical arrived in today's (Monday) mail.  So Customs is apparently not complete shutdown, or this got to the US before the shutdown began.

The postal service made it clear that it's operations were not affected by the shutdown, which was confirmed by the fact that I received a package from the UK the day before the shutdown ended, about 10 days after it was shipped .  Of course, that it moot, since the crisis has been kicked down the road another 3 months and the government is again in operation.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on October 18, 2013, 01:33:29 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on October 18, 2013, 06:05:01 AM
The postal service made it clear that it's operations were not affected by the shutdown, which was confirmed by the fact that I received a package from the UK the day before the shutdown ended, about 10 days after it was shipped .  Of course, that it moot, since the crisis has been kicked down the road another 3 months and the government is again in operation.

Reading a post mortem account in the paper yesterday,  I discovered that Customs is conidered essential and therefore customs agents remained on duty during the shutdown.

On a Prestoclassical note, and since that time of the year is approaching,  I would advise everyone to avoid ordering from them in the preChristmas period.  Twice I've placed orders with them in December for which I ended up sending followup emails along the line of "why haven't you shipped my order", and both times I've received contrite replies explaining that in the crush of business at that time of year, my order got lost in the shuffle,  and they're quite sorry and will be sending it out as quickly as they can.  (Which they did.)  The rest of the year, their service is fine--even excellent.  But apparently they get overwhelmed with holiday business.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on October 23, 2013, 07:39:21 AM
Marvelio Update:

QuoteDear Customer,

Thank you for your request.
Your order was dispatched as planned and has not yet been returned to us. The item may have got lost during the shipment or is still on its way to you.
We are going to send an enquiry to the delivery service immediately, also we will send a replacement at our expense, if the item is still available from one of our suppliers. Please note that this process could take a few more days.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could notify us if you should receive the original order. Again, we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.
You may rest assured: It is of great importance to us that you receive your order as soon as possible.

Sincerely
-Marvelio

The order was placed Sept 12, and I was notified of shipment on Sept 13.

I find the reply disingenuous because I was notified that the shipment was by DHL Global Mail, which includes tracking.  If they really shipped it when they said they did, why didn't they give me the tracking number, and why didn't they just look it up now? 

BTW, I previously thought Marvelio was a European vendor that serviced the US.  Further snooping around seems to indicate that they are a US based vendor, but that they sometimes list items that are sourced from European vendors, causing a delivery delay. 

I think this is them:
http://www.marvelio.com/

In any case, I am losing faith in them.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on October 23, 2013, 09:25:55 PM
Re: Amazon US-MP seller Marvelio (minor disappointment):
FWIW, I ordered the same item as Scarpia at almost the same time (perhaps a day before?).  When we ordered the item, Amazon US-MP said there were ~2-3 items left.  On Oct 14 I received this (perhaps a week after making an inquiry and getting an immediate reply like the one quoted by Scarpia above):
QuoteWe would have liked to send you a replacement but, unfortunately, the respective item is temporarily out of stock. The full purchasing costs of the item have been refunded. Amazon will credit your account within a few days. Please note that there will be two separate transactions for the costs of the item and the shipping. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience. We hope to welcome you again in our store in the future.
and the next day I received a two-part refund (item/shipping).  The vindictive conspiracy theorist in me---that guy!---says that they realized they could command hundreds of dollars for the item, so why sell their stock for $30, so they faked a shipment.  But that is crazy talk, even if it's true...why wouldn't they?

Here's hoping Capriccio re-presses that Mozart/Vegh box.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on October 23, 2013, 11:07:24 PM
Quote from: Octave on October 23, 2013, 09:25:55 PM

Here's hoping Capriccio re-presses that Mozart/Vegh box.
Capriccio seem to be actively reissuing stuff these days, so there's hope. I bought the set cheaply some years ago when Cappriccio were in trouble and dumped lots of stuff very cheaply.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on October 24, 2013, 06:39:29 PM
My experience with Marvelio is consistent with the hypothesis that they operate out of Europe, and send any US orders to be trans-shipped from Pennsylvania.  (That would be reason enough not to supply you with the tracking number.) The amount of time it took for me to receive the item is about what it would take to be sent from Europe in a timely fashion.  It's been a while since I've bought anything from them, because 1) their facade of selling from the US leaves me with a bad taste and 2)while they may sometimes be cheap compared to US Amazon MP vendors, they're not much different in price for the items I'm interested in, when compared to other European Amazon MP vendors like Zoverstocks.  So  I figure that if I'm going to wait the extra time for a package to get here from Europe, I may as well stick to one who makes no bones about being in Europe.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on October 24, 2013, 06:44:45 PM
BTW, Amazon (meaning Amazon USA itself) has once again proved that it's the least efficient of the Amazons I've dealt with.  I ordered some CDs from Amazon MP at the exact same time I ordered some others from Amazon itself.  Amazon was so slow in shipping that I actually received one of the CDs from the MP vendors the day that Amazon shipped what I had ordered directly from them, and it took a week for the Amazon shipment  to reach me.    And, unexpectedly, it showed up in my mail box even though it had been shipped with a tracking number on UPS.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on October 24, 2013, 07:19:15 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 24, 2013, 06:44:45 PM
BTW, Amazon (meaning Amazon USA itself) has once again proved that it's the least efficient of the Amazons I've dealt with.  I ordered some CDs from Amazon MP at the exact same time I ordered some others from Amazon itself.  Amazon was so slow in shipping that I actually received one of the CDs from the MP vendors the day that Amazon shipped what I had ordered directly from them, and it took a week for the Amazon shipment  to reach me.    And, unexpectedly, it showed up in my mail box even though it had been shipped with a tracking number on UPS.

Seldom do I buy directly from Amazon. They're generally slow if you have an order where you can get free shipping. Right now, they have Weinberg's complete set of Violin Sonatas (the one which GMG's own Jens wrote the liner notes) for sale for a great price. I may jump on it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on October 24, 2013, 07:27:01 PM
I have Amazon Prime. Nyah ha ha haha  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on October 24, 2013, 07:31:18 PM
Quote from: Brian on October 24, 2013, 07:27:01 PM
I have Amazon Prime. Nyah ha ha haha  ;D

Yeah and you pay for it, too. Nyah ha ha haha ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on October 24, 2013, 07:42:53 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 24, 2013, 07:31:18 PM
Yeah and you pay for it, too. Nyah ha ha haha ;D
Six month free trial as an educator followed by half-price for several years. Nyah ha ha haha  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on October 24, 2013, 07:54:40 PM
Quote from: Brian on October 24, 2013, 07:42:53 PM
Six month free trial as an educator followed by half-price for several years. Nyah ha ha haha  ;D

Damn, you lucky bastard. ;) :P
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on October 25, 2013, 04:01:07 AM
Quote from: Brian on October 24, 2013, 07:42:53 PM
Six month free trial as an educator followed by half-price for several years. Nyah ha ha haha  ;D

You win!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on October 25, 2013, 06:57:26 AM
Quote from: George on October 25, 2013, 03:28:56 AM
Lately I have had a bad run with amazon third party sellers. Poorly packaged product, two orders of "new" product that turned out to be sealed used product, poorly graded used product that sellers rudely dismissed....the list goes on. If I only bought new product, I'd begin buying exclusively from amazon direct. However, I collect CDs and almost always the ones I want are only available used, as they are OOP.

You have to be very careful of whom you buy from on Amazon MP, George. Not all sellers are created equal. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on October 25, 2013, 07:30:39 AM
Quote from: George on October 25, 2013, 03:28:56 AM
Lately I have had a bad run with amazon third party sellers. Poorly packaged product, two orders of "new" product that turned out to be sealed used product, poorly graded used product that sellers rudely dismissed....the list goes on. If I only bought new product, I'd begin buying exclusively from amazon direct. However, I collect CDs and almost always the ones I want are only available used, as they are OOP.

I have had to tighten up my buying habits there lately too. I try now to stick to sellers I know when that is possible, and to look through the feedback on sellers I don't know already. Never a guarantee, of course. I have found it useful to take advantage of Amazon's capability of letting me look at feedback that I have given to others since Day 1 (for me, back in 2001). No surprise, I often forget that I gave that guy 1 star for being an asshole, but it's all right there.   :)

Other than that, I never get my hopes up until the disk is in my hand, and then after it has been ripped to flac. It is hard to believe some of the shit that gets sold as 'Used - Like New'. That disk wasn't like new when it was new!!  >:(

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on October 30, 2013, 10:34:05 PM
Sounds like they were well aware of the faults of the set and were hoping to get rid of it at whatever price,
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on October 31, 2013, 09:24:21 AM
I hope all the CDs play just fine, George. Try the stuff in banged-up sleeves first? That sounds like a bum copy shipped to them from Sony, or something, and pretty infuriating. Mine had no problems, but like Scarpia, my Brilliant complete Brahms was in pretty cruddy shape, and is now even worse because it's made out of cardboard.

Also it's crazy to think that they probably had 200 of those things sitting on a pallet somewhere. That's a lot of hot pink. My parents visited this weekend and said "What's that pink thing?"
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on November 04, 2013, 05:11:43 PM
I had ordered (on Oct 7th) 3 Bartok series discs from mdt, and received two, the third (Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta etc) being placed on backorder. The instructions said not to re-order as it would be shipped when the disc became available. Not having heard anything since I sent an email (Nov 4th) to inquire if there was a status update, and received the following...

Thank you for your e-mail.

Sorry they are still waiting to receive more stock, as soon as they receive it they will send it to us and we will ship it to you, unfortunately they do not give timescales on when they expect to receive the stock.

However, I subsequently got an order dispatch email from them a few hours later. I can only imagine that the stock was there, they just needed a reminder to send me one. Not complaining - just thought it amusing.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 04, 2013, 08:38:52 PM
Quote from: stingo on November 04, 2013, 05:11:43 PM


However, I subsequently got an order dispatch email from them a few hours later. I can only imagine that the stock was there, they just needed a reminder to send me one. Not complaining - just thought it amusing.
I have bought literally a thousand discs from mdt over the years and have never experienced them needing a reminder to send me my discs, >99,9 % of the discs have arrived without any prompting from me, and in a handful of cases I have received a mail saying it was out of print with the supplier. Never have an order gone AWOL, they have a highly professional organisation. I find it far more likely that the disc actually was delayed from the supplier, was under processing in their store (thus you would have gotten it anyway within a day or three) and that your mail simply made them speed up the processing a little.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Manos on November 08, 2013, 07:45:26 PM
Quote from: George on October 30, 2013, 10:24:31 AM
...
Any advice guys?
If they will take it back for a refund, I'd go that route. You may not find it as cheaply priced elsewhere, but you also may not find a vendor who ships dented boxed sets as consistently as ImportCDs. I accepted the first two as you're considering, then noticed that boxes from other vendors arrive in far better shape. Some of the damage appears to occur before they enter the shipping box. To their credit, they accepted my last two box returns for a full refund. I trust ImportCDs for single or double discs, but not boxed sets.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Obradovic on November 24, 2013, 07:34:04 AM
A recording of Rossini's L'assedio di Calais is being retailed in Amazon for $3,769.00-for truth's sake please check this http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000002S3J/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new. Could anyone explain me what's the meaning of a price tag such as this? Who's insane enough to sell/ buy on those figures? Please note that the above instance isn't the only preposterous one, I've seen many more similar and higher-priced, particularly regarding long deleted items
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pat B on November 24, 2013, 09:29:29 AM
Quote from: Obradovic on November 24, 2013, 07:34:04 AM
A recording of Rossini's L'assedio di Calais is being retailed in Amazon for $3,769.00-for truth's sake please check this http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000002S3J/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new. Could anyone explain me what's the meaning of a price tag such as this? Who's insane enough to sell/ buy on those figures? Please note that the above instance isn't the only preposterous one, I've seen many more similar and higher-priced, particularly regarding long deleted items

Most likely nobody will buy it. I'd say the seller is not really trying to sell it. Maybe they are hoping for somebody with a high credit limit to get liquored up before checking his wishlist.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Obradovic on November 25, 2013, 10:36:04 AM
Quote from: Pat B on November 24, 2013, 09:29:29 AM
I'd say the seller is not really trying to sell it. Maybe they are hoping for somebody with a high credit limit to get liquored up before checking his wishlist.
A sort of bait then. Wondering why Amazon doesn't filter out those 'sellers'...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on November 25, 2013, 10:56:53 AM
Quote from: Obradovic on November 25, 2013, 10:36:04 AM
A sort of bait then. Wondering why Amazon doesn't filter out those 'sellers'...

Almost all of these sellers use a software program that analyzes market values and sets the price accordingly. Depending on how the seller has the program set up, sometimes a wild number appears. When that happens, then all the others that use programs also seize that number and change prices accordingly. The actual use of these is supposed to be to find the lowest price on an item and set your price one penny lower. That way you get the 'Low Price' top billing. Sometimes they get out of hand, though. One day they will be The Terminator!  :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on November 25, 2013, 11:57:23 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on November 25, 2013, 10:56:53 AM
Almost all of these sellers use a software program that analyzes market values and sets the price accordingly. Depending on how the seller has the program set up, sometimes a wild number appears. When that happens, then all the others that use programs also seize that number and change prices accordingly. The actual use of these is supposed to be to find the lowest price on an item and set your price one penny lower. That way you get the 'Low Price' top billing. Sometimes they get out of hand, though. One day they will be The Terminator!  :)

8)

And the trouble arises from sellers with better rating setting the algorithm so that their price is a bit higher than others', and then the price is multiplied in turn with, say, 0.95 and 1.10 and eventually the price will be something silly.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: listener on November 25, 2013, 05:13:27 PM
Quote from: North Star on November 25, 2013, 11:57:23 AM
setting the algorithm
I thought that was a measure of Global Warming messages.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 06, 2013, 11:43:33 AM
Ok.  I think I have a pip. On THanksgiving, I placed an order with deep discount. A week later, I looked and saw it was cancelled, but I had received no email or anything. So I wrote them just to see what would happen. They wrote back asking if the order was in my order history and could I send them a screen shot of the order. It was, so I did. They wrote back:

QuoteWe're sorry to inform you that due to an error the order never downloaded into our system. Please accept our apologies. Again, thank you for writing DeepDiscount.com.  We appreciate your business.

So how is it possible that it is in my order history and it never downloaded into their system (but interestingly, there was a pending charge from them and I called the card company and they said it had been approved, but never completed)? And how can they appreciate my business, when they don't accept it?!?!!

Really, I think we'll just skip them from now on.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on December 06, 2013, 12:17:02 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 06, 2013, 11:43:33 AM
Ok.  I think I have a pip. On THanksgiving, I placed an order with deep discount. A week later, I looked and saw it was cancelled, but I had received no email or anything. So I wrote them just to see what would happen. They wrote back asking if the order was in my order history and could I send them a screen shot of the order. It was, so I did. They wrote back:


So how is it possible that it is in my order history and it never downloaded into their system (but interestingly, there was a pending charge from them and I called the card company and they said it had been approved, but never completed)? And how can they appreciate my business, when they don't accept it?!?!!

Really, I think we'll just skip them from now on.

I've actually had very good luck with them in the past, a half-dozen or so orders... :-\    I admit yours sounds weird though. Maybe a one-off?

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 06, 2013, 03:47:09 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on December 06, 2013, 12:17:02 PM
I've actually had very good luck with them in the past, a half-dozen or so orders... :-\    I admit yours sounds weird though. Maybe a one-off?

8)
I haven't ordered from them in about a year, so I don't know. I too had generally found them to be ok as long as items were in stock. I had ordered 10-15 times in the past few years.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on December 06, 2013, 05:12:33 PM
Anyone knows how long it takes JPC to cancel an order because the item in unavailable?  A few weeks ago, I ordered the Wergo set of the Hartmann symphonies.  Availability was given as "ships within 7 days if available from our suppliers".  After the 7 days passed, the status appeared as "waiting for it to arrive from our suppliers" (paraphrase, of course).  Now the status is given as "nachbestellen", which I understand means "on order".   

I knew there was a chance it would not be available when I ordered, so if it is cancelled,  I will accept it philosophically.   But I'd like to know how long I need to wait before the axe falls.  This happened once before to me, with MDT,  but they cancelled it within two or three days of the orders with an email that said, in effect, "oops!  we're sorry we can't really get this item! bad us!"
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on December 06, 2013, 06:39:18 PM
Email I just had to send to Prestoclassical, unfortunately.   Details are set forth in the email.  They usually respond quickly to customer service complaints;  I'll let you know it turns out.


Dear Sirs:

I am writing this in a state of extreme disgust with your business.  I thought you were a reliable company, but apparently you are not.

I have been waiting not quite a month for the shipment of the remaining item on this order (Pacifica Quartet: Soviet Experience IV).  You've had my money all that time,  I might mention.

I've been checking every so often, and seen you move back the supposed release date of this recording a week at a time, until this past week you claimed it would be released on December 9.  You've had my money all that time, I might mention.

This on a recording that was actually released in the US on November 19, and which I could have ordered from American sources (at a lower price, it turns out) and received long before now.  I chalked this up to different release dates in the UK, and waited patiently. You are after all a reputable firm with whom I've received good service up to now. I received the other items on this order quite promptly.  You've had my money all that time, I might mention.

Just now,  I checked again, and found you list the status of that item as "out of stock at our UK distributor, etc." and announcing a six week wait time, on top of the almost one month since I placed this order.  You've had my money all that time, I might mention.

I refuse to be patient any longer.  You can do one of two things:

1)Arrange at your expense for another vendor to drop ship this recording to me immediately.  I might note that you can actually order this from AmazonUS Marketplace vendors on my behalf,  and not lose money on the order, given the cheaper prices.

2)Refund immediately the appropriate portion of what I paid a month ago through WorldPay. 

Do one of these two things, and you can hope to keep my business on items you actually have in stock: I won't be pre-ordering from you again, at the least.
And I might not order from you until you revamp your system so that items are not charged until the item is actually shipped, like just about every other vendor in this business.

Don't do one of those two things, and I will start a fraud investigation with the bank whose card I used to pay WorldPay.  You've had my money all that time, as I mentioned, and it would seem you retained it under false pretences.

Sincerely yours
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on December 06, 2013, 06:43:07 PM
I hear you, Jeffrey. I'm quite disappointed with Presto Classical as well. I had to send them an email as well as they never shipped an order to me nor did they tell me that the item was actually out-of-stock. Two weeks went by and they never sent me an email, so I was left with no choice but to email them and ask for an immediate refund. Only when I emailed did they act that they even cared. Their business practices aren't up to par with other sites I've bought from.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on December 06, 2013, 06:47:50 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 06, 2013, 06:43:07 PM
I hear you, Jeffrey. I'm quite disappointed with Presto Classical as well. I had to send them an email as well as they never shipped an order to me nor did they tell me that the item was actually out-of-stock. Two weeks went by and they never sent me an email, so I was left with no choice but to email them and ask for an immediate refund. Only when I emailed did they act that they even cared. Their business practices aren't up to par with other sites I've bought from.

This is the first problem I've had with them, barring an order that got lost in the mail, and that turned out to be the fault of my local post office.  I'm hoping that they will still ship me the item, and this "out of stock" merely means they received only enough copies to cover pre-orders, and can send them out on 12/9 to people who pre-ordered like I did.  That's the best possible situation.  As I said, they usually answer emails very promptly, so I expect to hear from them on Monday.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on December 06, 2013, 06:53:43 PM
I understand. I'm not going to completely right them off completely either. They do have some great deals on occasion and this problem I had with them was the only one I had.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on December 06, 2013, 07:38:07 PM
Whoa! I have never had a problem with Presto. As a matter of fact, they're one of my top two favorite online retailers of physical CDs (with ImportCDs) for combination of price and service (if you count digital, eClassical is there too).

As a matter of fact, I just had an amazing experience with Presto. I ordered a CD from them and put the wrong zip code in the box - my own fault, human error all the way. Because of the wrong zip code, USPS returned the CD to Presto in England. They contacted me saying there had been a mistake and asked if I still wanted the CD. I sent them my correct address, apologized, and confessed to making the mistake. I admitted the liability. But they sent me the CD FREE OF ADDITIONAL CHARGE.

Overseas postage costs a lot of money. I'm amazed they did that.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on December 06, 2013, 07:41:33 PM
Well, not one experience is the same, Brian. I was as surprised as anyone to have had a problem with them, but, like I said, the problem wasn't enough for me to burn the bridge completely.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 06, 2013, 07:44:48 PM
I find that the achilles heel of nearly all online ordering (non-cds included) is when items are not in stock (pre-order falls into that). If I were to count all my internet order issues over the years, I'd probably find that 75% or more were connected to that. Once I stopped ordering cds that were not in stock, the number of problems I have has decreased considerably.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on December 06, 2013, 07:47:02 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 06, 2013, 07:41:33 PM
Well, not one experience is the same, Brian. I was as surprised as anyone to have had a problem with them, but, like I said, the problem wasn't enough for me to burn the bridge completely.

Actually today I looked at a record of my October ImportCDs order (6+ weeks ago) and saw they're still trying to find 3 CDs I ordered from them. I haven't gotten any email notifications or any updates since the order was placed. The fourth CD that has not arrived was apparently cancelled, according to the record I found.

This marks the second time I've gotten burned on a cancelled out-of-stock order for the same disc: ImportCDs and MDT have both failed to deliver Schubert's String Quintet D956 as played by the Prazak Quartet and Marc Coppey.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on December 06, 2013, 08:21:54 PM
Quote from: Brian on December 06, 2013, 07:47:02 PM
Actually today I looked at a record of my October ImportCDs order (6+ weeks ago) and saw they're still trying to find 3 CDs I ordered from them. I haven't gotten any email notifications or any updates since the order was placed. The fourth CD that has not arrived was apparently cancelled, according to the record I found.

This marks the second time I've gotten burned on a cancelled out-of-stock order for the same disc: ImportCDs and MDT have both failed to deliver Schubert's String Quintet D956 as played by the Prazak Quartet and Marc Coppey.

Ah, yes, I think we've all encountered problems of some kind with internet retailers. Not every order will always be a success.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on December 06, 2013, 11:11:27 PM
I've never had a problem with presto. OTOH; I dont fly off the deep end when the supply chain has delays either, and fully understand that an item may not be in the pipeline simultaneously in all markets. Come on guys; this is CLASSICAL music, it is not like it is fresh cupcakes. It has been around for some years, it will be around for some time, and it is not like we don't have anything else to listen to.

My Pacifica vol IV set is on backorder at mdt too (and was preordered a couple of months ago - and the other items in the order have been received ages ago); and I haven't even in my wildest dreams contemplated being irked about it. Instead I have some additional weeks enjoying the pleasure of looking forward to listening to it, and enjoying other stuff instead. It will turn up when it is available to the shop.

If you want to complain about it, you should write to Cedille or the UK importer that surely has failed to supply the set to UK webshops simultaneously with other channels.

I don't undertand the frustration, neither do I understand making presto the target. I'll go and order something with them to make them happy.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: bluto32 on December 06, 2013, 11:32:43 PM
Just noticed all this about Presto, and thought I'd mention my experiences.

I've ordered with them quite regularly for just over 2 years now, and on the whole have found them to be excellent. Their packaging is second to none, with sturdy boxes and lots of bubble-wrap. No item has ever arrived in anything less than immaculate condition - the same is not true of Amazon, sadly.

The one time I had a faulty CD (part of a box-set), I telephoned them, and they immediately offered to send me the replacement disc without my having to return mine. As the item was no longer in stock, they had to order another one in; I was impressed to receive it within 4 days of my call.

I did recently have to wait a long time (over 2 months I think) for another box set to arrive, but they did send me emails every couple of weeks to let me know there was a delay with their distributors, and offered to refund me my card at any time should I get sick of waiting. I could have had a refund and shopped elsewhere, but I had got a super price from Presto in a sale and didn't mind waiting. While I agree that it is irritating on principle that a card is charged before the goods are sent out, it seems to be pretty common practice when shopping online. As long as the company is willing to refund when there is an excessive wait, then that is acceptable to me.

Anyway, I hope that anyone experiencing current difficulties gets them resolved!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on December 07, 2013, 12:23:54 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 06, 2013, 07:44:48 PM
I find that the achilles heel of nearly all online ordering (non-cds included) is when items are not in stock (pre-order falls into that). If I were to count all my internet order issues over the years, I'd probably find that 75% or more were connected to that. Once I stopped ordering cds that were not in stock, the number of problems I have has decreased considerably.

My Golden Rule - it works.  :)

Apart from that I don't understand why Presto seems to require payment before the order is dispatched?

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on December 07, 2013, 12:32:43 AM
Quote from: Que on December 07, 2013, 12:23:54 AM
My Golden Rule - it works.  :)

Apart from that I don't understand why Presto seems to require payment before the order is dispatched?

Q
Some shops do. I wish they didn't, but it's only a minor nuisance. Small operations may be hit by customers ordering and being out of funds when ready to ship I guess, this being more important for small businesses.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on December 07, 2013, 01:25:46 AM
Quote from: Que on December 07, 2013, 12:23:54 AM

Apart from that I don't understand why Presto seems to require payment before the order is dispatched?

Q

I have dealt with Presto Classical for about 10 years, and there has never been even the slightest problem.
So from my point of view Presto is one of the most reliable and service-minded CD-shops on the net.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 04:55:25 AM
Quote from: The new erato on December 06, 2013, 11:11:27 PMI don't undertand the frustration, neither do I understand making presto the target. I'll go and order something with them to make them happy.

So Presto Classical stating on their website an item will be dispatched in 1 day and then them never sending the item because all of sudden it's out of stock doesn't qualify as a Presto Classical problem? Also, the part where you buy something from them to make them happy makes no sense whatsoever. I personally don't buy anything for myself to make someone else happy, I buy a recording, or box set, to make me happy and as long as I receive the item I'm supposed to in a timely manner --- I am, indeed, a happy customer.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on December 07, 2013, 05:52:16 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 04:55:25 AM
So Presto Classical stating on their website an item will be dispatched in 1 day and then them never sending the item because all of sudden it's out of stock doesn't qualify as a Presto Classical problem? Also, the part where you buy something from them to make them happy makes no sense whatsoever. I personally don't buy anything for myself to make someone else happy, I buy a recording, or box set, to make me happy and as long as I receive the item I'm supposed to in a timely manner --- I am, indeed, a happy customer.
The joke was lost on you I guess, but they're an extremely dependable outfit and don't deserve the flak. As this disc doesn't seem to be available at other UK outlets either, I guess the problems lie elsewhere. As to whether they should have updated their website with new availability information, in an ideal world yes, but they list tens of thousands of discs and probably depend on data (and files) from their suppliers. The set will turn up when it does, if no it's painless to get a refund and order it elsewhere. It's not as if it's an OOP item due to disappear. No big deal.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 05:56:11 AM
Quote from: The new erato on December 07, 2013, 05:52:16 AM
The joke was lost on you I guess, but they're an extremely dependable outfit and don't deserve the flak. As this disc doesn't seem to be available at other UK outlets either, I guess the problems lie elsewhere. As to whether they should have updated their website with new availability information, in an ideal world yes, but they list tens of thousands of discs and probably depend on data (and files) from their suppliers. The set will turn up when it does, if no it's painless to get a refund and order it elsewhere. It's not as if it's an OOP item due to disappear. No big deal.

Yeah, the joke was lost on me. No doubt about it. :) Anyway, I'm not giving Presto Classical any flak just sharing my experience with other people and stating the obvious that not one experience is going to be the same as the last one and problems will arise from time to time. It's just the nature of doing business on the internet.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on December 07, 2013, 06:04:20 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 05:56:11 AM

It's just the nature of doing business on the internet.
That's right. I generally have had better service on the web than in the bricks and mortar stores I used to use; they usually had no better luck with their suppliers than most webshops, in fact, usually being smaller, they were far worse when I ordered something not in stock. And you all know that the stock they carried were a far cry from what we find on the web. I will be truly blessed if I suffer no worse than a delayed (or OOP) disc. Where's the Christmas spirit and wider perspective folks?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 07, 2013, 06:09:15 AM
Quote from: George on December 07, 2013, 05:18:41 AM
Sure, but some sellers, like MDT, list stuff that they later find out is out of stock with their distributors. So when you order, there's no way to know if it is in stock yet.
True. But even there, there is a system to the madness. I tend to stick to 'ships in 1-3 days' as opposed to 2 or 4 weeks, for example, as the likelihod of it being in stock is much greater. Still, most sites tell you something of a timeline and I try to stick to the lower numbers.

In general, I don't worry about delayed discs or other issues if the company just tells me what is going on. Mdt is good at this (or responding quitckly if I call).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on December 07, 2013, 06:15:49 AM
Prestos website now say about this item that " This item is currently out of stock at the UK distributor. You may order it now but please be aware that it may be six weeks or more before it can be despatched. (Available now to download.)". My experience is that they send mail to customers hit by this explaining the situation, offering a refund.


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 06:37:57 AM
Quote from: The new erato on December 07, 2013, 06:04:20 AM
That's right. I generally have had better service on the web than in the bricks and mortar stores I used to use; they usually had no better luck with their suppliers than most webshops, in fact, usually being smaller, they were far worse when I ordered something not in stock. And you all know that the stock they carried were a far cry from what we find on the web. I will be truly blessed if I suffer no worse than a delayed (or OOP) disc. Where's the Christmas spirit and wider perspective folks?

Well, I don't believe in Christmas, so that doesn't mean anything to me. As for the wider perspective, well I understand your point, but this doesn't exclude my right to come here and share my experience since this thread is dedicated to online stores. I wouldn't have shared this experience at all if Presto Classical would have sent me an email stating that the item was out-of-stock, but it was only after I emailed them on the whereabouts of my item that they said that, all of a sudden, the item was no longer in stock. Sorry, but that's just poor customer service, I don't care what you say, but, as I have also said before, I'm not going to let this negative experience taint my attitude towards them, but it certainly did leave a bad taste in my mouth. That's all I'm saying.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on December 07, 2013, 06:48:29 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 06:37:57 AM
Well, I don't believe in Christmas,
Mere curiosity; do you exchange gifts?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 06:52:17 AM
Quote from: Brian on December 07, 2013, 06:48:29 AM
Mere curiosity; do you exchange gifts?

I don't believe in the religious, and especially, the commercial aspects of Christmas, but I do believe in the being with loved ones like family and the giving aspect of it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on December 07, 2013, 07:08:44 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 06:37:57 AM
Well, I don't believe in Christmas,
Neither do I. But that don't mean I that don't have a jolly good time every Christmas with family and friends.  ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on December 07, 2013, 07:12:35 AM
Quote from: The new erato on December 07, 2013, 07:08:44 AM
Neither do I. But that don't mean I that don't have a jolly good time every Christmas with family and friends.  ;)
+1
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Sammy on December 07, 2013, 07:49:23 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 06:37:57 AM
Well, I don't believe in Christmas, so that doesn't mean anything to me.

I thought everyone believed in Santa Claus. :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on December 07, 2013, 07:50:33 AM
I believe in cold-smoked reindeer.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on December 07, 2013, 08:00:34 AM
Quote from: George on December 07, 2013, 07:57:39 AM
The original overnight deliverer. You always get your package when it's in his care.
Once my order was a couple of days late and I didn't even get a refund. Haven't bothered with that guy since.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on December 07, 2013, 08:01:24 AM
Quote from: George on December 07, 2013, 07:57:39 AM
The original overnight deliverer. You always get your package when it's in his care.
You'd better keep your chimney clean though.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on December 07, 2013, 12:08:30 PM
1) My ire with Presto was fueled by the fact that they charged for the order ahead of shipment and sent no emails alerting to problems with the supply.  But in general,  I've received excellent service from them up to now, including resolution of a problem similar to that experienced by bluto

2) In the meantime,  they are apparently working weekends at the moment, since I found this reply in my email now.

Dear Jeffrey,

I am sorry to hear you experiencing delays with your order, unfortunately the release date on the title you ordered  was delayed as the UK distributors were awaiting stock of this from to arrive from Cedille Records in Chicago, the latest update i received on 2nd Dec was - 'CDR90000145 should be here by Wednesday' . We did receive one copy  on 5th December which was despatched to the earliest of the 9 pre-orders we have and we are now awaiting more copies to arrive.

It is a Worldpay requirement to deduct payment upon ordering and although we don't necessarily agree with this method they are one of largest and safest internet payment processing companies in the world and use extremely safe methods of payment processing, In my opinion far better than some 'other' companies who choose to store millions of customers card details in a potentially hackable vault until they need them again, i believe your card details are far safer held by you in your wallet.

I have now cancelled your order for this item and re-funded $19.10 to your card, should you wish to re-order the item when the stock arrives please keep an eye on the following link for any stock updates:

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Cedille/CDR90000145

Dave


And indeed there was also an email from WorldPay confirming the refund.

so Presto is now back on my "good" list,  as long as it's for something in stock. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 07, 2013, 03:31:13 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 07, 2013, 12:08:30 PM
1) My ire with Presto was fueled by the fact that they charged for the order ahead of shipment and sent no emails alerting to problems with the supply.  But in general,  I've received excellent service from them up to now, including resolution of a problem similar to that experienced by bluto

2) In the meantime,  they are apparently working weekends at the moment, since I found this reply in my email now.

Dear Jeffrey,

I am sorry to hear you experiencing delays with your order, unfortunately the release date on the title you ordered  was delayed as the UK distributors were awaiting stock of this from to arrive from Cedille Records in Chicago, the latest update i received on 2nd Dec was - 'CDR90000145 should be here by Wednesday' . We did receive one copy  on 5th December which was despatched to the earliest of the 9 pre-orders we have and we are now awaiting more copies to arrive.

It is a Worldpay requirement to deduct payment upon ordering and although we don't necessarily agree with this method they are one of largest and safest internet payment processing companies in the world and use extremely safe methods of payment processing, In my opinion far better than some 'other' companies who choose to store millions of customers card details in a potentially hackable vault until they need them again, i believe your card details are far safer held by you in your wallet.

I have now cancelled your order for this item and re-funded $19.10 to your card, should you wish to re-order the item when the stock arrives please keep an eye on the following link for any stock updates:

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Cedille/CDR90000145

Dave


And indeed there was also an email from WorldPay confirming the refund.

so Presto is now back on my "good" list,  as long as it's for something in stock. 
It's a great response from them.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on December 07, 2013, 04:56:59 PM
Quote from: Sammy on December 07, 2013, 07:49:23 AM
I thought everyone believed in Santa Claus. :(

Well I used to believe in jolly ol' Saint Nick when I was a kid, but something happened. ;) :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Fafner on December 17, 2013, 10:34:01 AM
My recent order from ICA Classics official e-shop arrived today, in a rather loose bubble envelope, and three of the four jewel cases are cracked. The shipping for the lot was £5.
Many Amazon sellers have better packaging for £1.82.   >:(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on December 23, 2013, 06:58:00 PM
Sony didn't send Presto Classical an image for Jonas Kaufmann's new album, so they photoshopped one.

(http://i.prs.to/t_200/sony88883795632_temp.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on January 23, 2014, 09:07:00 AM
Has anyone gotten a refund from ImportCDs? If so, how long did it take? I'd ordered the Bachianas and Choros (BIS) from them in November while they were on sale. ImportCDs didn't get stock in before the order expired so they cancelled it. They then told me if I reordered the set at full price they'd refund me the difference. I re-ordered in mid December but have yet to receive anything. Any help/information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Edited to add: Of course, when I check my account just now, there's the refund. I know it wasn't there yesterday because I looked. Still, better late than never.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mookalafalas on January 26, 2014, 07:53:29 PM
Quote from: stingo on January 23, 2014, 09:07:00 AM

Edited to add: Of course, when I check my account just now, there's the refund. I know it wasn't there yesterday because I looked. Still, better late than never.

  I believe you! I belong to a huge photography site, and if anyone complains about one of the big on-line retailers (B&H) someone immediately responds with an explanation, right in the thread.  I think the big outfits are smart enough to keep an eye on these kinds of sites (maybe the sales department is required to do  a search twice a day to see if they are mentioned), and nip these problems in the bud before bad word-of-mouth starts going around.  It's good business. Maybe your complaint triggered the solving of the problem...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on February 06, 2014, 06:05:57 AM
Quote from: George on February 06, 2014, 05:51:36 AM
A few questions about MDT:

1. Anyone else have to log in every time they visit the site, despite checking the "remember me" box?

2. My order confirmation email yesterday says "You can check the status of your order by logging into your account" yet when I do so, there is no information in my order history of the status of this or any previous order.

3. Do they send an email confirmation when the order is shipped? About how long does that take (after you order)? A day, a few days?
1. I had a problem at one point, but it was being caused by settings on my side
2. Some sites take 24-48 hours before it makes it onto the profile. But you can alway send an email to make sure if everything is ok. However, if you got an email cofirming with an order number, everything is probably fine.
3. Yes- they do send confirmations for shipping. Typically, it is 2-4 days if the order is in stock. If it is not in stock, it may take longer. How much longer will depend on a few factors.

I have generally gotten good service from them, so you can always shoot them an email.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on February 06, 2014, 06:16:20 AM
Quote from: George on February 06, 2014, 06:09:46 AM
Thanks, I sent them an email with my questions.

1. Do you recall which settings you needed to fix? I don't have this issue on any other site.

2. I don't see a place for the status of any of my orders. I wonder if their new site does not offer this info?

3. Thanks!
1. No idea. But as I think about it, I think I have to re-enter it if I close the window (or reboot, or something like that).
2. There is a My orders on the left side (in your account), but it should bring up recent orders when you enter your account as well.

EDIT: NOpe on #1. It remembers it if I close all the windows.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on February 06, 2014, 06:41:47 AM
Quote from: George on February 06, 2014, 06:33:21 AM
Yes, i can view the orders, but the order page offers no info about whether the order has shipped, is completed, etc.. Are you able to see that info for your prior orders?
Actually, I don't see any info on whether the order has shipped. The only hint I get is that there is a reorder button. So they just don't give that info there.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Rambaldi on February 08, 2014, 11:18:45 AM
Which online sellers do you prefer in Italy?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on February 21, 2014, 04:01:51 PM
I,m having problems with importcds right now.
Blowitoutahere often has good prices and outstanding service.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on February 21, 2014, 10:08:03 PM
Quote from: Ken B on February 21, 2014, 04:01:51 PM
I,m having problems with importcds right now.
They cancelled the only order I've ever made with them despite listing it as available. So I guess I won't be going back anytime soon.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on March 08, 2014, 05:59:19 PM
Lately I have been buying a bunch of stuff from 'Classical Music Superstore" on Amazon's marketplace.  I find that they ship things quickly and have good prices. Quite impressed!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on March 08, 2014, 06:18:03 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on March 08, 2014, 05:59:19 PM
Lately I have been buying a bunch of stuff from 'Classical Music Superstore" on Amazon's marketplace.  I find that they ship things quickly and have good prices. Quite impressed!
They are fabulous. Fast, cheap, they respond to emails and questions. My MP vendor of choice. I have found I-Deals very good too.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on March 08, 2014, 10:01:06 PM
Me too (three?).  They are my favorite and I'll pay a little bit more to have them over the other sellers.  I remembered one time I received a Ligeti box set from them (brand new) and one of the was duplicated, and one of the volumes missing.  They shipped me another box set free of charge. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on March 09, 2014, 11:12:58 PM
Is there an app/extension/engine/service that allows one to scan one's Amazon cart (and its 'saved' section, and one's wishlists) for items that are offered ELIGIBLE FOR SUPER SAVER SHIPPING from 3rd-party Marketplace sellers (these seem to usually be 'fulfilled by Amazon')?
Just for those occasions when I've queued up couple-few items that meet those criteria but don't want to buy something that I don't already want.

Ideally the search would not limit itself to items in the cart/lists that are already from the 'eligible' seller, but would scan all sellers for the 'saved' item and alert me to a "Super Saver" option.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Octave on March 14, 2014, 09:15:11 PM
Idle curiosity here.
Two questions that have probably been asked:

1. Why do so many releases by BIS and Brilliant end up with multiple Amazon product pages, with different ASINs?  I haven't kept track, but it's amazing how often I find this to be the case.  (At least, on Amazon US.)  It seems like very often, they are clearly not different products, i.e. CD vs. SACD.  Release dates seem to often be different.

2. Why was there recently (this past week?) a wholesale disappearance of a large number of Sony 'Classical Masters' series bargain boxes, often including not just Amazon direct stock, but also Marketplace options; with the announcement 'released on 25 march' added, as though they had become new releases?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on March 14, 2014, 09:20:09 PM
Quote from: Octave on March 14, 2014, 09:15:11 PM
Idle curiosity here.
Two questions that have probably been asked:

1. Why do so many releases by BIS and Brilliant end up with multiple Amazon product pages, with different ASINs?  I haven't kept track, but it's amazing how often I find this to be the case.  (At least, on Amazon US.)  It seems like very often, they are clearly not different products, i.e. CD vs. SACD.  Release dates seem to often be different.

2. Why was there recently (this past week?) a wholesale disappearance of a large number of Sony 'Classical Masters' series bargain boxes, often including not just Amazon direct stock, but also Marketplace options; with the announcement 'released on 25 march' added, as though they had become new releases?
2 yes. I wrote superstore and got a somewhat confusing answer about the products not being officially realeased yet. And for a while listed as label Naxos. So not sure but something changed.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on March 17, 2014, 11:59:34 AM
Read all about JPC and what they think the word service means.

http://walboi.blogspot.nl/2014/03/jpc-de-drama-part-ii-final-chapter.html?spref=tw
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: HIPster on March 17, 2014, 03:13:59 PM
Quote from: Harry's on March 17, 2014, 11:59:34 AM
Read all about JPC and what they think the word service means.

http://walboi.blogspot.nl/2014/03/jpc-de-drama-part-ii-final-chapter.html?spref=tw

So sorry to read about the major issues you have had with JPC, Harry.

Quote from: Moonfish on March 08, 2014, 05:59:19 PM
Lately I have been buying a bunch of stuff from 'Classical Music Superstore" on Amazon's marketplace.  I find that they ship things quickly and have good prices. Quite impressed!
Quote from: Ken B on March 08, 2014, 06:18:03 PM
They are fabulous. Fast, cheap, they respond to emails and questions. My MP vendor of choice. I have found I-Deals very good too.

Count me in as a fan of Classical Music Superstore - are they a part of Naxos U.S.A.? - and I-Deals as well.

I also often look for Orpheus Classics on the mp, having had many excellent dealings with them.

Quote from: DavidW on March 08, 2014, 10:01:06 PM
Me too (three?).  They are my favorite and I'll pay a little bit more to have them over the other sellers.  I remembered one time I received a Ligeti box set from them (brand new) and one of the was duplicated, and one of the volumes missing.  They shipped me another box set free of charge. :)

Wow, that is great service, DavidW!   :)

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on March 17, 2014, 04:04:29 PM
Quote from: HIPster on March 17, 2014, 03:13:59 PM
So sorry to read about the major issues you have had with JPC, Harry.

Count me in as a fan of Classical Music Superstore - are they a part of Naxos U.S.A.? - and I-Deals as well.

I also often look for Orpheus Classics on the mp, having had many excellent dealings with them.

Wow, that is great service, DavidW!   :)

I agree, Harry's deal is absolutely horrible. I can't imagine JPC didn't hop all over their billing partner to help save a good customer from getting raped. They won't be getting MY business again! >:(

As for CMS, they will be getting my business! They are my #1 choice whenever I am buying a new (opposed to used, which I buy a lot too) CD. Just bought 3 from them today, in fact. Not least, they handle some of the more obscure labels I prefer, like Ars Musici, for example. :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on March 17, 2014, 06:59:23 PM
I concur with Gurn Harry.  As I posted on your google+ wall, I will not buy from JPC again.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on March 17, 2014, 07:03:01 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on March 17, 2014, 04:04:29 PM
As for CMS, they will be getting my business! They are my #1 choice whenever I am buying a new (opposed to used, which I buy a lot too) CD. Just bought 3 from them today, in fact. Not least, they handle some of the more obscure labels I prefer, like Ars Musici, for example. :)

8)

+1 A great Amazon MP seller. I've been doing business with them for several years now. They probably know me really well by now. :)

I imagine this scenario -

Salesperson #1: "Oh look, John has made another order! This must be his tenth one this week!"
Salesperson #2: "What else is new?!?!?"
Salesperson #3: "John who?"

;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on March 18, 2014, 07:02:57 PM
I never used JPC and reading about Harry's problem with them will never give them my business either. Sorry to hear you've had such a difficult time with them, Harry. Trust me, I've had some problems with online sellers as well like MovieMars for example.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on March 19, 2014, 12:14:43 AM
Thanks guys for the moral support, I kind of needed that. So here a little update.

http://walboi.blogspot.nl/2014/03/remember-my-faulty-ballet-disc-with.html?spref=tw
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on March 19, 2014, 08:00:17 AM
Quote from: Harry's on March 19, 2014, 12:14:43 AM
Thanks guys for the moral support, I kind of needed that. So here a little update.

http://walboi.blogspot.nl/2014/03/remember-my-faulty-ballet-disc-with.html?spref=tw

It is very distressing to read your report. I have dealt with JPC for maybe twelve years, and I have often made similar operations, i.e. sent a big order and adding a few CDs afterwards, and I have never experienced anything similar to what you describe. On the contrary JPC has offered me impeccable service. Once when a CD from a box set were missing, they immediately sent me another. And another CD some years later, which was broken, was replaced without discussion.

The only problem, I have met with them, is caused by their practice to "reserve" the amount for an order on my credit card every week. In Germany reservations are deleted by the bank every week, so JPC has to re-reserve the amount every week to make sure, that the money is available, when they ship the order. In my country a reservation is deleted by the bank only once a month, and this results in the strange thing, that an amount for any order may accumulate on the card up to four or even five times the real cost - but only on the paper. I have never experienced, that my card in the end was charged for more money, than the real cost. A few years ago I had a long discussion by email with them about this, but they do not intend to change this practice. The result is, that my card becomes overloaded by fictive expenses, and in my country there is an upper limit of about 290 Euro per month, as to how much you can buy from abroad.  Presto demands the money for an order transferred to them before they begin to handle the order, and later they refund the cost for CDs they have not been able to deliver. JPC reserves the amount on one´s credit card and does not get the money until they have shipped the order. Two different principles. I think Presto´s principle is preferable.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on March 19, 2014, 08:05:58 AM
I used JPC only sporadically because of their high shipping costs, and have only ordered items from them that are listed in stock (with one exception).  So the situation Premont mentioned has not occurred to me.   I've had no problems with them, but that also means I have no idea of how their customer service is or is not.  Nevertheless, it's one vendor I don't really need to deal with, and the order now in transit to me will probably be my last.

I will re-iterate that I've had complications with some orders I've placed with Prestoclassical, and their response has been exemplary, including answering emails over the weekend when most vendors are off picknicking with their families or whatever.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on March 19, 2014, 10:28:18 AM
I'm just surprised they'd treat such a long time and prolific customer that way. I order from them once in a blue moon, but will find other places with which to do business.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on March 28, 2014, 03:46:38 PM
Is it my imagination or does Zoverstocks take two billion years to deliver their shipments...?   :(
I think I will never buy from them again.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on March 28, 2014, 04:21:08 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on March 28, 2014, 03:46:38 PM
Is it my imagination or does Zoverstocks take two billion years to deliver their shipments...?   :(
I think I will never buy from them again.

Usually at least 3-4 weeks. I don't use them...

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on March 28, 2014, 04:49:21 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on March 28, 2014, 03:46:38 PM
Is it my imagination or does Zoverstocks take two billion years to deliver their shipments...?   :(
I think I will never buy from them again.
I just got one I ordered on my birthday, which is quick for them. I use them when they are a lot cheaper or if I want a random surprise in the mail a month hence. Momox is slow too.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on March 28, 2014, 06:23:18 PM
Quote from: Ken B on March 28, 2014, 04:49:21 PM
I just got one I ordered on my birthday, which is quick for them. I use them when they are a lot cheaper or if I want a random surprise in the mail a month hence. Momox is slow too.

True, their prices are typically pretty low, but most of the time rivaled by others in the MP. I guess I am getting way too used to getting things pretty quickly nowadays (<---- spoiled).   ::)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on March 28, 2014, 06:30:26 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on March 28, 2014, 06:23:18 PM
True, their prices are typically pretty low, but most of the time rivaled by others in the MP. I guess I am getting way too used to getting things pretty quickly nowadays (<---- spoiled).   ::)
Sometimes they are astonishingly cheap. But I too am used to quick these days. Ideals, aka blowitoutahere, is just down I75 as is superstore, and I get free 2day UPS on a lot of purchases. So I am serious about the surprise! I sometimes forget I ordered something. I often get things so fast I am shocked from a lot of places, but never zo.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on March 28, 2014, 07:50:57 PM
Since most of the time the prices from other sellers are usually just a few dollars more (sometimes just pennies more), I usually (but not always) avoid the sellers that import from the UK.  I find that imports take about 3 weeks for delivery.  In US stores I'll have it in my hands from half a week to a week.  Amazon will deliver in 1-2 days.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on March 28, 2014, 07:54:06 PM
I've found Mediamars to tbe slowest US vendor I've used.  It can take a couple of days for the item to be shipped, and often they seem to use the slowest alternative among mail options.   So, like Zoverstocks, I use them only when the price difference is substantial enough to make the delay worthwhile.  (That said,  I've got one CD each just ordered and shipped from Mediamars and Zoverstocks.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on March 28, 2014, 08:02:22 PM
My Amazon MP sellers of choice:

For brand new recordings -

Classical Music Superstore - excellent service all-around, my go-to seller for Chandos, BIS, Naxos, Capriccio, Erato, Warner Classics, EMI, etc.

Import CDs - their shipping speeds have continued to get better and they offer very competitive prices sometimes rivaling or even beating those of Classical Music Superstore's

For used recordings -

Orpheus Classics
Second Story Books
Morning Glory Online
Newbury Comics


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on March 28, 2014, 08:04:59 PM
I have used Presto Classical and Arkivmusic on several occasions. Not too bad, although I did have an issue with Presto, but they handled the problem like professionals and rectified the problem with minimal back-and-forth.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on March 28, 2014, 08:11:42 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 28, 2014, 08:02:22 PM
My Amazon MP sellers of choice:

For brand new recordings -

Classical Music Superstore - excellent service all-around, my go-to seller for Chandos, BIS, Naxos, Capriccio, Erato, Warner Classics, EMI, etc.

Import CDs - their shipping speeds have continued to get better and they offer very competitive prices sometimes rivaling or even beating those of Classical Music Superstore's

For used recordings -

Orpheus Classics
Second Story Books
Morning Glory Online
Newbury Comics
I recall using all these except morning glory, and all were great. Bargain bookstores is also very good for used.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on March 28, 2014, 08:35:24 PM
Quote from: Ken B on March 28, 2014, 08:11:42 PM
I recall using all these except morning glory, and all were great. Bargain bookstores is also very good for used.

Yes, I've used Bargain Bookstores several times, but they have quite a limited stock. But their prices are ridiculously cheap.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on March 29, 2014, 10:13:05 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on March 28, 2014, 07:54:06 PM
I've found Mediamars to tbe slowest US vendor I've used.  It can take a couple of days for the item to be shipped, and often they seem to use the slowest alternative among mail options.   So, like Zoverstocks, I use them only when the price difference is substantial enough to make the delay worthwhile.  (That said,  I've got one CD each just ordered and shipped from Mediamars and Zoverstocks.)

Yes, I agree. MediaMars is definitely one of the slower US vendors. Although, they tend to beat Zoverstocks with a week or so..... Still...

(http://www.woollygreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/slug_4823.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on March 29, 2014, 10:14:37 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 28, 2014, 08:02:22 PM
My Amazon MP sellers of choice:

For brand new recordings -

Classical Music Superstore - excellent service all-around, my go-to seller for Chandos, BIS, Naxos, Capriccio, Erato, Warner Classics, EMI, etc.

Import CDs - their shipping speeds have continued to get better and they offer very competitive prices sometimes rivaling or even beating those of Classical Music Superstore's

For used recordings -

Orpheus Classics
Second Story Books
Morning Glory Online
Newbury Comics

CMS is my fav as well. I always go with them if available. However, I avoid ImportCD since I live in Calif. (taxes!!!!).   :'( :'(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on March 29, 2014, 10:40:56 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on March 29, 2014, 10:13:05 AM
Yes, I agree. MediaMars is definitely one of the slower US vendors. Although, they tend to beat Zoverstocks with a week or so..... Still...

(http://www.woollygreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/slug_4823.jpg)
I just lucked out with them. I ordered their last deeply discounted copy of a box and they sent the wrong box. But no longer stock the one I ordered and I like what came better than what I ordered.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on March 29, 2014, 10:44:32 AM
Quote from: Ken B on March 29, 2014, 10:40:56 AM
I just lucked out with them. I ordered their last deeply discounted copy of a box and they sent the wrong box. But no longer stock the one I ordered and I like what came better than what I ordered.

That is funny!  Serendipity, eh?   ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on April 15, 2014, 07:15:07 AM
I don't know if this has already been covered yet or not, but in the last couple months, when attempting to order from the marketplace of both Amazon UK and Amazon Germany, I received messages that the items I selected could not be shipped to the US.  This happened with CDs and some other items.  Until recently, I never had this issue, though I rarely ordered from foreign marketplace sellers.  It may just be tied to increases in shipping, but it's kind of a bummer.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 15, 2014, 07:17:52 AM
Quote from: Todd on April 15, 2014, 07:15:07 AM
I don't know if this has already been covered yet or not, but in the last couple months, when attempting to order from the marketplace of both Amazon UK and Amazon Germany, I received messages that the items I selected could not be shipped to the US.  This happened with CDs and some other items.  Until recently, I never had this issue, though I rarely ordered from foreign marketplace sellers.  It may just be tied to increases in shipping, but it's kind of a bummer.
Some sellers do not send anything abroad. It has always been like this, but since you didn't make many such purchases, you might have gotten lucky and selected those that did in the past. It sometimes is a major bummer, because the prices can be quite good.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on April 15, 2014, 07:36:38 AM
I guess I have been lucky, because in probably 5-6 years, it never happened, though in that time I made only 8-10 such purchases. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on April 15, 2014, 07:58:17 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on April 15, 2014, 07:17:52 AM
Some sellers do not send anything abroad. It has always been like this, but since you didn't make many such purchases, you might have gotten lucky and selected those that did in the past. It sometimes is a major bummer, because the prices can be quite good.

Yep, that is my experience as well!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on April 17, 2014, 06:11:07 PM
As of May 1,  Amazon will start to charge sales tax in Florida.  Apparently, this is due to the fact that it's opening up some physical facilities in the state.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on April 17, 2014, 06:34:46 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on April 17, 2014, 06:11:07 PM
As of May 1,  Amazon will start to charge sales tax in Florida.  Apparently, this is due to the fact that it's opening up some physical facilities in the state.

Stand your ground!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on April 28, 2014, 09:27:23 AM
It means that their suppliers are supposed to stock this and ususally despatches within that period.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on May 28, 2014, 06:15:10 PM
Oddbanana on eBay USA is offering The Real Chopin box at a very low price. This is a bogus listing, they only send one CD.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: janie500 on May 31, 2014, 10:46:28 AM
Can anyone tell me where I could find a copy (CD or DVD) of the Can Can Symphony by Offenbach, which is also called, or part of his Orpheus (or Orpheus of the Underworld) Symphony BUT ONLY THE VERSION PERFORMED BY THE ACADEMY OF ST. MARTINS OF THE FIELD orchestra?

It is a beautiful symphony with many peasants overtures and then the Can Can (dance number you have no doubt heard) is the finale.

I have listened to versions by other orchestras and they are not the same.  The last movements (peasants overtures) of the St. Martins orchestra will send you to the sky.  I only heard it once on the radio and it was announced that orchestra.

Thanks so much for any leads or suggestions.

Joanna
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on May 31, 2014, 03:36:51 PM
Is that the Gaîté Parisienne?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on June 07, 2014, 08:29:35 AM
I ordered a box set from BaySide Books an Amazon MP vendor.
They sent one totally different CD. They say a refund is not available and the item I ordered is out of stock.
So I will have to complain to Amazon.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on June 07, 2014, 08:32:40 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 07, 2014, 08:29:35 AM
I ordered a box set from BaySide Books an Amazon MP vendor.
They sent one totally different CD. They say a refund is not available and the item I ordered is out of stock.
So I will have to complain to Amazon.
Absolutely! I have never had someone refuse to refund when they sent a different item! Crazy.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: listener on June 07, 2014, 08:39:40 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 07, 2014, 08:29:35 AM
I ordered a box set from BaySide Books an Amazon MP vendor.
They sent one totally different CD. They say a refund is not available and the item I ordered is out of stock.
So I will have to complain to Amazon.
And do the customer feedback link with a zero rating and comment so others will know.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: NJ Joe on June 07, 2014, 08:40:48 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 07, 2014, 08:29:35 AM
I ordered a box set from BaySide Books an Amazon MP vendor.
They sent one totally different CD. They say a refund is not available and the item I ordered is out of stock.
So I will have to complain to Amazon.

That is utterly ridiculous.  I've been in that situation as well, though not with that seller.  I was able to return the item and get a refund, no questions asked.  Def complain to Amazon. If you're not getting anywhere, post a loud and clear review about your experience.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on June 07, 2014, 01:47:13 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on June 07, 2014, 08:32:40 AM
Absolutely! I have never had someone refuse to refund when they sent a different item! Crazy.
Ain't it? I left the lowest rating and the comment
"sent wrong item won't replace won't refund. Worst vendor I have dealt with."
And arranged a refund from Amazon.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: king ubu on June 08, 2014, 12:58:39 AM
Never had much luck when trying to get refunds from marketplace vendors - always going through amazon in the end. The worst is, they still often don't refund the shipping costs, only the cost of the item. Amazon itself got worse and worse over here though, they obviously outsourced customer service to India and I wrote some mails lately where from the answers it was clear they didn't understand a single word of what I wrote. Mind me, when ordering from amazon.de I'd not even think of NOT writing in German ... but when I then wrote in English, explaining things very clearly and in simple words, suddenly I got real answers again ... it's getting ridiculous, but it's all politics, capitalism, shareholder revenue, maximising of profit and all that sh*t ... actually I hate myself for supporting all of this, but the surviving local stores are themselves to blame, they often ask fantasy prices and what they have on display isn't really making me want to shop there ... however, I try and order as much from venors like prestoclassical, JPC or discplus, which to me seem much less "evil"  ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: amw on June 08, 2014, 01:13:58 AM
If I made $5000+ a month and thus could afford it I'd buy all my CDs at the local brick-and-mortar shop; the people are friendly, they'll order things I want and you always know what you're getting. Plus, principle. However, since I'm poor I'm limited to cheap marketplace vendors (usually in "Used - Very Good" condition), 1 or 2 full-price CDs a month, and pirating whatever I can't find/the library doesn't want to order. >.>
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: king ubu on June 08, 2014, 01:36:10 AM
Oh, I'm not blaming anybody! It's just that "brick and mortar" shops in my town have mostly closed store already and the lone large one to remain is the least inviting there was - the good ones have long been gone. I buy nearly all of my books at a local shop that's paradise to me - I don't even check online prices, since I just love that shop so much, it would be plain wrong to buy anywhere else  :)

I'd actually love to have a good local shop, I'd certainly not ming paying 20% more there, but as it it, it can be anything from 20% to 200% more, as a rule of thumb I'd say 100% (but the Richter ICON is selling for something like 200$ - dig that!) and that, paired with not-so-great selection and not-so-nice atmosphere mostly rules it out.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: amw on June 08, 2014, 02:25:49 AM
With international shipping rates, the in-store prices are not too far off from what I'd pay for a full price CD or double on Amazon—it's going to be somewhere in the $30-to-50 range either way. Haven't looked at box sets (not really my scene) but I doubt there are any mega-bargains. However online it's easier to find things that cost $10 or $15 w/shipping, if one's willing to wait the 3 or 4 weeks. (The cheapest CD I've ever bought in kiwiland came out to about $9, from Amazon UK at a 1p list price.) So that's what I do more often.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: EigenUser on June 08, 2014, 03:35:57 AM
Quote from: amw on June 08, 2014, 01:13:58 AM
If I made $5000+ a month and thus could afford it I'd buy all my CDs at the local brick-and-mortar shop; the people are friendly, they'll order things I want and you always know what you're getting. Plus, principle. However, since I'm poor I'm limited to cheap marketplace vendors (usually in "Used - Very Good" condition), 1 or 2 full-price CDs a month, and pirating whatever I can't find/the library doesn't want to order. >.>
*whispers* interlibrary loan 8)

You can thank me later.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: amw on June 08, 2014, 03:41:00 AM
Quote from: EigenUser on June 08, 2014, 03:35:57 AM
*whispers* interlibrary loan 8)

Abused already—I think all of the libraries in New Zealand (and some of the ones in Australia) know me by name by now. "More Ferneyhough, Juilliard Quartet and... who the hell is Tarnopolski? It's amw again, isn't it?"
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: EigenUser on June 08, 2014, 03:52:47 AM
Quote from: amw on June 08, 2014, 03:41:00 AM
Abused already—I think all of the libraries in New Zealand (and some of the ones in Australia) know me by name by now. "More Ferneyhough, Juilliard Quartet and... who the hell is Tarnopolski? It's amw again, isn't it?"
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
That's hilarious.

I studied engineering in college, yet not one (of my many) ILL orders had anything related to engineering or math -- it was all music (scores).

I have ordered some pretty cool stuff from there, though. I got this Ligeti folder with some reprints of manuscripts a few months ago. The bottom corner of each page had his signature in pencil! Then, I saw this picture later. I guess he signed each one!
(http://www.schott-music.com/shop/resources/midsize/678581.jpg)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on June 08, 2014, 03:53:10 AM
Quote from: amw on June 08, 2014, 03:41:00 AM
Abused already—I think all of the libraries in New Zealand (and some of the ones in Australia) know me by name by now. "More Ferneyhough, Juilliard Quartet and... who the hell is Tarnopolski? It's amw again, isn't it?"
You think the librarians know who Ferneyhough is?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: amw on June 08, 2014, 04:36:56 AM
Quote from: North Star on June 08, 2014, 03:53:10 AM
You think the librarians know who Ferneyhough is?

They've hunted down 3 or 4 CDs of his for me already, so I'd certainly hope so....
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: king ubu on June 08, 2014, 04:49:54 AM
Ha ha!

The only useful library I'd know of here, alas, wouldn't let you borrow anything - they only allow you to listen there.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on June 08, 2014, 09:01:59 AM
Quote from: EigenUser on June 08, 2014, 03:52:47 AM
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
That's hilarious.

I studied engineering in college, yet not one (of my many) ILL orders had anything related to engineering or math -- it was all music (scores).

I have ordered some pretty cool stuff from there, though. I got this Ligeti folder with some reprints of manuscripts a few months ago. The bottom corner of each page had his signature in pencil! Then, I saw this picture later. I guess he signed each one!
(http://www.schott-music.com/shop/resources/midsize/678581.jpg)
Oh crap. I thought that was just some idiot at work so I erased them.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on July 01, 2014, 01:06:54 PM
Quote from: Ken B on May 28, 2014, 06:15:10 PM
Oddbanana on eBay USA is offering The Real Chopin box at a very low price. This is a bogus listing, they only send one CD.
They have relisted this. It is a fake.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on July 01, 2014, 10:12:57 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 01, 2014, 01:06:54 PM
They have relisted this. It is a fake.

This all stems from the mistake US Amazon made by listing the ASIN nr of the songs disc from that series as the whole box set. Something this has still not been corrected.... To make sure what you order, check the ASIN nr at other Amazons before ordering...

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Steebo on September 04, 2014, 12:23:51 PM
Not sure if it has been mentioned but I always use Presto Classical,good price and service plus a very useful database,cheers.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on September 04, 2014, 06:44:07 PM
Quote from: Steebo on September 04, 2014, 12:23:51 PM
Not sure if it has been mentioned but I always use Presto Classical,good price and service plus a very useful database,cheers.

I really like their download service.  It's typically $12 for 16-bit FLAC.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Abuelo Igor on October 03, 2014, 03:29:11 PM
I used to order a lot from Play.com, but I had a very bitter experience last summer. They listed "The All-Baroque Box" on their marketplace, PlayTrade, at the incredible price of €30. I ordered it from one of the sellers, MovieMars, and this is what I received:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mozart-Violin-Concertos-Decca-Collectors/dp/B008CYV02I/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1412378113&sr=1-3&keywords=mozart+violin+wind+concertos

I returned it at my own expense (which was only partially refunded in the end) and I was promised a replacement, which, on reception, didn't correspond at all to the bulk a 50-CD set should have and looked, without even opening the package, like a twin of the Mozart set. I refused it, eventually got a refund of my money, more than two months after my original order, and tried it again with another seller, AllYourMusic. Yet again I received a slim package, returned it, and got a refund quite quickly.

By now I'm extremely reluctant to try it again with other sellers, since apparently it's Play.com's fault and I will probably receive the Mozart concertos set no matter who I order "All-Baroque" from. What really angers me is that, as of today, AllYourMusic lists the set at €32.47:

http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/33414024/The-All-Baroque-Box/Product.html?searchstring=50cd&searchsource=0&searchtype=musicall&urlrefer=search&strefer=musicall&searchfilters=s%7b50cd%7d%2bc%7b34%7d%2b

I cannot believe I've been the only one to be enthusiastic and then bitterly disappointed about this bargain, but, apparently, it's a mistake that won't get corrected.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on October 03, 2014, 03:55:52 PM
Quote from: Abuelo Igor on October 03, 2014, 03:29:11 PM
I used to order a lot from Play.com, but I had a very bitter experience last summer. They listed "The All-Baroque Box" on their marketplace, PlayTrade, at the incredible price of €30. I ordered it from one of the seller, MovieMars, and this is what I received:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mozart-Violin-Concertos-Decca-Collectors/dp/B008CYV02I/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1412378113&sr=1-3&keywords=mozart+violin+wind+concertos

I returned it at my own expense (which was only partially refunded in the end) and I was promised a replacement, which, on reception, didn't correspond at all to the bulk a 50-CD set should have and looked, without even opening the package, like a twin of the Mozart set. I refused it, eventually got a refund of my money, more than two months after my original order, and tried it again with another seller, AllYourMusic. Yet again I received a slim package, returned it, and got a refund quite quickly.

By now i'm extremely reluctant to try it again with other sellers, since apparently it's Play.com's fault and will probably receive the Mozart concertos set no matter who I order "All-Baroque" from. What really angers me is that, as of today, AllYourMusic lists the set at €32.47:

http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/33414024/The-All-Baroque-Box/Product.html?searchstring=50cd&searchsource=0&searchtype=musicall&urlrefer=search&strefer=musicall&searchfilters=s%7b50cd%7d%2bc%7b34%7d%2b

I cannot believe I've been the only one to be enthusiastic and then bitterly disappointed about this bargain, but, apparently, it's a mistake that won't get corrected.

I'm sure that by now you have realized this is a UPC number error which some fat-fingered clerk caused by entering data incorrectly, and it will never be fixed. I have actually written to some vendors on the US AMP, and asked them to look at their product and see if it is what they are advertising it to be. In most cases when they have done so, they realize it is incorrect and thus save me and themselves more headaches. I wouldn't say this is common, it has happened to me perhaps 4 times in 14 years of buying from Amazon, but it has never been resolved correctly a single time. Apparently, once it is entered incorrectly, this is forever!  -\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: RebLem on October 13, 2014, 07:31:38 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 02, 2007, 03:10:48 PM
www.cduniverse.com tends to undercut the competition by $3 on most but not all discs. I usually comparison-shop between CDuniverse, ArkivMusic, and Amazon. :)
Or, you can go to Google Shopping and let them do the comparison shopping for you.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 19, 2014, 11:47:06 AM
AVOID deepdiscount. Several years ago, I had a problem with them, where they wouldn't take back an order that they processed twice - there was an issue with the website. I had such a hard time returning their screw up. I didn't use them for several years, but tried again recently and it seems I have been blacklisted. Amazing! I guess that is one way of hiding a screw up. AVOID!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on November 22, 2014, 04:52:10 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 19, 2014, 11:47:06 AM
AVOID deepdiscount. Several years ago, I had a problem with them, where they wouldn't take back an order that they processed twice - there was an issue with the website. I had such a hard time returning their screw up. I didn't use them for several years, but tried again recently and it seems I have been blacklisted. Amazing! I guess that is one way of hiding a screw up. AVOID!

Wow. Bad thing if people/companies can't take any criticism.....

Means invariably that they are pretty bad at what they do....

Que
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Cosi bel do on January 02, 2015, 02:02:58 AM
Follow up on my troubles with HMV.co.jp that I detailed elsewhere:

Quote from: Discobolus on December 31, 2014, 02:55:49 AM
By the way, I don't know if anyone here ever ordered on HMV Japan (that is actually not affiliated to HMV anymore but to Lawson, a local company). But I'm currently living the WORST experience ever on any order I placed on a retail website.

I placed the order 2 months ago. Everything was supposed to ship in 10 days, but I really had to wait 6 weeks. Then everything was supposed to be delivered before Christmas. But the delivery failed today for the FOURTH time. After the 2 first failures, I tried to contact the delivery company but they only told me I should go to an office 10 kilometers from my home (and I don't live in the countryside, I live in the heart of the old Paris).
Then, it failed again a 3rd time, and I received a call informing me that the address was incomplete. It was : only the first word of the street name was printed on the package, and of course several streets in Paris start with the same words (even with the same ZIP code). So I was waiting for this delivery to happen today, but it failed AGAIN, it seems they incorrectly copied my instructions, or didn't have time to take these into account.
So here I am, again, on the delivery website, adding the basic informations (street name !) to this package. I checked of course, nothing was wrong originally with what I wrote at the time of the order, all the information is full and complete.

I contacted the customer service at HMV and they simply refused to acknowledge any responsibility. I sent them 3 messages explaining how they did mistakes, and how it is not acceptable to pay what I paid in delivery, to order 2 months in advance, and to see such failures in the end. All they said was to see that directly with the delivery company, that it's not their problem. They even answered one of the 3 messages with an automatic message saying they will consider my sugestions for their website (when I had selected "problem" and not "suggestion" in the first place).
I mean THEY mislabeled the address and everyone is guilty except them? Really?

The order was around €150 total, including €40 for delivery!

So, I can't be clearer than that: NEVER ORDER ON HMV.CO.JP!

I was waiting again for a delivery today. And bing! It failed again. "Prolonged absence of the recipient". This is really outrageously absurd. The delivery is now delayed for a whole week according to the tracking page. I'm going to try and cancel the whole thing. They'll have received it back in Japan faster, I think.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Cosi bel do on January 04, 2015, 04:02:53 AM
This is becoming an unending story. The package is now on its way back to Japan. They (HMV/Lawson) are waiting for it and will then refund the sum minus the cost of freight. Which is outrageous because there wouldn't have been a problem in the first place if they had not printed an incomplete address on the package.
This was the first and certainly the last time I ordered anything from Japan. In addition to have the less efficient client service I've ever seen, they are kind of rude and systematically reject all their responsibility. And make me understand that I should not say they are responsible for their mistakes, and accept to pay for them. This is the first time I've seen something like that, I mean, an online store that seems touchy as an old lady, and in the end just behaves as the most dishonest firm I've ever seen.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on January 04, 2015, 05:07:09 AM
Quote from: Discobolus on January 04, 2015, 04:02:53 AM
This is becoming an unending story. The package is now on its way back to Japan. They (HMV/Lawson) are waiting for it and will then refund the sum minus the cost of freight. Which is outrageous because there wouldn't have been a problem in the first place if they had not printed an incomplete address on the package.
This was the first and certainly the last time I ordered anything from Japan. In addition to have the less efficient client service I've ever seen, they are kind of rude and systematically reject all their responsibility. And make me understand that I should not say they are responsible for their mistakes, and accept to pay for them. This is the first time I've seen something like that, I mean, an online store that seems touchy as an old lady, and in the end just behaves as the most dishonest firm I've ever seen.

Good to know!
Because I use a PO Box, I cannot use a delivery company like UPS or DHL - they simply refuse to drop anything off at the post office and return any item as "undeliverable"...

Which makes me wonder: does anyone here know of good Japanese online stores, with at least rudimentary browsing options in English? :)

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SonicMan46 on January 04, 2015, 08:21:56 AM
Classicsonline (http://www.classicsonline.com) - for those who use this site (Naxos sponsored, I believe) which I do occasionally, I just ran into a problem w/ my most recent purchases, i.e. their convenient 'downloader' would not work on my Macbook Pro (as it did before) - the reason after several email exchanges is that I had upgraded to OS X Yosemite since my last purchase which requires a legacy version of Java Runtime (did not want to even resolve that issue, plus they are working on updating their downloader) - SO, they suggested two options (a manual one which was tedious), the one chosen which was putting several zipped files into Dropbox which I retrieved easily and each contained the appropriate MP3s.  Dave :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on January 04, 2015, 05:41:18 PM
Quote from: Discobolus on January 04, 2015, 04:02:53 AM
This is becoming an unending story. The package is now on its way back to Japan. They (HMV/Lawson) are waiting for it and will then refund the sum minus the cost of freight. Which is outrageous because there wouldn't have been a problem in the first place if they had not printed an incomplete address on the package.
This was the first and certainly the last time I ordered anything from Japan. In addition to have the less efficient client service I've ever seen, they are kind of rude and systematically reject all their responsibility. And make me understand that I should not say they are responsible for their mistakes, and accept to pay for them. This is the first time I've seen something like that, I mean, an online store that seems touchy as an old lady, and in the end just behaves as the most dishonest firm I've ever seen.

Sounds to me like it is time to file a dispute with the credit card company.
In the circumstances, not refunding the charge for the very thing in which they failed is adding insult to injury.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 04, 2015, 06:43:30 PM
Quote from: Discobolus on January 04, 2015, 04:02:53 AM
This is becoming an unending story. The package is now on its way back to Japan. They (HMV/Lawson) are waiting for it and will then refund the sum minus the cost of freight. Which is outrageous because there wouldn't have been a problem in the first place if they had not printed an incomplete address on the package.
This was the first and certainly the last time I ordered anything from Japan. In addition to have the less efficient client service I've ever seen, they are kind of rude and systematically reject all their responsibility. And make me understand that I should not say they are responsible for their mistakes, and accept to pay for them. This is the first time I've seen something like that, I mean, an online store that seems touchy as an old lady, and in the end just behaves as the most dishonest firm I've ever seen.
It's funny how companies can simply fail at the simplest of things. I recently received a present from someone from Target. It was an online gift and not available at the stores. It was broken and I wanted to exchange for the exact same item.  Here are the basics:
1. Call #1 - cannot exchange as I was the giftee, so they iniated a return and send at the same time. Emails sent to person who sent the gift - they could not send to me. The first email was received, which initiated the new order. The link to the return label was not received. Call took about 20-30 min
2. Call #2 - Called a day later when no label received. Person sent another link, but as there was a history to follow, it took about 45 min.
3. Call #3 - Called a day later when still no email with link to return label (remember, I had to bother someone else with this as they could not send label to me). Tried to get me to do it online, and system refused to allow me. Supposedly sent another link. About 45-60 min.
4. Call #4 - Bad connections, so took me about 4-5 calls of 3-5 min each before I got a call that held. Last person said nothing new and I lost connection again. 30-45 min.
5. At that point, having spent an inordinate amount of time on the phone, we just took it to the store and returned it. Interestingly, they had to manually enter info into the system as the scan did not give them enough info!
6. Got a call from the giver that the second order had been cancelled.

This should have been a really easy fix (I had order # and all sorts of other info from the gift receipt), and yet it was a total fail in my book. By the time I got to the store, I was itching for a battle, but the girl was nice and helpful (darn).  One doesn't have to go to Japan to find frustrating service! :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 04, 2015, 07:17:47 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 04, 2015, 06:43:30 PMOne doesn't have to go to Japan to find frustrating service! :)

Ha! That's for sure.

On my home soil (US) I just had a very bad experience with one of the mainstays of Amazon's Marketplace: ImportCDs. They'd been reliable in the past but not this time.

I ordered a CD from them and after a week or so I noticed that the status of my order and been updated to "delivered". Only thing is the CD hadn't been delivered...at least not to me.

I emailed them but their response amounted to little more than "there must be something wrong on your end" (possible bogus address, etc...) and I should just be patient and wait another ten days or so for the item to arrive. They seemed pretty certain my order would arrive even though it supposedly already had arrived. 

Many days go by and the arrival date passes but still no package.

So time for a refund or a replacement...........in my dreams.

THREE subsequent emails to ImportCDs went completely unanswered. Not a peep from them. Nobody home. Talk to the hand.

Infuriated I filed an Amazon claim and roasted them in my feedback. I'd like to never buy from these clowns again but so much of the time they have such smoking deals! :laugh:


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 04, 2015, 07:20:49 PM
I don't even want to launch into the story of how MovieMars 'almost' screwed me on the Bruckner Wand set on RCA. (I put 'almost' because I actually caught them doing something that was totally against Amazon policy)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 04, 2015, 07:26:31 PM
I've been burned many times as well whether it be Amazon MP or eBay. I've thankfully narrowed down a list of sellers that I'll continue to do business and the ones that I've had the most trouble with are on my blacklist.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 04, 2015, 07:31:46 PM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on January 04, 2015, 07:17:47 PM
I ordered a CD from them and after a week or so I noticed that the status of my order and been updated to "delivered". Only thing is the CD hadn't been delivered...at least not to me.

I emailed them but their response amounted to little more than "there must be something wrong on your end" (possible bogus address, etc...) and I should just be patient and wait another ten days or so for the item to arrive. They seemed pretty certain my order would arrive even though it supposedly already had arrived. 

My friend just had this happen with another shady supplier: the US Postal Service! She ordered $100 in stamps to put on her wedding invitations, eventually to learn that the stamps had been "delivered". It took two months to get her money back because they didn't believe her, dragged their feet on the investigation, and eventually somehow arranged a delivery to a woman with the same name who lives 1,500 miles away!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 04, 2015, 07:50:33 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 04, 2015, 07:31:46 PM
My friend just had this happen with another shady supplier: the US Postal Service! She ordered $100 in stamps to put on her wedding invitations, eventually to learn that the stamps had been "delivered". It took two months to get her money back because they didn't believe her, dragged their feet on the investigation, and eventually somehow arranged a delivery to a woman with the same name who lives 1,500 miles away!

That stinks.



Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 04, 2015, 07:57:25 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 04, 2015, 07:31:46 PM
My friend just had this happen with another shady supplier: the US Postal Service! She ordered $100 in stamps to put on her wedding invitations, eventually to learn that the stamps had been "delivered". It took two months to get her money back because they didn't believe her, dragged their feet on the investigation, and eventually somehow arranged a delivery to a woman with the same name who lives 1,500 miles away!

My dad ordered some stamps as well from our good ol' US Postal Service and received them 20 something days after he had placed the order. I'll just go to my local post office and pick them up if I need any. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: kishnevi on January 04, 2015, 08:14:16 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 04, 2015, 07:57:25 PM
My dad ordered some stamps as well from our good ol' US Postal Service and received them 20 something days after he had placed the order. I'll just go to my local post office and pick them up if I need any. :)

Where, if you do not stand in line, you get thermally printed labels.   Which is why I buy mine at the local supermarket.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 04, 2015, 09:18:20 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on January 04, 2015, 08:14:16 PM
Where, if you do not stand in line, you get thermally printed labels.   Which is why I buy mine at the local supermarket.

Thankfully, I don't use stamps much and I'm actually still going through a book I bought a few years ago. I use the 'forever' ones.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on January 05, 2015, 05:09:59 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on January 04, 2015, 07:17:47 PM
Ha! That's for sure.

On my home soil (US) I just had a very bad experience with one of the mainstays of Amazon's Marketplace: ImportCDs. They'd been reliable in the past but not this time.

I ordered a CD from them and after a week or so I noticed that the status of my order and been updated to "delivered". Only thing is the CD hadn't been delivered...at least not to me.

I emailed them but their response amounted to little more than "there must be something wrong on your end" (possible bogus address, etc...) and I should just be patient and wait another ten days or so for the item to arrive. They seemed pretty certain my order would arrive even though it supposedly already had arrived. 

Many days go by and the arrival date passes but still no package.

So time for a refund or a replacement...........in my dreams.

THREE subsequent emails to ImportCDs went completely unanswered. Not a peep from them. Nobody home. Talk to the hand.

Infuriated I filed an Amazon claim and roasted them in my feedback. I'd like to never buy from these clowns again but so much of the time they have such smoking deals! :laugh:

I won't deal with them anymore. I have had several bad experiences, and had to get refunds through PayPal -- whose service is excellent.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 05, 2015, 05:16:35 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on January 04, 2015, 07:17:47 PM
Ha! That's for sure.

On my home soil (US) I just had a very bad experience with one of the mainstays of Amazon's Marketplace: ImportCDs. They'd been reliable in the past but not this time.

I ordered a CD from them and after a week or so I noticed that the status of my order and been updated to "delivered". Only thing is the CD hadn't been delivered...at least not to me.

I emailed them but their response amounted to little more than "there must be something wrong on your end" (possible bogus address, etc...) and I should just be patient and wait another ten days or so for the item to arrive. They seemed pretty certain my order would arrive even though it supposedly already had arrived. 

Many days go by and the arrival date passes but still no package.

So time for a refund or a replacement...........in my dreams.

THREE subsequent emails to ImportCDs went completely unanswered. Not a peep from them. Nobody home. Talk to the hand.

Infuriated I filed an Amazon claim and roasted them in my feedback. I'd like to never buy from these clowns again but so much of the time they have such smoking deals! :laugh:

I had virtually the identical experience back in September with them. I swore them off, the lowlife bastards. Almost 6 weeks before I bought something else. Their shipping has always sucked. It appears they have ended their contract with DHL, the worst shippers in the world, but they aren't a whole lot better off now.  >:(

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 05, 2015, 09:43:13 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on January 04, 2015, 07:50:33 PM
That stinks.
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 04, 2015, 07:57:25 PM
My dad ordered some stamps as well from our good ol' US Postal Service and received them 20 something days after he had placed the order. I'll just go to my local post office and pick them up if I need any. :)


Today's update: she requested her money back, but they did NOT give her the money back. Instead...they mailed her the stamps.

So at least she successfully received them!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on January 05, 2015, 10:34:18 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 05, 2015, 05:16:35 AM
I had virtually the identical experience back in September with them. I swore them off, the lowlife bastards. Almost 6 weeks before I bought something else. Their shipping has always sucked. It appears they have ended their contract with DHL, the worst shippers in the world, but they aren't a whole lot better off now.  >:(

8)

Amazon.jp uses DHL for international delivery and they get their shipments to me in two days (seemingly DHL is their standard shipping for parcels heading to the US west coast). I was very impressed as the feat has been accomplished many times over the last year. Go DHL!!
Amazon.jp has been a very pleasant shopping experience as I expected all kinds of issues. Great vendor for Asian releases.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 05, 2015, 11:22:28 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on January 05, 2015, 10:34:18 AM
Amazon.jp uses DHL for international delivery and they get their shipments to me in two days (seemingly DHL is their standard shipping for parcels heading to the US west coast). I was very impressed as the feat has been accomplished many times over the last year. Go DHL!!
Amazon.jp has been a very pleasant shopping experience as I expected all kinds of issues. Great vendor for Asian releases.

But that is direct to you shipping. This was one of those unholy alliances between DHL and the US Mail, like FedEx Smartpost and UPS / USPS. Those two suck bad, but DHL was incredible. I do enough of a significant volume with ImportCD to say it wasn't once in a while, they would, every time, send parcels back and forth between Dallas and Houston (North Houston is the correct terminal), and then to any number of smaller post offices, then back the next day to Houston etc., before finally coming to me. Every stop on the journey dutifully recorded. And this was every time! It's like they didn't understand how the ZIP code system worked. The net result was each package took about 3 weeks to arrive from Kentucky to Texas, while on other systems they take about a week.

And ICD say 'call us back when it is overdue'. Well, I don't want every parcel to take the full time allotted. >:(

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on January 05, 2015, 11:28:17 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 05, 2015, 11:22:28 AM
But that is direct to you shipping. This was one of those unholy alliances between DHL and the US Mail, like FedEx Smartpost and UPS / USPS. Those two suck bad, but DHL was incredible. I do enough of a significant volume with ImportCD to say it wasn't once in a while, they would, every time, send parcels back and forth between Dallas and Houston (North Houston is the correct terminal), and then to any number of smaller post offices, then back the next day to Houston etc., before finally coming to me. Every stop on the journey dutifully recorded. And this was every time! It's like they didn't understand how the ZIP code system worked. The net result was each package took about 3 weeks to arrive from Kentucky to Texas, while on other systems they take about a week.

And ICD say 'call us back when it is overdue'. Well, I don't want every parcel to take the full time allotted. >:(

8)

Well Gurn, that's natural. You are shipping sophisticated music to Texas. You must expect puzzlement, disbelief, confusion, fear. I'd worry about posses.

>:D :laugh: :laugh:

Kidding, kidding
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 05, 2015, 12:11:39 PM
Quote from: Ken B on January 05, 2015, 11:28:17 AM
Well Gurn, that's natural. You are shipping sophisticated music to Texas. You must expect puzzlement, disbelief, confusion, fear. I'd worry about posses.

>:D :laugh: :laugh:

Kidding, kidding

Nah, it's just Haydn... :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on January 05, 2015, 12:39:35 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 05, 2015, 11:22:28 AM
But that is direct to you shipping. This was one of those unholy alliances between DHL and the US Mail, like FedEx Smartpost and UPS / USPS. Those two suck bad, but DHL was incredible. I do enough of a significant volume with ImportCD to say it wasn't once in a while, they would, every time, send parcels back and forth between Dallas and Houston (North Houston is the correct terminal), and then to any number of smaller post offices, then back the next day to Houston etc., before finally coming to me. Every stop on the journey dutifully recorded. And this was every time! It's like they didn't understand how the ZIP code system worked. The net result was each package took about 3 weeks to arrive from Kentucky to Texas, while on other systems they take about a week.

And ICD say 'call us back when it is overdue'. Well, I don't want every parcel to take the full time allotted. >:(

8)

Yes, I can imagine the confusion with DHL linking up with the local system. My worry about Japan was more about address format, names etc as things are formatted a bit different in Japan.   ???
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mookalafalas on January 05, 2015, 04:04:30 PM
Here is something rare. I have to retract a former complaint.  I got a package from ImportCD of a bunch of Naive label stuff and a Mozart Violin Sonatas set.  A few days after I got it, I saw Que post the same violin set in the listening thread and realized I hadn't gotten mine. I sent ImportCDs a number of emails and eventually was responded to and then received the replacement. Later my wife came in and said "I found this in a box in the garage"--and there was the CD.  I don't know how I had missed it :-[ :-[ :-[
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on January 05, 2015, 05:02:42 PM
Quote from: Mookalafalas on January 05, 2015, 04:04:30 PM
Here is something rare. I have to retract a former complaint.  I got a package from ImportCD of a bunch of Naive label stuff and a Mozart Violin Sonatas set.  A few days after I got it, I saw Que post the same violin set in the listening thread and realized I hadn't gotten mine. I sent ImportCDs a number of emails and eventually was responded to and then received the replacement. Later my wife came in and said "I found this in a box in the garage"--and there was the CD.  I don't know how I had missed it :-[ :-[ :-[

A classic CDCDCD syndrome!   :-[??? :P
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 05, 2015, 08:02:09 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 05, 2015, 09:43:13 AM

Today's update: she requested her money back, but they did NOT give her the money back. Instead...they mailed her the stamps.

So at least she successfully received them!

It seems ironic that the post office is having problems mailing out...stamps..... :P


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 05, 2015, 08:04:32 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 05, 2015, 12:11:39 PM
Nah, it's just Haydn... :-\

8)

HA!! :D


Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 05, 2015, 08:10:14 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 05, 2015, 09:43:13 AM

Today's update: she requested her money back, but they did NOT give her the money back. Instead...they mailed her the stamps.

So at least she successfully received them!

Oh jeez..... ::) How irritating.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 06, 2015, 12:59:49 AM
Quote from: Mookalafalas on January 05, 2015, 04:04:30 PM
Here is something rare. I have to retract a former complaint.  I got a package from ImportCD of a bunch of Naive label stuff and a Mozart Violin Sonatas set.  A few days after I got it, I saw Que post the same violin set in the listening thread and realized I hadn't gotten mine. I sent ImportCDs a number of emails and eventually was responded to and then received the replacement. Later my wife came in and said "I found this in a box in the garage"--and there was the CD.  I don't know how I had missed it :-[ :-[ :-[
There you are, no help in hiding them in the garage.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 06, 2015, 04:15:54 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on January 05, 2015, 08:02:09 PM
It seems ironic that the post office is having problems mailing out...stamps..... :P

No, irony would be sending them FedEx. :D

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: aap1960 on January 06, 2015, 09:16:09 PM
With all these examples of poor service, I would like to chime in on a great experience I just had with archivmusic.com.

I ordered The Karajan 1980's box set from them. I received it and put if off to the side for a couple of days. Days later I was looking through the set, slowly. After a few days I had reached the 2nd of the 4 boxes that divide the 78 discs and found that cardboard cover of #38 had no disc!. I sent off an email to customer service at archivmusic telling them of this. They answered my email about 5 days later. That email stated that they "regretted the error, and would get back to me soon". About another week later I received another email (which I read from my phone at work) stating that they would send me the missing disc in the mail and be on the lookout for it. By the time I got home, there was the package with the missing disc inside the correct cardboard cover! Amazing.

I received the original box on the 19th of December, and by the 2nd of January had the replacement. Considering two major holidays came and went within the time period, I was extremely pleased with the service.

ps. This is one of the major drawbacks of ordering these large boxes. Unless you check every single disc immediately, chances are that when find something that's missing, it might be to late to correct it!

Tony
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 11, 2015, 06:38:12 PM
FYI: Amazon seller "Last Page Media" is Half Price Books's overstock. Now, I don't know how they did this, but they just shipped me a used Bruckner 6 (Dohnanyi/Cleveland) CD and it took eight days to get shipped from their warehouse...which is five miles from my house. That package traveled an average of 0.026 miles per hour!!

Anyway, I'm playing it now and despite looking beat-up, the CD plays just fine. :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on January 11, 2015, 06:48:16 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 11, 2015, 06:38:12 PM
FYI: Amazon seller "Last Page Media" is Half Price Books's overstock. Now, I don't know how they did this, but they just shipped me a used Bruckner 6 (Dohnanyi/Cleveland) CD and it took eight days to get shipped from their warehouse...which is five miles from my house. That package traveled an average of 0.026 miles per hour!!

Anyway, I'm playing it now and despite looking beat-up, the CD plays just fine. :)

I order stuff from Detroit that goes via Chicago and Bowling Green before coming back here.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on January 17, 2015, 05:34:40 AM
I would like to issue a warning concerning the internet CD firm from Austria, "Inandout" Their service is below par, especially their return service, and it takes ages before replacements arrive.
The send me the box Bach and beyond, which I ordered before Christmas. When it arrived I found out that it had considerable water damage, and inside there was mould, almost bursting out in mushrooms, and thats still an understatement. When I contacted them, they send me a return address, without a bar code, meaning you have to pay the postage for them in advance, otherwise you get no proof of sending the package. They finally delivered a new box which seem to be okay, but no apology why this box was send in the first place, because you could clearly see it had considerable damage. Some friends of mine had similar experiences with this firm.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on January 17, 2015, 06:30:36 AM
And as a extra, there are things one should not do when ordering cd's. In approx ten times 50% of the credit card payments gets mixed up.
Say they have free postage, which they do once a month. Say you order a few CD'S and think that's it. But suddenly you see this incredible bargain, and you add it extra on your already ordered cd's which you also paid for already. Then their might be a problem. Sometimes they will charge you again the first amount you paid already again and the new one on top of that. This situation landed me in a credit card charge of almost 400 euro's while I ordered only for 180 euros. And since JPC gave the money part into the hands of another firm, its no use complaining to them. They will tell you contact your bank, we cannot help you. And when I did, they threw me out of JPC because I ordered the bank to take my money back, which was completely legal. I just figured it out that I spend about 40.000 euro's of my money with JPC over a few years, and this was my reward.
Be warned then.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Obradovic on January 17, 2015, 07:52:16 AM
Quote from: Harry's on January 17, 2015, 06:30:36 AM
This situation landed me in a credit card charge of almost 400 euro's while I ordered only for 180 euros

How did this happen? jpc unlike other sites maintains very low P&P price tags all time. For Greece is only 5.99EUR for whatever you order. How it added up to 220EUR for neighbouring Holland?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on January 17, 2015, 08:07:13 AM
Quote from: Obradovic on January 17, 2015, 07:52:16 AM
How did this happen? jpc unlike other sites maintains very low P&P price tags all time. For Greece is only 5.99EUR for whatever you order. How it added up to 220EUR for neighbouring Holland?

They could and would not explain. I am not talking about the free postage.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Obradovic on January 17, 2015, 08:22:01 AM
Quote from: Harry's on January 17, 2015, 08:07:13 AM
They could and would not explain. I am not talking about the free postage.
I think your run into the court was the least you should have done... I for my part could have done worse...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on January 17, 2015, 11:43:19 AM
Quote from: Harry's on January 17, 2015, 06:30:36 AM
And as a extra, there are things one should not do when ordering cd's. In approx ten times 50% of the credit card payments gets mixed up.
Say they have free postage, which they do once a month. Say you order a few CD'S and think that's it. But suddenly you see this incredible bargain, and you add it extra on your already ordered cd's which you also paid for already. Then their might be a problem. Sometimes they will charge you again the first amount you paid already again and the new one on top of that. This situation landed me in a credit card charge of almost 400 euro's while I ordered only for 180 euros. And since JPC gave the money part into the hands of another firm, its no use complaining to them. They will tell you contact your bank, we cannot help you. And when I did, they threw me out of JPC because I ordered the bank to take my money back, which was completely legal. I just figured it out that I spend about 40.000 euro's of my money with JPC over a few years, and this was my reward.
Be warned then.

It sounds like JPC needs to implement a system that tracks outstanding customers and give them customer service accordingly (i.e. stellar service in your case). Such fools to lose a customer like you!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on January 17, 2015, 11:58:18 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on January 17, 2015, 11:43:19 AM
It sounds like JPC needs to implement a system that tracks outstanding customers and give them customer service accordingly (i.e. stellar service in your case). Such fools to lose a customer like you!

Thank you, yes it rather was. They did not see sense though. :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Artem on February 20, 2015, 08:16:12 PM
Has anyone who buys from the Canadian amazon noticed a significant increase in prices for CDs?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Cato on March 03, 2015, 06:48:45 AM
I was unsure where to place this, and hated to start a separate topic.

The last classical music shop for scores and sheet music in New York City is closing, done in by the Internet.


Quote
Frank Music has been struggling for years, as music became readily available online, said Heidi Rogers, the shop's owner.

"We went from seeing 15 to 20 people per day to seeing two or three," Ms. Rogers said on Monday. "I went from feeling like I was at the center of the world to feeling invisible."...

The store's celebrity clients over the years have included pianists Emanuel Ax and Jeremy Denk, violinist Pamela Frank and cellist David Finckel.

One of Ms. Rogers's favorite memories is a telephone call from the violinist Itzhak Perlman , asking for Kreisler scores.

The composer Bruce Adolphe, who is resident lecturer at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, described the store as a musical meeting ground.

"Frank's Music was not just a store but a crucible," he said, "a nexus where musicians from Suzuki beginners and their parents, to Joshua Bell, or the Brentano's Mark Steinberg, would meet by chance."

See:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/nycs-last-classical-sheet-music-store-to-close-1425345520?mod=trending_now_1 (http://www.wsj.com/articles/nycs-last-classical-sheet-music-store-to-close-1425345520?mod=trending_now_1)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on March 18, 2015, 12:55:17 AM
With the Euro under $US1.10, what are some of the best online Eurozone CD stores?

I've been working on a JPC order, but they are still not very good for full price items.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on March 18, 2015, 01:19:53 AM
For me; prestoclassical.co.uk
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on March 18, 2015, 01:52:56 AM
Quote from: The new erato on March 18, 2015, 01:19:53 AM
For me; prestoclassical.co.uk

Yeah, I use Presto a lot (actually I use their download service the most) but I wanted to take advantage of the drop in the Euro against the dollar.  I guess I'll try Amazon.fr.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on March 18, 2015, 01:57:01 AM
Quote from: The new erato on March 18, 2015, 01:19:53 AM
For me; prestoclassical.co.uk

For me too, if there were not the postal costs. :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on March 18, 2015, 02:22:05 AM
Quote from: Daverz on March 18, 2015, 01:52:56 AM
Yeah, I use Presto a lot (actually I use their download service the most) but I wanted to take advantage of the drop in the Euro against the dollar.  I guess I'll try Amazon.fr.
I oversaw your Euro point. The only Euro shops I use are the three amazons (fr, it, and es) as well as jpc. Continental webshops (eg FNAC etc) usually have frightening P&P, evne to Norway. Those I mentioned are OK.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on May 08, 2015, 09:10:57 AM
RIP Crotchet. Got an email today that the owners retired and the place is closing shop. They are recommeding Presto in their email.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on May 08, 2015, 09:31:21 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on May 08, 2015, 09:10:57 AM
RIP Crotchet. Got an email today that the owners retired and the place is closing shop. They are recommeding Presto in their email.
Nostalgia sets in. Haven't used them online for some time, but they were my main dealer in the 90ies when offers came in per photocopyed pages in monthly envelopes, and orders were sent by fax. I think my relationship with them goes back tp LP days.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: flyingdutchman on July 27, 2015, 07:05:29 PM
So I wonder when Berkshire Record Outlet will finally come back.  They said mid June first and now it's almost August.  They've got to come back soon I hope.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on July 27, 2015, 08:49:24 PM
Quote from: flyingdutchman on July 27, 2015, 07:05:29 PM
So I wonder when Berkshire Record Outlet will finally come back.  They said mid June first and now it's almost August.  They've got to come back soon I hope.

I guess they have plenty of cds to move..!   ;)   I wish they would post an estimate of when they will open up on their website.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on July 27, 2015, 10:11:37 PM
Quote from: flyingdutchman on July 27, 2015, 07:05:29 PM
So I wonder when Berkshire Record Outlet will finally come back.  They said mid June first and now it's almost August.  They've got to come back soon I hope.

I am planning a trip to the US, so it would be nice if BRO is back by that time.  :)

Though my euro doesn't buy me much anymore... ??? :P

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: HIPster on August 27, 2015, 05:58:15 PM
Better late than never!

BRO seems to be open for business again!   :)

https://broinc.com/
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ken B on September 05, 2015, 03:31:39 PM
I ordered a bunch of stuff from jpc on July 15. I am still waiting.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mookalafalas on September 05, 2015, 07:50:42 PM
Remember when we all ordered the Vaughan-Williams from Italian Amazon? Still haven't gotten mine :'(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on September 06, 2015, 07:31:17 AM
Quote from: Mookalafalas on September 05, 2015, 07:50:42 PM
Remember when we all ordered the Vaughan-Williams from Italian Amazon? Still haven't gotten mine :'(
Well that is strange. I assume you've told them about this? I got mine pretty soon IIRC.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mookalafalas on September 06, 2015, 07:35:52 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 06, 2015, 07:31:17 AM
Well that is strange. I assume you've told them about this? I got mine pretty soon IIRC.

  Yeah, I told them and they said they'd do something.  And then I just told them again and they said I'd hear back in 3 days--which are pretty much up :-\
   I'm not that worried about it.  I didn't spend much and actually found the set online.  I'll see what happens 8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on September 06, 2015, 07:37:33 AM
Quote from: Mookalafalas on September 06, 2015, 07:35:52 AM
  Yeah, I told them and they said they'd do something.  And then I just told them again and they said I'd hear back in 3 days--which are pretty much up :-\
   I'm not that worried about it.  I didn't spend much and actually found the set online.  I'll see what happens 8)
Oh for heaven's sake don't order it before you hear back from them. It is Sunday, you should just email them again tomorrow if they don't email you first.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brahmsian on September 21, 2015, 10:27:02 AM
Amazon Canada marketplace seller - Music4sure Ca - ships from Israel.

99% rating.  Anyone with experience with this 3rd party seller?  Has a new Bruckner/Celibidache/Munich set $37.34 CDN plus shipping.

Thanks!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on September 21, 2015, 01:19:41 PM
Quote from: Mookalafalas on September 06, 2015, 07:35:52 AM
  Yeah, I told them and they said they'd do something.  And then I just told them again and they said I'd hear back in 3 days--which are pretty much up :-\
   I'm not that worried about it.  I didn't spend much and actually found the set online.  I'll see what happens 8)
Any developments?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on September 25, 2015, 04:24:58 AM
I received an email from primephonic.com, an online classical retailer new to me. Does anyone have any knowledge of or experience with them?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Holden on December 03, 2015, 12:17:49 AM
Bought two CDs from online seller CDBaby. Payment went through OK and got confirmation. The item has now been despatched and this wonderful e-mail informed me of the fact.



Thanks for your order with CD Baby!
(1) Bruce Hungerford: Pianist Bruce Hungerford: Last Recital
(1) Bruce Hungerford: Pianist Bruce Hungerford Plays a Live Beethoven Sonata Recital


Your CDs have been gently taken from our CD Baby shelves with sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow.

A team of 50 employees inspected your CDs and polished them to make sure they were in the best possible condition before mailing. Our world-renowned packing specialist lit a local artisan candle and a hush fell over the crowd as he put your CDs into the finest gold-lined box that money can buy.

We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of Portland waved "Bon Voyage!" to your package, on its way to you, in our private CD Baby jet on this day, December 2, 2015.

We hope you had a wonderful time shopping at CD Baby. In commemoration, we have placed your picture on our wall as "Customer of the Year." We're all exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to CDBABY.COM!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sigh...
We miss you already. We'll be right here at http://cdbaby.com/, patiently awaiting your return.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on December 03, 2015, 01:34:57 AM
I think they should have brought in Bruce Hungerford to kiss and bless the CDs before packaging.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on December 03, 2015, 01:41:54 AM
Quote from: The new erato on December 03, 2015, 01:34:57 AM
I think they should have brought in Bruce Hungerford to kiss and bless the CDs before packaging.
And Beethoven too.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on December 03, 2015, 07:01:24 AM
Quote from: Holden on December 03, 2015, 12:17:49 AM
Bought two CDs from online seller CDBaby. Payment went through OK and got confirmation. The item has now been despatched and this wonderful e-mail informed me of the fact.



Thanks for your order with CD Baby!
(1) Bruce Hungerford: Pianist Bruce Hungerford: Last Recital
(1) Bruce Hungerford: Pianist Bruce Hungerford Plays a Live Beethoven Sonata Recital


Your CDs have been gently taken from our CD Baby shelves with sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow.

A team of 50 employees inspected your CDs and polished them to make sure they were in the best possible condition before mailing. Our world-renowned packing specialist lit a local artisan candle and a hush fell over the crowd as he put your CDs into the finest gold-lined box that money can buy.

We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of Portland waved "Bon Voyage!" to your package, on its way to you, in our private CD Baby jet on this day, December 2, 2015.

We hope you had a wonderful time shopping at CD Baby. In commemoration, we have placed your picture on our wall as "Customer of the Year." We're all exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to CDBABY.COM!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sigh...
We miss you already. We'll be right here at http://cdbaby.com/, patiently awaiting your return.


;D ;D I've ordered from CDBaby before (and been satisfied) but never have they rained anything like this on me! You must really be special, Holden!



Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on March 23, 2016, 08:14:09 AM
Has anyone tried primephonic? I'm trying to get the free sampler, but my antivirus is not liking the downloader.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: NikF2 on March 28, 2016, 11:57:41 AM
Could anyone tell me, please, what the options are when buying from Amazon when in Denmark? The amazon.dk appears to redirect to the co.uk, regardless. Is it simply a case of choosing the nearest Amazon store(s)?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: listener on March 28, 2016, 12:09:55 PM
It looks to me as if amazon.dk does not exist, there's no link to it on any of the other amazon pages.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: NikF2 on March 28, 2016, 12:16:51 PM
Quote from: listener on March 28, 2016, 12:09:55 PM
It looks to me as if amazon.dk does not exist, there's no link to it on any of the other amazon pages.

Yeah, when I use the URL it just redirects to the UK site. But I thought it might differ depending on location - so that the nearest version/country would be the destination.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: aligreto on March 28, 2016, 01:28:50 PM
Quote from: NikF2 on March 28, 2016, 11:57:41 AM
Could anyone tell me, please, what the options are when buying from Amazon when in Denmark? The amazon.dk appears to redirect to the co.uk, regardless. Is it simply a case of choosing the nearest Amazon store(s)?

Oh sh*t!! He is naked in a Danish hotel hallway after locking himself out of his room and he wants to buy a bathrobe  :laugh:
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: NikF2 on March 28, 2016, 01:57:24 PM
Quote from: aligreto on March 28, 2016, 01:28:50 PM
Oh sh*t!! He is naked in a Danish hotel hallway after locking himself out of his room and he wants to buy a bathrobe  :laugh:

I thought Danes were cool with being naked in public and all that?  :o
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on October 18, 2016, 12:01:51 PM
Somehow I missed this when it happened in 2015, but Naxos bought ArkivMusic.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 20, 2016, 07:09:33 PM
Anyone familiar with Clic Musique? They have some good prices on some harder to find labels. Do they ever have sales on labels or sitewide sales?

This is their site: http://www.clicmusique.com/index.php (http://www.clicmusique.com/index.php)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on December 21, 2016, 01:04:16 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 20, 2016, 07:09:33 PM
Anyone familiar with Clic Musique? They have some good prices on some harder to find labels. Do they ever have sales on labels or sitewide sales?

This is their site: http://www.clicmusique.com/index.php (http://www.clicmusique.com/index.php)

They are a distributor, so the plus us that they have  a lot of stuff that is hard to get elsewhere.
I haven't seen any sales. They also sell through Amazon (UK).
You would think buying from them directly would be cheaper, especially if a order involves multiple items.
But no.... ::) I've found that their Amazon price on a particular item is often significantly lower, and their own shipping rates are not very advantageous either.

So, if you find something interesting on their website - check Amazon first before deciding where to place your order.  :)

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spineur on December 21, 2016, 03:28:39 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 20, 2016, 07:09:33 PM
Anyone familiar with Clic Musique? They have some good prices on some harder to find labels. Do they ever have sales on labels or sitewide sales?

This is their site: http://www.clicmusique.com/index.php (http://www.clicmusique.com/index.php)
I use them.  Best prices for Supraphon.  Got some opera on dvd/blu-ray from them. Some of the stuff they sell can be cd that are moving slowly through other channels and they can sell at discount.  So one has to pick carefully (as often).  Excellent on delivery within France.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 21, 2016, 09:38:22 AM
Thank you both! They have good prices on the Acte Préalable label.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on March 30, 2017, 08:17:46 AM
Recently, in the Recordings That You Are Considering thread, I posted a number of Korean market titles that interested me, and asked if anyone knew of any Korean market sellers with a broad catalog.  I did some snooping, and I found one: www.yesasia.com. 

As expected, there are many enticing recordings; the list of recordings I'm considering has jumped from six to dozens.  The site lists 307 Korean market titles, and while a lot are garbage compilations, they list dozens of core rep recordings from all the majors and some regional labels.  Filtering can be done by country (Japan, Korea, China).  The Japanese listings are garbled, though I already have multiple sources I use in Japan.  The Chinese ones appear slim, at least to my taste, for now, though I suspect that will change.  One bonus - international shipping is free.  I'm going to hunt some more because some titles are not available there.  I also revisited Han Books, the vendor that I bought the original big box format set of Kun Woo Paik's LvB cycle, and they have some items, but the selection is much smaller.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spineur on March 30, 2017, 08:54:50 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 30, 2017, 08:17:46 AM
Recently, in the Recordings That You Are Considering thread, I posted a number of Korean market titles that interested me, and asked if anyone knew of any Korean market sellers with a broad catalog.  I did some snooping, and I found one: www.yesasia.com. 

As expected, there are many enticing recordings; the list of recordings I'm considering has jumped from six to dozens.  The site lists 307 Korean market titles, and while a lot are garbage compilations, they list dozens of core rep recordings from all the majors and some regional labels.  Filtering can be done by country (Japan, Korea, China).  The Japanese listings are garbled, though I already have multiple sources I use in Japan.  The Chinese ones appear slim, at least to my taste, for now, though I suspect that will change.  One bonus - international shipping is free.  I'm going to hunt some more because some titles are not available there.  I also revisited Han Books, the vendor that I bought the original big box format set of Kun Woo Paik's LvB cycle, and they have some items, but the selection is much smaller.
Dear Todd

You could have a look at gmarket, the largest online marketplace in Korea

http://www.gmarket.co.kr/ (http://www.gmarket.co.kr/)

or more conveniently its automatically translated version

http://global.gmarket.co.kr/Home/Main (http://global.gmarket.co.kr/Home/Main)

It isnt so difficult to buy from them, the shipping cost are reasonable (my wife keeps buying Korean clothes, which are quite trendy).  I almost bought a Cowon Plenue 2 through them, but didnt do it in the end as I got concerned with the import tax.  But CD are sufficiently inexpensive so these taxes are not due, at least in europe.  I made a search Kim and found four CDs available.  This would be my preferred route.



Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on March 30, 2017, 09:37:20 AM
Quote from: Spineur on March 30, 2017, 08:54:50 AM
You could have a look at gmarket, the largest online marketplace in Korea


That's where I picked up Younwha Lee's Beethoven cycle.  Since it is a marketplace, it seems more limited for my purposes.  The Kim Jeong Won pickings are down to one disc there, for instance, but yesasia has a lot more, including a Schubert three disc set.  On the plus side, gmarket does have some of Kun Woo Paik's early recordings - Scriabin, Rachmaninoff solo works - so I will probably use it as well later on.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on September 11, 2017, 06:38:45 AM
This may have been posted on before, but this is the first time I recall seeing this.  You can buy some titles directly from Decca at http://store.deccaclassics.com.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on October 07, 2017, 02:49:55 AM
Quote from: maxbeesley on October 07, 2017, 02:43:19 AM
Arkivmusic is the best platform to buy classical music.
Arkivmusic is usually not the cheapest, unfortunately.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spineur on October 07, 2017, 03:52:35 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on October 07, 2017, 02:49:55 AM
Arkivmusic is usually not the cheapest, unfortunately.
I also have been put of by the navigation scheme they have.  Its a site that I have visited a number of time, each time abandonning my searches.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Omicron9 on October 07, 2017, 02:10:27 PM
Quote from: Spineur on October 07, 2017, 03:52:35 AM
I also have been put of by the navigation scheme they have.  Its a site that I have visited a number of time, each time abandonning my searches.

^This. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on October 07, 2017, 02:39:33 PM
Quote from: Spineur on October 07, 2017, 03:52:35 AM
I also have been put of by the navigation scheme they have.  Its a site that I have visited a number of time, each time abandonning my searches.

My experience is the opposite. The "Tree" organization where you pick the composer, genre, piece, conductor to narrow your search can be uniquely useful. It is also the only way to see an exhaustive list of who has recorded a given piece. The main limitation is that only in-print, distributed-in-the-us releases are included.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on October 07, 2017, 04:04:40 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on October 07, 2017, 02:39:33 PM
My experience is the opposite. The "Tree" organization where you pick the composer, genre, piece, conductor to narrow your search can be uniquely useful. It is also the only way to see an exhaustive list of who has recorded a given piece. The main limitation is that only in-print, distributed-in-the-us releases are included.
Indeed. I often use Arkiv for precisely this purpose (or to see what is available from a particular artist) - and to find reviews.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ritter on October 08, 2017, 06:38:48 AM
Quote from: North Star on October 07, 2017, 04:04:40 PM
Indeed. I often use Arkiv for precisely this purpose (or to see what is available from a particular artist) - and to find reviews.
+1 (and good day, Karlo!)

At Arkiv, if you're looking for e.g. Boulez, you know you'll get results for Boulez, and not for Bolling, Boulanger, Bolet or any other approximation that the algorithm might "suggest". That's the problem for me at jpc, for instance: if you change yoyur search criteria from "best results" to "relesase date", all sorts of irrelevant items turn up (just because there are some similarities in the names).

Pity Arkiv stopped producing Arkiv CDs, though. ytes, they were CD-Rs, but thay made some very interesting stuff available...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on October 10, 2017, 11:10:55 AM
Quote from: ritter on October 08, 2017, 06:38:48 AM
Pity Arkiv stopped producing Arkiv CDs, though. ytes, they were CD-Rs, but thay made some very interesting stuff available...
Really? I didn't know that! What a shame - I was able to fill some very particular holes with that service. But they weren't cheap, so I guess it just got too expensive for the (I expect) low volumes.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on October 10, 2017, 12:09:18 PM
Presto redesigned their website!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Obradovic on October 13, 2017, 06:49:02 AM
Still waiting (in Greece) for 3 Amazon orders (coming from 3 different retailers) one whole month after the latest estimated delivery date... >:(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on October 13, 2017, 06:51:51 AM
Quote from: Obradovic on October 13, 2017, 06:49:02 AM
Still waiting (in Greece) for 3 Amazon orders (coming from 3 different retailers) one whole month after the latest estimated delivery date... >:(
You should contact them...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Obradovic on October 13, 2017, 07:17:52 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on October 13, 2017, 06:51:51 AM
You should contact them...
I did it and they said 'just wait a little more'...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on October 13, 2017, 07:19:43 AM
Quote from: Obradovic on October 13, 2017, 07:17:52 AM
I did it and they said 'just wait a little more'...
Ah. Well at least you are on record, which is good if they get lost along the way, though we hope for a delivery!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: North Star on October 13, 2017, 10:16:40 AM
Quote from: Obradovic on October 13, 2017, 06:49:02 AM
Still waiting (in Greece) for 3 Amazon orders (coming from 3 different retailers) one whole month after the latest estimated delivery date... >:(
Quote from: Obradovic on October 13, 2017, 07:17:52 AM
I did it and they said 'just wait a little more'...
Amazon marketplace sellers can vary a lot in their delivery times. A month after the estimate is a lot, though. Contact them again soon and ask for a refund if you don't receive the order(s)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on October 13, 2017, 10:22:54 AM
Quote from: ritter on October 08, 2017, 06:38:48 AMPity Arkiv stopped producing Arkiv CDs, though. ytes, they were CD-Rs, but thay made some very interesting stuff available...

Really? I still saw Archiv CDs listed when I visited yesterday.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ritter on October 13, 2017, 12:55:47 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on October 13, 2017, 10:22:54 AM
Really? I still saw Archiv CDs listed when I visited yesterday.
Yes, they're  still there, but no new ones for almost two years now IIRC.  :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: aligreto on October 13, 2017, 01:17:06 PM
Quote from: Obradovic on October 13, 2017, 07:17:52 AM
I did it and they said 'just wait a little more'...

Quote from: George on October 13, 2017, 12:50:00 PM
They try to tell me that too, sometimes, but I always say no and demand a refund. A month past the expected delivery date is already being way too patient, I think.   


I would agree with George; go for a refund demand asap  ;)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Obradovic on October 14, 2017, 05:34:25 AM
Quote from: aligreto on October 13, 2017, 01:17:06 PM


I would agree with George; go for a refund demand asap  ;)

Ηmmm... yes... there are some signs lately that made me uneasy about their reliability: a few days after I ordered the Vol. 1 of Rossini Cantatas (Chailly, Decca, not generally available) I received a message that my order has been dispatched and a few days later I was informed that they refunded the total cost! After dispatching what? Did they dispatch anything? No. So why the assured me that my order is on the way? why the disc still appears as available? And as the new missing orders are long deleted discs (Debussy-La Mer-Sinopoli, DG & Bernstein conducts his Divertimento etc, DG) I'm afraid there is nothing that can be shipped...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: listener on October 22, 2017, 06:51:54 AM
Perhaps I missed this earlier, jpc shipping was EUR 10.00 now EUR 11.56, still not bad considering the distance and the size of some of my orders.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on November 06, 2017, 08:40:50 AM
Did crotchet.co.uk go out of business? Their URL doesn't work.

I remember I used to order from them all the time. Then they sent me an email announcing  that they had upgraded their web site and as a result my account had been obliterated, including order history and shopping cart. I never ordered from them again.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on November 06, 2017, 08:44:55 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on November 06, 2017, 08:40:50 AM
Did crotchet.co.uk go out of business?


Yes, a couple years ago.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on November 09, 2017, 08:31:55 PM
Purchased an item from Amazon which was listed as published by Decca, and they sent me an archivmusic CD-ROM. It was Amazon proper, not a Marketplace seller. Requested a return, granted with no difficulty.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on November 09, 2017, 08:44:11 PM
I made my last purchase with Presto Classical. They have screwed my orders up too many times to consider using them again. The first time I was okay with the mistake, but when every order I make with them has items missing or they simply have not shipped all of my items within that order at the same time as the others, it becomes a problem.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 09, 2017, 11:10:49 PM
Never had a problem with presto. When an item is late they occasionally split up an order and sends the missing item later and I cannot see the problem with that.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Turner on November 09, 2017, 11:28:51 PM
I´ve been very satisfied with ordering from Presto, MDT and JPC.de.

A slight disruption was JPC.de changing a paid order from a Friday, cancelling an item in a notice on Monday, where I found out that it was because the price had gone up during the weekend. This in spite of the item still being stated to be in stock on Monday too. When I contacted them, they however swiftly agreed to sell me the item for the reduced price in a later order from them. I guess there´s some automatic cancellations going on in their system at times.

As for Amazon´s European websites, I think I´ve noticed an increasing number of companies who seem to offer low prices, but then show to be based say on the Channel Islands or in Switzerland, adding massive custom fees and service fees to that initial, low price. In reality, their prices aren´t competitive then, and one has to look carefully about their addresses, to avoid costly surprises (I haven´t tried Swiss providers I think, but from what I understand, those custom fees will be added to deliveries for the EU).

Also, I´ve noticed that a good deal of the bigger companies have addresses in the Netherlands. In relation to the current Paradise Papers story, from what I understand, the Dutch business registration and tax system has for decades specialized in providing comfortably easy access to overseas 'tax heavens' for companies.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on November 10, 2017, 05:53:00 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 09, 2017, 08:44:11 PM
I made my last purchase with Presto Classical. They have screwed my orders up too many times to consider using them again. The first time I was okay with the mistake, but when every order I make with them has items missing or they simply have not shipped all of my items within that order at the same time as the others, it becomes a problem.

I interpret that as a favor to you. It means they are taking the expense of shipping immediately available items right away, rather than delaying the entire order until all items are available.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on November 10, 2017, 06:53:04 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on November 10, 2017, 05:53:00 AM
I interpret that as a favor to you. It means they are taking the expense of shipping immediately available items right away, rather than delaying the entire order until all items are available.

But when that goes against the wishes of the customer then it's a problem and not a favor to me at all. You have the option before checkout to have all of your items shipped together or to have them shipped as they become available. I always choose the first option, but this isn't what I found annoying. What I found annoying was when I open my package only to find three items missing whenever the invoice clearly states that these items were supposed to be in the package. It would be different if it was a one time thing (even twice I understand), but to have it happen 4 times out of 5 --- that's just frustrating.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: stingo on November 25, 2017, 06:24:53 AM
I am probably late to the party on this, but Chandos is offering a discounted (£5 vs the regular £9.99) download title every hour (title must be paid for before its hour expires). As I write this, there is a Beethoven/Archduke Ferdinand violin variations as well as a Beethoven sonata. I am listening to an English Guitar Concerti (Craig Ogden/Northern Sinfonia, Hiscox) download that I picked up yesterday and am liking it. At any rate, I just thought it was an interesting way to run a sale.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Turner on November 26, 2017, 12:48:24 AM
Quote from: Turner on November 09, 2017, 11:28:51 PM
I´ve been very satisfied with ordering from Presto, MDT and JPC.de.

A slight disruption was JPC.de changing a paid order from a Friday, cancelling an item in a notice on Monday, where I found out that it was because the price had gone up during the weekend. This in spite of the item still being stated to be in stock on Monday too. When I contacted them, they however swiftly agreed to sell me the item for the reduced price in a later order from them. I guess there´s some automatic cancellations going on in their system at times.

As for Amazon´s European websites, I think I´ve noticed an increasing number of companies who seem to offer low prices, but then show to be based say on the Channel Islands or in Switzerland, adding massive custom fees and service fees to that initial, low price. In reality, their prices aren´t competitive then, and one has to look carefully about their addresses, to avoid costly surprises (I haven´t tried Swiss providers I think, but from what I understand, those custom fees will be added to deliveries for the EU).

Also, I´ve noticed that a good deal of the bigger companies have addresses in the Netherlands. In relation to the current Paradise Papers story, from what I understand, the Dutch business registration and tax system has for decades specialized in providing comfortably easy access to overseas 'tax heavens' for companies.

MDT seems to have gone berserk with their postage rates recently; a delivery of two small CD box sets will now cost £ 10.25 to Denmark. One is £ 7.25 !

But they are to a large extent excluding themselves from the market as regards my buyings, those prices usually not being competitive compared to those of other sellers.

German Zweitausendeins sometimes has interesting offers (their selection is limited though), and a fixed postal rate. Offers from lesser known repertoire often stay there for long.
The Brilliant Classics 50 CD Telemann Edition has been 50 Euros there for ages. The Brilliant Russian Chamber 6 CD box, for 4 Euros, too.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spineur on November 26, 2017, 01:37:50 AM
The latest order Momox/Medimops didnt make it after now a full month.  I just asked for a refund.  I am afraid I will have to look for alternatives.  I prefer to pay more and have a good delivery service.  On that count, only Amazon and clicmusique have kept their delivery promises.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on November 26, 2017, 02:20:57 AM
Quote from: Spineur on November 26, 2017, 01:37:50 AM
The latest order Momox/Medimops didnt make it after now a full month.  I just asked for a refund. I am afraid I will have to look for alternatives.  I prefer to pay more and have a good delivery service.  On that count, only Amazon and clicmusique have kept their delivery promises.

I'm not so happy with the carelessness of Medimops either....

There is another German party ReBuy, that has really good offers on collectibles.
But.. they are unwilling to ship outside of Germany.... ::)

For new stuff I use jpc for larger orders. Shipping to the Netherlands is cheap and free one weekend a month or so.They have great deals.
For single items,  I use the Amazon UK marketplace. Shipping is £2 an item, which is much cheaper than the market places of the ither European Amazons.
But I'm not sure if that is going to last after Brexit.....

German Amazon is starting to focus more on the Netherlands, featuring a Dutch language option.
Not that I necessarily need that, I'd rather see shipping costs go down...

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spineur on November 29, 2017, 09:12:34 AM
Quote from: Spineur on November 26, 2017, 01:37:50 AM
The latest order Momox/Medimops didnt make it after now a full month.  I just asked for a refund.  I am afraid I will have to look for alternatives.  I prefer to pay more and have a good delivery service.  On that count, only Amazon and clicmusique have kept their delivery promises.
In the end, I got no refund.  They didnt want to understand that I had not recieved the order.  They are finished with me.  This is where Amazon shines: for them customer satisfaction is their priority.  Here the amount lost is negligible, but the frustration very large.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Parsifal on December 01, 2017, 09:02:36 AM
Quote from: Spineur on November 29, 2017, 09:12:34 AM
In the end, I got no refund.  They didnt want to understand that I had not recieved the order.  They are finished with me.  This is where Amazon shines: for them customer satisfaction is their priority.  Here the amount lost is negligible, but the frustration very large.

Was the order made through Amazon Marketplace? If so, my experience is that Amazon will override and refund you even if the merchant doesn't respond.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: aligreto on December 01, 2017, 09:13:24 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on December 01, 2017, 09:02:36 AM
Was the order made through Amazon Marketplace? If so, my experience is that Amazon will override and refund you even if the merchant doesn't respond.

That is my experience also.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 01, 2017, 09:18:21 AM
And even if that is not so, you could contest the credit card charge with the credit card company/bank (if one used a credit card).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spineur on December 01, 2017, 09:51:02 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on December 01, 2017, 09:02:36 AM
Was the order made through Amazon Marketplace? If so, my experience is that Amazon will override and refund you even if the merchant doesn't respond.
No it wasnt.  As I said, I dont care about the refund, it is that it is a source of CDs that has become unreliable and that I have to look for others.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Baron Scarpia on December 20, 2017, 11:35:29 PM
I find myself disappointed with Presto Classical. I placed an order. The web site said it ships in 3 days. Then they changed that to a week, then they changed that to a month. Fine, but then I noticed that they already charged my credit card.

I will not purchase there again.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on December 21, 2017, 03:18:46 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on December 20, 2017, 11:35:29 PM
I find myself disappointed with Presto Classical. I placed an order. The web site said it ships in 3 days. Then they changed that to a week, then they changed that to a month. Fine, but then I noticed that they already charged my credit card.

I will not purchase there again.

They charge your credit card when you post your order. Actually they will not execute any order, until they have got the money. I have accepted this since long, because there have never been problems with refund, if they turned out to be unable to deliver an order. I have dealt with them for more than fifteen years, so I have a long time experience with their costumer policy. All in all they offer a good service.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on December 21, 2017, 03:41:12 AM
Quote from: (: premont :) on December 21, 2017, 03:18:46 AM
They charge your credit card when you post your order. Actually they will not execute any order, until they have got the money. I have accepted this since long, because there have never been problems with refund, if they turned out to be unable to deliver an order. I have dealt with them for more than fifteen years, so I have a long time experience with their costumer policy. All in all they offer a good service.
Me as well. What a few cents interest?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on December 21, 2017, 03:42:57 AM
Quote from: The new erato on December 21, 2017, 03:41:12 AM
Me as well. What a few cents interest?

The only problem I have with them is the postage cost which increase the more you buy, so I rather stick to JPC if possible.
Their service is impeccable though.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on December 21, 2017, 03:59:06 AM
Quote from: Harry's corner on December 21, 2017, 03:42:57 AM
The only problem I have with them is the postage cost which increase the more you buy, so I rather stick to JPC if possible.
Their service is impeccable though.

I also tend to stick to JPC when possible, but often Presto is the only option particularly as to downloads, which in some cases is the only way of getting a recording. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Baron Scarpia on December 21, 2017, 08:23:22 AM
It is not the end of the world, but it is a significant inconvenience. I made the purchase with a credit card that I don't normally use. Today I had to pay the bill, even though they haven't even told me when it will be available. Now if I decide it is not worth waiting for and cancel they will refund, and I will carry a balance on my credit card? Now I have to find an excuse to use that credit card to nullify the balance? Annoying enough that I'll find a different vendor next time.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on December 21, 2017, 09:43:29 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on December 21, 2017, 08:23:22 AM
It is not the end of the world, but it is a significant inconvenience. I made the purchase with a credit card that I don't normally use. Today I had to pay the bill, even though they haven't even told me when it will be available. Now if I decide it is not worth waiting for and cancel they will refund, and I will carry a balance on my credit card? Now I have to find an excuse to use that credit card to nullify the balance? Annoying enough that I'll find a different vendor next time.

When you order something, they send you a confirmation mail and in this you can read how long time they expect it will take, before they can ship the CDs. In two instances I waited somewhat  longer than presupposed. I lost my patience, cancelled the order and without any problems the money were returned to my credit card.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Baron Scarpia on December 21, 2017, 10:29:15 AM
Quote from: (: premont :) on December 21, 2017, 09:43:29 AM
When you order something, they send you a confirmation mail and in this you can read how long time they expect it will take, before they can ship the CDs. In two instances I waited somewhat  longer than presupposed. I lost my patience, cancelled the order and without any problems the money were returned to my credit card.

Yes, I am aware that they sent me a confirmation email, I am aware that the told me how long it would take to ship, I am also aware that they are now a month beyond that expected shipment date, they have my money, I have paid the credit card bill, and if I cancel I will have the nuisance of monitoring my credit card to confirm the refund and deciding how to manage a positive balance sitting on my credit card. It is not the end of the world, but I would have been better off ordering from any other reputable on-line store.

I have emailed them requesting cancelation of the order.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 01, 2018, 08:16:29 PM
I have just come across a site called allflac that sells many flac downloads. They appear to be dirt cheap, which makes me wonder if this is a legit site. Does anyone know anything about them? I am hesitant to use them, though they show a UK address at the bottom of some web pages. Or perhaps they only sell within the UK (in which case I can ignore them)?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The One on January 24, 2018, 08:05:41 AM
I find Presto very interesting for Europe shopping. I most probably had hundreds of deals with them...not a single glitch.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 24, 2018, 09:12:41 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 01, 2018, 08:16:29 PM
I have just come across a site called allflac that sells many flac downloads. They appear to be dirt cheap, which makes me wonder if this is a legit site. Does anyone know anything about them? I am hesitant to use them, though they show a UK address at the bottom of some web pages. Or perhaps they only sell within the UK (in which case I can ignore them)?

Found this on a search, Neal. From the forum site "Computer Audiophile". Not that I know any of the people involved...


QuotePosted November 8, 2016

      Audio_ELF said:
    It claims to be UK based but iirc it's actually in the Ukraine. I would be extremely doubtful it is legitimate and that any money you pay gets to the rights holders / musicians. I'd be cautious giving credit card details to such a sight.

    As far as I'm concerned you are better off using torrent than this site.

QuoteHow do you know it's from the Ukraine? They show a business registration number, a VAT number and an Essex address. They also have an enormous catalogue. Someone has sunk a lot of money into this site. If it is ripping off musicians I would think someone would have shut them down already.

I did a search for the parent company on https://www.companieslist.co.uk/08904847-flackers-ltd. They appear to be at the address shown and all their documents seem legit. If they are not the same company I think the real Flackers Ltd. would have gone after them.

I have made two charges on my credit card to them. They seem to have gone through alright. I am not too worried about my credit card. My company has always covered the losses. In fact I have never even been sent a bill for a fraudulent change, the credit card company has always discovered the fraud before they sent me a bill.

Rick


Of course, "Rick" may be Ukrainian for all I know... :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 24, 2018, 09:14:52 AM
Quote from: The One on January 24, 2018, 08:05:41 AM
I find Presto very interesting for Europe shopping. I most probably had hundreds of deals with them...not a single glitch.

I haven't made nearly that many purchases, since I buy in USA when I can, but all of my dealings with Presto have been really happy ones for me. I know others have said differently, but that isn't my experience. :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: mc ukrneal on February 05, 2018, 11:57:18 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 24, 2018, 09:12:41 AM
Found this on a search, Neal. From the forum site "Computer Audiophile". Not that I know any of the people involved...



Of course, "Rick" may be Ukrainian for all I know... :-\

8)
I believe it breaks copyright. I came to this conclusion by searching for Hyperion discs, which are not available anywhere except at their own website. Their prices are also way out of whack (meaning suspiciously low). Thus, I have not used them.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on February 06, 2018, 04:25:09 AM
Quote from: The One on January 24, 2018, 08:05:41 AM
I find Presto very interesting for Europe shopping. I most probably had hundreds of deals with them...not a single glitch.
Me neither.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Baron Scarpia on February 06, 2018, 08:39:57 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on December 21, 2017, 10:29:15 AM
Yes, I am aware that they sent me a confirmation email, I am aware that the told me how long it would take to ship, I am also aware that they are now a month beyond that expected shipment date, they have my money, I have paid the credit card bill, and if I cancel I will have the nuisance of monitoring my credit card to confirm the refund and deciding how to manage a positive balance sitting on my credit card. It is not the end of the world, but I would have been better off ordering from any other reputable on-line store.

I have emailed them requesting cancelation of the order.

Well, after they took my order, charged my credit card and didn't ship anything for a month they did refund without a hitch. Their order canceling performance is not notch, I'll give them that. Then I had a $50 credit sitting on my credit card. Felt like free money.

They are a perfectly reputable site but their policy of charging your card, not just before they ship, but before they even know if the item you ordered is available or not, differs from every other web site I have ever purchased from. This doesn't make them an attractive option to me.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ShineyMcShineShine on February 14, 2018, 02:24:16 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 01, 2018, 08:16:29 PM
I have just come across a site called allflac that sells many flac downloads. They appear to be dirt cheap, which makes me wonder if this is a legit site. Does anyone know anything about them? I am hesitant to use them, though they show a UK address at the bottom of some web pages. Or perhaps they only sell within the UK (in which case I can ignore them)?

Illegal. No telling where they got their rips from. Some of them could be reconverted mp3's.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Paul_Thomas on February 28, 2018, 10:52:07 AM
Presto Classical now have wishlists!

To use your wishlist create an account - you can also view your previous orders as long as you use the email for your account that you used for your old orders.

You can still order without an account, and more account features will follow.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on February 28, 2018, 11:49:24 AM
Quote from: Paul_Thomas on February 28, 2018, 10:52:07 AM
Presto Classical now have wishlists!

To use your wishlist create an account - you can also view your previous orders as long as you use the email for your account that you used for your old orders.

You can still order without an account, and more account features will follow.
Good!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Baron Scarpia on February 28, 2018, 12:23:33 PM
Quote from: Paul_Thomas on February 28, 2018, 10:52:07 AM
Presto Classical now have wishlists!

To use your wishlist create an account - you can also view your previous orders as long as you use the email for your account that you used for your old orders.

You can still order without an account, and more account features will follow.

The last time I was on Presto Classical I could find no way to create an account, even after placing an order.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on February 28, 2018, 12:46:59 PM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on February 28, 2018, 12:23:33 PM
The last time I was on Presto Classical I could find no way to create an account, even after placing an order.
This is why this is news.....
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 12, 2018, 09:45:10 AM
Quote from: brunumb on March 11, 2018, 01:38:02 PM
I have bought stacks of used CDs from musicMagpie at AmazonUK.  The discs have always been in excellent condition even if the cases needed replacing.  Delivery to me in Australia has nearly always been within the expected timeline given.  Rare problems were quickly addressed by them and I always leave feedback that includes "highly recommended seller".

My other preferred source for cheap used CDs is decluttr_store on ebay (formerly Estocks USA).  Great bargains regularly pop up and postage is very cheap.  My latest bargain buy was the 43 disc DG set of complete Wagner operas for US$15.99 plus US$1 shipping to Australia.  That came to about AU$22.  On its way now.  Amazing.  I also snapped up the 14CD set of remastered Maria Callas studio recitals for about AU$15 and it was in mint condition.  You have to check regularly and pounce on the real bargains.  For some reason the first time the discs are listed the price is usually US$99, but very quickly they get revised down.  The maximum seems to be US$15.99.  Once again, highly recommended seller.

Continuing the discussion here, since we seem to have digressed into a topic that is more suited to this thread.

I have ordered several things from declutter_store and have been very happy with it.

For things that are available only in the UK, or more cheaply in the UK I have switched to OxfordshireEngland, rather than Zoverstocks. Usually they are within a few pennies on new items and are more reliable in my experience. But I'm still willing to take a chance with Zoverstocks with very cheap used items (like the Diego Fasoli mass in b-minor that they listed for $1.33).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 19, 2018, 06:06:29 PM
Two Zoverstocks orders that were placed less than 2weeks ago arrived today, so maybe they have fixed flaws in their process. I got the McCreech Matthew Passion for $2.50 and the Fasoli Mass I'm b minor for $1.50, so I'm not complaining. Hopefully the discs will rip without errors. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Baron Scarpia on April 26, 2018, 02:27:03 PM
Didn't like Presto Classical's policy of charging before shipping (even for an item out-of-stock at the distributor which still hadn't shipped after a month). But I like their download service. Seems like FLAC files are generally available for a fair price, and the downloading procedure is painless.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Baron Scarpia on April 29, 2018, 08:45:36 PM
Most recent order from Zoverstocks arrived after 2 1/2 weeks, more or less as expected. My faith in them is starting to return.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SurprisedByBeauty on January 24, 2019, 08:27:22 AM
MDT is out of business, I take it?  :o
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 24, 2019, 08:30:38 AM
Quote from: SurprisedByBeauty on January 24, 2019, 08:27:22 AM
MDT is out of business, I take it?  :o

Haven't visited their site for years. Could be just server problems, I suppose.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SurprisedByBeauty on January 24, 2019, 08:35:14 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 24, 2019, 08:30:38 AM
Haven't visited their site for years. Could be just server problems, I suppose.

Social media accounts are gone. Telephone goes unanswered for the last week. And e-mails bounce. (I'm told.) Leads me to assume it is more than just a server problem.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 24, 2019, 08:39:59 AM
Quote from: SurprisedByBeauty on January 24, 2019, 08:35:14 AM
Social media accounts are gone. Telephone goes unanswered for the last week. And e-mails bounce. (I'm told.) Leads me to assume it is more than just a server problem.

Oh well. I feel a sense of nostalgia, mdt and crotchet were my two sites for overseas CDs back in the day. But both became noncompetitive. There is very little not distributed in the US these days, and amazon.com marketplace sellers always seem to be the cheapest ways to get bargains from the continent.

I remember, before Amazon marketplace, I used to use a site called cdworld.com, long gone.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 28, 2019, 09:55:10 AM
A sad world if only amazon's left.....
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: SurprisedByBeauty on January 28, 2019, 01:05:35 PM
Quote from: The new erato on January 28, 2019, 09:55:10 AM
A sad world if only amazon's left.....

Not a healthy one, although I'm as guilty as any, not having patronized anyone else. (Except JPC every so often. And very occasionally a store I like.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 28, 2019, 02:25:44 PM
Quote from: The new erato on January 28, 2019, 09:55:10 AM
A sad world if only amazon's left.....

Yes, but unless something better comes along, it's all a lot of us have unless you have the luxury of a having a music store near you that stocks all your favorite composers and their prices are competitive with Amazon's.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 28, 2019, 02:34:18 PM
Quote from: The new erato on January 28, 2019, 09:55:10 AM
A sad world if only amazon's left.....

If you count distinct Amazon marketplace sellers, I'm patronizing more sources than I did in the pre-amazon era, although Amazon takes a healthy cut of that.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on January 28, 2019, 02:45:13 PM
The growing lack of  choice in resources is definitely disconcerting...

And Amazon doesn't do much sales on labels or series. Also, market place sellers usually offer the best prices but the shipping costs per individual item sure add up.... jpc offers me  a shopping experience that Amazon doesn't. As did Swiss DiscPlus and the annual sales at French Abeille Musique, now both gone.

I also dearly miss the experience of physical browsing and surprise discoveries, but the bargain store in my town dissapeared and those times will not return. For used CDs Medimops.de (Momox) has been a convenient source -  next to Amazon, naturally... ;)

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: flyingdutchman on January 28, 2019, 09:00:44 PM
It was Classical Millenium here in Oregon until they up and eliminated that resource.  Now it's just 1-2 rows in the main section.  Don't even go there any more.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 28, 2019, 09:22:56 PM
Quote from: Que on January 28, 2019, 02:45:13 PM

And Amazon doesn't do much sales on labels or series. Also, market place sellers usually offer the best prices but the shipping costs per individual item sure add up....

This. Service and prices are usually superior at shops like mdt and presto. And  marketplace sellers have huge P&P costs to countries like Norway if they ship at all.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pat B on January 29, 2019, 09:06:19 AM
Quote from: SurprisedByBeauty on January 28, 2019, 01:05:35 PM
Not a healthy one, although I'm as guilty as any, not having patronized anyone else. (Except JPC every so often. And very occasionally a store I like.)

For now there are still quite a few choices for new CDs: I have bought from presto, jpc, importcds, grooves.land, and alibris (usually from seller Classical Music Superstore aka Naxos USA). (And from Berkshire, though that's a somewhat different market.) I rarely buy new CDs from amazon, unless I have a credit, because their prices tend to be high.

The used market is a different matter. I sometimes use ebay, or find things at local stores, but amazon marketplace dominates.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 29, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
Quote from: Pat B on January 29, 2019, 09:06:19 AM
For now there are still quite a few choices for new CDs: I have bought from presto, jpc, importcds, grooves.land, and alibris (usually from seller Classical Music Superstore aka Naxos USA). (And from Berkshire, though that's a somewhat different market.) I rarely buy new CDs from amazon, unless I have a credit, because their prices tend to be high.

The used market is a different matter. I sometimes use ebay, or find things at local stores, but amazon marketplace dominates.

It never occurs to me to look at eBay or jpc, but my purchases come from.

Amazon (big boxes are often cheapest on amazon proper, and I have Prime for free shipping)
Classical Music Superstore (amazon marketplace, Naxos USA)
importcds (amazon marketplace)
decluttr (amazon marketplace)
Zoverstocks (amazon marketplace, nominally UK based but shipment seem to come from all over)
OxfordshireEngland (amazon marketplace)
importcds.com (sometimes their own web site is a better deal than amazon marketplace version)
Presto Classical (mostly downloads)
and the random amazon seller that has good ratings.

I used to order from Berkshire Record Outlet, but not for years.

I once ordered from a store in a place I had never heard of. Then I moved and found the store was within walking distance of my new home. :)

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 29, 2019, 11:01:03 AM
Quote from: flyingdutchman on January 28, 2019, 09:00:44 PM
It was Classical Millenium here in Oregon until they up and eliminated that resource.  Now it's just 1-2 rows in the main section.  Don't even go there any more.

I've ordered CDs from several good places in Oregon and also California (used items).  Are Everyday Music and Amoeba (California - a few locations) still around?  I hadn't heard of Classical Millennium before?  Were they a store or strictly online?

PD

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: flyingdutchman on January 29, 2019, 01:58:31 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 29, 2019, 11:01:03 AM
I've ordered CDs from several good places in Oregon and also California (used items).  Are Everyday Music and Amoeba (California - a few locations) still around?  I hadn't heard of Classical Millennium before?  Were they a store or strictly online?

PD

They were a store...and the best in any state.  But, the powers that be took it away.  Now all there is is Everyday.  It's ok, but it couldn't hold a torch to Classical Millenium.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pat B on January 29, 2019, 02:31:35 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 29, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
importcds.com (sometimes their own web site is a better deal than amazon marketplace version)

In my experience, the nominal prices are usually similar, but their website discounts on shipping for multiple items. They also have site-wide sales a couple times per year.

Classical Music Superstore on alibris is similar. They don't have sales as such, but alibris almost always has a coupon.

Aside from saving a few bucks per order, I think there is value in supporting alternatives to the behemoth.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 29, 2019, 02:50:01 PM
Quote from: Pat B on January 29, 2019, 02:31:35 PM
In my experience, the nominal prices are usually similar, but their website discounts on shipping for multiple items.

Depends, before the holiday break I picked up the complete Arrau and the Rostropovich/DG for 25% less than on marketplace. But more often than not I agree prices are similar.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on March 27, 2019, 07:34:28 AM
For the last several weeks, Arkivmusic has been having problems with its system.  Instock status of items is not reliable, I have received items without being notified of being shipped or charged to my credit card, etc.
The last such was a fairly large order, so I emailed them to let them know that once again I received CDs not yet paid for. 

The response should be of interest to anyone who uses them on a regular basis.

QuoteThank you for contacting us. I do apologize our customers have not been getting email notifications about shipments going out. Also accounts not showing that the orders unshipped. We are in the process of moving our warehouse and updating our system. This is causing delay with the tracking numbers going to our customer's Arkivmusic accounts to be billed and an email sent with tracking information. We are working really hard to get this fixed and updated as fast as we can. If you have any other questions please let us know.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on March 27, 2019, 08:15:37 AM
Thanks, I just placed an order from the Alpha sale of stuff that's mostly out of stock so that is good to know. I'll expect the CDs to arrive some random day in the next few months  :P
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on March 27, 2019, 11:09:18 AM
Quote from: Brian on March 27, 2019, 08:15:37 AM
Thanks, I just placed an order from the Alpha sale of stuff that's mostly out of stock so that is good to know. I'll expect the CDs to arrive some random day in the next few months  :P

If their system says "back ordered" assume it will arrive in almost exactly six weeks, the time they give themselves for back orders.

It's the stuff the system says is in stock but is not that gives a problem. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on May 15, 2019, 07:02:34 AM
Hey Presto Paul, did you guys get rid of "sort results by price"?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on June 07, 2019, 07:18:20 PM
ArkivMusic canceled my order of Salonen Cello Concerto. You know, the brand new major label release that is in stock everywhere.

My girlfriend says "it's cuz they know you have too much music."
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on June 07, 2019, 07:38:18 PM
They have yet to decide if they will ever ship the three items on backorder I ordered in March. They did ship a fourth, fortunately the only one I really wanted (Atterberg Double Concerto).

But I noticed something this evening. USPS Informed Delivery  shows shipments from Arkiv as coming from "Alliance Entertainment" in Louisville KY. Import CDs shipped a CD today, which also shows up under "Alliance Entertainment" in Louisville KY.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on June 07, 2019, 07:46:35 PM
What is going on with ArkivMusic? Are they losing it? Is management in an uproar? Are employees quitting? Something is definitely going on there to have these continuous problems.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 07, 2019, 09:21:57 PM
Quote from: JBS on June 07, 2019, 07:38:18 PM
They have yet to decide if they will ever ship the three items on backorder I ordered in March. They did ship a fourth, fortunately the only one I really wanted (Atterberg Double Concerto).

But I noticed something this evening. USPS Informed Delivery  shows shipments from Arkiv as coming from "Alliance Entertainment" in Louisville KY. Import CDs shipped a CD today, which also shows up under "Alliance Entertainment" in Louisville KY.

They are a big fulfillment service for optical media. I seem to recall other Amazon marketplace sellers that are use them, maybe "blowitoutahere" for instance.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on June 08, 2019, 09:28:52 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 07, 2019, 07:46:35 PM
What is going on with ArkivMusic? Are they losing it? Is management in an uproar? Are employees quitting? Something is definitely going on there to have these continuous problems.

From my POV, it seems to be one basic problem that has been ongoing for quite some time; the computer system doesn't seem to correctly track inventory, so it says some stuff is in stock when it should really show "low stock" or out of stock, so you can order something and not find out it is actually a back order item until the next day (or more, if you order over the weekend). The warehouse move they made caused more problems, but those seem to resolved themselves.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on October 10, 2019, 05:52:35 AM
Well, I haven't bought anything today but I thought it was worth looking back at the big purchasing process that I started just over a month ago.

Why? Because I bought 10 different things on eBay, from 8 different sellers, and had no problems at all besides I think one case getting a mild crack in the post. Several used items were in outstandingly good condition.

Whereas I bought 5 different things via Amazon, either the US or Australian version, and just 2 of those 5 transactions have had satisfactory outcomes. Amazon itself sold me 2 CD-Rs (the utterly crap one they made themselves without notifying me, and another better quality arkivmusic one that Amazon itself was oblivious to), and a 3rd item simply hasn't arrived. As of today both of the replacements I bought off eBay for the CD-Rs have arrived from Europe, but the item I bought off Amazon weeks earlier has not turned up.

The failure to arrive might just be random misfortune, and the relevant seller has been great in communication about it thus far, but even there Amazon's website makes the process far more tortuous than on eBay. I actually got stuck in a loop where the option to contact the seller failed, as that part of the Amazon site couldn't retrieve or retain the order information from a page earlier. I got out of the loop by dumb luck when Amazon thought (wrongly at this point) that I wanted a refund and then demanded I contact the seller first.

Quite simply from now on Amazon will be somewhere I go as an absolute last resort if other options fail. I will always look at Presto, who continue to be reliable. I now have rarewaves as a solid eBay seller with a wide range, as well as some more boutique options for second-hand that I can trust. Melomania in Paris has proved valuable, and while I haven't bought from JPC I'll be considering them because they responded to a query in a sensible and prompt fashion.

I honestly never thought that I would consider eBay a safer and more reliable option than Amazon, but simply everything that has occurred with these transactions in the last month has shown me it's time to change my views.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on October 10, 2019, 05:52:01 PM
1) Does Presto still charge your card at the time you place your order, even if the item is backordered (as opposed to charging your card at time of shipment)?

2) Rarewaves is one if my favorite vendors on Amazon MP.

3)Does Amazon let you order directly from Amazon UK and the rest of Bezosworld Europa? I have found their shipping times and customer service to be better than AmazonUS.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on October 10, 2019, 06:32:47 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 10, 2019, 05:52:01 PM
1) Does Presto still charge your card at the time you place your order, even if the item is backordered (as opposed to charging your card at time of shipment)?

2) Rarewaves is one if my favorite vendors on Amazon MP.

3)Does Amazon let you order directly from Amazon UK and the rest of Bezosworld Europa? I have found their shipping times and customer service to be better than AmazonUS.

I like Rarewaves as well!   :)

Your Amazon username etc works at all the European Amazons but not in the Japanese one.   Shipping time is definitely faster within the US than from Europe except on rare occasion. I'm not sure why you would say that - you amazon.com packets actually arrive later than the ones from Europe?   I'm overall quite happy with my orders from Amazon except for them taking over the market as well as a tendency to get bumps/cracks in the shipping process. The latter is way too common with deliveries from France, the UK and Germany in my experience as these sites use subpar shipping materials. Still, a much greener way to ship compared to Amazon.com or JPC for that matter that belches out styrofoam and plastic. No cracks or bumps but at a "price".  Customer service in the US is excellent - they always send a new item or let you keep the old one (at least in my experience). 
Hmm, maybe it is time to go digital like many people. I heard that cd sales are way down compared to ten-twenty years ago.  Is this the end of an era?

Thread Duty   0:)

[asin] B07C5FH6KK[/asin]
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on October 10, 2019, 06:57:26 PM
Amazon US waits three or four days then hurriedly ships it via its delivery sevice or USPS.  Amazon Europe (meaning A UK, France, Spain and Italy...I have yet to order from any of the others) ship within a day using the quickest international service available.

But AmazonUS does dilly dally and use the slow mail sometimes. I once placed two orders on the same day, one with AmazonUS, the other with AmazonUK.  The AmazonUK arrived several days before the AmazinUS order.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Moonfish on October 10, 2019, 08:09:24 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 10, 2019, 06:57:26 PM
Amazon US waits three or four days then hurriedly ships it via its delivery sevice or USPS.  Amazon Europe (meaning A UK, France, Spain and Italy...I have yet to order from any of the others) ship within a day using the quickest international service available.

But AmazonUS does dilly dally and use the slow mail sometimes. I once placed two orders on the same day, one with AmazonUS, the other with AmazonUK.  The AmazonUK arrived several days before the AmazinUS order.

I'm on Prime so perhaps that is the difference? They penalize non-prime users as an incentive to join?  >:D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on October 10, 2019, 09:40:00 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 10, 2019, 05:52:01 PM
1) Does Presto still charge your card at the time you place your order, even if the item is backordered (as opposed to charging your card at time of shipment)?

2) Rarewaves is one if my favorite vendors on Amazon MP.

3)Does Amazon let you order directly from Amazon UK and the rest of Bezosworld Europa? I have found their shipping times and customer service to be better than AmazonUS.

1) Don't remember to be honest. Not something that would bother me for various reasons so I can't recall.

2) I've noticed they are on Amazon as well as eBay. And that what they offer can differ.

3) For any Amazon other than Australia, I can use it only if the seller is actually Amazon. Which would be less of a problem if every single product page didn't wrongly say that the product can ship to Australia. It's been over a year since the policy change, and they still only tell you that, actually, this CAN'T ship to Australia once you try to place the order.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: akebergv on October 10, 2019, 11:15:30 PM
Just a correction re jpd packaging. They don't use "styrofoam and plastic," but an organic material that dissolves in water. See for yourself by placing it under a hot water tap.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on October 11, 2019, 12:14:57 AM
Quote from: JBS on October 10, 2019, 05:52:01 PM
1) Does Presto still charge your card at the time you place your order, even if the item is backordered (as opposed to charging your card at time of shipment)?

Yes, but there are no problems with getting your money back, if you decide to cancel the order, when Presto needs a long time to provide some items.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on October 12, 2019, 12:42:32 AM
You know, moderators, suddenly discovering that I've been made part of a thread I never posted on is bloody irritating.

Especially for a conversation that had ended as far as I was concerned. Indeed, it had ended for everyone. A day later, up pops this series of posts on a thread none of us actually posted on, in the list of "new replies".

Could you not just TELL people where you want conversations to be carried out instead of having this penchant for fucking rewriting history?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on October 12, 2019, 02:41:48 AM
I mean, there was a reason why I posted in that thread what you've decided to move here. It was actually following on from previous things posted in that thread, not this one.

No consultation, no discussion, nothing. Just some moderator coming along days later and deciding that "moderating" consists of moving stuff around because... what? Was the thread derailed? No. Because the thread had happily carried on in its normal course. It was just a fucking power trip of some kind.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on October 12, 2019, 02:53:42 AM
Because, you see, you didn't move this (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21529.msg1233263.html#msg1233263) or the 5 messages that followed it, or this (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21529.msg1233366.html#msg1233366) or this (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=profile;u=1100) or this (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21529.msg1233439.html#msg1233439) and the posts following.

You didn't decide to move this (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21529.msg1234710.html#msg1234710) or the following 2 posts either.

And of course you didn't move the original posts where I shared what I was buying. Starting here (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21529.msg1231832.html#msg1231832).

No, you just moved the 4th and final part of a 4-part narrative because you apparently think I'm too stupid to make an appropriate decision about which thread to post in.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: André on October 12, 2019, 09:21:28 AM
Quote from: akebergv on October 10, 2019, 11:15:30 PM
Just a correction re jpd packaging. They don't use "styrofoam and plastic," but an organic material that dissolves in water. See for yourself by placing it under a hot water tap.

It's made of corn, same as cheese puffs (without the flavouring and the dye). It's actually edible, although not manufactured for human consumption. The only inconvenient is that they're so light they tend to fall in all directions.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 19, 2020, 06:39:32 PM
Has Europadisc been down all day for everyone else? I hope they don't pull an MDT - I had $7 in store credit...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 19, 2020, 08:02:17 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 19, 2020, 06:39:32 PM
Has Europadisc been down all day for everyone else? I hope they don't pull an MDT - I had $7 in store credit...
I am worried as well. The online options are shrinking..... Hope it is only a technical glitch.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 19, 2020, 08:30:46 PM
Quote from: The new erato on January 19, 2020, 08:02:17 PM
I am worried as well. The online options are shrinking..... Hope it is only a technical glitch.
The number of retailers is shrinking too quickly. In Europe you have JPC and Presto; here we have the somewhat untrustworthy Import CDs; and everywhere the all-consuming beast that is Amazon. Amazon is devouring the competition...which is a pity because its prices on classical CDs are rarely competitive.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ratliff on January 19, 2020, 08:59:38 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 19, 2020, 06:39:32 PM
Has Europadisc been down all day for everyone else? I hope they don't pull an MDT - I had $7 in store credit...

...and Crotchet.co.uk before them..

I still remember some of the defunct online vendors I used to buy from, cdworld.com, cdnow.com.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ratliff on January 19, 2020, 09:39:03 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 19, 2020, 08:30:46 PMAmazon is devouring the competition...which is a pity because its prices on classical CDs are rarely competitive.

At least amazon marketplace sellers can be competitive.

I never had any problem with importcds.com.  Berkshire record outlet has risen from the ashes. I used to send them big orders but not for a long time.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on January 20, 2020, 12:25:54 AM
eBay is now superior to Amazon. There are businesses that operate off there very nicely.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mandryka on January 20, 2020, 12:35:40 AM
My experience is that when it comes to books, music and indeed electronics,  Amazon is rather good and often competitive.

Amazon prime is interesting because it provides some assurance about delivery timescales, I'm often prepared to pay a premium for that, though maybe less so for CDs than for other items.


Clearly amazon downloads and streaming is utter shit.


On the other hand, in my experience eBay customer service is impeccable, and I greatly value PayPal buyer protection. I feel totally confident about buying items for many thousands of pounds from eBay, I know that if there's a problem PayPal will support me. Unfortunately PayPal is about to be replaced . . . I haven't explored the buyer protection policies which will then be applied.

Both amazon and eBay seem infinitely superior to any physical store, easier and safer to deal with, and often better value for money. If I have a problem with an item in a bricks and mortar store I may have to take the store to court, which is boring and time consuming and incurs a cost and is uncertain (will the courts be able to recover?) . . . All that just doesn't need to happen with PayPal.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 20, 2020, 12:55:50 AM
Europadisc up and running.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: steve ridgway on January 20, 2020, 06:50:33 AM
Perhaps those of us wanting to have our own copies rather than monthly subscriptions will end up buying FLACs etc. from the individual record labels and distributors like Amazon will be cut out.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 09:43:00 AM
Quote from: Brian on January 19, 2020, 08:30:46 PM
The number of retailers is shrinking too quickly. In Europe you have JPC and Presto; here we have the somewhat untrustworthy Import CDs; and everywhere the all-consuming beast that is Amazon. Amazon is devouring the competition...which is a pity because its prices on classical CDs are rarely never competitive.

Now that I rarely buy a CD, I do most of my business (FLAC downloads with PDF booklet) with Presto. Actually, Chandos' own website is very good too, most single 'disks' are 9.99 GBP, and unlike Presto, they rarely don't have the booklet. Lack of a booklet is a deal breaker for me pretty much. They don't lack the balls to charge you full price, but they don't provide full value. >:(

Fixed your quote above, Brian...

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on January 20, 2020, 09:46:32 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 09:43:00 AMThey don't lack the balls to charge you full price, but they don't provide full value. >:(

This is why I also like eClassical's model of charging different prices for different lengths of album (and they always have booklets).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mandryka on January 20, 2020, 10:02:32 AM
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/22/10/8424562311022_600.jpg)

eclassical want to charge $20 for this CD -- CD quality mp3 -- no booklet I bet. Qobuz charge £12 for FLAC.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 10:30:38 AM
Quote from: Brian on January 20, 2020, 09:46:32 AM
This is why I also like eClassical's model of charging different prices for different lengths of album (and they always have booklets).

Yes, I also buy from them. They seem fair and square. They don't have everything I want, but then, no one else does either. They have BIS though, one of my favorite labels. They even ripped a disk for me once that they didn't have as a download, which I thought was a nice gesture. :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on January 20, 2020, 10:38:35 AM
Quote from: Brian on January 19, 2020, 08:30:46 PM
The number of retailers is shrinking too quickly. In Europe you have JPC and Presto; here we have the somewhat untrustworthy Import CDs; and everywhere the all-consuming beast that is Amazon. Amazon is devouring the competition...which is a pity because its prices on classical CDs are rarely competitive.

Arkivmusic has gone back to being reliable, but their prices are often not competitive.  Amszon MP is usually reliable and competitively priced on new stuff, and on some things Amazon itself can be the lowest price, but their shipping is not always the best.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: 71 dB on January 20, 2020, 11:16:10 AM
Quote from: Madiel on January 20, 2020, 12:25:54 AM
eBay is now superior to Amazon. There are businesses that operate off there very nicely.
eBay sellers are frustrating in the sense that when the item price is low, the shipping is high and vice versa. Oh, the CD is only 5 €, but the shipping is 10 € or the CD is 13 € and the shipping just 2 €. So you pay 15 € anyway. :P

Amazon (all of them: US, UK, DE,...) has had red text "This item does not ship to Finland" now for a week on almost all products, but people say it doesn't mean anything and ordering to Finland works as before so it can be ignored. The first time I saw it I almost got a heart attack and thought it's Amazon.co.uk prepairing to the Brexit. On a Finnish discussion board somebody told he had contacted the customer service about this, but only got a "generic" nonsense answer. They are completely indifferent in the firm.  ::)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 11:46:03 AM
Quote from: JBS on January 20, 2020, 10:38:35 AM
Arkivmusic has gone back to being reliable, but their prices are often not competitive.  Amszon MP is usually reliable and competitively priced on new stuff, and on some things Amazon itself can be the lowest price, but their shipping is not always the best.

Well, I have Prime, so shipping is a non-issue. It's just that their base prices are nearly always full manufacturer's suggested retail (I don't know about non-Classical). Oddly enough, if I'm not in any rush, which I am usually not, I can often find what I want at a great price from the Marketplace vendor Momox, which is in Germany. Their shipping is usually quick (for overseas, that is) and their quality is always better than what they say. So if it is listed 'Very Good', usually it is really 'Like New'. I have ordered ~100 disks from them over the years and never been unhappy.

Even when you are trying to avoid buying CD's by getting flac downloads, there are some things where that just isn't going to happen. :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ratliff on January 20, 2020, 12:17:34 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 10:30:38 AM
Yes, I also buy from them. They seem fair and square. They don't have everything I want, but then, no one else does either. They have BIS though, one of my favorite labels. They even ripped a disk for me once that they didn't have as a download, which I thought was a nice gesture. :)
My understanding is that eClassics is BIS
8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on January 20, 2020, 12:52:24 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 11:46:03 AM
Well, I have Prime, so shipping is a non-issue. It's just that their base prices are nearly always full manufacturer's suggested retail (I don't know about non-Classical). Oddly enough, if I'm not in any rush, which I am usually not, I can often find what I want at a great price from the Marketplace vendor Momox, which is in Germany. Their shipping is usually quick (for overseas, that is) and their quality is always better than what they say. So if it is listed 'Very Good', usually it is really 'Like New'. I have ordered ~100 disks from them over the years and never been unhappy.

Even when you are trying to avoid buying CD's by getting flac downloads, there are some things where that just isn't going to happen. :-\

8)

My complaint was about their shipping procedures. For instance, the Naxos Johann Strauss box was supposed to be delivered to my local Amazon Hub today. The most recent tracking update shows it at a NW Miami facility yesterday, no indication that they did anything to move it the final 5 or 6 miles today. (My guess is the holiday is involved, but that's jusr a guess).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 04:33:39 PM
Quote from: Ratliff on January 20, 2020, 12:17:34 PM
My understanding is that eClassics is BIS

I believe that is true, but they also carry a ton of other labels, including Accent and Arcana, for example, which are high on my list too. Really, it's no different doing downloads than it was buying CD's: you have to hunt around a lot to find what you want and are willing to pay for.  :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: JBS on January 20, 2020, 12:52:24 PM
My complaint was about their shipping procedures. For instance, the Naxos Johann Strauss box was supposed to be delivered to my local Amazon Hub today. The most recent tracking update shows it at a NW Miami facility yesterday, no indication that they did anything to move it the final 5 or 6 miles today. (My guess is the holiday is involved, but that's jusr a guess).

Yeah, that's frustrating. It isn't just Amazon though. 2 weeks ago, I ordered 2 used disks from 2 different Amazon vendors. The one from Oregon showed up in my mailbox in 3 days. The one from Houston, TX, about 150 mi. south of me, took 9 days. Our local PO is supplied by North Houston Distribution Center. This packet went from there, to Dallas, sat for 3 days, then went to every little PO on the way down (200 mi.) before it finally ended up in the mailbox. Point being, the shipping/delivery companies can screw up all they want, the sender has little control over it. :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on January 20, 2020, 04:47:18 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 04:38:49 PM
Yeah, that's frustrating. It isn't just Amazon though. 2 weeks ago, I ordered 2 used disks from 2 different Amazon vendors. The one from Oregon showed up in my mailbox in 3 days. The one from Houston, TX, about 150 mi. south of me, took 9 days. Our local PO is supplied by North Houston Distribution Center. This packet went from there, to Dallas, sat for 3 days, then went to every little PO on the way down (200 mi.) before it finally ended up in the mailbox. Point being, the shipping/delivery companies can screw up all they want, the sender has little control over it. :-\

8)

Quite true. But in this case Amazon is both vendor and shipper.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ratliff on January 20, 2020, 05:11:23 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 04:38:49 PM
Yeah, that's frustrating. It isn't just Amazon though. 2 weeks ago, I ordered 2 used disks from 2 different Amazon vendors. The one from Oregon showed up in my mailbox in 3 days. The one from Houston, TX, about 150 mi. south of me, took 9 days. Our local PO is supplied by North Houston Distribution Center. This packet went from there, to Dallas, sat for 3 days, then went to every little PO on the way down (200 mi.) before it finally ended up in the mailbox. Point being, the shipping/delivery companies can screw up all they want, the sender has little control over it. :-\

8)

Did the vendor in the latter case send the item "media mail" to save money? Media mail is cheap, but given the lowest possible priority by the postal service.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ratliff on January 20, 2020, 05:14:46 PM
Quote from: JBS on January 20, 2020, 04:47:18 PM
Quite true. But in this case Amazon is both vendor and shipper.

Wrong on many levels. In the case of amazon marketplace amazon is neither the vendor or the shipper, it is a listing service. The marketplace seller is the vendor and the shipper (unless they choose to use amazon fulfillment). The problem Gurn report was the fault of neither the vendor nor the shipper, but of the courier service.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on January 20, 2020, 06:18:01 PM
Quote from: Ratliff on January 20, 2020, 05:14:46 PM
Wrong on many levels. In the case of amazon marketplace amazon is neither the vendor or the shipper, it is a listing service. The marketplace seller is the vendor and the shipper (unless they choose to use amazon fulfillment). The problem Gurn report was the fault of neither the vendor nor the shipper, but of the courier service.

Just to be clear. I was talking about my order, not Gurn's. I ordered this directly from Amazon US, not a Marketplace vendor, and it's shipped via Amazon's fulfillment service to an Amazon Hub location.  Meaning at least until it gets to the Hub locker, it's completely under Amazon control.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 07:16:52 PM
Quote from: Ratliff on January 20, 2020, 05:11:23 PM
Did the vendor in the latter case send the item "media mail" to save money? Media mail is cheap, but given the lowest possible priority by the postal service.

No, both 1st class. And this is far from the only time this has happened to me, it's not a 'one-off', more like a 'twenty-one-off'. :-\

FWIW, even if it had shipped media mail, it went from the Houston PO to North Houston Dist Center anyway (that showed on the tracking trail): why turn around and send it to Dallas from there instead of to Lufkin like it should have done? Just that many more times they had to handle it.  ::)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 20, 2020, 07:18:34 PM
Quote from: JBS on January 20, 2020, 06:18:01 PM
Just to be clear. I was talking about my order, not Gurn's. I ordered this directly from Amazon US, not a Marketplace vendor, and it's shipped via Amazon's fulfillment service to an Amazon Hub location.  Meaning at least until it gets to the Hub locker, it's completely under Amazon control.

Who do they use for that? If it had been coming here, it would have been UPS, but for a big metro area, was it someone else?  In any case, that's just wrong, clearly not getting what you paid for.

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Ratliff on January 20, 2020, 10:32:03 PM
Quote from: Ratliff on January 20, 2020, 05:14:46 PM
Wrong on many levels. In the case of amazon marketplace amazon is neither the vendor or the shipper, it is a listing service. The marketplace seller is the vendor and the shipper (unless they choose to use amazon fulfillment). The problem Gurn report was the fault of neither the vendor nor the shipper, but of the courier service.

Ooops, sorry for the misunderstanding, I thought you were referring to Gurn's situation. My personal experience with Amazon's own fulfillment service is much better. 99% of the time they meet their shipping estimate. Maybe 1/4 of the time it arrives earlier than promised.

Amazon shipping is weird. When they say it has "shipped" often that means they have started shuttling it around between different amazon warehouses, before it is dropped at a nearby post office at the last minute. They have a frighteningly efficient order fulfillment system.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 21, 2020, 01:55:25 AM
Who of you have so much free time and so few CDs that a couple of weeks delay are a major issue? Not me for certain.....
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: steve ridgway on January 21, 2020, 10:53:25 AM
I've been mostly buying used CDs from third party sellers on Amazon and they nearly always arrive before the estimate. It might help that the delivery office is in the next street :P.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on January 21, 2020, 12:01:07 PM
I picked up that Amazon order thus afternnom from the local Hub.
But two things I ordered from Rarewaves have not yet shown up, even though the normal interval for orders from them is past. (Still within the official promised dates.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: vers la flamme on January 29, 2020, 03:32:45 PM
Quote from: JBS on January 21, 2020, 12:01:07 PM
I picked up that Amazon order thus afternnom from the local Hub.
But two things I ordered from Rarewaves have not yet shown up, even though the normal interval for orders from them is past. (Still within the official promised dates.)
That's too bad. Rarewaves always beats my estimate by at least a couple days, and they're international for me. (Usually gets to me in 10 days or less, which is amazing for an international vendor). They also have amazing prices on everything, on eBay especially, they list many items lower than they have on Amazon.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on January 29, 2020, 06:45:40 PM
Quote from: vers la flamme on January 29, 2020, 03:32:45 PM
That's too bad. Rarewaves always beats my estimate by at least a couple days, and they're international for me. (Usually gets to me in 10 days or less, which is amazing for an international vendor). They also have amazing prices on everything, on eBay especially, they list many items lower than they have on Amazon.

The Rarewaves orders got to me a few days after I posted that.  But my usual experience with them matches yours.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Traverso on January 30, 2020, 09:48:22 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on January 20, 2020, 12:35:40 AM
My experience is that when it comes to books, music and indeed electronics,  Amazon is rather good and often competitive.

Amazon prime is interesting because it provides some assurance about delivery timescales, I'm often prepared to pay a premium for that, though maybe less so for CDs than for other items.


Clearly amazon downloads and streaming is utter shit.


On the other hand, in my experience eBay customer service is impeccable, and I greatly value PayPal buyer protection. I feel totally confident about buying items for many thousands of pounds from eBay, I know that if there's a problem PayPal will support me. Unfortunately PayPal is about to be replaced . . . I haven't explored the buyer protection policies which will then be applied.

Both amazon and eBay seem infinitely superior to any physical store, easier and safer to deal with, and often better value for money. If I have a problem with an item in a bricks and mortar store I may have to take the store to court, which is boring and time consuming and incurs a cost and is uncertain (will the courts be able to recover?) . . . All that just doesn't need to happen with PayPal.

This is what I found


One of the most legendary partnerships in the technical industry is coming to an end.

EBay announced today that it will stop working as PayPal as a back-end payment service in 2020 and move a small percentage of its payment volume to a new partner later this year.

Instead of PayPal, eBay has concluded a long-term agreement with Adyen, an Amsterdam-based payment company that was established in 2006 and has included companies such as Uber, Netflix and Spotify worldwide as its customer base.

The activities of Adyen are solely focused on offering back-end payment services, such as credit card processing, to companies, so that you do not see Adyen payment buttons appearing on eBay. But Adyen becomes the primary payment processor for eBay sites around the world.

After the existing eBay PayPal agreement expires in 2020, PayPal remains a payment option for shoppers on eBay, but it will not be prominently displayed before debit and credit card options as it is today. PayPal will stop processing card payments for eBay at that time.

PayPal's share fell by no less than 12 percent on the news in the after-market trade.

With eBay, the move is billed as a way to gain more control over the critical payment experience that other giant online shopping destinations such as Amazon and Alibaba have, while offering more payment options to eBay shoppers. Adyen supports more than 200 payment methods around the world, eBay said in a blog post announcing the news.

The move is also expected to add $ 2 billion in revenue to the eBay business, as the company will charge eBay sellers for the payment service; PayPal does that today.

That said, "most sellers can expect their payment processing costs to be reduced after they have switched to eBay's brokered payment model," eBay said in its announcement.

For Adyen, the eBay deal is a huge win for a company of its size; Adyen registered a net revenue of $ 178 million in 2016 compared to nearly $ 11 billion - yes, with a B - for PayPal.

You would then assume that there is a good chance that eBay will take a shareholding in Adyen in addition to the commercial agreement, so that it can take advantage of the benefit that this entails. For now, the company does not say whether that is the case. It is reasonable to wonder if Adyen had to make financial concessions to win the company from an eBay-sized platform.

Adyen is expected to apply for an IPO this year.

PayPal became eBay's premier payment provider in 2003, a few months after eBay took over the company in a deal worth $ 1.5 billion. The two companies split into separate public companies in July 2015 and signed a five-year operational agreement to maintain a close relationship until mid-2020.

Around the time the companies announced plans for the split in 2014, eBay accounted for more than 30 percent of PayPal's sales and more than 50 percent of profits, the combined company said at the time.

PayPal has tried to diversify its activities since the companies went their own way, but it does not disclose how many things come from eBay. Today, PayPal is worth $ 102 billion; eBay is valued at $ 42 billion.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Paul_Thomas on February 24, 2020, 12:02:49 PM
Presto have launched a customer survey, with 5 winners receiving a £50 voucher.

The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete, and is about your classical music listening habits and audio equipment as Presto consider launching a classical streaming service alongside their CD sales and downloads (they won't be stopping selling CD's or downloads).

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/3146--announcement-take-our-classical-music-listening-survey
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on March 21, 2020, 11:30:13 AM
It looks like Amazon DE is starting to halt direct classical CD sales - I purchased some stuff from them a few days ago but now many of the other items I looked at are only available from third-party sellers. Many new or future releases went from saying "will be available (x date)" to saying "this item is not available."

Possibly the manufacturers' supply chain is starting to fail and, probably, Amazon DE wants to ship only necessities and home goods rather than spending these world-historic times sending employees to the warehouse to ship classical CDs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Kaga2 on March 21, 2020, 01:49:18 PM
Quote from: Brian on March 21, 2020, 11:30:13 AM
It looks like Amazon DE is starting to halt direct classical CD sales - I purchased some stuff from them a few days ago but now many of the other items I looked at are only available from third-party sellers. Many new or future releases went from saying "will be available (x date)" to saying "this item is not available."

Possibly the manufacturers' supply chain is starting to fail and, probably, Amazon DE wants to ship only necessities and home goods rather than spending these world-historic times sending employees to the warehouse to ship classical CDs.

Amazon announced they are prioritizing certain items such as cleaning and household items, pet supplies etc. They have demoted the rest, including books. Many items can no longer be ordered at all.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 21, 2020, 02:43:27 PM
I did also receive an email from ArkivMusic saying in essence that there might be delays in shipments due to being able to get ahold of some items during these times--which is certainly understandable.

PD

p.s.  That's also presuming that they are not forced to close for a while too by either their state government or the federal.  :( Hard times.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ritter on April 16, 2020, 06:46:33 AM
Following a ruling by a court in Nanterre (resulting from a lawsuit filed by a trade union), Amazon in France has had to stop operations in its French distribution centres. The platform continues to operate, but relying "on the strength of its worldwide distribution network and third-party vendors". Whatever appears as "available" in the website can be ordered (in any category of products). I would imagine that this will impact on products originating in France sold by Amazon sites in other countries.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on April 16, 2020, 06:57:39 AM
Quote from: ritter on April 16, 2020, 06:46:33 AM
Following a ruling by a court in Nanterre (resulting from a lawsuit filed by a trade union), Amazon in France has had to stop operations in its French distribution centres. The platform continues to operate, but relying "on the strength of its worldwide distribution network and third-party vendors". Whatever appears as "available" in the website can be ordered (in any category of products). I would imagine that this will impact on products originating in France sold by Amazon sites in other countries.

Interesting and very useful information, thanks. I've only been buying from associated dealers, not Amazon themselves, for some time now, due to the criticism of working conditions etc.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on April 16, 2020, 12:58:24 PM
Shrug. Amazon refuses to sell Australians most things anyway.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: listener on May 24, 2020, 07:27:17 PM
I just got a discount coupon from jpc today.  Alas.they are not shipping to Canada.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Artem on December 16, 2020, 12:36:42 PM
For those in Europe, what's your preferred option for online purchases? Presto vs. JPC vs. Europadisk?

I only have experience with Presto, but haven't ordered from them in the past 4 years or so. Do they now charge too high for shipping?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: 71 dB on December 16, 2020, 12:45:05 PM
Quote from: Artem on December 16, 2020, 12:36:42 PM
For those in Europe, what's your preferred option for online purchases? Presto vs. JPC vs. Europadisk?

I only have experience with Presto, but haven't ordered from them in the past 4 years or so. Do they now charge too high for shipping?

Mostly I have used Amazon.co.uk Marketplace for cheap used CDs. Sometimes I make a larger order on JPC (flat shipping rate). I have never used Presto or Europadick. In the past I did do a few order on MDT (good BIS deals).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on December 26, 2020, 04:33:51 PM
Quote from: Artem on December 16, 2020, 12:36:42 PM
For those in Europe, what's your preferred option for online purchases? Presto vs. JPC vs. Europadisk?

I only have experience with Presto, but haven't ordered from them in the past 4 years or so. Do they now charge too high for shipping?

I've just been looking at this. I think everyone's shipping charges have gone up probably and I don't think Presto is worse than the other 2. It depends a lot on what you're buying and how much.

Presto and JPC have the same shipping calculation method (for most countries anyway) with a 'flagfall' and then by weight. Again it will depend a little on country, but it looks as if Presto has a lower flagfall but a higher rate per kilogram. So, if all other things are equal, you might find small orders have cheaper shipping at Presto, and larger orders have cheaper shipping at JPC.

Europadisc has an entirely different method based on cost per CD (with the first CD effectively having the cost of 2). For me, it worked out that this tended to be a little more expensive than Presto, but the margin wasn't huge and the effect was different depending on whether I was adding single CDs to the cart or multi-CD sets (and Europadisc changes the rules again for larger box sets, but the definition of 'large' varies depending on which country you're shipping to).

In the end I was finding that it was the price of the actual products that tended to have the bigger effect, and shipping only tilted the balance when the prices were reasonably close anyway.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on December 26, 2020, 05:49:23 PM
Jpc is definitely cheaper as regards postage for me in Denmark, than Presto. An order of 5 box sets including the complete 172 CD Bach Rilling box would still be their flat postage rate of less than 6 Euros, I never paid more. A comparable package would be around at least 28 Euros in postage from Presto, the price going up per item, I just checked again.

The Brexit deal seems to continue customless prices, but increased paperwork etc. might mean some rise in selling prices later, from the UK.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on December 26, 2020, 06:16:39 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 26, 2020, 05:49:23 PM
Jpc is definitely cheaper as regards postage for me in Denmark, than Presto. An order of 5 box sets including the complete 172 CD Bach Rilling box would still be their flat postage rate of less than 6 Euros, I never paid more. A comparable package would be around at least 28 Euros in postage from Presto, the price going up per item, I just checked again.

The Brexit deal seems to continue customless prices, but increased paperwork etc. might mean some rise in selling prices later, from the UK.

I can't find Denmark on the list of countries (as it's in German). Are you one of the countries where it ISN'T based on weight?

EDIT: Ah, I did just find it. Yes. Lucky you.

SECOND EDIT: It really doesn't have anything to do with Brexit. It's the realities of shipping being far more difficult this year for longer distances. You absolutely have to weigh up what works best for you based on where you are. For example, all the JPC prices are actually cheaper for me because tax is removed. But German shipping is typically expensive.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on December 26, 2020, 06:44:30 PM
My point about Brexit was about the future.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on December 27, 2020, 01:33:10 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 26, 2020, 06:44:30 PM
My point about Brexit was about the future.

No import duties because thanks to the Brexit,  indeed! :)
And I don't think in general clearing procedures would apply to small parcels.

But I'm wondering whether we ordering from tbe EU still would have to pay VAT,  or than we can shop tax free like new erato from Norway? I would think so.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on December 27, 2020, 02:10:36 AM
Quote from: Que on December 27, 2020, 01:33:10 AM
No import duties because thanks to the Brexit,  indeed! :)
And I don't think in general clearing procedures would apply to small parcels.

But I'm wondering whether we ordering from tbe EU still would have to pay VAT,  or than we can shop tax free like new erato from Norway? I would think so.

Q

As it looks now we have to pay VAT, so no tax free shopping. The threshold is 22 euros I think. And it may be checked by Dutch customs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on December 27, 2020, 02:11:22 AM
Now doesn't matter because the UK hasn't left the EU trade zone yet.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brass Hole on December 27, 2020, 02:32:31 AM
Quote from: Artem on December 16, 2020, 12:36:42 PM
For those in Europe, what's your preferred option for online purchases? Presto vs. JPC vs. Europadisk?

I only have experience with Presto, but haven't ordered from them in the past 4 years or so. Do they now charge too high for shipping?

Aren't you set for downloading and listening through a computer setup or burning yet? Presto got crazy since the pandemic. I read about them bragging how they increased their sales in 2020, but what they do not mention is what they did to the prices. For instance, you can download this whole basket which I very quickly created as a sample for a total of €10 with no VAT, packaging or waiting whatsoever in CD format. There are many top quality albums for between €0.80-2.05... Most of their booklets are available digitally, etc., etc.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODYzMDczNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTc0ODQxNTV9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODcxODE1Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTI1NjEyMzZ9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA0NjY4My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MzU3NjE5MTR9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODE2MTM0NS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1MTcyMzgzNTl9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkzMTIzNy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjQ3OTc3MDd9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA0MDIzMS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzExMzM0MjV9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA4MzQxOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MzU3NjE0MDh9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA0ODc2Mi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0Njc5ODQwMzl9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkzNTEyMy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjQ3OTI4MDl9)

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 02:38:45 AM
Quote from: Brass Hole on December 27, 2020, 02:32:31 AM
Aren't you set for downloading and listening through a computer setup or burning yet? Presto got crazy since the pandemic. I read about them bragging how they increased their sales in 2020, but what they do not mention is what they did to the prices. For instance, you can download this whole basket which I very quickly created as a sample for a total of €10 with no VAT, packaging or waiting whatsoever in CD format. There are many top quality albums for between €0.80-2.05... Most of their booklets are available digitally, etc., etc.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA0NjY4My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MzU3NjE5MTR9)

Downloading prices are different from region to region ... for Denmark, the Budapest Mozart set is around 12 Euros alone, from Presto. Same goes for the Perahia Mozart/Beethoven album, which is 10-15 Euros here, depending on which release exactly.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brass Hole on December 27, 2020, 02:44:16 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 02:38:45 AM
Downloading prices are different from region to region ... for Denmark, the Budapest Mozart set is around 12 Euros alone, from Presto. Same goes for the Perahia Mozart/Beethoven album, which is 15 Euros here.
Could you check and confirm this one?

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8046683--mozart-the-6-haydn-quartets-the-6-string-quintets (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8046683--mozart-the-6-haydn-quartets-the-6-string-quintets)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 02:47:52 AM
Yes, I just did ... DKK 93 or around 12 Euros for MP3,
DKK 121 for FLAC.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on December 27, 2020, 02:49:05 AM
And for me, it's A$25 for the download - approximately 15.5 Euros.

$32.50 for FLAC (just over 20 Euros).

It's safe to say:

1. We really cannot assume that whatever works best for us in our location will work best for others.
2. We can't assume that, when the UK is involved, this week is the same as next week. From what I've been reading the VAT rules are all changing regardless of recent deals... and then there's the whole Northern Ireland thing if that location is involved.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brass Hole on December 27, 2020, 02:50:49 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 02:47:52 AM
Yes, I just did ... DKK 93 or around 12 Euros for MP3,
DKK 121 for FLAC.

Strange:

(https://i.ibb.co/zXrLYNS/1.png)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 02:53:15 AM
I don't quite know how this happens. I'm a registered customer at Presto & those prices pop up on my account incl. the same Danish flag, when I search and/or put items into my basket ... obviously I'm at home now.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brass Hole on December 27, 2020, 02:55:13 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 02:53:15 AM
I don't quite know how this happens. I'm a registered customer at Presto & those prices pop up on my account incl. the same Danish flag, when I search and/or put items into my basket ...

I'll sort this directly with them tomorrow Tuesday, they are closed on Monday, and let you know.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 02:59:54 AM
It's well-known that there can be huge differences in downloading prices between say the US and Europe, such as via Amazon, or a local seller's items domestically, and those abroad ... apparently it can be more complicated/differentiated too, then.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on December 27, 2020, 03:08:00 AM
Quote from: Brass Hole on December 27, 2020, 03:04:33 AM
I'm specifically talking about Presto with experience but maybe I miss something they do for me...and I might be aware of who's doing what as I buy over 1200 recordings per year from different vendors shipped to different countries.

Maybe you're getting a bulk discount after the first X purchases per year, then.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 27, 2020, 03:35:02 AM
Quote from: Brass Hole on December 27, 2020, 02:50:49 AM
Strange:

(https://i.ibb.co/zXrLYNS/1.png)
Interesting, for me (in USD) it's 30 or 40 dollars.

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brass Hole on December 27, 2020, 03:53:24 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 27, 2020, 03:35:02 AM
Interesting, for me (in USD) it's 30 or 40 dollars.

PD

Then it's safe to assume that it should be IP-based and maybe something related to the account. I wonder if it's possible to spoof considering they are able to ignore for my account  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on December 27, 2020, 04:21:25 AM
Quote from: Que on December 27, 2020, 01:33:10 AM
No import duties because thanks to the Brexit,  indeed! :)
And I don't think in general clearing procedures would apply to small parcels.

But I'm wondering whether we ordering from tbe EU still would have to pay VAT,  or than we can shop tax free like new erato from Norway? I would think so.

Q

Yep, no VAT... I'm actually starting to like Brexit..  ;)

VAT and Online Shopping in the UK After Brexit (https://www.moneyguideireland.com/vat-and-online-shopping-in-the-uk-after-brexit.html)

Of course, like orders from other 3rd countries like the US, there will be a threshold above which the Dutch customs will step in to slap me with domestic VAT + duties...

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Artem on December 27, 2020, 01:54:11 PM
So, there is no point now in ordering to Europe from the UK, because of customs tax?  :'(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on December 27, 2020, 02:19:44 PM
Quote from: Artem on December 27, 2020, 01:54:11 PM
So, there is no point now in ordering to Europe from the UK, because of customs tax?  :'(

If there's any customs tax it will just be replacing the VAT you've been paying for years.

I don't know the relative amounts of tax, but seriously, you've been paying tax for years and you probably just haven't noticed. Internal EU tax. Which won't apply any more. If customs tax is less then prices will go down, not up.

I get this sort of situation all the time. Sites in the UK and Germany give me a lower price than the advertised price because being outside of Europe, I don't pay their taxes (Presto is set up to do this on every page, JPC doesn't do it until checkout). But I might have to pay Australian taxes (and of course higher shipping given the distance). On the tax front I think I win because Oz taxes are lower. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on January 01, 2021, 01:02:34 AM
Anouncement on the Presto Music site:

Brexit, VAT and shipments to the European Union from January 1st 2021
by Chris O'Reilly

Overview
From 1st January 2021, with the UK no longer part of the European Union, our sales to customers in EU countries will be treated as exports and we will no longer collect VAT (sales taxes) on your behalf. Prices for CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, Instruments and accessories displayed on the site will be proportionately lower to reflect this (Note - Sheet Music and Books are zero rated in the UK already, so prices on these products will not change).

Orders under €22 in value
If your order is under €22 in value (Including postage), and sent in the post you should receive it VAT free, ie. without having to pay any additional costs.

Orders above €22 in value
If your order is above €22 in value (including postage), you will be liable for import VAT at the time of delivery via the postal/courier service in your country (probably along with a one off clearance fee). The amount of the VAT payable will depend on how the items are classed for VAT in your country. The clearance fee rate will be set by the postal/courier company.

The exact implementation of this is likely to vary across different postal services, and there may be some grace period for orders from the UK over the initial weeks and months in some countries, especially for items in transit on 1st January 2021.


https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/3710--announcement-brexit-vat-and-shipments-to-the-european-union-from-january-1st-2021
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 01, 2021, 04:28:22 AM
Quote from: Que on January 01, 2021, 01:02:34 AM
Anouncement on the Presto Music site:

Brexit, VAT and shipments to the European Union from January 1st 2021
by Chris O'Reilly

Overview
From 1st January 2021, with the UK no longer part of the European Union, our sales to customers in EU countries will be treated as exports and we will no longer collect VAT (sales taxes) on your behalf. Prices for CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, Instruments and accessories displayed on the site will be proportionately lower to reflect this (Note - Sheet Music and Books are zero rated in the UK already, so prices on these products will not change).

Orders under €22 in value
If your order is under €22 in value (Including postage), and sent in the post you should receive it VAT free, ie. without having to pay any additional costs.

Orders above €22 in value
If your order is above €22 in value (including postage), you will be liable for import VAT at the time of delivery via the postal/courier service in your country (probably along with a one off clearance fee). The amount of the VAT payable will depend on how the items are classed for VAT in your country. The clearance fee rate will be set by the postal/courier company.

The exact implementation of this is likely to vary across different postal services, and there may be some grace period for orders from the UK over the initial weeks and months in some countries, especially for items in transit on 1st January 2021.


https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/3710--announcement-brexit-vat-and-shipments-to-the-european-union-from-january-1st-2021
Interesting to see how this plays out.  Would you receive a notice that there's a parcel for you at the post office (or have to go to, for example, a DHL location) to pay for and pick up your package(s)?  That would be a pain.  I'm used to having my packages delivered to my front door.

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on January 01, 2021, 04:46:40 AM
Well I knew this would happen, even in Europe, so the ordering from Presto or Amazon UK, will be avoided by me as much as possible. All have to stay under 22 euros, but customs can still tear it up, to ascertain whats in it. Another point is that Amazon Netherlands is stocking up their collection with items normally sold in the UK for European customers. Lets hope all the goodies will come in, Films and classical music, the rest is of no consequence to me.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on January 01, 2021, 06:34:57 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 01, 2021, 04:28:22 AM
Interesting to see how this plays out.  Would you receive a notice that there's a parcel for you at the post office (or have to go to, for example, a DHL location) to pay for and pick up your package(s)?  That would be a pain.  I'm used to having my packages delivered to my front door.

PD

Depends where you live.

For he Netherlands, and I presume for the rest of the EU, a package will have to be accompanied with a declaration of contence and value. Dutch customs can and will open any package to check, as Harry points out. If the value is over the threshold, they will attach a letter charging import duties and - and there is the catch - a flat handling fee.
Unfortunately they are quite rigorous and effecient - the chances of something flying under the radar is pretty slim.
This seems to be different in other countries.

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 01, 2021, 08:43:36 AM
Quote from: Que on January 01, 2021, 06:34:57 AM
Depends where you live.

For he Netherlands, and I presume for the rest of the EU, a package will have to be accompanied with a declaration of contence and value. Dutch customs can and will open any package to check, as Harry points out. If the value is over the threshold, they will attach a letter charging import duties and - and there is the catch - a flat handling fee.
Unfortunately they are quite rigorous and effecient - the chances of something flying under the radar is pretty slim.
This seems to be different in other countries.

Q
What is the flat handling fee like?  Here, and mind you it's been a while since I've ordered something from overseas, I've never had a package opened nor been charged any customs duties (I do/did try and be very careful about value limits as to what I ordered).  Also, I would have thought that in the Netherlands, they would go by the value stated on the customs slip--at least if it looked like it was coming from an established business (with things like printed address stickers and customs slips) and/or could quickly google the name of the business?  Legit businesses won't muck around with altering customs amounts (and often even say that on their websites).

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on January 01, 2021, 08:55:51 AM
QuoteAlso, I would have thought that in the Netherlands, they would go by the value stated on the customs slip--at least if it looked like it was coming from an established business (with things like printed address stickers and customs slips) and/or could quickly google the name of the business?  Legit businesses won't muck around with altering customs amounts (and often even say that on their websites).

Yes, this is definitely the case. But when in doubt they'll open it, happened to me once.

Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 01, 2021, 08:43:36 AM
What is the flat handling fee like?  Here, and mind you it's been a while since I've ordered something from overseas, I've never had a package opened nor been charged any customs duties (I do/did try and be very careful about value limits as to what I ordered).

I made a few mistakes in the past, and now make absolutely sure not to go over the limit. :)
The handling fee alone is €13.  So if you go just over the value limit,  you're sc%wed... :P

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on January 01, 2021, 08:56:50 AM
In Norway they are trying to implement a system where businesses that wants to be a part of the scheme collects VAT according to Norwegian rates so that we can collect the packages directly (in our mailboxes) without forther payments. Until then the former system with no VAT up to around 31 Euro is in operation, over that you have to pay Norwegian VAT and a processing charge (varies withe the carriers used by the dispatching shop).

With some you collect and pay at the local post office (which you have to do any way if the packeage is reasonably large), with others you get them delivered at the door and a bill sent after delivery.

There's a reason I usually only order small parcels, with the occasional megaorder of boxes too large to passunder the 31 Euro limit. Currently the Heidsieck box and Brahms' complete songs on cpo are ordered from europadisc for such shipment.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 01, 2021, 01:08:16 PM
Quote from: Que on January 01, 2021, 08:55:51 AM
Yes, this is definitely the case. But when in doubt they'll open it, happened to me once.

I made a few mistakes in the past, and now make absolutely sure not to go over the limit. :)
The handling fee alone is €13.  So if you go just over the value limit,  you're sc%wed... :P

Q
When opened, were they careful not to damage anything and close the package up again properly?  And did you end up owing them anything?

Thirteen euros?!  Wow!  Expensive! And you have to pay the handling fee regardless of the value amount of the package?   ???

PD
Quote from: The new erato on January 01, 2021, 08:56:50 AM
In Norway they are trying to implement a system where businesses that wants to be a part of the scheme collects VAT according to Norwegian rates so that we can collect the packages directly (in our mailboxes) without forther payments. Until then the former system with no VAT up to around 31 Euro is in operation, over that you have to pay Norwegian VAT and a processing charge (varies withe the carriers used by the dispatching shop).

With some you collect and pay at the local post office (which you have to do any way if the packeage is reasonably large), with others you get them delivered at the door and a bill sent after delivery.

There's a reason I usually only order small parcels, with the occasional megaorder of boxes too large to passunder the 31 Euro limit. Currently the Heidsieck box and Brahms' complete songs on cpo are ordered from europadisc for such shipment.
Interesting, thanks for the info New Erato.

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on January 02, 2021, 01:03:07 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 01, 2021, 01:08:16 PM
When opened, were they careful not to damage anything and close the package up again properly?  And did you end up owing them anything?

They seem to be careful and I didn't have to pay any duties.
The biggest problem was the delay: the package dissappeared "of the radar" for nearly 2 weeks.

It seems that for me the window to order from the UK without hassle and added costs is pretty small.
The €22 limit value includes, according to the site of the Dutch Tax Services, all costs for transportation to the border of the EU and for insurance. So the item price excluding UK VAT, but including shipping...

Amazon had good foresight opening a Dutch Amazon... ::)

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on January 02, 2021, 01:37:30 AM
Quote from: Que on January 02, 2021, 01:03:07 AM
Amazon had good foresight opening a Dutch Amazon... ::)

Well, good luck with that. The Australian one (especially while Amazon refused point blank to otherwise ship to Australia) had a significantly reduced catalogue and bad prices.

You might well fare better given that you're not so isolated.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 02, 2021, 04:02:02 AM
Quote from: Que on January 02, 2021, 01:03:07 AM
They seem to be careful and I didn't have to pay any duties.
The biggest problem was the delay: the package dissappeared "of the radar" for nearly 2 weeks.

It seems that for me the window to order from the UK without hassle and added costs is pretty small.
The €22 limit value includes, according to the site of the Dutch Tax Services, all costs for transportation to the border of the EU and for insurance. So the item price excluding UK VAT, but including shipping...

Amazon had good foresight opening a Dutch Amazon... ::)

Q
...including shipping too!  That stinks!  Are Dutch citizens trying to change those rules?

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brass Hole on January 09, 2021, 12:31:19 PM
€22 limit is temporary for only 6 months.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: PaulThomas on February 17, 2021, 06:02:15 AM
Presto have introduced their 'My Library' feature

Providing Presto have a digital version, all your previous purchases from Presto are now available to listen to via the website digitally at a maximum of high-resolution audio 24bit 192 kHz.

Watch out for Apps for mobile and desktop to come...

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/3797--announcement-introducing-my-library
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 17, 2021, 06:07:49 AM
Quote from: PaulThomas on February 17, 2021, 06:02:15 AM
Presto have introduced their 'My Library' feature

Providing Presto have a digital version, all your previous purchases from Presto are now available to listen to via the website digitally at a maximum of high-resolution audio 24bit 192 kHz.

Watch out for Apps for mobile and desktop to come...

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/3797--announcement-introducing-my-library
Whoa!! This is awesome. And because I've been such a good customer for so long I have 170 albums available.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: PaulThomas on February 17, 2021, 06:39:03 AM
Thanks Brian!

Forgot to mention that any future physical purchases (again assuming we have the digital version) will be added to your library and able to be heard instantaneously...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Artem on February 17, 2021, 10:29:22 AM
Any tips on using jpc webshop from the experienced users? What's the best way to track their sales and marked down prices?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 17, 2021, 10:56:18 AM
Quote from: Artem on February 17, 2021, 10:29:22 AM
Any tips on using jpc webshop from the experienced users? What's the best way to track their sales and marked down prices?

If you go directly here (https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/home) and scroll down you will see offers.
If you go to the charts (https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/charts) commonly great bargains quickly end up on their charts.
Finally look for labels on sale, both their offers and charts will reveal good bargains.  For example CPO is currently having a great sale. (https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/cpo/home)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Artem on February 17, 2021, 11:25:25 AM
Thank you very much!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on February 19, 2021, 12:56:07 PM
Has anybody noticed a sort of warped sound on the samples on the Presto website in the last few days ? I had it on the Roussel edition and on the Holmboe Da Capo  string quartets for instance (actually that's most of them in my wishlist). Maybe something to do with their beta player ? I'll drop them a line in the morning.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 19, 2021, 01:33:19 PM
For the last year, I haven't bought any CD's unless backed into a corner. I buy only FLAC downloads, I'm happy with 16 bit, but really want the booklet (PDF) to go along with.

I have been buying mainly at Presto, but also at eClassical, and sometimes at Chandos.net. However, I am open to buy almost anywhere that offers a reasonable regular price and an occasional sale price. The average I have been paying has been $12-13 USD for a single disk.

Any thoughts on other suppliers? I think everyone here knows my taste, so if they aren't specialists in things that I don't care for, I would be happy to give them a try. :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 02:39:21 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 19, 2021, 01:33:19 PM
For the last year, I haven't bought any CD's unless backed into a corner. I buy only FLAC downloads, I'm happy with 16 bit, but really want the booklet (PDF) to go along with.

I have been buying mainly at Presto, but also at eClassical, and sometimes at Chandos.net. However, I am open to buy almost anywhere that offers a reasonable regular price and an occasional sale price. The average I have been paying has been $12-13 USD for a single disk.

Any thoughts on other suppliers? I think everyone here knows my taste, so if they aren't specialists in things that I don't care for, I would be happy to give them a try. :)

8)

Qobuz regularly has deep discounts.  Like $9 currently for Fischer's Haydn symphonies for example.  Currently Rene Jacobs is on sale for 30% off.  I've regularly bought from 7digital.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brahmsian on February 19, 2021, 02:43:02 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 02:39:21 PM
Qobuz regularly has deep discounts.  Like $9 currently for Fischer's Haydn symphonies for example.  Currently Rene Jacobs is on sale for 30% off.  I've regularly bought from 7digital.

I wish we had Qobuz in Canada.  :-[

I think Australia does not have it as well, someone had posted.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 19, 2021, 04:48:31 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 02:39:21 PM
Qobuz regularly has deep discounts.  Like $9 currently for Fischer's Haydn symphonies for example.  Currently Rene Jacobs is on sale for 30% off.  I've regularly bought from 7digital.

I take it that they meet my admittedly slim criteria? I've never bought from them before so that should make shopping fun.

😎🤠
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 05:33:10 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 19, 2021, 04:48:31 PM
I take it that they meet my admittedly slim criteria? I've never bought from them before so that should make shopping fun.

😎🤠

Flac and booklets-- yes (on Qobuz).  Tagging is garbage.  Get rid to roll up your sleeves.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 19, 2021, 06:09:19 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 05:33:10 PM
Flac and booklets-- yes (on Qobuz).  Tagging is garbage.  Get rid to roll up your sleeves.

No big deal, I have always re-tagged everything anyway, because I like it a certain way and that's that. :D

When they say "CD", I can take that to mean 16-bit 96 kHz FLAC? I don't bother with Hi Res, it's a waste of time for me. I have the 2nd Brüggen 9th in Hi Res: 3.53 gigs! :o 

I just did a quick scan, it looks promising. :) Thanks!

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on February 19, 2021, 11:07:47 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 19, 2021, 01:33:19 PM
For the last year, I haven't bought any CD's unless backed into a corner.

Whaaaat, no more CDs?  ???  :D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Daverz on February 20, 2021, 03:15:38 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 02:39:21 PM
Qobuz regularly has deep discounts.  Like $9 currently for Fischer's Haydn symphonies for example.  Currently Rene Jacobs is on sale for 30% off.  I've regularly bought from 7digital.

Qobuz has some of the best prices on downloads, so if you download a lot it's probably worth subscribing.  And, of course, you can listen to whole albums before purchase.  They don't have Hyperion, though.  Hyperion's own download service is pretty good.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 20, 2021, 06:05:43 AM
Quote from: Que on February 19, 2021, 11:07:47 PM
Whaaaat, no more CDs?  ???  :D

Dude, I'm out of space! Not only that, but I have found that it is so much easier to find an album on my hard drive than on one of my shelves, when I can't even remember what shelf it was on last time I had it!  🤯

As long as I get a pdf of liner notes I'm pretty happy. I still don't stream anything, so I haven't gone completely over to the Dark Side.    😳😃

😎🤠
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 20, 2021, 06:10:17 AM
Quote from: Daverz on February 20, 2021, 03:15:38 AM
Qobuz has some of the best prices on downloads, so if you download a lot it's probably worth subscribing.  And, of course, you can listen to whole albums before purchase.  They don't have Hyperion, though.  Hyperion's own download service is pretty good.

I hadn't thought about going right to the labels, except that Chandos sells a bunch of them. I have gone to Hyperion to get pdf's of booklets for albums I ripped and didn't feel like scanning. Thanks for reminding me 🙂

😎
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 20, 2021, 07:42:33 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 19, 2021, 06:09:19 PM
When they say "CD", I can take that to mean 16-bit 96 kHz FLAC?

No CD quality is 16 bit 44.1 kHz, i.e. identical to redbook.  HiRes is usually 24 bit 96 kHz, and mp3 quality is usually 320k.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 20, 2021, 07:47:21 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 20, 2021, 07:42:33 AM
No CD quality is 16 bit 44.1 kHz, i.e. identical to redbook.  HiRes is usually 24 bit 96 kHz, and mp3 quality is usually 320k.

That's all good then. I have neither the equipment nor the hearing to bother with esoteric quality humungo-files. So that will work. :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 20, 2021, 07:53:08 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 20, 2021, 07:47:21 AM
That's all good then. I have neither the equipment nor the hearing to bother with esoteric quality humungo-files. So that will work. :)

8)

Since I don't like listening at loud levels I don't even use all 16 bits let alone 24!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 20, 2021, 08:26:29 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 20, 2021, 07:53:08 AM
Since I don't like listening at loud levels I don't even use all 16 bits let alone 24!

Yeah, me too, I suspect. Although who knows?  ???  :)

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on February 21, 2021, 03:31:56 AM
Quote from: George on February 19, 2021, 07:32:07 PM
Strange that you can download all kinds of things illegally, but can't buy them legally from Qobuz in Canada and Australia.

It's not strange once you understand that downloads and streaming are actually about giving the companies greater control of the market, not less (despite all the promises about the vast range of music at your fingertips).

I still buy CDs where possible. One reason is because of the number of times I've encountered something that a record company has decided an Australian couldn't possibly want to listen to.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 21, 2021, 07:16:42 AM
Quote from: Madiel on February 21, 2021, 03:31:56 AM
It's not strange once you understand that downloads and streaming are actually about giving the companies greater control of the market, not less (despite all the promises about the vast range of music at your fingertips).

I still buy CDs where possible. One reason is because of the number of times I've encountered something that a record company has decided an Australian couldn't possibly want to listen to.

You would be surprised to know how often I feel that way as an American. It's the reason I buy from England so often, CD's too, oftentimes. Many aren't released here, and if they are, it's 6 months after GB/EU have got them. Specifically, you know what my tastes are, mainly small ensemble, Classic Era, always period instrument/HIP (whatever). Apparently the labels don't feel that Americans should have a taste for such arcane esoterica... :-\

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 21, 2021, 07:40:48 AM
Yeah geo-blocking is stupidly restrictive.  I see it in streaming (video and audio), ebooks and all sorts. 

But that is not the case with Qobuz.  They're not that large of a company (as compared to Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music) and are not in every country.  You can still stream and purchase music from other companies just not Qobuz.  The geo-blocking being discussed here is more like you want to purchase or stream some recording and you can't find it from any distributor simply because of your country... which is not the same thing as not having a service like Qobuz available.  It is entirely different.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 21, 2021, 07:48:40 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 21, 2021, 07:40:48 AM
Yeah geo-blocking is stupidly restrictive.  I see it in streaming (video and audio), ebooks and all sorts. 

But that is not the case with Qobuz.  They're not that large of a company (as compared to Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music) and are not in every country.  You can still stream and purchase music from other companies just not Qobuz.  The geo-blocking being discussed here is more like you want to purchase or stream some recording and you can't find it from any distributor simply because of your country... which is not the same thing as not having a service like Qobuz available.  It is entirely different.

Yes, I agree with that, but it goes towards the reason one buys from other countries. And since that drives me to England, the question arises: do I want to wait 2-3 weeks for a CD to make it here, or do I want to pay, download, and listen within 5 minutes? I think the answer is probably obvious, at least in MY case. I wish jpc did downloads...

8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on February 21, 2021, 08:01:08 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 21, 2021, 07:40:48 AMYeah geo-blocking is stupidly restrictive.


Blame governments and the silly laws they pass.  In the meantime, a mix of various services can help get around some restrictions.  A VPN service like NordVPN and a concierge service like that offered by Borderlinx can help defeat some restrictions.  Some vendors are obviously on to these options and stop them cold, and others are but look the other way.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 21, 2021, 08:01:35 AM
Quote from: George on February 21, 2021, 07:51:16 AM
I am grateful to live in a time where I am not limited to the music that is only available at online stores and sellers.

You must live in NYC!  The only such stores around here are record stores.  And I haven't listened to an lp in a very long time.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on February 21, 2021, 12:44:30 PM
It's got nothing to do with laws. We are talking about countries that all have well functioning markets and copyright protections and licensing and contracts.

It has to do with companies not bothering to release things in countries where they don't thing it will sell, which of course guarantees that it won't sell. It made sense in a physical distribution system, but in an online distribution system it's stupid.

I get why the Danish part of Naxos might only sell a physical CD of Danish songs in Denmark, but Naxos is perfectly capable of selling downloads in countries all over the world. They're not prevented by laws.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on February 21, 2021, 02:00:12 PM
Intriguing, on GMG copyright protection is now considered to have nothing to do with laws. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on February 21, 2021, 02:28:22 PM
Quote from: Todd on February 21, 2021, 02:00:12 PM
Intriguing, on GMG copyright protection is now considered to have nothing to do with laws.

No, it's considered to have nothing to do with geo-blocking between countries with equivalent copyright protection.

Your general antipathy to governments is well known and I'm not going into this with you any further. You blame governments for lots of things.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on February 21, 2021, 02:33:41 PM
Quote from: Madiel on February 21, 2021, 02:28:22 PM
No, it's considered to have nothing to do with geo-blocking between countries with equivalent copyright protection.

Your general antipathy to governments is well known and I'm not going into this with you any further. You blame governments for lots of things.


A very thoughtful post displaying a definitive and comprehensive understanding of copyright law.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on February 21, 2021, 02:55:13 PM
I got a Distinction in copyright law. What did you get?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Todd on February 21, 2021, 03:06:38 PM
Quote from: Madiel on February 21, 2021, 02:55:13 PMI got a Distinction in copyright law.


Good for you!  I shall forthwith direct one of the vendors I work with with copyright concerns to this site for professional legal advice.

Since I most certainly do not possess Distinction in copyright law, perhaps you can offer a brief summation of the key differences between US and Canadian copyright law.  It may just help in a specific situation that arose last year and has not yet been resolved.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 22, 2021, 07:24:46 PM
Quote from: Papy Oli on February 19, 2021, 12:56:07 PM
Has anybody noticed a sort of warped sound on the samples on the Presto website in the last few days ? I had it on the Roussel edition and on the Holmboe Da Capo  string quartets for instance (actually that's most of them in my wishlist). Maybe something to do with their beta player ? I'll drop them a line in the morning.
Yes, I am just noticing this now while listening to samples from another box set.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on March 10, 2021, 07:39:47 AM
Quote from: "Harry" on March 10, 2021, 07:33:56 AM
I ordered a few other things at JPC, primarily, Ricerar, Supraphon, and a lost one with Nino Rota.

I had an issue with paying by credit card... A technical glitch they sofar haven't been able to fix.

If I could use PayPal?  ::) Haven't used that for years...  ???

So, no ordering at jpc for now.... Divine intervention?  0:) Or perhaps my wife pulled some strings!  :laugh:

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on March 10, 2021, 07:49:51 AM
Quote from: Que on March 10, 2021, 07:39:47 AM
I had an issue with paying by credit card... A technical glitch they sofar haven't been able to fix.

If I could use PayPal?  ::) Haven't used that for years...  ???

So, no ordering at jpc for now.... Divine intervention?  0:) Or perhaps my wife pulled some strings!  :laugh:

Q

O, dear I hope they solve this issue with the credit card. I assume you can see the images again? Both boxes are incredible cheap, giveaway prices really. They soon will be OOP being Restmengen!
Paypal is a safe option....Divine intervention? Nah, she loves you and will give you everything you need, and classical music you need. :) No strings attached there Que :laugh:
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on March 10, 2021, 09:56:49 AM
Quote from: Brian on February 22, 2021, 07:24:46 PM
Yes, I am just noticing this now while listening to samples from another box set.

Thank you & sorry for the late response, Brian.

I have been in touch with Presto this week re this issue, their I.T. team is looking into it. On what setup did you get the warped sound by the way ? Laptop/phone ? Android/Apple ?

I still have this issue everywhere on their site at the moment (my wish list, samples from search, "My Library"...)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on March 10, 2021, 10:01:20 AM
Quote from: Que on March 10, 2021, 07:39:47 AM
I had an issue with paying by credit card... A technical glitch they sofar haven't been able to fix.

If I could use PayPal?  ::) Haven't used that for years...  ???

So, no ordering at jpc for now.... Divine intervention?  0:) Or perhaps my wife pulled some strings!  :laugh:

Q

I have experienced similar things with JPC, maybe the same problem. I have been told, that their technical support is working on the problem, but a solution is not immediately forthcoming.  They have advised me to use paypal. I am not quite convinced, that this solves the problem, but I am going to try, at least.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on March 10, 2021, 12:25:33 PM
Quote from: ultralinear on March 10, 2021, 10:21:31 AM
I have to say I haven't noticed this, and I listen to Presto samples quite frequently - in fact just this afternoon I listened to maybe an hour total of piano music samples (Beethoven sonatas, Shostakovich P&F, etc.) without any obvious deterioration compared with previously. 

FWIW I was listening via PC (Chrome) / Windows10 / M-Audio 24/96 soundcard / Koss Porta Pro phones - which is not how I listen to music generally - but is the setup I use e.g. for editing music files in Audacity, and is fairly revealing of sound quality.

Update: I listened to a selection of samples from that Frémaux box you were asking about - in case it was a question of repertoire - and they sounded OK to me.

The issue for me is only when listening to samples on my Android phone via Google Chrome. It is on most albums, more pronounced on some than others, but most. I do not have the issue when listening via the laptop.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on March 10, 2021, 12:38:14 PM
Quote from: Papy Oli on March 10, 2021, 12:25:33 PM
The issue for me is only when listening to samples on my Android phone via Google Chrome.
Same. (I have not tried in a week or so.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on March 10, 2021, 10:42:11 PM
Quote from: (: premont :) on March 10, 2021, 10:01:20 AM
I have experienced similar things with JPC, maybe the same problem. I have been told, that their technical support is working on the problem, but a solution is not immediately forthcoming.  They have advised me to use paypal. I am not quite convinced, that this solves the problem, but I am going to try, at least.

It's good to hear that the problem lies not with me, but with jpc!

I hope that understand the urgency of fixing it.

Meantime, I'l look into reviving my old PayPal account...

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on March 10, 2021, 10:57:34 PM
Just ordered the Supraphon box from jpc. No problem with my VISA card........
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on March 11, 2021, 01:29:40 AM
Quote from: The new erato on March 10, 2021, 10:57:34 PM
No problem with my VISA card........

I use Mastercard. jpc seems to use a new interface for confirmation with the bank. But in my case my bank app requests confirmation... for a 0.00 euro payment... after which the entire order disappears...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on March 11, 2021, 01:44:32 AM
Quote from: Que on March 11, 2021, 01:29:40 AM
I use Mastercard. jpc seems to use a new interface for confirmation with the bank. But in my case my bank app requests confirmation... for a 0.00 euro payment... after which the entire order dissapears...
I was too early in confirming this.

My VISA payment was rejected. Tried again with my MC, where confirmation from the bank was performed as OK, but the basket is unchanged and no order is registered on my account.

I've complained to jpc who seem to put the blame on the bank when it is plainly their own bank interface that doesn't work.

Having worked in Finance for 40 years with security, card systems, authentication management and compliance I know quite a lot about this, and frankly, jpc doesn't seem up to snuff. Over the years I've had various problems with their payment systems. 3D Secure requirements aren't difficult t implement, they have been more or less standard in all Norwegian netshops for years and eg presto works without a glitch.

What is it with Germans and software (VW ID3, SAP - my wife has been a SW specialist working with SAP for years)?

To quote partly from one of the two mails I've had from jpc:

"As far as we know, the companies involved are working on a solution with a lot of manpower, but we have been hearing that for quite some time..."
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on March 11, 2021, 02:41:51 AM
Quote from: Que on March 11, 2021, 01:29:40 AM
I use Mastercard. jpc seems to use a new interface for confirmation with the bank. But in my case my bank app requests confirmation... for a 0.00 euro payment... after which the entire order disappears...

Ditto here, both VISA or Mastercard, through several months. I contacted JPC and they know about it, gave a friendly and informative answer, it's a problem for them, but apparently they can't do anything about it. I've chosen to pay through PayPal in stead, though I was less comfortable with transferring money from my bank account to my almost empty PayPal account. Changed some access codes accordingly, might do it again.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Artem on March 11, 2021, 04:06:37 AM
Quote from: Que on March 11, 2021, 01:29:40 AM
I use Mastercard. jpc seems to use a new interface for confirmation with the bank. But in my case my bank app requests confirmation... for a 0.00 euro payment... after which the entire order disappears...
The same happened with my order so I switched to PayPal and everything has been good so far.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on March 11, 2021, 04:50:26 AM
I have no Paypal account and really doesn't want one for various reasons. And I don't find jpc's problems worth aquiring one.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on March 11, 2021, 05:11:24 AM
My PayPal was related to some previous eBay-selling/buying, that's how/why I got it. Keeping only small amounts there.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on March 11, 2021, 05:23:48 AM
Quote from: The new erato on March 11, 2021, 04:50:26 AM
I have no Paypal account and really doesn't want one for various reasons. And I don't find jpc's problems worth aquiring one.

I always used my mastercard with JPC and have no troubles paying what I order.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on March 11, 2021, 09:17:21 AM
Quote from: "Harry" on March 11, 2021, 05:23:48 AM
I always used my mastercard with JPC and have no troubles paying what I order.

So did I! And without any issues, untill a couple of days ago...


Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on March 11, 2021, 09:35:31 AM
Quote from: Que on March 11, 2021, 01:29:40 AM
I use Mastercard. jpc seems to use a new interface for confirmation with the bank. But in my case my bank app requests confirmation... for a 0.00 euro payment... after which the entire order disappears...

This is precisely the problem I have. Here is the post I received from JPC service:

thank you for your response and your efforts.

Unfortunately, if you are currently unable to order with your card, I can not help you any further for the moment.

For years we have reserved 0.00 Euro on the day of the order to avoid credit card misuse.

In this way, the owner of a credit card would have the opportunity to become aware of the booking before money had flowed or goods

had been dispatched. This has always worked fine.

However, this is apparently not always compatible with the new 3-D system.

Since we switched to this system, there are problems with some credit cards and no booking is made.

Our programmers are trying to find a solution, but it doesn't seem to be that easy.

Unfortunately, it is not foreseeable when this problem will be solved.

So I can only suggest, placing an orderwith paypal until the problems have been solved.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on March 11, 2021, 09:39:16 AM
Quote from: Que on March 11, 2021, 09:17:21 AM
So did I! And without any issues, untill a couple of days ago...


Q

My last order was yesterday ::)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on March 11, 2021, 10:22:14 PM
Quote from: (: premont :) on March 11, 2021, 09:35:31 AM
This is precisely the problem I have. Here is the post I received from JPC service:

thank you for your response and your efforts.

Unfortunately, if you are currently unable to order with your card, I can not help you any further for the moment.

For years we have reserved 0.00 Euro on the day of the order to avoid credit card misuse.

In this way, the owner of a credit card would have the opportunity to become aware of the booking before money had flowed or goods

had been dispatched. This has always worked fine.

However, this is apparently not always compatible with the new 3-D system.

Since we switched to this system, there are problems with some credit cards and no booking is made.

Our programmers are trying to find a solution, but it doesn't seem to be that easy.

Unfortunately, it is not foreseeable when this problem will be solved.

So I can only suggest, placing an orderwith paypal until the problems have been solved.

With 3D Secure this 0euro transaction is unnecesssry, so why don't they just stop isduing this transaction? Utterly stupid.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brahmsian on March 12, 2021, 05:12:21 AM
Has anyone else noticed the last couple of days that Arkiv Music site has been quite unwieldy? They changed their site format in the past week, so probably has to do with those modifications.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on March 12, 2021, 12:13:39 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 12, 2021, 05:12:21 AM
Has anyone else noticed the last couple of days that Arkiv Music site has been quite unwieldy? They changed their site format in the past week, so probably has to do with those modifications.

Yes. They also haven't updated their new release section very systematically for a while and the last three weeks haven't run any Weekend Specials.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on March 12, 2021, 12:29:27 PM
Quote from: JBS on March 12, 2021, 12:13:39 PM
Yes. They also haven't updated their new release section very systematically for a while and the last three weeks haven't run any Weekend Specials.
They just sent me the weekend special email, but when I clicked on the new Szell set, the link was broken.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on March 12, 2021, 01:32:31 PM
Quote from: Brian on March 12, 2021, 12:29:27 PM
They just sent me the weekend special email, but when I clicked on the new Szell set, the link was broken.

Just checked the website and saw it: the link works there. But you have to go to the sale page. There's no link I saw on the home page like they had for the old site.

Naturally I have 2 of the sets already, and I'm not in the mood for the rest, except maybe the Szell.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: premont on March 13, 2021, 01:54:37 AM
Quote from: Que on March 12, 2021, 04:25:00 PM
I succumbed to temptation and rekindled my PayPal account to order these from jpc:

I suppose, that using Paypal in this situation means, that one's credit card is charged for the emtire amount instantly. How do JPC do make a refund, if they can't provide the CDs?

And paying in this way, do you have to type all the registrational information your self, or do you only need to confirm a purchase (bill), which is set up by JPC?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on March 13, 2021, 02:19:21 AM
Quote from: (: premont :) on March 13, 2021, 01:54:37 AM
I suppose, that using Paypal in this situation means, that one's credit card is charged for the emtire amount instantly. How do JPC do make a refund, if they can't provide the CDs?

Good question. In my case my PayPal is connected to my bank account, not my credit card (up to personal choice).
But it doesn't make a difference in that it is an direct transfer.
I recall from a distant past that any refund will end up in your PayPal account.

QuoteAnd paying in this way, do you have to type all the registrational information your self, or do you only need to confirm a purchase (bill), which is set up by JPC?

jpc redirected me to to PayPal, which asked me to sign in and subsequently confirm the transaction with a code sent to my phone.

My takeaway: safe, but definitely less convenient (including refund issue).

They're idiots at jpc for letting this issue to drag on for so long. They are going to lose business over this...

Q
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on March 13, 2021, 02:30:49 AM
One can receive money on PayPal too.

I've only been satisfied with JPC through the years, less so with Presto's irregularities for items somewhat surprisingly not in stock.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on March 13, 2021, 04:10:37 AM
Quote from: Que on March 13, 2021, 02:19:21 AM
Good question. In my case my PayPal is connected to my bank account, not my credit card (up to personal choice).
But it doesn't make a difference in that it is an direct transfer.
I recall from a distant past that any refund will end up in your PayPal account.

jpc redirected me to to PayPal, which asked me to sign in and subsequently confirm the transaction with a code sent to my phone.

My takeaway: safe, but definitely less convenient (including refund issue).

They're idiots at jpc for letting this issue to drag on for so long. They are going to lose business over this...

Q
I cannot be bothered to deal with them anymore, I've been a reasonably contant customer for close to 15 years. OTOH I have never been anything but entirely satisfied with presto and europadisc, and hope they don't buckle under for Brexit/amazon (which I have boycotted for quite some time).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: PaulThomas on May 06, 2021, 10:14:15 AM
Presto now has Apps for Android & iPhone/iPad!

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/3954--announcement-presto-music-mobile-app-available-now

As a follow up to the My Library feature launched recently, you can now stream and download your Presto purchases using your smartphone or tablet (as previously, assuming we have the digital files available for the title)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on May 06, 2021, 01:28:46 PM
Quote from: PaulThomas on May 06, 2021, 10:14:15 AM
Presto now has Apps for Android & iPhone/iPad!

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/3954--announcement-presto-music-mobile-app-available-now

As a follow up to the My Library feature launched recently, you can now stream and download your Presto purchases using your smartphone or tablet (as previously, assuming we have the digital files available for the title)

If I'm understanding correctly, that includes things I purchased on CD in the past? Interesting.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on May 06, 2021, 04:23:16 PM
Quote from: Madiel on May 06, 2021, 01:28:46 PM
If I'm understanding correctly, that includes things I purchased on CD in the past? Interesting.

Yup, I took a look and my account included CDs I purchased way back in 2013-14 and since then completely forgot about. App looks pretty darn exciting.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: PaulThomas on May 07, 2021, 11:02:25 AM
Brian beat me to it, but yes!

The only exception being as I mentioned for some labels & titles they don't have the digital files available so they can't offer those for streaming/downloads.

In the recent years they have added Hyperion & Linn to their digital catalogue.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on May 14, 2021, 04:08:53 AM
I haven't tried the app yet, but I just tried the "my library" option on the website.

It was kind of startling to see how much was on there, but clearly it goes back quite a fair way. I had 70 albums listed (and some of those "albums" are several discs long) from order back to 2012. I suspect my first order or two were without an account, so this would go back to whenever I signed up properly.

I've not really paid attention before to the fact that the order history also shows just how much I spent each time. Like when I splashed out A$700 in one go...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on May 18, 2021, 01:40:55 AM
Concerning JPC & their problematic website not allowing Visa or Mastercard payments, due to their procedure of an initial confirmation request of a payment of 0.00 Euros, which a lot of bank systems don't acknowledge, so that one has to pay JPC using PayPal in stead:

My AVG safety system now blocks any transfer of money to my PayPal account from my bank account via the Trustly company, nonetheless recommended by PayPal itself, resulting in further troubles.

The alternatives for me then are
1) getting a bank transfer via my bank to PayPal, which can in some cases take time; I don't like the insecurity of it, just like I don't fancy the overall involvement of the Trustly company either, including the use of some of my bank codes on the way;
2) getting a friend who has a PayPal account to transfer money to my account, after paying him firstly, say via a MobilePay;
3) using a different computer or phone with a different browser, that hasn't got AVG installed.

2) and 3) are also somewhat inconvenient, or have some insecurities with them ...

So I contacted JPC again, and they now say that they are rethinking their concept and preparing to make substantial changes in payment procedures.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on May 18, 2021, 03:01:19 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on May 18, 2021, 01:40:55 AM
Concerning JPC & their problematic website not allowing Visa or Mastercard payments, due to their procedure of an initial confirmation request of a payment of 0.00 Euros, which a lot of bank systems don't acknowledge, so that one has to pay JPC using PayPal in stead:

My AVG safety system now blocks any transfer of money to my PayPal account from my bank account via the Trustly company, nonetheless recommended by PayPal itself, resulting in further troubles.

The alternatives for me then are
1) getting a bank transfer via my bank to PayPal, which can in some cases take time; I don't like the insecurity of it, just like I don't fancy the overall involvement of the Trustly company, including the use of some of my bank codes on the way, either;
2) getting a friend who has a PayPal account to transfer money to my account, after paying him firstly, say via a MobilePay;
3) using a different computer or phone with a different browser, that hasn't AVG installed.

2) and 3) are also somewhat inconvenient, or have some insecurities with them ...

So I contacted JPC again, and they now say that they are rethinking their concept and preparing to make substantial changes in payment procedures.

Wow.... They certainly took their sweet time to reconsider their own procedure, even though it was pretty obvious right from the start that it had become incompatible  (and unnecessary) with the new 3D verification system... ::)
They kept playing it off as a technical problem...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on May 18, 2021, 03:10:34 AM
So they needed all this time to find out that they could make do with the same procedures implemented by all other websites I know of? Im..... es.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on June 16, 2021, 07:06:46 PM
Has ArkivMusic customer service improved at all recently? I just discovered that they have never shipped over a dozen (!) items I ordered in the springtime, and I want to make sure that it is all canceled and refunded so that I can go buy it elsewhere. Ten of the items, when I click on their listings, they've been deleted from the website entirely ("page not found").
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on June 16, 2021, 07:41:37 PM
Quote from: Brian on June 16, 2021, 07:06:46 PM
Has ArkivMusic customer service improved at all recently? I just discovered that they have never shipped over a dozen (!) items I ordered in the springtime, and I want to make sure that it is all canceled and refunded so that I can go buy it elsewhere. Ten of the items, when I click on their listings, they've been deleted from the website entirely ("page not found").

No they haven't. I had to badger them to ship me two orders. One they shipped only after I ordered them to cancel it.
Both problems involved back order/pre-order items so my recent orders with them are strictly stuff they list as being in stock.

They've also gotten bad again about shipping notifications.  USPS says I have a package on the way from them, but they haven't emailed me to tell me what's been shipped. (I know it's from them by process of elimination.)

Their New Release page has gone from not updated enough to unuseable.

They had these sort of problems before but it was bearable because they did not charge until shipment. (I had to email them a few times to tell them they needed to charge me for CDs they shipped without charging.) Now the new website charges the credit card immediately.

I use them a lot less, certainly, and Amazon a lot more. I intend to experiment before long with Presto and Europadisc.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on June 16, 2021, 11:21:30 PM
Quote from: JBS on June 16, 2021, 07:41:37 PM

I use them a lot less, certainly, and Amazon a lot more. I intend to experiment before long with Presto and Europadisc.

My experiences with those have been excellent.  :)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on June 17, 2021, 04:03:53 AM
Quote from: Que on June 16, 2021, 11:21:30 PM
My experiences with those have been excellent.  :)

Yes. Long time Presto fan of course. Have used Europadisc more recently for the first time and it all went pretty smoothly.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on June 17, 2021, 04:45:41 AM
Quote from: JBS on June 16, 2021, 07:41:37 PM
(I had to email them a few times to tell them they needed to charge me for CDs they shipped without charging.)
Oh wow. That is real amateur hour.

This sounds like it will be a very unpleasant encounter. Actually looking at their website I don't even see the email address to contact them and complain.

I have had nothing but excellent experiences from Presto and Europa. Presto even recently shipped me a booklet separate from a BIS CD where, when it arrived new, the booklet had fallen out! And their service people got a booklet for me and mailed it free between two sheets of cardboard to avoid damage.

The only problem with these two is shipping costs to the USA often negate the apparent $$ savings. For example their sale price on a BIS or CPO CD can be as low as $10.50-11.25, but it climbs back up with shipping, especially if you get a multidisc box set. Still, for the superior service and the satisfaction of not using Amazon, it's well worth it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on June 17, 2021, 05:37:48 AM
Quote from: Brian on June 17, 2021, 04:45:41 AM
Oh wow. That is real amateur hour.

This sounds like it will be a very unpleasant encounter. Actually looking at their website I don't even see the email address to contact them and complain.

I have had nothing but excellent experiences from Presto and Europa. Presto even recently shipped me a booklet separate from a BIS CD where, when it arrived new, the booklet had fallen out! And their service people got a booklet for me and mailed it free between two sheets of cardboard to avoid damage.

The only problem with these two is shipping costs to the USA often negate the apparent $$ savings. For example their sale price on a BIS or CPO CD can be as low as $10.50-11.25, but it climbs back up with shipping, especially if you get a multidisc box set. Still, for the superior service and the satisfaction of not using Amazon, it's well worth it.

The email address I used is customerservice@arkivmusic.com.
In fact, just reply to the email they sent confirming the order.

I've been looking for a motive to cut down my purchasing, so not using Arkiv will help there.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 19, 2021, 01:34:17 PM
Quote from: JBS on June 16, 2021, 07:41:37 PM
No they haven't. I had to badger them to ship me two orders. One they shipped only after I ordered them to cancel it.
Both problems involved back order/pre-order items so my recent orders with them are strictly stuff they list as being in stock.

They've also gotten bad again about shipping notifications.  USPS says I have a package on the way from them, but they haven't emailed me to tell me what's been shipped. (I know it's from them by process of elimination.)

Their New Release page has gone from not updated enough to unuseable.

They had these sort of problems before but it was bearable because they did not charge until shipment. (I had to email them a few times to tell them they needed to charge me for CDs they shipped without charging.) Now the new website charges the credit card immediately.

I use them a lot less, certainly, and Amazon a lot more. I intend to experiment before long with Presto and Europadisc.
Wow!  I'm quite surprised as I used them a handful of times--mind you this was a fair bit of time even before the advent of the pandemic.  I remember one time when I had sent them an email about a CD arriving damaged and received an email back quite promptly from someone in customer service...very polite and helpful.

Was this an issue pre-pandemic?  Trying to remember if they are the company that I'm thinking of that moved their distribution center to Nashville (thinking that it was outsourced?)?  If so, did things go south from there?

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on June 19, 2021, 01:52:00 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 19, 2021, 01:34:17 PMTrying to remember if they are the company that I'm thinking of that moved their distribution center to Nashville (thinking that it was outsourced?)?  If so, did things go south from there?

PD
I don't have many answers for the rest of your questions/comments, but Franklin, Tennessee is home of the Naxos of America distribution warehouse, and Naxos bought ArkivMusic in 2015. Even before that I had gotten some Arkiv boxes straight from Franklin, I guess due to some kind of contract, but yeah, now if you order from Naxos-distributed labels it comes direct from that address.

(I knew Naxos was in Franklin because I won a free CD from them way back in like 2009. Autographed by a composer...now, don't ask me which composer  ;D ;D edit: oh I remembered it! Fire & Blood by Michael Daugherty)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on June 19, 2021, 06:46:56 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 19, 2021, 01:34:17 PM
Wow!  I'm quite surprised as I used them a handful of times--mind you this was a fair bit of time even before the advent of the pandemic.  I remember one time when I had sent them an email about a CD arriving damaged and received an email back quite promptly from someone in customer service...very polite and helpful.

Was this an issue pre-pandemic?  Trying to remember if they are the company that I'm thinking of that moved their distribution center to Nashville (thinking that it was outsourced?)?  If so, did things go south from there?

PD

They announced a change of warehouse about 2 or 3 years ago. The problems started with that.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 21, 2021, 07:24:55 AM
Quote from: Brian on June 19, 2021, 01:52:00 PM
I don't have many answers for the rest of your questions/comments, but Franklin, Tennessee is home of the Naxos of America distribution warehouse, and Naxos bought ArkivMusic in 2015. Even before that I had gotten some Arkiv boxes straight from Franklin, I guess due to some kind of contract, but yeah, now if you order from Naxos-distributed labels it comes direct from that address.

(I knew Naxos was in Franklin because I won a free CD from them way back in like 2009. Autographed by a composer...now, don't ask me which composer  ;D ;D edit: oh I remembered it! Fire & Blood by Michael Daugherty)

Quote from: JBS on June 19, 2021, 06:46:56 PM
They announced a change of warehouse about 2 or 3 years ago. The problems started with that.

Thank you both for the info.  So sorry to hear that things had changed so much and not for the better.  :(

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on June 22, 2021, 06:33:54 AM
Someone at Chalky's has a sticky nought keyboard key... 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293345636690?epid=114609672&hash=item444cc33152:g:wowAAOSwU0Vd2fw0 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293345636690?epid=114609672&hash=item444cc33152:g:wowAAOSwU0Vd2fw0)

:o

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: aligreto on June 22, 2021, 08:16:36 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on June 22, 2021, 06:33:54 AM
Someone at Chalky's has a sticky nought keyboard key... 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293345636690?epid=114609672&hash=item444cc33152:g:wowAAOSwU0Vd2fw0 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293345636690?epid=114609672&hash=item444cc33152:g:wowAAOSwU0Vd2fw0)

:o

I will sell my one for a mere £9,999.99  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on June 22, 2021, 08:24:06 AM
Quote from: aligreto on June 22, 2021, 08:16:36 AM
I will sell my one for a mere £9,999.99  ;D

Hope you throw in the red wine and the turntable at that price  :P
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: aligreto on June 22, 2021, 08:26:43 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on June 22, 2021, 08:24:06 AM
Hope you throw in the red wine and the turntable at that price  :P

:laugh:  :laugh:
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2021, 11:12:16 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on June 22, 2021, 06:33:54 AM
Someone at Chalky's has a sticky nought keyboard key... 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293345636690?epid=114609672&hash=item444cc33152:g:wowAAOSwU0Vd2fw0 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293345636690?epid=114609672&hash=item444cc33152:g:wowAAOSwU0Vd2fw0)

:o
What the heck?!!!  ???

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on June 23, 2021, 04:09:19 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on June 22, 2021, 06:33:54 AM
Someone at Chalky's has a sticky nought keyboard key... 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293345636690?epid=114609672&hash=item444cc33152:g:wowAAOSwU0Vd2fw0 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293345636690?epid=114609672&hash=item444cc33152:g:wowAAOSwU0Vd2fw0)

:o

Out of stock.

Gotta love algorithms.

Hang on, that's the next volume I'm going to listen to, maybe it's really good!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 23, 2021, 05:30:25 AM
Quote from: Madiel on June 23, 2021, 04:09:19 AM
Out of stock.

Gotta love algorithms.

Hang on, that's the next volume I'm going to listen to, maybe it's really good!
Check out Chalky's_Oz vs. Chalky's_UK

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273981513127?epid=181619498&hash=item3fca921da7:g:yXAAAOSwlGFdZHu0

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: listener on June 30, 2021, 08:16:05 PM
After a one year break due to covid interruptions, jpc are now shipping to Canada again.   
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 04:06:03 AM
Quote from: listener on June 30, 2021, 08:16:05 PM
After a one year break due to covid interruptions, jpc are now shipping to Canada again.
Excellent!

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: André on July 01, 2021, 04:22:06 AM
Quote from: listener on June 30, 2021, 08:16:05 PM
After a one year break due to covid interruptions, jpc are now shipping to Canada again.

Yep. Got an email from them. I've filled a cart, but it's made up of desirables rather than must-haves. I'm not ready to pull the trigger yet...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on July 01, 2021, 03:20:27 PM
Are they still Paypal only?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: André on July 01, 2021, 03:25:16 PM
I don't know. I've always used paypal with JPC  :-\
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: MusicTurner on July 01, 2021, 10:28:36 PM
Still problems with VISA

( JPC = 'Jeopardize Payment Contributions'  ::) )

but Mastercard seems to work now.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on July 09, 2021, 01:57:40 PM
For those in the EU that order from the UK:

 Announcement, EU shipments after 1st July 2021: New Tax rules apply (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/4083--announcement-eu-shipments-after-1st-july-2021-new-tax-rules-apply)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: aligreto on July 09, 2021, 02:17:57 PM
Quote from: André on July 01, 2021, 03:25:16 PM
I don't know. I've always used paypal with JPC  :-\

+1 and never had a problem with it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: steve ridgway on July 09, 2021, 10:01:48 PM
Quote from: Que on July 09, 2021, 01:57:40 PM
For those in the EU that order from the UK:

 Announcement, EU shipments after 1st July 2021: New Tax rules apply (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/4083--announcement-eu-shipments-after-1st-july-2021-new-tax-rules-apply)

What a mess. ??? Although there might be an opportunity to make money forwarding items to certain other EU countries.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on July 09, 2021, 11:32:14 PM
Quote from: steve ridgway on July 09, 2021, 10:01:48 PM
What a mess. ??? Although there might be an opportunity to make money forwarding items to certain other EU countries.

I used the €22 threshold to order small batches from Europadisc and  Prestomusic free from VAT, which made up for the increased shipping costs. Well, I guess no more....

I believe UK sellers are now looking into the possibility to collect the VAT for the EU on EU-orders, which would give the shipments a free pass into the EU.

I had two delayed orders from Europadisc, which are shipped now. Wait and see how that goes... ::)
But I probably will be billed by Dutch customs, unless the packages due to their modest size slip through.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on July 10, 2021, 06:41:14 AM
I'm sure they'll sort it out in the longer term. Presto has for some time quite happily collected Australian GST (and not imposed VAT) on my orders.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on July 10, 2021, 06:43:17 AM
Quote from: steve ridgway on July 09, 2021, 10:01:48 PM
What a mess. ??? Although there might be an opportunity to make money forwarding items to certain other EU countries.

I don't see why. If you purchased, you'd be charged UK VAT when a person in the EU wouldn't. You're not tax-free, you're just paying a different tax. The tax rates would have to be hugely different to make the hassle and postage costs worthwhile.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on July 22, 2021, 12:34:54 AM
Quote from: Que on July 09, 2021, 11:32:14 PM

I had two delayed orders from Europadisc, which are shipped now. Wait and see how that goes... ::)
But I probably will be billed by Dutch customs, unless the packages due to their modest size slip through.

My orders have been shipped a while ago, but no sign of the packages.
I fear they are being processed by Dutch customs and am mentally preparing myself for some hefty duties.

Unless Presto and Europadisc start collecting EU VAT, it's game over for ordering from the UK.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on July 22, 2021, 01:16:40 AM
What's the difference between the rate of the 2 taxes? That is, the customs duty you pay now and the VAT you would pay if they started collecting it?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on July 22, 2021, 03:41:47 AM
Quote from: Que on July 22, 2021, 12:34:54 AM
My orders have been shipped a while ago, but no sign of the packages.
I fear they are being processed by Dutch customs and am mentally preparing myself for some hefty duties.

Unless Presto and Europadisc start collecting EU VAT, it's game over for ordering from the UK.
Presto does, as least for shipping to Norway so I guess this will be fixed for other countries as well. They are sailing straight through Norwegian customs (but with some delays for processing).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on July 22, 2021, 05:00:51 AM
Quote from: The new erato on July 22, 2021, 03:41:47 AM
Presto does, as least for shipping to Norway so I guess this will be fixed for other countries as well. They are sailing straight through Norwegian customs (but with some delays for processing).

I hope so!  For me it's the only way to avoid the substantial "handling fee" of Dutch customs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on November 12, 2021, 11:41:51 PM
Great news from Prestomusic

New Tax rules on EU physical orders from 9th November 2021 (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/4352--announcement-new-tax-rules-on-eu-physical-orders-from-9th-november-2021)

Now I will be able to order again (up to €150) without being harassed by Dutch customs and slammed with prohibitive "handling fees"

Of course, provided that Johnson and his croonies don't blow up the trade relation with the EU altogether - which would mean the return of import duties....
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on November 13, 2021, 12:46:55 AM
Quote from: Que on November 12, 2021, 11:41:51 PM
Great news from Prestomusic

New Tax rules on EU physical orders from 9th November 2021 (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/4352--announcement-new-tax-rules-on-eu-physical-orders-from-9th-november-2021)

Now I will be able to order again (up to €150) without being harassed by Dutch customs and slammed with prohibitive "handling fees"

Of course, provided that Johnson and his croonies don't blow up the trade relation with the EU altogether - which would mean the return of import duties....

Wow, so we can order from Amazon again? Without import duties?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on November 13, 2021, 12:58:39 AM
Quote from: "Harry" on November 13, 2021, 12:46:55 AM
Wow, so we can order from Amazon again? Without import duties?

Nope... the individual seller has to join the OISS scheme of the EU, to collect the VAT for the country of destination. Of course it would be smart of Amazon UK proper, to do so.

The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is the electronic portal businesses can use since 1 July 2021 to comply with their VAT e-commerce obligations on distance sales of imported goods.

From 1 July 2021, all commercial goods imported into the EU from a third country or third territory is subject to VAT irrespective of their value.

The IOSS allows suppliers and electronic interfaces selling imported goods to buyers in the EU to collect, declare and pay the VAT to the tax authorities, instead of making the buyer pay the VAT at the moment the goods are imported into the EU as it was previously the case (for products over 22 EUR).


https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/ioss_nl

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on November 13, 2021, 01:02:50 AM
Quote from: Que on November 13, 2021, 12:58:39 AM
Of course it would be smart of Amazon UK proper, to do so.

I wouldn't hold your breath on that one, given the way Amazon wailed and wailed about how it was too hard to deal with the Australian tax system on its overseas websites (a system that many other overseas retailers, including Presto, seemed to have no difficulty implementing).

They might do it if they consider the EU a sufficiently attractive market for Amazon UK. But how much EU traffic goes there instead of to Amazon France, Amazon Germany etc etc?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on November 13, 2021, 01:05:50 AM
Good gracious, I had my hopes up sky high when I read this, I need a stiff drink to stomach this blow. Will there be a chance Amazon will join the OISS scheme?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on November 17, 2021, 01:03:43 AM
For the UK holders using Visa credit cards on AMZ:
https://news.sky.com/story/amazon-to-reject-customer-payments-using-uk-issued-visa-credit-cards-12470641 (https://news.sky.com/story/amazon-to-reject-customer-payments-using-uk-issued-visa-credit-cards-12470641)

Background info from earlier this year:
https://www.bambora.com/news/mastercard-and-visa-announce-changes-to-interchange-fees-between-the-uk-and-the-eea/ (https://www.bambora.com/news/mastercard-and-visa-announce-changes-to-interchange-fees-between-the-uk-and-the-eea/)


Greed ? Brexit ? Both ?  :blank:
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on November 17, 2021, 01:21:42 AM
Oh that's crazy. I predict backlash. Against Amazon, not Visa.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Biffo on November 17, 2021, 01:56:48 AM
Quote from: Madiel on November 17, 2021, 01:21:42 AM
Oh that's crazy. I predict backlash. Against Amazon, not Visa.

Amazon will be losing a lot of business from me. I try to avoid them for my music purchases, it now looks like I will have to do the same for other items.

I accumulate Amazon purchases on my Visa credit card and pay off the total at the end of the month.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on November 17, 2021, 02:43:11 AM
There are so many reasons people should avoid Amazon. This is just a minor additional one.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Harry on November 17, 2021, 03:11:37 AM
Quote from: The new erato on November 17, 2021, 02:43:11 AM
There are so many reasons people should avoid Amazon. This is just a minor additional one.

Well not so minor for me as a matter of fact. I ordered quite a few DVD'S and Bu-Rays from England for several reasons. The first and most important one are the Subtitles, English as a preference, for since the film industries abolished a dialogue coach in films and series, the mumbling of lines is becoming a plague. Even my English friends told me they had to put the subtitles on, for they could not understand a word square wise. Secondly a few of those series and films are available on the German Amazon, either synchronized in German, (BAH) or with German subtitles, not to mention that they change all original titles into German ones. The Dutch Amazon has a saddening amount of films and series produced on the soil of England, often for very high prices, and no Blu-Rays as advertised in England. All in all it is a disaster for me.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on November 17, 2021, 01:08:34 PM
Quote from: Papy Oli on November 17, 2021, 01:03:43 AM
For the UK holders using Visa credit cards on AMZ:
https://news.sky.com/story/amazon-to-reject-customer-payments-using-uk-issued-visa-credit-cards-12470641 (https://news.sky.com/story/amazon-to-reject-customer-payments-using-uk-issued-visa-credit-cards-12470641)

Background info from earlier this year:
https://www.bambora.com/news/mastercard-and-visa-announce-changes-to-interchange-fees-between-the-uk-and-the-eea/ (https://www.bambora.com/news/mastercard-and-visa-announce-changes-to-interchange-fees-between-the-uk-and-the-eea/)


Greed ? Brexit ? Both ?  :blank:

Brexit first, and greed on the part of the credit card companies second:

Amazon said it has made the decision due to "the high fees Visa charges for processing credit card transactions".

These high fee costs are understood to be a result of Brexit, with the UK no longer under a cap from EU law for interchange fees (up from 0.3% last year to 1.5% this year).


https://www.thejournal.ie/amazon-rejects-uk-visa-payments-5603860-Nov2021/
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on November 17, 2021, 01:55:34 PM
I think American Express charges a higher fee than that. And PayPal.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on November 17, 2021, 04:01:14 PM
Quote from: Que on November 17, 2021, 01:08:34 PM
Brexit first, and greed on the part of the credit card companies second:

It's not greed if it reflects actual higher costs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on November 17, 2021, 05:45:08 PM
Quote from: Brian on November 17, 2021, 01:55:34 PM
I think American Express charges a higher fee than that. And PayPal.

A number of years back (meaning things may have changed since, and assuming the same system was used in both the UK and USA) I had a job which involved processing credit card transactions through our bank.
Fees were based on the amount of business the merchant did with the credit card company. The lower the volume, the higher the fees. The greater the volume, the lower the fees. Meaning Amazon is probably charged at the lowest level, and if this is a real problem it will probably be worse for Presto and other UK vendors.

Amex btw charged significantly higher fees than anyone else, which is why some places don't accept their cards.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: ritter on December 22, 2021, 11:01:17 AM
Anyone have an idea of what's happening with ArkivMusic? Their home page has been showing a "Be back soon" message (something about upgrades), but it's been like that for a while AFAIK.

The best they could do in the upgrade IMHO would be to revert to their old webpage, which was among the best to locate specific works (obscure as they may be).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on December 23, 2021, 05:00:08 AM
Quote from: ritter on December 22, 2021, 11:01:17 AM
Anyone have an idea of what's happening with ArkivMusic? Their home page has been showing a "Be back soon" message (something about upgrades), but it's been like that for a while AFAIK.

The best they could do in the upgrade IMHO would be to revert to their old webpage, which was among the best to locate specific works (obscure as they may be).

I saw that too. I remember they also had a message to the effect that shipping would be free, since they were having trouble fulfilling orders. Now they have shut their web site in the midst of mega-shopping season. I suspect they are done for.

Their old web site was fantastic, with drill-down search allowing you to select a composer then a specific work and see a tidy list of every CD containing that work. Recently their database system became corrupted. I would try to select a composer and see the same composer's name listed a dozen times, then if I managed to select the composer and a work the list would be all wrong. I loved their search system, although I have to admit I rarely ordered from them.

Maybe they will manage to survive. I recall Berkshire record outlet also took a long time to replace their web site and fulfillment system and managed to rise from the ashes.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on December 23, 2021, 11:24:43 AM
I had to obtain $200 in refunds from ArkivMusic this fall after ordering goods from them in April and May which had been listed as in stock, but never arrived. One item actually remained in stock the whole time, they just never sent it. A majority they simply deleted from their database. The refund did come, so that was good, but I decided then to never attempt to order from them again.

Missing the Christmas season is, as Spotted Horses says, a really bad sign. The perplexing thing is that they are owned by Naxos, which is the logistical bedrock of the industry. If half of all the labels trust them with distribution, why can't they manage their own retail storefront?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on December 23, 2021, 06:10:01 PM
Quote from: Brian on December 23, 2021, 11:24:43 AMMissing the Christmas season is, as Spotted Horses says, a really bad sign. The perplexing thing is that they are owned by Naxos, which is the logistical bedrock of the industry. If half of all the labels trust them with distribution, why can't they manage their own retail storefront?

Well, if they are a front for Naxos I it seems possible that they will do whatever is required to bring the site back. Clearly it was some sort of IT disaster, where the new software was faulty and corrupted their database beyond repair.

I remember years ago I was placing an order with a now defunct web site, cdnow.com. I clicked "complete order" and instead of getting the splash screen saying my order was entered I got a notice from my browser that the site was not found. Huh? Tried go back to the home screen, "server not found." Several days later the site reappeared and I managed check my account status, the order was not there. But a few days later the CD arrived and I was not charged for it. By some stroke of luck the site crashed after it had sent my order to the fulfillment center, but before it managed to charge my credit card.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on December 23, 2021, 06:18:18 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on December 23, 2021, 06:10:01 PM
I remember years ago I was placing an order with a now defunct web site, cdnow.com. I clicked "complete order" and instead of getting the splash screen saying my order was entered I got a notice from my browser that the site was not found. Huh? Tried go back to the home screen, "server not found." Several days later the site reappeared and I managed check my account status, the order was not there. But a few days later the CD arrived and I was not charged for it. By some stroke of luck the site crashed after it had sent my order to the fulfillment center, but before it managed to charge my credit card.

That's some serious split-second timing!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 15, 2022, 08:53:09 AM
arkivmusic.com still has the "be back soon" notice on their welcome page!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Traverso on February 19, 2022, 04:45:03 AM
I had placed an order with Presto, but I was still asked to pay the import duties.
After contact with Post.NL this turned out to be a mistake, the complaints are known and it will be refunded in the coming months.
Presto who I approached about this immediately refunded the import costs.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on March 01, 2022, 08:00:19 AM
There seem to be signs of life at Arkivmusic including a new format, some limited new release offerings, and an announcement that a full reopening will be coming soon

QuoteYou spoke, we listened. Our new site, currently under construction, will feature many improvements and enhancements. Our virtual reopening will occur in the very near future, and we want you to be right there with us when we launch!

Our customers and subscribers are the lifeblood of our operation. Your patronage and dedication means the world to all of us. We have always endeavored to bring you the best music, the best shopping experience, and expertise you can truly rely on. And so with all this in mind, we want to say, the best is yet to come!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Mirror Image on March 01, 2022, 08:20:23 AM
Quote from: Traverso on February 19, 2022, 04:45:03 AM
I had placed an order with Presto, but I was still asked to pay the import duties.
After contact with Post.NL this turned out to be a mistake, the complaints are known and it will be refunded in the coming months.
Presto who I approached about this immediately refunded the import costs.

Presto have really impressed the hell out of me. I did have a few hiccups with them (out-of-stock items, some items running late), but any issue I've had, they have taken care of and were prompt with their responses.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on March 02, 2022, 12:37:56 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 01, 2022, 08:20:23 AM
Presto have really impressed the hell out of me. I did have a few hiccups with them (out-of-stock items, some items running late), but any issue I've had, they have taken care of and were prompt with their responses.

Yes, for many reasons they're generally my first port of call. They were excellent in handling the changes to Australian tax law a few years back (when Amazon was complaining about how it was impossible to comply), let me do all my transactions in Australian dollars, and are responsive to queries.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 02, 2022, 06:43:17 AM
Quote from: JBS on March 01, 2022, 08:00:19 AM
There seem to be signs of life at Arkivmusic including a new format, some limited new release offerings, and an announcement that a full reopening will be coming soon

Quote
You spoke, we listened. Our new site, currently under construction, will feature many improvements and enhancements. Our virtual reopening will occur in the very near future, and we want you to be right there with us when we launch!

Improvements and enhancements? The last thing I want to read. Their old site was unique (the drill-down search feature) and perfect. I guess too many people did what I usually did, find the recording with Arkiv's fantastic search feature, then ordered from someone on Amazon Marketplace. :(

If they bring the old site back, I promise I will buy something!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brahmsian on March 02, 2022, 07:36:47 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 02, 2022, 06:43:17 AM
Improvements and enhancements? The last thing I want to read. Their old site was unique (the drill-down search feature) and perfect. I guess too many people did what I usually did, find the recording with Arkiv's fantastic search feature, then ordered from someone on Amazon Marketplace. :(

If they bring the old site back, I promise I will buy something!

Yes, I really miss the old Arkiv Music site format.  :-X
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on March 04, 2022, 11:10:29 AM
ArkivMusic is inviting past customers by email to be beta testers and provide them feedback on their upcoming new website model.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on April 01, 2022, 12:45:55 PM
Has anyone ordered from Arkivmusic recently? I was about to order 3 or 4 CDs from them, but aborted when the only shipping option they offered was UPS Ground for $70.xx. IOW, they want to charge more for shipping than the total of the CDs themselves. And the shipping charge didn't change if I trimmed down the number of CDs in the order...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on April 01, 2022, 08:48:23 PM
Quote from: JBS on April 01, 2022, 12:45:55 PM
Has anyone ordered from Arkivmusic recently? I was about to order 3 or 4 CDs from them, but aborted when the only shipping option they offered was UPS Ground for $70.xx. IOW, they want to charge more for shipping than the total of the CDs themselves. And the shipping charge didn't change if I trimmed down the number of CDs in the order...

Not I.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on April 01, 2022, 09:58:21 PM
Quote from: JBS on April 01, 2022, 12:45:55 PM
Has anyone ordered from Arkivmusic recently? I was about to order 3 or 4 CDs from them, but aborted when the only shipping option they offered was UPS Ground for $70.xx. IOW, they want to charge more for shipping than the total of the CDs themselves. And the shipping charge didn't change if I trimmed down the number of CDs in the order...

Huh? I visited today and it says the site is not up yet, except for a new release store.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 02, 2022, 04:17:02 AM
Quote from: JBS on April 01, 2022, 12:45:55 PM
Has anyone ordered from Arkivmusic recently? I was about to order 3 or 4 CDs from them, but aborted when the only shipping option they offered was UPS Ground for $70.xx. IOW, they want to charge more for shipping than the total of the CDs themselves. And the shipping charge didn't change if I trimmed down the number of CDs in the order...
Wow!   ??? Were you ordering big boxed sets or individual CDs? I received an email from them about Ukrainian music and was tempted, but no idea what to buy as I don't know the music at all.  I see that they are sold out of a lot of the CDs now alas.  Well, glad that they are selling (particularly as $2 from each CD sold goes to help the Ukrainians).

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on April 02, 2022, 04:34:57 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 01, 2022, 09:58:21 PM
Huh? I visited today and it says the site is not up yet, except for a new release store.
They emailed out "Weekend Specials" yesterday so they are trying to make do with a very limited store. The Ancerl Live box was on special so I looked...it was discounted from $99 to $95.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 02, 2022, 04:47:30 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 02, 2022, 04:17:02 AM
Wow!   ??? Were you ordering big boxed sets or individual CDs? I received an email from them about Ukrainian music and was tempted, but no idea what to buy as I don't know the music at all.  I see that they are sold out of a lot of the CDs now alas.  Well, glad that they are selling (particularly as $2 from each CD sold goes to help the Ukrainians).

PD

Quote from: Brian on April 02, 2022, 04:34:57 AM
They emailed out "Weekend Specials" yesterday so they are trying to make do with a very limited store. The Ancerl Live box was on special so I looked...it was discounted from $99 to $95.

Hmm, that's not much of a discount.  :(

Out of curiosity, I tried entering in an order to see what they would charge.  I clicked on 4 single CDs.  They didn't give me an option re shipping rather it came up with "ShipBlink-Fallback" or in the opposite order--I forget.  It was certainly way way way less than $70!

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on April 02, 2022, 07:04:10 AM
Quote from: JBS on April 01, 2022, 12:45:55 PM
Has anyone ordered from Arkivmusic recently? I was about to order 3 or 4 CDs from them, but aborted when the only shipping option they offered was UPS Ground for $70.xx. IOW, they want to charge more for shipping than the total of the CDs themselves. And the shipping charge didn't change if I trimmed down the number of CDs in the order...

Last year I had to do a chargeback because they wouldn't ship me my order nor respond to emails or answer the phone.  I won't do business with them ever again.  I know that some want to support the little guy, but you can do that with the cd shops in the UK like Presto that tend to offer faster shipping and overall cheaper prices.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on April 02, 2022, 08:52:28 AM
Quote from: DavidW on April 02, 2022, 07:04:10 AM
Last year I had to do a chargeback because they wouldn't ship me my order nor respond to emails or answer the phone.  I won't do business with them ever again.  I know that some want to support the little guy, but you can do that with the cd shops in the UK like Presto that tend to offer faster shipping and overall cheaper prices.

I've been very cautious with them ever since they started charging the credit card at time of order and not time of shipping. This would have my first order with them since they shut down their old website. (I intended to order some of the Naxos CDs in their Ukrainian special. But not if I have to pay $70 shipping.)

I've been using Presto, and their shipping times are especially good.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 30, 2022, 08:41:30 AM
Looks like Archiv music is back up, but the drill-down search system that was the unique feature of the old site is gone. For those who didn't use it, you could select a composer, get a list of all compositions by that composer, then click one on one of the compositions to see a list of all releases containing that composition. For instance you could click Brahms, click String Quartet No 2, and see a comprehensive list of all CDs containing string quartet No 2. There is no way to reproduce that with a conventional search tool, since you can type Brahms String Quartet No 2, but it will match anything that contains Brahms, String, Quartet, and 2.

It was such a unique resource. Why would they scuttle it?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 30, 2022, 09:55:03 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 30, 2022, 08:41:30 AM
Looks like Archiv music is back up, but the drill-down search system that was the unique feature of the old site is gone. For those who didn't use it, you could select a composer, get a list of all compositions by that composer, then click one on one of the compositions to see a list of all releases containing that composition. For instance you could click Brahms, click String Quartet No 2, and see a comprehensive list of all CDs containing string quartet No 2. There is no way to reproduce that with a conventional search tool, since you can type Brahms String Quartet No 2, but it will match anything that contains Brahms, String, Quartet, and 2.

It was such a unique resource. Why would they scuttle it?
Sorry to hear about that.  Wonder if it was causing issues at their end...maybe in terms of slowing down their site too much or taking up too much memory space?  Sorry, I'm not the greatest at computers.

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 30, 2022, 09:59:48 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 30, 2022, 09:55:03 AM
Sorry to hear about that.  Wonder if it was causing issues at their end...maybe in terms of slowing down their site too much or taking up too much memory space?  Sorry, I'm not the greatest at computers.

PD

Could be something along those lines, although it seems like their first attempt at revising the site was botched and caused it to collapse.

Could be their old site was inefficient as you suggest, or maybe they had to spend too much time and money maintaining the database (i.e., having people actually tag the CD releases correctly, rather than the hodgepodge that comes from the record labels).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on August 30, 2022, 12:53:07 PM
The drill down menu is there (click on the Shop line) but seems to lack a filter for genre or specific work. I just tried it now. So you can look for recordings of Brahms by the Amadeus Quartet but not for string quartets by Brahms. Also it seems to rather buggy or maybe memory heavy; it crashed my Chrome for Android browser twice in five minutes, so don't try it on a cell phone.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 30, 2022, 02:48:38 PM
Quote from: JBS on August 30, 2022, 12:53:07 PM
The drill down menu is there (click on the Shop line) but seems to lack a filter for genre or specific work. I just tried it now. So you can look for recordings of Brahms by the Amadeus Quartet but not for string quartets by Brahms. Also it seems to rather buggy or maybe memory heavy; it crashed my Chrome for Android browser twice in five minutes, so don't try it on a cell phone.

Yes, I did notice that I can select Brahms, then an artist. But what I really valued was selecting Brahms, then a work of Brahms, revealing a list of CDs by all artists.

I also noticed that selecting Brahms, didn't give a complete list of artists. Selecting Brahms, I went to the conductor tab and looked for obvious ones. Karajan was not on the list. So their database seems to have big gaps.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on August 30, 2022, 04:04:20 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 30, 2022, 02:48:38 PM
Yes, I did notice that I can select Brahms, then an artist. But what I really valued was selecting Brahms, then a work of Brahms, revealing a list of CDs by all artists.

I also noticed that selecting Brahms, didn't give a complete list of artists. Selecting Brahms, I went to the conductor tab and looked for obvious ones. Karajan was not on the list. So their database seems to have big gaps.

It wonked out on me so quickly I stopped trying it pretty fast.
I suspect they only list recordings they stock or think they can order in at a profit, which may explain why some obvious ones like this are missing.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on August 30, 2022, 07:40:10 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 30, 2022, 08:41:30 AM
Looks like Archiv music is back up, but the drill-down search system that was the unique feature of the old site is gone. For those who didn't use it, you could select a composer, get a list of all compositions by that composer, then click one on one of the compositions to see a list of all releases containing that composition. For instance you could click Brahms, click String Quartet No 2, and see a comprehensive list of all CDs containing string quartet No 2. There is no way to reproduce that with a conventional search tool, since you can type Brahms String Quartet No 2, but it will match anything that contains Brahms, String, Quartet, and 2.

It was such a unique resource. Why would they scuttle it?

Yes, that's a shame. It was indeed one of the best things about the site.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: geralmar on December 11, 2022, 11:18:30 PM
Since 1975 I've been a regular mail order customer of Berkshire Record Outlet, Albany, New York.  They specialize in heavily discounted over stock and discontinued classical CDs, so don't look for newer releases.  Their service is exemplary; unfortunately overseas shipping can be ferociously expensive.Their catalogue is massive and fascinating to browse through.

https://www.broinc.com/

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on December 12, 2022, 03:45:53 AM
Quote from: geralmar on December 11, 2022, 11:18:30 PMSince 1975 I've been a regular mail order customer of Berkshire Record Outlet, Albany, New York.  They specialize in heavily discounted over stock and discontinued classical CDs, so don't look for newer releases.  Their service is exemplary; unfortunately overseas shipping can be ferociously expensive.Their catalogue is massive and fascinating to browse through.

https://www.broinc.com/

I've also patronized them in the past. At one point I started a thread "what did you find at BRO" but it filled up with griping about how they don't process non-US payment methods. I wonder if that is still the case.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Gurn Blanston on December 12, 2022, 05:46:40 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 30, 2022, 08:41:30 AMLooks like Archiv music is back up, but the drill-down search system that was the unique feature of the old site is gone. For those who didn't use it, you could select a composer, get a list of all compositions by that composer, then click one on one of the compositions to see a list of all releases containing that composition. For instance you could click Brahms, click String Quartet No 2, and see a comprehensive list of all CDs containing string quartet No 2. There is no way to reproduce that with a conventional search tool, since you can type Brahms String Quartet No 2, but it will match anything that contains Brahms, String, Quartet, and 2.

It was such a unique resource. Why would they scuttle it? 

This was the single best feature at any music shopping website.  When I was looking for a particular piece of music (which is how I nearly always shop for music), all of my choices were instantly lined up in front of me.  Your apt description of the follies of using regular search to find music is right on point. Why would they toss out such a super elegant solution? 🤯

🤠
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on December 12, 2022, 10:22:58 AM
If you're searching on Google, quotes around the term your searching for should limit the results. So "Brahms String Quartet Number 2" is supposed to bring up only results that contain the full phrase.

But I don't think this works on website search engines like Amazon and Presto.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on December 12, 2022, 11:50:41 AM
Presto has the capacity to bring up all recordings of a particular work, like Arkiv used to.

Amazon... good luck.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Karl Henning on December 12, 2022, 12:43:39 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on December 12, 2022, 03:45:53 AMI've also patronized them in the past. At one point I started a thread "what did you find at BRO" but it filled up with griping about how they don't process non-US payment methods. I wonder if that is still the case.
They originated in western Mass. (even had a brick-&-mortar presence here) and are a small-ish outfit. I don't suppose they've "grown" a great deal. I shouldn't be surprised if they "grow smarter" over time.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 17, 2023, 05:23:16 AM
I just want to post a word of praise for Presto, which is already a favorite shop for many of us, but just exceeded my expectations.

Last fall they had a sale on Chopin Institute CDs, which are often hard to find elsewhere (even Amazon). So I ordered a bunch of them. One super-rarity, Kevin Kenner playing Paderewski on Paderewski's own 1925 Steinway, was backordered, unavailable with suppliers, etc. Shipment was delayed for about a month.

It arrived last night, and on the back it has a retail sticker from Poland for 50zl. (That's about US $11.) I imagine this means that Presto or their agent was so determined to complete the order that they tracked down a copy from a store in Poland. That's just excellent work!

The Daniil Trifonov Chopin Competition recital 2CD set was even harder for Presto to track down and only just shipped. Maybe they'll have a 100zl sticker.

Edit: Oh, let me tag @Paul_Thomas
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brahmsian on February 17, 2023, 05:37:09 AM
Quote from: Brian on February 17, 2023, 05:23:16 AMI just want to post a word of praise for Presto, which is already a favorite shop for many of us, but just exceeded my expectations.

Can't agree with you more Brian. To me they have become the platinum standard.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 17, 2023, 07:20:48 AM
Quote from: Brian on February 17, 2023, 05:23:16 AMI just want to post a word of praise for Presto, which is already a favorite shop for many of us, but just exceeded my expectations.

Last fall they had a sale on Chopin Institute CDs, which are often hard to find elsewhere (even Amazon). So I ordered a bunch of them. One super-rarity, Kevin Kenner playing Paderewski on Paderewski's own 1925 Steinway, was backordered, unavailable with suppliers, etc. Shipment was delayed for about a month.

It arrived last night, and on the back it has a retail sticker from Poland for 50zl. (That's about US $11.) I imagine this means that Presto or their agent was so determined to complete the order that they tracked down a copy from a store in Poland. That's just excellent work!

The Daniil Trifonov Chopin Competition recital 2CD set was even harder for Presto to track down and only just shipped. Maybe they'll have a 100zl sticker.

Edit: Oh, let me tag @Paul_Thomas
Oh, nice!  Good to hear that!

Some years ago, I contacted JPC (in Germany) about an Ivan Moravec CD that I had heard about but couldn't find for sale online.  They said that they could get ahold of it for me from a company in Japan and I added it to an order that I was placing at the time.  And they came through for me!  :)

Great service!

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 17, 2023, 08:15:00 AM
Quote from: Brian on February 17, 2023, 05:23:16 AMI just want to post a word of praise for Presto, which is already a favorite shop for many of us, but just exceeded my expectations.

Last fall they had a sale on Chopin Institute CDs, which are often hard to find elsewhere (even Amazon). So I ordered a bunch of them. One super-rarity, Kevin Kenner playing Paderewski on Paderewski's own 1925 Steinway, was backordered, unavailable with suppliers, etc. Shipment was delayed for about a month.

It arrived last night, and on the back it has a retail sticker from Poland for 50zl. (That's about US $11.) I imagine this means that Presto or their agent was so determined to complete the order that they tracked down a copy from a store in Poland. That's just excellent work!

The Daniil Trifonov Chopin Competition recital 2CD set was even harder for Presto to track down and only just shipped. Maybe they'll have a 100zl sticker.

Edit: Oh, let me tag @Paul_Thomas

Presto is definitely a platinum seller.

In the old days record labels would ship new releases to record stores, and the record stores could return unsold stock. (They record labels would always ship more than needed to artificially boost short-term sales figures). I wonder if that's what is going on with your CD.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brahmsian on February 18, 2023, 05:23:25 AM
Speaking of platinum standard (Presto) to the opposite end of the spectrum (ArkivMusic)......

I used to absolutely love ArkivMusic's site until a couple of years ago when they completely "revamped" it. Well, I thought I would go back to check and see if they worked out the kinks and improved. I can't say it has and gave up after about 5 minutes of navigation. 😒
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 18, 2023, 09:02:37 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on February 18, 2023, 05:23:25 AMSpeaking of platinum standard (Presto) to the opposite end of the spectrum (ArkivMusic)......

I used to absolutely love ArkivMusic's site until a couple of years ago when they completely "revamped" it. Well, I thought I would go back to check and see if they worked out the kinks and improved. I can't say it has and gave up after about 5 minutes of navigation. 😒

Yes, they got rid of their drill-down search feature, which was the only reason I visited them (in retrospect, I should have purchased more stuff there.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on February 18, 2023, 11:20:35 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on February 18, 2023, 05:33:37 AMSeems to work fine here. provided you double-quote the search term:



All of your results are mp3s. You've got all the ones where someone actually used the title of the piece correctly. There will be a host of others where they did not, and many CDs will fall into that category.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on February 18, 2023, 11:32:23 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on February 18, 2023, 09:02:37 AMYes, they got rid of their drill-down search feature, which was the only reason I visited them (in retrospect, I should have purchased more stuff there.)
Presto has one now. Maybe you know this but for those who don't, here's an example (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/works/54356--martin-symphony-no-6-fantaises-symphoniques-h-343/browse).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 19, 2023, 02:10:19 PM
Quote from: Brian on February 18, 2023, 11:32:23 AMPresto has one now. Maybe you know this but for those who don't, here's an example (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/works/54356--martin-symphony-no-6-fantaises-symphoniques-h-343/browse).

Despite Presto being my #1 store, I didn't know they had the drill down feature before!  Now they really are my favorite cd shop.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 19, 2023, 09:19:58 PM
Quote from: Brian on February 18, 2023, 11:32:23 AMPresto has one now. Maybe you know this but for those who don't, here's an example (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/works/54356--martin-symphony-no-6-fantaises-symphoniques-h-343/browse).

I had no idea. I see that you get to it by choosing "Composer" search and you would not notice that you can pull up all recordings of a particular work until you've already gone down that wormhole.

All hail Presto!!!!!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on February 19, 2023, 09:55:02 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on February 19, 2023, 09:19:58 PMI had no idea. I see that you get to it by choosing "Composer" search and you would not notice that you can pull up all recordings of a particular work until you've already gone down that wormhole.

All hail Presto!!!!!

You can also get there from just about any album. The "Explore" tab provides a list of works on the album, click on a work and it shows you all the recordings of it.

This is probably the route I take most often.

 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Paul_Thomas on February 22, 2023, 02:36:04 AM
Presto Music has launched its streaming service

Read More here...

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/5143--announcement-presto-musics-streaming-service-is-finally-here
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on February 22, 2023, 03:23:33 AM
Quote from: Paul_Thomas on February 22, 2023, 02:36:04 AMPresto Music has launched its streaming service

Read More here...

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/5143--announcement-presto-musics-streaming-service-is-finally-here

Interesting! I might seriously consider a trial, since they probably know what they are doing...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 22, 2023, 06:38:15 AM
They would need to have native support on BluOS to tempt me. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on February 22, 2023, 09:10:31 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 22, 2023, 06:38:15 AMThey would need to have native support on BluOS to tempt me. 

I don't even know what that means! :D

Need some technology lessons...  8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 22, 2023, 03:27:25 PM
Quote from: Que on February 22, 2023, 09:10:31 AMI don't even know what that means! :D

Need some technology lessons...  8)

I have a Bluesound Node streamer.  It is a little box that you connect to your stereo and use an app (BluOS) on my Ipad to connect to different streaming services and stream music directly to the stereo. 

That app is used for many devices made by different companies such as NAD and Dali. 

It just makes it easy because then I don't have to use a computer and it is just as fast as loading a cd.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on February 22, 2023, 04:08:18 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 22, 2023, 03:27:25 PMI have a Bluesound Node streamer.  It is a little box that you connect to your stereo and use an app (BluOS) on my Ipad to connect to different streaming services and stream music directly to the stereo. 

That app is used for many devices made by different companies such as NAD and Dali. 

It just makes it easy because then I don't have to use a computer and it is just as fast as loading a cd.

Interesting. I bought a Panasonic mini hifi that was streaming capable and I stream from my iPhone using whatever app I want. I think Panasonic does have an app for it, but it would only be truly relevant if I'd bought separate Panasonic speakers. It's completely unnecessary when I'm using the hifi unit.

The inbuilt speakers happily play whatever would otherwise be the sound on my phone, using AirPlay or Bluetooth.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on March 28, 2023, 08:19:51 AM
While I am not an Apple user or a huge fan of the brand itself, I have noticed that some particular sets or albums are quite cheaper to purchase on the Itunes Store than on Presto or Qobuz.

Silly questions follow for your help please  ;D

- Can I "physically" download the files after purchase onto a local drive as to play them in my laptop's player ? (I assume I can as Musicbee, which I use, supports AAC, M4A and ALAC)

- Which of these formats is actually the Lossless equivalent to FLAC please? Are we given such choice in the Itunes Store?

- Any other potential issues of quirks I should be aware of ?

Thank you.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on March 28, 2023, 08:34:35 AM
ALAC is essentially FLAC with an A for Apple.

Yes if you buy on iTunes you are buying downloads.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on March 28, 2023, 08:38:30 AM
Quote from: Madiel on March 28, 2023, 08:34:35 AMALAC is essentially FLAC with an A for Apple.

Yes if you buy on iTunes you are buying downloads.

Ok thank you, I'll give it a try with one cheap album first and see how it goes.

The search function was quirky (at best  ;D ).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on March 28, 2023, 08:43:12 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on March 28, 2023, 08:38:30 AMOk thank you, I'll give it a try with one cheap album first and see how it goes.

The search function was quirky (at best  ;D ).

If you haven't purchased, read this. I think it's still current. Suggests you CANNOT buy lossless. https://www.idropnews.com/news/sorry-itunes-fans-apple-wont-be-offering-purchased-tracks-in-lossless-formats/159594/amp/

Edit: several other indications of the same.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on March 28, 2023, 08:51:25 AM
Quote from: Madiel on March 28, 2023, 08:43:12 AMIf you haven't purchased, read this. I think it's still current. Suggests you CANNOT buy lossless. https://www.idropnews.com/news/sorry-itunes-fans-apple-wont-be-offering-purchased-tracks-in-lossless-formats/159594/amp/

Edit: several other indications of the same.

Well that explains the discount then.  That is kind of malicious, how unnecessarily anti-consumer of them.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on March 28, 2023, 09:19:32 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on March 28, 2023, 08:56:57 AMWell, you could view it that way. Or you could argue that most people using Apple airpods and the like, especially via Bluetooth, don't particularly care about spot-on, lossless audio fidelity, and for them a 320kpbs MP3 (or an almost-equivalent 256kpbs AAC) is perfectly sufficient. There surely is a market for on-the-spot consumption of music that isn't exactly going to last for centuries, so by segmenting the market as they have done, maybe Apple is merely making cheap (lossy) music more readily available to the masses?

Don't know, but I can see it both ways.

But they offer lossless to those exact same listeners. So long as you rent it monthly.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on March 28, 2023, 09:21:38 AM
Thank you @absolutelybaching & @Madiel for your clarifications and additional information.

I shall stay away from Itunes store  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 28, 2023, 09:48:11 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on March 28, 2023, 08:56:57 AMWell, you could view it that way. Or you could argue that most people using Apple airpods and the like, especially via Bluetooth, don't particularly care about spot-on, lossless audio fidelity, and for them a 320kpbs MP3 (or an almost-equivalent 256kpbs AAC) is perfectly sufficient. There surely is a market for on-the-spot consumption of music that isn't exactly going to last for centuries, so by segmenting the market as they have done, maybe Apple is merely making cheap (lossy) music more readily available to the masses?

Don't know, but I can see it both ways.

When I had a free trial of Apple Music I frequently saw the "lossless" tag. I think it is a marketing strategy to entice people to use Apple Music rather than purchasing from iTunes, since they recognize that the market is moving away from downloads and they want to be well positioned in the streaming world.

I think it is an incorrect assumption that Apple customers typically use cheap earbuds to listen to music. Apple now sells some high-end headphones and there are various ways to send music from an apple device to an "audiophile" audio system.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 28, 2023, 09:55:48 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on March 28, 2023, 09:53:05 AMThere's nothing cheap about Airpods! (See https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-Airpods-Charging-latest-Model/dp/B07PZR3PVB, for example, picked at random). I wasn't suggesting the devices were sub-par, merely that they tend to get used in gyms, on trains, whilst jogging etc etc... that is, in environments where audio fidelity is not a prime requirement. *That* segment of the market is probably not in need of lossless, is all I meant.


I was gifted AirPod Max.

https://www.apple.com/airpods-max/

They are quite good overear noise canceling headphones, and probably not for the gym.

And probably a lot of us (me included) don't want to acknowledge that we don't need lossless compression. I rip my CDs and purchase downloads in FLAC rather than MP4, etc, just because I don't want to be always wondering if it might sound a little better.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 28, 2023, 10:17:47 AM
By some coincidence I just got an email from Deutsche Gramophone pointing out that Apple has just introduced a separate app for classical music under Apple Music. Apparently it comes with Apple Music at no additional cost. They promise the highest possible quality and enhances search engine allowing a user to specifically search for individual works.

I might go for it. I liked Apple Music for casual pop music listening. I could pull up an album  (Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Kinks) that I never had, or maybe had on vinyl but never updated to CD or iTunes. But I was too cheap to spring for it. If I can also use it to sample classical music, maybe it is worth it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on March 28, 2023, 11:18:33 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on March 28, 2023, 10:05:29 AMthey allow those with less disposable income (and perhaps less discernment or need for discernment) to participate in the market.

But those people are streaming, not buying music.  The marketshare for digital downloads is painfully small (4% (https://www.businessofapps.com/data/music-streaming-market/)), and the fraction of those that fit your paradoxical demographic (wanting to pay the least, but purchase instead of stream) would have to be vanishingly small.

I think it is far more likely that instead of charitably thinking of the underdog, Apple just wants to push people onto their streaming platform and gave no thought to downloads.  The only way that they stand out from Spotify is having lossless audio.  But it would cost them almost nothing to offer lossless downloads as well.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on March 28, 2023, 11:59:23 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 28, 2023, 10:17:47 AMBy some coincidence I just got an email from Deutsche Gramophone pointing out that Apple has just introduced a separate app for classical music under Apple Music. Apparently it comes with Apple Music at no additional cost. They promise the highest possible quality and enhances search engine allowing a user to specifically search for individual works.

I might go for it. I liked Apple Music for casual pop music listening. I could pull up an album  (Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Kinks) that I never had, or maybe had on vinyl but never updated to CD or iTunes. But I was too cheap to spring for it. If I can also use it to sample classical music, maybe it is worth it.

The key question is whether the classical app has fixed search and metadata. Which were abominable for classical in Apple Music.

I've personally got no intention of switching from my existing apps anyway, but if you liked Apple Music, that's the big test. Whether in the new classical app you can actually find things.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on March 28, 2023, 12:13:13 PM
Quote from: Madiel on March 28, 2023, 11:59:23 AMThe key question is whether the classical app has fixed search and metadata. Which were abominable for classical in Apple Music.

I've personally got no intention of switching from my existing apps anyway, but if you liked Apple Music, that's the big test. Whether in the new classical app you can actually find things.

I really hope so, else they tore primephonic up for no good reason.  I think I'm fine with Idagio, but like you I'm also curious.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on March 28, 2023, 12:35:10 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 28, 2023, 12:13:13 PMI really hope so, else they tore primephonic up for no good reason.  I think I'm fine with Idagio, but like you I'm also curious.

Turns out it's possible to install the app on my phone and try searching without a subscription.

"Mozart symphony 12" yielded Mozart's 12th symphony, so it immediately passed the test that Apple Music spectacularly failed. But it also yielded some poor results below that, of Mozart piano concertos. I compared to Idagio, and Idagio's "wrong" results are less wrong.

And the very first most popular result for Symphony no.12 only has 2 of the movements. I'm used to seeing such results low down on the list. Maybe some early listener happened to dislike minuets and finales. Um.

EDIT: I also searched for Ivo Pogorelich albums because a few hours ago I got curious about his discography. Whereas Idagio has all 14 of his Deutsche Grammophon albums (plus some later repackaging), Apple Classical is missing 3. Or doesn't know to list them on his artist page.

Also... I'm finding the Apple Classical interface quite unattractive.

I think that's enough for my personal curiosity!!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: vandermolen on April 28, 2023, 11:52:52 PM
I read yesterday that HMV is reopening its flagship store in Oxford Street, London  :)
However I wonder how much classical music will feature. This is partly the result of demand for Vinyl and CDs ( :o ) growing, not to mention the return of the audio-cassette. What goes around comes around!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on April 29, 2023, 04:27:20 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 28, 2023, 11:52:52 PMI read yesterday that HMV is reopening its flagship store in Oxford Street, London  :)
However I wonder how much classical music will feature. This is partly the result of demand for Vinyl and CDs ( :o ) growing, not to mention the return of the audio-cassette. What goes around comes around!

Audio cassettes were a menace!  :o 

Their advantages - portability and recording ability - are superfluous nowadays.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 29, 2023, 04:30:01 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 28, 2023, 11:52:52 PMI read yesterday that HMV is reopening its flagship store in Oxford Street, London  :)
However I wonder how much classical music will feature. This is partly the result of demand for Vinyl and CDs ( :o ) growing, not to mention the return of the audio-cassette. What goes around comes around!
:o  8)

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on April 29, 2023, 05:06:24 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 28, 2023, 11:52:52 PMI read yesterday that HMV is reopening its flagship store in Oxford Street, London  :)
However I wonder how much classical music will feature. This is partly the result of demand for Vinyl and CDs ( :o ) growing, not to mention the return of the audio-cassette. What goes around comes around!

There is a growing nostalgia for tapes, usually from gen Z who didn't grow up with them!  It is not on par with vinyl though.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Franco_Manitobain on April 29, 2023, 05:23:25 AM
Quote from: DavidW on April 29, 2023, 05:06:24 AMThere is a growing nostalgia for tapes, usually from gen Z who didn't grow up with them!  It is not on par with vinyl though.

Yes, my 17 year old nephew has obtained a lot of used cassette tapes.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: VonStupp on April 29, 2023, 05:36:21 AM
Quote from: Que on April 29, 2023, 04:27:20 AMAudio cassettes were a menace!  :o 

Agreed, although I would take an audio cassette over an 8-track.
VS
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on April 29, 2023, 07:01:25 AM
Quote from: Que on April 29, 2023, 04:27:20 AMAudio cassettes were a menace!  :o 

Their advantages - portability and recording ability - are superfluous nowadays.

If the world ran purely on practicality, a great many things would be different.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on May 06, 2023, 09:15:42 PM
I have to say Prestoclassical is no longer attractive vendor for downloads. I was looking to purchase a lossless download of a Naxos release and was surprised to see it listed for $13.00. I'm sure the price for Naxos releases was lower in the recent past. I found the qobuz download store selling the same release for $5.99.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on May 07, 2023, 03:10:34 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on May 06, 2023, 09:15:42 PMI have to say Prestoclassical is no longer attractive vendor for downloads. I was looking to purchase a lossless download of a Naxos release and was surprised to see it listed for $13.00. I'm sure the price for Naxos releases was lower in the recent past. I found the qobuz download store selling the same release for $5.99.

Yeah I've already seen Hyperion recordings sold way higher than what you can find straight on their website.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on May 11, 2023, 08:30:53 AM
I'm noticing a recent drop in the number of online US retailers that are viable for new releases. Specifically, the problem is Amazon: I just looked at some new releases and many (the Prokofiev Collector's Edition, Pierne Edition, Prazak Quartet big box, Emerson Quartet big box) say they are imports stocked by Amazon UK that will be shipped from England. I wonder if Amazon is not bothering to ship a lot of new classical into the US until individual requests come through.

This situation has created a price-matching system - now ImportCDs charges about the same as Amazon for any new release (once you count shipping). It's a bit like airlines or internet service providers. Since options are so few, everyone charges the same thing and nobody seems to offer sales.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on May 11, 2023, 09:26:08 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 11, 2023, 08:30:53 AMI wonder if Amazon is not bothering to ship a lot of new classical into the US until individual requests come through.
Quote from: Brian on May 11, 2023, 08:30:53 AMI'm noticing a recent drop in the number of online US retailers that are viable for new releases. Specifically, the problem is Amazon: I just looked at some new releases and many (the Prokofiev Collector's Edition, Pierne Edition, Prazak Quartet big box, Emerson Quartet big box) say they are imports stocked by Amazon UK that will be shipped from England. I wonder if Amazon is not bothering to ship a lot of new classical into the US until individual requests come through.

This situation has created a price-matching system - now ImportCDs charges about the same as Amazon for any new release (once you count shipping). It's a bit like airlines or internet service providers. Since options are so few, everyone charges the same thing and nobody seems to offer sales.

I don't think that is how it works. The label would import the product and Amazon would buy it from the U.S. distributor. Maybe Amazon decided the local distributor is not offering a decent wholesale price. I noticed the "amazon global store" stuff mostly for stuff that the label hasn't made available in the U.S. for instance, the Talich Quartet's Beethoven Box on La Dolce Volta.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on May 11, 2023, 10:18:16 AM
Ah that would be a more knowledgeable explanation. So in this case, the marketplace would be complicated because Amazon US is not playing ball with Warner and Universal.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on May 11, 2023, 10:26:59 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 11, 2023, 10:18:16 AMAh that would be a more knowledgeable explanation. So in this case, the marketplace would be complicated because Amazon US is not playing ball with Warner and Universal.

Something like that.

One irritating thing is the Australian Eloquence seems to do a lousy job of distributing. Things like the Markevitch boxes would have a release date, then it would be announced on the release date that the item was sold out or not available, but weeks later it would be in stock. I'm currently hoping to get the "Martinon, The Philips Legacy" box but it is a wild goose chase, not available except for pricey used copies, no one has a lossless download (although there are rumors the download is available in the UK).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on May 11, 2023, 06:28:05 PM
Quote from: Brian on May 11, 2023, 08:30:53 AMSpecifically, the problem is Amazon

Years ahead of you on this one.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on May 17, 2023, 09:30:24 AM
Has anybody had any recent experiences with CD Universe? I am tempted by a current sale which is putting some new releases at good prices (Warner Prokofiev Edition for $65, Dorati in Detroit for $79) but I am alarmed by a new wrinkle on their web shop: an "adult" section with lingerie, toys, and adult films. Even the individual CD listings advertise "Discreet Packaging! Discreet Billing!"

Let's be honest. If I order Alexandre Bloch's Mahler 7 and it arrives in Discreet Packaging, my girlfriend is still gonna know I've been buying CDs again  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 17, 2023, 11:08:22 AM
Hi Brian,

I'm trying to remember the name of the company that I had ordered from in the past?  It was a large company based in California.  It's been a number of years though since I've ordered for them.  Their prices tended to be on the lower side (which I obviously liked), but boxed sets would sometimes arrive at my house a bit dinged up.  At least then (if this is the same company), they only sold music (maybe movies or concert DVDs--certainly not anything else like you have described.).  I want to say that the name of the business started off with "CD.....).

And, nope!  I just thought to look at my music stores cheat sheet.  The place that I was thinking of is called import cds .com.

And, no, no way to hide boxes of CDs showing up!

Good luck if you do decide to use them.

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on May 17, 2023, 12:19:40 PM
Quote from: Brian on May 17, 2023, 09:30:24 AMHas anybody had any recent experiences with CD Universe? I am tempted by a current sale which is putting some new releases at good prices (Warner Prokofiev Edition for $65, Dorati in Detroit for $79) but I am alarmed by a new wrinkle on their web shop: an "adult" section with lingerie, toys, and adult films. Even the individual CD listings advertise "Discreet Packaging! Discreet Billing!"

Let's be honest. If I order Alexandre Bloch's Mahler 7 and it arrives in Discreet Packaging, my girlfriend is still gonna know I've been buying CDs again  ;D  ;D

I have purchased from them, and I logged in just now and their system recognized my login. They show my order history going back to 2006. Most recent order was an opera DVD in 2010.

Anyway, I'm impressed at how stable their site is, most places update and loose your data every few years.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on June 17, 2023, 08:45:13 PM
I'm about to go do one of my bouts of purchasing (even though I still haven't finished listening to certain things from my last bout in, um, December 2020...)

And it hit me that all of my preferred sellers are in Europe.

What's in North America besides Amazon? Arkivmusic is one, right? Though I gather people are less happy with it now. But what other USA/Canada stores are worth a look?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 18, 2023, 06:52:07 AM
There's the above mentioned cduniverse.com, and importcds.com. Also, Berkshire record outlet which specializes in discounted overstocks (they don't have a complete catalog) but I've heard they don't offer good service out of country. But there are numerous on-line stores that I notice coming up on amazon marketplace and/or eBay searches.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on June 18, 2023, 09:23:57 AM
importcds.com with an S

However it depends on whether you want back catalogue stuff or new releases. For new releases, see the discussion above about Amazon in battles with various distributors. Even now many Amazon new releases of classical are coming from the UK site. This is having knock-on effects on various other US retailers because with no discounter in the market, everyone goes more or less straight down the line on suggested retail price.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on June 18, 2023, 01:23:51 PM
I almost always want back catalogue. It takes me years to make decisions.  ;D
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on June 18, 2023, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 18, 2023, 06:52:07 AMThere's the above mentioned cduniverse.com, and importcds.com. Also, Berkshire record outlet which specializes in discounted overstocks (they don't have a complete catalog) but I've heard they don't offer good service out of country. But there are numerous on-line stores that I notice coming up on amazon marketplace and/or eBay searches.

Thank you for the suggestions, but... having had a quick look at them I doubt I've been missing out on much! None of them really look like better options than the sites I already prefer (Presto, Europadisc, JPC for certain things) or some of the eBay sellers.

Maybe I'll try Berkshire occasionally to see if they have stuff I can't otherwise find, but so many sites give me little confidence that they will actually have old things - CD universe merrily showed me one of my search results only to say "no longer available" once I clicked through to the album's individual page. Or that the metadata is in a good enough state to handle classical releases.

Europadisc is impressing me more and more, and for my big order last night they ended up getting more of my business than Presto, which might be a first (and I still do like Presto a lot, it's just that they now have proper competition for my business). Dynamic searching as you type, and really clear information about availability. I also sent them an email about the things in my order that might not actually be available and they responded within a few hours, on a Sunday.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 18, 2023, 11:09:18 PM
Quote from: Madiel on June 18, 2023, 04:03:14 PMThank you for the suggestions, but... having had a quick look at them I doubt I've been missing out on much! None of them really look like better options than the sites I already prefer (Presto, Europadisc, JPC for certain things) or some of the eBay sellers.

Maybe I'll try Berkshire occasionally to see if they have stuff I can't otherwise find, but so many sites give me little confidence that they will actually have old things - CD universe merrily showed me one of my search results only to say "no longer available" once I clicked through to the album's individual page. Or that the metadata is in a good enough state to handle classical releases.

Europadisc is impressing me more and more, and for my big order last night they ended up getting more of my business than Presto, which might be a first (and I still do like Presto a lot, it's just that they now have proper competition for my business). Dynamic searching as you type, and really clear information about availability. I also sent them an email about the things in my order that might not actually be available and they responded within a few hours, on a Sunday.

I have found importcds.com useful for big box new releases, especially eloquence releases, where they beat all other site I know of on price. Nowadays I mostly get used CDs from Amazon marketplace sellers, or lossless downloads from prestoclassical.com or qobuz.com, depending on which is cheaper and whether booklets are available with the downloads. 
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 02, 2023, 09:36:07 PM
I also should have mentioned deepdiscount.com, which occasionally has the best price on an item.

I came upon a seller with some low prices and free shipping, https://www.grooves-inc.com. Has anyone here had experience with them. They accept payment from PayPal which mitigates the risk of using an unknown seller.

Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 21, 2023, 07:36:40 AM
Lately Amazon's much vaunted fulfillment system is failing me. I ordered the Beethoven cycle from the Ebene quartet (good price) but they said it would take a week, even though it is reported in stock and a prime shipping product. A week goes by, it says expected today, even though it has not shipped. I tried to cancel the order and it said it could not be cancel because it is being shipped, and almost a week goes by and it is still not shipped. Irritating, because I would order it elsewhere if only I could cancel the amazon order. (I can always return it, but that is another hassle.)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on July 21, 2023, 09:35:49 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 21, 2023, 07:36:40 AMLately Amazon's much vaunted fulfillment system is failing me. I ordered the Beethoven cycle from the Ebene quartet (good price) but they said it would take a week, even though it is reported in stock and a prime shipping product. A week goes by, it says expected today, even though it has not shipped. I tried to cancel the order and it said it could not be cancel because it is being shipped, and almost a week goes by and it is still not shipped. Irritating, because I would order it elsewhere if only I could cancel the amazon order. (I can always return it, but that is another hassle.)

Amazon has a customer service menu that will eventually get you a live human who can look at the order from their end and if need be cancel it. I used it once to straighten out a screwed up order.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 21, 2023, 10:18:04 AM
Quote from: JBS on July 21, 2023, 09:35:49 AMAmazon has a customer service menu that will eventually get you a live human who can look at the order from their end and if need be cancel it. I used it once to straighten out a screwed up order.

I'll give them until Monday before I go down that rabbit hole.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 21, 2023, 01:15:06 PM
Did live chat with a representative, who told me the order is now canceled. But the web site still says the item is waiting to be shipped. :(

I think I will be moving my business to importcds.com whenever possible.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 22, 2023, 09:49:12 AM
The latest twist, a day after Amazon custom service told me they successfully canceled the order, amazon has sent me an email saying there is a new arrival date, next week.  ::)

If it comes I'm fine with that, but it seems to be stuck in some sort of limbo.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 23, 2023, 05:46:16 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 22, 2023, 09:49:12 AMThe latest twist, a day after Amazon custom service told me they successfully canceled the order, amazon has sent me an email saying there is a new arrival date, next week.  ::)

If it comes I'm fine with that, but it seems to be stuck in some sort of limbo.
Classical purgatory?

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 05:49:42 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 23, 2023, 05:46:16 AMClassical purgatory?

PD

Yes, the peculiar things it seems like this thing can't ship and can't be canceled, even by Amazon staff. Best case scenario, payment is canceled, shipment isn't. Worst case scenario, shipment is cancelled, payment isn't. Another thing is it was purchased on amazon bonus points, so it is tricky to figure out if it has actually refunded. When you purchase with a credit card payment doesn't happen until it is shipped. When you purchase on bonus points, the points seem to be used up when the order is placed.

Bottom line, don't get too stressed about a little bit of money.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 23, 2023, 06:12:41 AM
The good news is that Amazon is never too bothered by losing inventory, for whatever reason. When I ordered the Bernstein Symphony Edition, they shipped it to another person with my full name, so I had to order it again. Then the other Brian found me and handed it off to me at a Starbucks. Amazon's reaction: we don't care, keep 'em both.  ;D

Truly their guiding principle might be "anything that saves us from having to do any additional work whatsoever."
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 06:28:53 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 23, 2023, 06:12:41 AMThe good news is that Amazon is never too bothered by losing inventory, for whatever reason. When I ordered the Bernstein Symphony Edition, they shipped it to another person with my full name, so I had to order it again. Then the other Brian found me and handed it off to me at a Starbucks. Amazon's reaction: we don't care, keep 'em both.  ;D

Truly their guiding principle might be "anything that saves us from having to do any additional work whatsoever."

Somehow your shipping address got mixed up with another customer? Was it USPS or amazons own delivery system?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 23, 2023, 06:59:12 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 06:28:53 AMSomehow your shipping address got mixed up with another customer? Was it USPS or amazons own delivery system?
Good question that I never got the answer to. (I think they were using UPS at that time because the merchandise was expensive enough.) It may well have been the carrier. Certainly on my Amazon orders page, it didn't say it was delivering the package to a mystery address.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 07:10:32 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 23, 2023, 06:59:12 AMGood question that I never got the answer to. (I think they were using UPS at that time because the merchandise was expensive enough.) It may well have been the carrier. Certainly on my Amazon orders page, it didn't say it was delivering the package to a mystery address.

Weird. It occurred to me that if the shipping label got mangled the courier might have looked up the name in their database to try to route the package.

In my case, I was incessantly checking the status of my package and I could swear it briefly said "package returned by courier" (amazon itself) and refund will be issued, before returning to the "package running late, not yet shipped."
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 23, 2023, 12:26:18 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 05:49:42 AM...Another thing is it was purchased on amazon bonus points, so it is tricky to figure out if it has actually refunded.
Bonus points?  I haven't heard about them.  How does that work?

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on July 23, 2023, 12:28:36 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 23, 2023, 12:26:18 PMBonus points?  I haven't heard about them.  How does that work?

PD

First you have to agree to use Amazon more than once...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 23, 2023, 12:36:26 PM
Quote from: Madiel on July 23, 2023, 12:28:36 PMFirst you have to agree to use Amazon more than once...
Huh?  I've used them a bunch in the past--though not lately.  Am tempted to order some things through them as the local costs are shooting through the roof...particularly for some food items.  For example, I was wanting to buy a certain brand of couscous that I like.  It's now over $11 for a small container.  Online, I noted that it was much cheaper from Amazon; however, some of the reviewers said that it smelled stale when they opened it (as in rancid) though the majority of reviewers were giving the vendor 5 stars, so it made me leery.  :(

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 12:48:55 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 23, 2023, 12:26:18 PMBonus points?  I haven't heard about them.  How does that work?

PD

We have an Amazon VISA card, which pays reward points which can be redeemed on Amazon.com. We also are Amazon Prime subscribers. The combination is cost effective for us because we generally shop at Whole Foods Market. Prime members get Prime-only sale items extra savings on other sale items at Whole Foods. The Amazon VISA card pays 5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods and 2% for other purchases. And of course there is free shipping from Amazon.com, which I don't frequently use for CD or book purchases, but which saves us a lot of money for toys, electronic gadgets, household good, etc. Amazon Prime has a relatively high subscription fee, but the savings pay for it many times over.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: T. D. on July 23, 2023, 01:28:22 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 02, 2023, 09:36:07 PMI also should have mentioned deepdiscount.com, which occasionally has the best price on an item.

I came upon a seller with some low prices and free shipping, https://www.grooves-inc.com. Has anyone here had experience with them. They accept payment from PayPal which mitigates the risk of using an unknown seller.



I've always shied away from groovesinc because of low feedback ratings. But they're also on discogs, where they have a pretty good overall rating. I'd try them if I was in Europe, but will pass here in the US. The prices can be attractive, however.

Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 12:48:55 PMWe have an Amazon VISA card, which pays reward points which can be redeemed on Amazon.com. We also are Amazon Prime subscribers. The combination is cost effective for us because we generally shop at Whole Foods Market. Prime members get Prime-only sale items extra savings on other sale items at Whole Foods. The Amazon VISA card pays 5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods and 2% for other purchases. And of course there is free shipping from Amazon.com, which I don't frequently use for CD or book purchases, but which saves us a lot of money for toys, electronic gadgets, household good, etc. Amazon Prime has a relatively high subscription fee, but the savings pay for it many times over.

I've come to detest Amazon and won't buy anything from them unless the price is compelling. In the case of classical CDs, it's clear that they don't give a s**t about their customers: just look at the ridiculously garbled listing / review database. And it's clear that Amazon (apart from CDs) sells loads of crap pirate product, and that their rating system is corrupt and warped by shills.

I have an Amazon credit card through my bank, but use it mostly as a backup to my main card. It does have Amazon points, but NOT free shipping, since I never joined Prime. My main reason for occasionally using the card is to accumulate points for rare Amazon purchases.

I use importcds and deep discount occasionally. I believe they are owned by the same parent company, so essentially equivalent. It pays to compare the eBay and website listings of both entities; often one or the other is far cheaper.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on July 23, 2023, 01:58:10 PM
Quote from: T. D. on July 23, 2023, 01:28:22 PMI've come to detest Amazon and won't buy anything from them unless the price is compelling. In the case of classical CDs, it's clear that they don't give a s**t about their customers: just look at the ridiculously garbled listing / review database.
Incidentally, I was just searching for the new Carlos Chavez box set and Amazon only shows it if you search only for "Chavez." Add "Carlos" and they can't find it. Especially frustrating as it's out of stock at ImportCDs already so I don't know where to buy it.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: T. D. on July 23, 2023, 02:07:32 PM
Quote from: Brian on July 23, 2023, 01:58:10 PMIncidentally, I was just searching for the new Carlos Chavez box set and Amazon only shows it if you search only for "Chavez." Add "Carlos" and they can't find it. Especially frustrating as it's out of stock at ImportCDs already so I don't know where to buy it.

I see UK seller "rarewaves" has it at Amazon. I'd go for them, but first see if they're offering it on eBay yet. If so, the eBay all-in cost (with "free shipping" but adjusted price) might be favorable. I've often purchased from rarewaves, both eBay and Amazon.
Never had a problem with rarewaves. Have to wait a bit for delivery (from UK). I've had a box slightly banged up, but no CD issues.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on July 23, 2023, 06:12:46 PM
Quote from: Brian on July 23, 2023, 01:58:10 PMIncidentally, I was just searching for the new Carlos Chavez box set and Amazon only shows it if you search only for "Chavez." Add "Carlos" and they can't find it. Especially frustrating as it's out of stock at ImportCDs already so I don't know where to buy it.

My copy is coming from Rarewaves. I ordered it via Amazon MP. Amazon itself is offering it for the same price as Rarewaves once you add in the shipping.
Both Presto and Arkiv are showing it in stock but a higher price plus shipping.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 10:49:32 PM
Quote from: T. D. on July 23, 2023, 01:28:22 PMI've come to detest Amazon and won't buy anything from them unless the price is compelling. In the case of classical CDs, it's clear that they don't give a s**t about their customers: just look at the ridiculously garbled listing / review database. And it's clear that Amazon (apart from CDs) sells loads of crap pirate product, and that their rating system is corrupt and warped by shills.

I have an Amazon credit card through my bank, but use it mostly as a backup to my main card. It does have Amazon points, but NOT free shipping, since I never joined Prime. My main reason for occasionally using the card is to accumulate points for rare Amazon purchases.

I also have reservations about the extent to which amazon has come to dominate retailing. I use them when there is a price advantage. I seem to be more likely to find a used copy of some CD I am interest in on amazon marketplace than eBay, and they sometimes have good prices on big box sets. And we are Whole Foods shoppers anyway, having prime and Amazon VISA probably saves us 10% on our grocery bill, between the cash back rewards and Prime-only sales. For us Prime more than pays for itself and Amazon reward points can be used for almost anything. The key is not to assume everything is cheaper on amazon. You can find yourself paying twice the going rate for toilet paper, etc.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 24, 2023, 03:20:16 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 12:48:55 PMWe have an Amazon VISA card, which pays reward points which can be redeemed on Amazon.com. We also are Amazon Prime subscribers. The combination is cost effective for us because we generally shop at Whole Foods Market. Prime members get Prime-only sale items extra savings on other sale items at Whole Foods. The Amazon VISA card pays 5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods and 2% for other purchases. And of course there is free shipping from Amazon.com, which I don't frequently use for CD or book purchases, but which saves us a lot of money for toys, electronic gadgets, household good, etc. Amazon Prime has a relatively high subscription fee, but the savings pay for it many times over.
Thanks for the info.  :) I don't often shop at Whole Foods.  I have contemplated joining Amazon Prime in the past; however, as I haven't been shopping on Amazon for a while, it didn't seem to make sense at the time.  I'll look into it again though if I find myself shopping on there more.  Are the points and cash back (re on Amazon's website) only good if you're purchasing directly from Amazon itself (vs. other venders)?

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: T. D. on July 24, 2023, 03:24:01 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 23, 2023, 10:49:32 PMI also have reservations about the extent to which amazon has come to dominate retailing. I use them when there is a price advantage. I seem to be more likely to find a used copy of some CD I am interest in on amazon marketplace than eBay, and they sometimes have good prices on big box sets. And we are Whole Foods shoppers anyway, having prime and Amazon VISA probably saves us 10% on our grocery bill, between the cash back rewards and Prime-only sales. For us Prime more than pays for itself and Amazon reward points can be used for almost anything. The key is not to assume everything is cheaper on amazon. You can find yourself paying twice the going rate for toilet paper, etc.

I live in the sticks, no Whole Foods. Don't buy from Amazon in sufficient volume to justify Prime. Most of my used CD purchases (by far) are from discogs, though I buy more a lot more jazz than classical these days.

I will purchase items from Amazon if price is compelling. They can be good on boxed sets and hyped new releases. All things being equal, I would purchase elsewhere.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 24, 2023, 03:57:13 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 24, 2023, 03:24:01 AMI live in the sticks, no Whole Foods. Don't buy from Amazon in sufficient volume to justify Prime. Most of my used CD purchases (by far) are from discogs, though I buy more a lot more jazz than classical these days.

I will purchase items from Amazon if price is compelling. They can be good on boxed sets and hyped new releases. All things being equal, I would purchase elsewhere.
Do you have a lot of farm stands around to avail yourself of during the warmer months?

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: T. D. on July 24, 2023, 04:16:52 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 24, 2023, 03:57:13 AMDo you have a lot of farm stands around to avail yourself of during the warmer months?

PD

I've developed some strategies because my local supermarket is horrible with particularly 💩 produce.
There are some farmstands, but also shops and vendors who stock decent produce from local growers.
I take a cooler and try to combine trips to the better shops (40-55 min away) with entertainment / recreation.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 24, 2023, 04:18:20 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 24, 2023, 03:20:16 AMThanks for the info.  :) I don't often shop at Whole Foods.  I have contemplated joining Amazon Prime in the past; however, as I haven't been shopping on Amazon for a while, it didn't seem to make sense at the time.  I'll look into it again though if I find myself shopping on there more.  Are the points and cash back (re on Amazon's website) only good if you're purchasing directly from Amazon itself (vs. other venders)?

PD

Points are redeemable on marketplace purchases, as well as products sold by Amazon itself.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 24, 2023, 04:47:28 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 24, 2023, 04:16:52 AMI've developed some strategies because my local supermarket is horrible with particularly 💩 produce.
There are some farmstands, but also shops and vendors who stock decent produce from local growers.
I take a cooler and try to combine trips to the better shops (40-55 min away) with entertainment / recreation.
Sounds like a good plan.  I'm spoiled in my area:  a number of fair to quite good farmers' markets not terribly far away plus lots of farm stands within a fairly short radius...though with all of the flooding???  :(  Will be interesting to see what happens re availability and prices.  I feel for the farmers.

Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 24, 2023, 04:18:20 AMPoints are redeemable on marketplace purchases, as well as products sold by Amazon itself.
Thanks!  :)

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 01, 2023, 11:34:27 PM
My Amazon quagmire may be coming to an end.

To recap, I ordered the Beethoven/Ebene Quartet set on July 10

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LXCJHdL9L._SL1200_.jpg)

Things were a little strange from the onset, because although it was a "Prime" shipment from Amazon, not a marketplace seller, they said delivery was expected on July 17. Usually Prime free shipping is 2 days.

July 17 rolls around, the web site still says delivery on the 17th, but the item hasn't even shipped.

July 18, I try to cancel it, but I get a message that it can't be canceled because it is being prepared for shipment. July 21, it still hasn't shipped How could be be "preparing for shipment" and not shipped 4 days later. I contact Amazon customer service and a representative tells me it has been canceled and I should receive a cancelation notice shortly. Instead I receive a notice that the new ship date is July 31.

On July 31, it still has not shipped. I chat with Amazon customer service again, and again they try to cancel it but can't. During the chat I get a message that my customer service representative has had a technical problem and a new customer service comes on, then I get another message that my customer service representative has had a technical problem and a third representative comes on. I am beginning to wonder if they are actually AI chatbots rather than people. All three have names suggestive of the Indian Subcontinent, and I begin to wonder if the names have been selected to be suggestive of a call center in Bombay. Again, they can't cancel.

And on July 2, I get a tracking number it has shipped by USPS!

The weird thing is that USPS tracking says it is originating in Louisville, Kentucky. That's where importcds.com has they fulfillment center (as well as some other CD online stores). I've never seen that origin for an amazon.com shipment. Makes me wonder if Amazon is subcontracting out some of their CD fulfillment to an outside vendor.

Finally, do I need this set? I was tempted because it is so inexpensive, and I thought I already had it, but I found out it was the Belcea I had, not the Ebene. These two ensembles are cross-wired in my brain, for some reason.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 02, 2023, 03:45:52 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 01, 2023, 11:34:27 PMMy Amazon quagmire may be coming to an end.

To recap, I ordered the Beethoven/Ebene Quartet set on July 10

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LXCJHdL9L._SL1200_.jpg)

Things were a little strange from the onset, because although it was a "Prime" shipment from Amazon, not a marketplace seller, they said delivery was expected on July 17. Usually Prime free shipping is 2 days.

July 17 rolls around, the web site still says delivery on the 17th, but the item hasn't even shipped.

July 18, I try to cancel it, but I get a message that it can't be canceled because it is being prepared for shipment. July 21, it still hasn't shipped How could be be "preparing for shipment" and not shipped 4 days later. I contact Amazon customer service and a representative tells me it has been canceled and I should receive a cancelation notice shortly. Instead I receive a notice that the new ship date is July 31.

On July 31, it still has not shipped. I chat with Amazon customer service again, and again they try to cancel it but can't. During the chat I get a message that my customer service representative has had a technical problem and a new customer service comes on, then I get another message that my customer service representative has had a technical problem and a third representative comes on. I am beginning to wonder if they are actually AI chatbots rather than people. All three have names suggestive of the Indian Subcontinent, and I begin to wonder if the names have been selected to be suggestive of a call center in Bombay. Again, they can't cancel.

And on July 2, I get a tracking number it has shipped by USPS!

The weird thing is that USPS tracking says it is originating in Louisville, Kentucky. That's where importcds.com has they fulfillment center (as well as some other CD online stores). I've never seen that origin for an amazon.com shipment. Makes me wonder if Amazon is subcontracting out some of their CD fulfillment to an outside vendor.

Finally, do I need this set? I was tempted because it is so inexpensive, and I thought I already had it, but I found out it was the Belcea I had, not the Ebene. These two ensembles are cross-wired in my brain, for some reason.
Sounds like you're having all sorts of fun!

Wondering if they are experiencing staffing shortages?  Or did UPS strike? https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/07/19/ups-teamsters-strike-amazon-deliveries/70427834007/

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on August 13, 2023, 06:11:50 AM
Uh-oh. Amazon USA has lost its listing for the Blomstedt box set. If I click on this (which was saved in my Wishlist), it takes me to a 404.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 13, 2023, 06:31:58 AM
Quote from: Brian on August 13, 2023, 06:11:50 AMUh-oh. Amazon USA has lost its listing for the Blomstedt box set. If I click on this (which was saved in my Wishlist), it takes me to a 404.

It is no longer a global store release, but a US pre-order for the end of September.

B0CDHJ6D4W

The picture seems to be wrong. Another example of Amazon's sloppy curation of listings.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on August 13, 2023, 07:24:01 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 02, 2023, 03:45:52 AMOr did UPS strike? https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/07/19/ups-teamsters-strike-amazon-deliveries/70427834007/

PD

PD Amazon uses usps not ups to ship items (excepting large ones).

Amazon is really trash now.  Their store is now filled with cheap Chinese knockoffs from no name brands.  They're not the cheapest.  And they have this slimy habit of loading up search results with sponsored items that might not even have anything to do with what you searched for.  They are really on a race to the bottom.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 13, 2023, 08:38:50 AM
Quote from: DavidW on August 13, 2023, 07:24:01 AMPD Amazon uses usps not ups to ship items (excepting large ones).

Amazon is really trash now.  Their store is now filled with cheap Chinese knockoffs from no name brands.  They're not the cheapest.  And they have this slimy habit of loading up search results with sponsored items that might not even have anything to do with what you searched for.  They are really on a race to the bottom.
I've noticed that too re searches--too much junk that has nothing to do with what I'm trying to find.

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: The new erato on August 14, 2023, 11:41:04 PM
I've been off amazon for 4 years now. Don't miss it. I support presto and my local bookshops, would miss them if they disappear. Amazon and Bezoz, not so much. Best thing about Bezoz is how his ex-wife is using her divorce proceedings.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on August 15, 2023, 03:20:49 AM
There are several reasons I don't like Amazon, but when it comes to classical music specifically the biggest one is that I just don't trust many of their listings.

They show every sign of not being able to handle the importance of different performers of the same music. Sure, you'll get Beethoven's 5th symphony, but who will be playing it? The number of listings where the text and the cover don't match, or where the CD listing and the mp3 listing don't match, is just way too high.

If I want a marketplace I much prefer eBay. Of course, eBay has its share of poor listings, but it also has a lot of good ones and much more sense that the individual seller is responsible for the quality.

Because being that kind of marketplace is eBay's core business. Amazon added it to its different model, and to my mind the seams still show. eBay's own transition from auctions and bidding to having a lot more flat price items for sale feels much smoother.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 15, 2023, 07:40:37 AM
Certainly their search function is a mess (not just for classical) but ususally I know exactly what I am looking for, so that's not a show stopper.  In the U.S. they often have the lowest prices for new release big box sets, and I typically am more likely to find a used CD, DVD or blu ray disc for a good price on Amazon Marketplace than eBay. So I find myself using them more often than not.

My current circumstances make reading physical books impossible, and early on I adopted Amazon Kindle as my provider of ebooks. I had an actual Kindle about a decade ago (still around somewhere) but I use a variety of Kindle Apps for reading (iPad, iPhone, MacOS). I don't know what the alternative would be, except for maybe Apple Books, which I don't use.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on August 15, 2023, 07:51:32 AM
Quote from: Madiel on August 15, 2023, 03:20:49 AMBecause being that kind of marketplace is eBay's core business. Amazon added it to its different model, and to my mind the seams still show. eBay's own transition from auctions and bidding to having a lot more flat price items for sale feels much smoother.

Yes I tend to go with Ebay, Presto, JPC and a few others.  I will still sometimes order from Amazon but there are many great stores that offer prices as cheap if not cheaper than Amazon and shipping that is very fast.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on August 15, 2023, 08:11:15 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 15, 2023, 07:40:37 AMCertainly their search function is a mess (not just for classical) but ususally I know exactly what I am looking for, so that's not a show stopper.  In the U.S. they often have the lowest prices for new release big box sets, and I typically am more likely to find a used CD, DVD or blu ray disc for a good price on Amazon Marketplace than eBay. So I find myself using them more often than not.

My current circumstances make reading physical books impossible, and early on I adopted Amazon Kindle as my provider of ebooks. I had an actual Kindle about a decade ago (still around somewhere) but I use a variety of Kindle Apps for reading (iPad, iPhone, MacOS). I don't know what the alternative would be, except for maybe Apple Books, which I don't use.

It's not the search function that worries me. I, too, usually know exactly what I want. The issue is not finding a listing, it's BELIEVING it.

If the text lists one performer and the cover image lists a different one, which album is going to be shipped to me? I frankly can't be bothered finding out.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 05, 2023, 10:50:03 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on May 06, 2023, 09:15:42 PMI have to say Prestoclassical is no longer attractive vendor for downloads. I was looking to purchase a lossless download of a Naxos release and was surprised to see it listed for $13.00. I'm sure the price for Naxos releases was lower in the recent past. I found the qobuz download store selling the same release for $5.99.

Now Qobuz seems to be selling Naxos downloads for about the same price as Prestoclassical, about $13.

I did find the Naxos releases I was looking for (Martinu/Koukl) on Chandos.net for a better price, but their payment system kept failing when I tried to use PayPal. Oh well, I'm back to buying used copies off eBay or amazon marketplace. :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 05, 2023, 11:07:33 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 05, 2023, 10:50:03 AMNow Qobuz seems to be selling Naxos downloads for about the same price as Prestoclassical, about $13.

I did find the Naxos releases I was looking for (Martinu/Koukl) on Chandos.net for a better price, but their payment system kept failing when I tried to use PayPal. Oh well, I'm back to buying used copies off eBay or amazon marketplace. :(
Which format were they allowing for at that price?

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 05, 2023, 11:15:39 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 05, 2023, 11:07:33 AMWhich format were they allowing for at that price?

PD

This was CD resolution lossless. High resolution would be a bit more expensive, but it is an older release and only CD resolution is available. Chandos.net had it for 6 pounds, or about $7.50.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on October 05, 2023, 11:45:47 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 05, 2023, 10:50:03 AMNow Qobuz seems to be selling Naxos downloads for about the same price as Prestoclassical, about $13.

I did find the Naxos releases I was looking for (Martinu/Koukl) on Chandos.net for a better price, but their payment system kept failing when I tried to use PayPal. Oh well, I'm back to buying used copies off eBay or amazon marketplace. :(

Are these the 2 Songs volumes you are after ? They are $8 and $5.5 each on E-classical at the moment

Edit: and 50% off with the code naxos50kp.

6.67 USD in total
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 05, 2023, 11:48:24 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on October 05, 2023, 11:45:47 AMAre these the 2 Songs volumes you are after ? They are $8 and $5.5 each on E-classical at the moment

Looking for the solo piano music. Oddly eclassical doesn't seem to have them.

Maybe I'll try PayPal on Chandos.net again tomorrow. Perhaps there is some temporary technical glitch causing difficulty. In the mean time, I can stream them.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Papy Oli on October 05, 2023, 11:50:59 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 05, 2023, 11:48:24 AMLooking for the solo piano music. Oddly eclassical doesn't seem to have them.

Ah, sorry mate, my bad  :(
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Brian on November 01, 2023, 12:48:35 PM
Just got a shipping confirmation from ArkivMusic...for an order they already delivered two months ago. Hmmmm...
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on November 01, 2023, 02:39:06 PM
Quote from: Brian on November 01, 2023, 12:48:35 PMJust got a shipping confirmation from ArkivMusic...for an order they already delivered two months ago. Hmmmm...

Their shipping is so fast it goes back in time!
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Madiel on November 01, 2023, 03:17:46 PM
It's that crazy American date system.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: JBS on November 01, 2023, 07:06:59 PM
Quote from: Brian on November 01, 2023, 12:48:35 PMJust got a shipping confirmation from ArkivMusic...for an order they already delivered two months ago. Hmmmm...

I got two of them.
Hopefully they haven't charged me twice.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 02, 2023, 09:27:25 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 01, 2023, 12:48:35 PMJust got a shipping confirmation from ArkivMusic...for an order they already delivered two months ago. Hmmmm...
Hope that you don't end up getting duplicate shipments; that would be a pain to deal with.

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 28, 2024, 11:52:57 PM
Anyone here ever purchase from a site grooves.land?
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on February 29, 2024, 08:52:36 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on February 28, 2024, 11:52:57 PMAnyone here ever purchase from a site grooves.land?

I just did!  The Nott Mahler set.  It took literally a month from when I ordered it to it arriving on my door step.  Not only is the mail on the slow boat from Timbuktu, but it took them nearly a week to even ship it.  But I got it, and it was the cheapest price online (at least when I ordered it).

You can also find them on amazon.com as a third party seller if you don't want to make a new account.  I don't think that it will change delivery times, but it does take money out of their pocket (and give it to amazon).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 01, 2024, 07:14:01 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 29, 2024, 08:52:36 AMI just did!  The Nott Mahler set.  It took literally a month from when I ordered it to it arriving on my door step.  Not only is the mail on the slow boat from Timbuktu, but it took them nearly a week to even ship it.  But I got it, and it was the cheapest price online (at least when I ordered it).

You can also find them on amazon.com as a third party seller if you don't want to make a new account.  I don't think that it will change delivery times, but it does take money out of their pocket (and give it to amazon).

Ok, I took the plunge. They have the best prices I have found for the two Rodzinski boxes (New York Philharmonic and Cleveland complete Columbia and RCA) and I'm in no rush.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on March 01, 2024, 08:48:53 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 01, 2024, 07:14:01 AMOk, I took the plunge. They have the best prices I have found for the two Rodzinski boxes (New York Philharmonic and Cleveland complete Columbia and RCA) and I'm in no rush.

My perspective was if I get tired of waiting I can just stream it anyway (which I ended up doing).
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 01, 2024, 08:52:01 AM
How well were the items packaged?

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: DavidW on March 01, 2024, 08:56:21 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 01, 2024, 08:52:01 AMHow well were the items packaged?

PD

About the same as any other online store.

(https://preview.redd.it/uc44idbgn1431.jpg?auto=webp&s=836e9019b93238d13f008351c99bd5956a189d3f)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 01, 2024, 09:03:02 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 01, 2024, 08:56:21 AMAbout the same as any other online store.

(https://preview.redd.it/uc44idbgn1431.jpg?auto=webp&s=836e9019b93238d13f008351c99bd5956a189d3f)
I still remember when I received an extremely well-packed box of CDs from JPC.  They had put one sturdy cardboard box inside of another with peanuts between the two.  I sent them an email telling them how impressed and happy I was with their shipping department and they wrote back thanking me.  8)

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 07, 2024, 07:13:32 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 01, 2024, 07:14:01 AMOk, I took the plunge. They have the best prices I have found for the two Rodzinski boxes (New York Philharmonic and Cleveland complete Columbia and RCA) and I'm in no rush.

I did receive a notice from grooves.land of shipment, fairly promptly. It gave my tracking information on a site I'd never seen before. Apparently it is currently in the possession of Netherlands Post. There were lots of warnings of shipping backlog and delays.
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Que on March 07, 2024, 08:27:14 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 07, 2024, 07:13:32 AMI did receive a notice from grooves.land of shipment, fairly promptly. It gave my tracking information on a site I'd never seen before. Apparently it is currently in the possession of Netherlands Post. There were lots of warnings of shipping backlog and delays.


It never occured to me that they might be European based - Germany as it turn out. That offers possibilities....  8)
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 07, 2024, 08:41:09 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 07, 2024, 07:13:32 AMI did receive a notice from grooves.land of shipment, fairly promptly. It gave my tracking information on a site I'd never seen before. Apparently it is currently in the possession of Netherlands Post. There were lots of warnings of shipping backlog and delays.

Did they supply any info as to why the delays?  Or does anyone here know?

PD
Title: Re: On-line Stores & Sellers
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 26, 2024, 09:03:35 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 01, 2024, 07:14:01 AMOk, I took the plunge. They have the best prices I have found for the two Rodzinski boxes (New York Philharmonic and Cleveland complete Columbia and RCA) and I'm in no rush.

The Rodzinski boxes arrived from grooves.land in good shape, with a transit time of 25 days. They shipped after 3 business days. It took a while because they used Netherlands Post and the package seems to have languished in customs at the origin, and at the port of entry in Los Angeles for some days.

My skepticism about grooves.land cost me. About the time I ordered I saw that the had the Monteux RCA box for just under $100, but decided I would wait until my previous order was delivered before placing another order. By the time that happened the price went up to about $129 (which is still low compared to what amazon.com is asking, more than $200). I ended up ordering the Monteux set from jpc, which was a buck or two less and probably will arrive sooner using DHL.