We had several threads about Amazon Marketplace sellers on the old board (e.g. this (http://www.good-music-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,12961.0.html) one about Caiman and this (http://www.good-music-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,11614.0.html)), but let's continue.
I ordered a CD from recordvillage (amazon.co.uk marketplace), but they haven't sent a confirmation e-mail yet. Does anyone have any experience with this and other sellers?
The greatest most reliable seller, often at the best price, is Caimen-usa. I literally buy 90 percent of my stuff from them. Quick, and always reliable. Only downside is that the CD's are not amazingly well packed so occasionaly a broken one might come through, but not as bad as others, and a small price to pay.
Quote from: Michel on May 01, 2007, 12:03:27 PM
The greatest most reliable seller, often at the best price, is Caimen-usa. I literally buy 90 percent of my stuff from them. Quick, and always reliable. Only downside is that the CD's are not amazingly well packed so occasionaly a broken one might come through, but not as bad as others, and a small price to pay.
Caiman lists many items they do not have in stock - and it takes them months to discover they can't deliver! ;D
So my advice is to only buy regular, non-OOP items with them!
Q
Quote from: Michel on May 01, 2007, 12:03:27 PM
The greatest most reliable seller, often at the best price, is Caimen-usa. I literally buy 90 percent of my stuff from them. Quick, and always reliable. Only downside is that the CD's are not amazingly well packed so occasionaly a broken one might come through, but not as bad as others, and a small price to pay.
I'm amazed you consider Caimen the most reliable seller. In my experience, it's the LEAST dependable.
My fave sellers:
Newbury Comics and Archiv.
Newbury Comics for me, too. They are absolutely tops!
I just had an interesting experience last week with GoHastings. I ordered a disk of Paul Komen playing some Beethoven (fortepiano) after a discussion in the HIP Beethoven thread. I had wanted it for a couple of years, actually, so this looked like a good chance to pick it up. It was the only copy available, BTW. A week later the package arrived, and turned out to be Claudio Arrau playing essentially the same repertoire. I complained and asked how to return it, and they emailed me the same day and said "we don't have that disk any more. Keep the other one as a gift and we'll refund your Amazon account". Which they did, the next morning. So, I'm not out anything, but I don't have the disk I wanted either...
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on May 01, 2007, 02:00:55 PM
Newbury Comics for me, too. They are absolutely tops!
I just had an interesting experience last week with GoHastings. I ordered a disk of Paul Komen playing some Beethoven (fortepiano) after a discussion in the HIP Beethoven thread. I had wanted it for a couple of years, actually, so this looked like a good chance to pick it up. It was the only copy available, BTW. A week later the package arrived, and turned out to be Claudio Arrau playing essentially the same repertoire. I complained and asked how to return it, and they emailed me the same day and said "we don't have that disk any more. Keep the other one as a gift and we'll refund your Amazon account". Which they did, the next morning. So, I'm not out anything, but I don't have the disk I wanted either...
8)
Sell the Arrau disc on marketplace and undercut their price. Mua ha ha ha. >:D
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on May 01, 2007, 02:00:55 PM
I just had an interesting experience last week with GoHastings. I ordered a disk of Paul Komen playing some Beethoven (fortepiano) after a discussion in the HIP Beethoven thread. I had wanted it for a couple of years, actually, so this looked like a good chance to pick it up. It was the only copy available, BTW. A week later the package arrived, and turned out to be Claudio Arrau playing essentially the same repertoire. I complained and asked how to return it, and they emailed me the same day and said "we don't have that disk any more. Keep the other one as a gift and we'll refund your Amazon account". Which they did, the next morning. So, I'm not out anything, but I don't have the disk I wanted either...
8)
I'll never deal with GoHastings again. I once made the mistake of ordering a CD from them (through Amazon) and they sent me the wrong one. They never bothered to respond to my e-mails and I never got what I ordered.
Another vote for Newbury Comics. Well packaged box sets.
Caiman are good too but the shipping is slower.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on May 01, 2007, 02:00:55 PM
Newbury Comics for me, too. They are absolutely tops!
I just had an interesting experience last week with GoHastings. I ordered a disk of Paul Komen playing some Beethoven (fortepiano) after a discussion in the HIP Beethoven thread. I had wanted it for a couple of years, actually, so this looked like a good chance to pick it up. It was the only copy available, BTW. A week later the package arrived, and turned out to be Claudio Arrau playing essentially the same repertoire. I complained and asked how to return it, and they emailed me the same day and said "we don't have that disk any more. Keep the other one as a gift and we'll refund your Amazon account". Which they did, the next morning. So, I'm not out anything, but I don't have the disk I wanted either...
8)
This is common practice with GoHastings...They did the exact same thing to me twice....Sure they let y ou keep the cd's, but I still send them back...This guy should be exited.from amazon....This is one bad dude......Caiman is not far behind...........As far as I am concerned my main source is Newbury, no contest period....end of discussion........
Put me down for Newbury as well.
I usually just buy the cheapest option and i never head any problem. Luck i guess...
Interesting feedback here on Caimen. I have ordered hundreds of discs now and not had one problem...
All have been non OOP and ordered through amazon.co.uk; very interesting. Do any UK buyers have similar experiences to those listed above form our American friends?
Quote from: Michel on May 02, 2007, 07:16:34 AM
Interesting feedback here on Caimen. I have ordered hundreds of discs now and not had one problem...
All have been non OOP and ordered through amazon.co.uk; very interesting. Do any UK buyers have similar experiences to those listed above form our American friends?
your the one, your the one your the one they call the fortunate son.....
Quote from: Michel on May 02, 2007, 07:16:34 AM
Interesting feedback here on Caimen. I have ordered hundreds of discs now and not had one problem...
My orders have not numbered into 3 digits, but I have not had even a single problem, either.
I haven't had problems with Caiman and I have ordered many CDs from them via Amazon Marketplace. The only negative things is that the delivery time is often long (up to a month) but sooner or later Caiman delivers. :)
Caiman has nice prices.
Caimen now owns Tower. Imagine going into one of these re-opened Towers and finding a rare CD.
Only to go home and find the case empty. ;D
That's what buying from them on amazon is like in my opinion. You don't know if they really have it. :(
Quote from: 71 dB on May 02, 2007, 07:46:05 AM
I haven't had problems with Caiman and I have ordered many CDs from them via Amazon Marketplace. The only negative things is that the delivery time is often long (up to a month) but sooner or later Caiman delivers. :)
So does the grim reaper. :D
Quote from: 71 dB on May 02, 2007, 07:46:05 AM
I haven't had problems with Caiman and I have ordered many CDs from them via Amazon Marketplace. The only negative things is that the delivery time is often long (up to a month) but sooner or later Caiman delivers. :)
Caiman has nice prices.
Well, that was my point: they usually do not have items in stock - they simpley back order when you order with them. Of course, problems arise when the item is no longer available - eventually...
So: no OOP from Caiman for me! :)
Q
Quote from: Que on May 02, 2007, 08:45:37 AM
So: no OOP from Caiman for me! :)
Well, that seems sensible enough.
Quote from: Que on May 02, 2007, 08:45:37 AM
Well, that was my point: they usually do not have items in stock - they simpley back order when you order with them. Of course, problems arise when the item is no longer available - eventually...
So: no OOP from Caiman for me! :)
Q
If they can't deliver they refund. So, there is nothing to lose.
Quote from: 71 dB on May 02, 2007, 09:38:29 AM
If they can't deliver they refund. So, there is nothing to lose.
Except all of the other copies that are sold in the meantime by other sellers who actually have a copy.
Quote from: George on May 02, 2007, 09:46:59 AM
Except all of the other copies that are sold in the meantime by other sellers who actually have a copy.
Yes, but for higher price. Low price is the reason for ordering from Caiman in the first place. These things happen in life, not only while buying CDs.
Quote from: 71 dB on May 02, 2007, 10:05:27 AM
Yes, but for higher price. Low price is the reason for ordering from Caiman in the first place. These things happen in life, not only while buying CDs.
Ordering for a low price makes only sense if you can assume you'll actually get it.
Q
Quote from: Que on May 02, 2007, 10:15:46 AM
Ordering for a low price makes only sense if you can assume you'll actually get it.
Q
BINGO you are correct sir...That is why I usually pay a little more to get discs from Newbury. I know I will have the disc in my player usually in three days.....Thats worth something....
Quote from: 71 dB on May 02, 2007, 09:38:29 AM
If they can't deliver they refund. So, there is nothing to lose.
Perhaps no financial loss, but there is plenty of loss in other areas.
I look at it this way. Anyone who claims to have something to sell, but actually has nothing, can go to hell.
(Memo to self: Forget about making offer of Brooklyn Bridge to Don.)
Quote from: Don on May 02, 2007, 11:33:12 AM
I look at it this way. Anyone who claims to have something to sell, but actually has nothing, can go to hell.
You are a nice guy! ;D
I have been lucky and Caiman has had what I have bought from them.
Well, so far Caiman has been the most reliable seller for me - haven't had any problems, and I've ordered with them through both the US and UK sites. My one experience with Newbury Comics was a bad one. I waited about 5-6 weeks and received nothing so I finally emailed them to ask what had happened to my order and they simply said they could not track international orders and refunded me... Got lost or they never even sent it? I don't know.
Wow I just got my cd from recordvillage, that was fast! :D The CD was sealed and undamaged but they did send it in a cardboard box (no bubblewrap or anything :-\).
I've ordered maybe 25 discs from Caiman and never had a problem, but then none of those were OOP. I tend to use them for discs that are in print and easily available, when they have the best price. So far, so good.
I will also join the chorus that Newbury Comics is awesome. Super-fast. If they have it in stock and the price is close, they're my top choice... plus I'm a long-time comic book guy, so they're a sentimental favorite...
Just discovered that Amazon.com's Marketplace international shipping rate has been raised from $5,49 to $6.89! Damnn... :P (Are they trying to keep up with the declining dollar??)
Amazon's policy on shipping rates is weird anyway.
If I order at the Marketplace of Amazon.de, I have to pay a whopping €6. To get a CD from a neigbouring country! Amazon.de is not very nice to US customers either: €14...
But if I order a CD from "la douce France" (Amazon.fr) I just have to pay €3,40! (To the US: €8,99)
Strange, no? ???
Q
Should I mention once again that the Amazon Marketplace doesn't ship at all, no matter the price, to most of the countries of the world? Including about half of Europe. There are only 25 countries on their list!!! :o :o :o :o They just plain suck. :P
Quote from: MrOsa on May 22, 2007, 02:12:59 AM
Should I mention once again that the Amazon Marketplace doesn't ship at all, no matter the price, to most of the countries of the world? Including about half of Europe. There are only 25 countries on their list!!! :o :o :o :o They just plain suck. :P
Maciek, not to Poland? That's idiotic indeed! :o
Is that the US Amazon, or also the UK, German and French Amazons?
Q
Quote from: Que on May 22, 2007, 12:37:32 AM
Just discovered that Amazon.com's Marketplace international shipping rate has been raised from $5,49 to $6.89! Damnn... :P (Are they trying to keep up with the declining dollar??)
Rising fuel costs, perhaps?
At any rate, and for whatever passel of reasons, US postage rates went up as of 14 May.
Quote from: karlhenning on May 22, 2007, 03:49:39 AM
Rising fuel costs, perhaps?
At any rate, and for whatever passel of reasons, US postage rates went up as of 14 May.
That explains it! :)
Q
Quote from: Que on May 22, 2007, 03:46:24 AM
Maciek, not to Poland? That's idiotic indeed! :o
Is that the US Amazon, or also the UK, German and French Amazons?
Q
It's all of them, unfortunately.
Here's a list of the countries covered by "Amazon Payments" - it's not very long and doesn't containt a SINGLE ONE of the "new" EU countries >:(:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales)
- United States (including U.S. protectorates)
I even wrote them once about it but they gave me a very generic reply that they are concerned about my concerns and that's about it. >:(
Needless to say, I've stopped ordering from amazon altogether. My only available form of protest... :'(
Maciek
Hmm . . . sounds like that winning combination of financial infrastructure, and corporate lethargy :(
Quote from: MrOsa on May 22, 2007, 04:18:17 AM
Needless to say, I've stopped ordering from amazon altogether. My only available form of protest... :'(
Maciek
Sorry Maciek, I can't afford protesting Amazon.
Thanks to the Marketplace I can buy at least something I want.
That's alright, 71 dB, I didn't mean to persuade anyone to give up buying on Amazon! In fact, I'm sure I myself won't keep my resolution very long. But for the time being I'm fed up with them. >:(
Rose has a great "I'm fed up with amazon!" face in your avatar, Maciek! :)
;D
Quote from: MrOsa on May 22, 2007, 04:50:05 AM
That's alright, 71 dB, I didn't mean to persuade anyone to give up buying on Amazon! In fact, I'm sure I myself won't keep my resolution very long. But for the time being I'm fed up with them. >:(
Okay. The ironic thing is it's not the Marketplace seller's fault Poland is not included. Amazon sets the rules, not the sellers.
Yeah, I know. I once even talked to one who said she didn't know why no one from Poland ever bought from her. I explained. ;D
The only problem I have had with Caiman (for about 100 CD's) is that they're not packaged properly (well, one time they advertised an unavailable CD ). Often the CD's have arrived with minor damages in the jewel cases (especially the front cover). I think they are the worst in this matter (together with some private sellers). Newbury Comics are excellent (but do have less items than Caiman), and the same goes for ImportCD.
Quote from: MrOsa on May 22, 2007, 07:21:31 AM
Yeah, I know. I once even talked to one who said she didn't know why no one from Poland ever bought from her. I explained. ;D
The great mystery was finally solved thanks to you! ;D
Also put me down as very happy with Newbury Comics! Excellent customer service.
Stay away from mymusic&video.com. I am currently experiencing technical difficulties with them. Horrible, horrible customer service. >:(
Continuing from the old forum, this is my list. Feel free to post your faves (and the ones you avoid as well)
Recommended:
Newbury Comics- IMO and many others the best seller on Amazon: fast delivery and great customer service!
Russian DVD.com - Excellent customer service and hard to find Russian titles.
archiv- Great reputation, fast delivery.
Wherehouse
Alphacraze
Music Express
Music_Media
ImportCds
movie mars
spun-dot-com
ruslania.com
Avoid:
CDepot
Secondhandtunes
digital_eyes
Cheap_CDs
Questionable:
hermanstreet - Has a good rating, but they often post things that they don't even have. When that's the case, they don't communicate that to the customer, as their customer service isn't poor, its nonexistent.
Direct Offers - Similar issues as hermanstreet.
caiman- I have had good experiences with this seller but like hermanstreet, they post things they don't even have. They have low prices, but its a gamble.
gohastings- I've read more complaints about this one than any other, though some people have had good experiences with them.
Quote from: George on July 27, 2007, 02:18:10 PM
Continuing from the old forum, this is my list. Feel free to post your faves (and the ones you avoid as well)
Recommended:
Newbury Comics- IMO the best seller on Amazon: fast delivery and great customer service!
Definitely agree with you there. They are excellent, even though their stores are not.
Quote
Avoid:
gohastings- I've read more complaints about this one than any other, though some people have had good experiences with them.
I think I ordered something from them once — I remember it taking a while, but it arrived.
Quote
Questionable
caiman- I have had good experiences with this seller but like hermanstreet, they post things they don't even have. They have low prices, but its a gamble.
I've had mostly good experiences with Caiman. They ship usually quickly and always in stated condition. Now that I mention it, that Ravel set I bought a little over a week back just shipped today. I'm guessing they didn't have it in their warehouse.
I have not received an order from secondhandtunes from nearly two months ago >:(
I contacted them twice;the first time they responded saying 'relax it'll get there' and ignored me the second time.
The time-frame expires on August 4th so I'll contact them again to see if they will make good on the transaction, if not I'll have to file a claim and leave negative feedback :(
I read somewhere here that you can only make three claims on Amazon ??? Is this correct? I think I've made one so far...?
I will edit this list, SW.
That sucks, BTW. >:(
But, I usually use Newbury Comics or Caimen.
Importcds are good too :)
Just checked my Amazon history and I've used music_media alot in the past and they've been good too :)
I had a problem with digital_eyes once too with something not turning up :(
Quote from: George on July 27, 2007, 02:18:10 PM
Continuing from the old forum, this is my list. Feel free to post your faves (and the ones you avoid as well)
Recommended:
Newbury Comics- IMO the best seller on Amazon: fast delivery and great customer service!
Russian DVD.com - Excellent customer service and hard to find Russian titles.
archiv- Great reputation, fast delivery.
Wherehouse
Alphacraze
Music Express
Avoid:
gohastings- I've read more complaints about this one than any other, though some people have had good experiences with them.
CDepot
Secondhandtunes
Questionable
hermanstreet - Has a good rating, but they often post things that they don't even have. When that's the case, they don't communicate that to the customer, as their customer service isn't poor, its nonexistent.
caiman- I have had good experiences with this seller but like hermanstreet, they post things they don't even have. They have low prices, but its a gamble.
Very helpful thread,
George :)
Although it's never happened to me, how do you go about reporting a claim to Amazon about a bad seller? Are they generally helpful?
Quote from: Steve on July 27, 2007, 04:33:41 PM
Very helpful thread, George :)
Although it's never happened to me, how do you go about reporting a claim to Amazon about a bad seller? Are they generally helpful?
Luckily, I haven't had to do that. Unless you mean how does one rate ones purchase with a seller, in which case you just click on the feedback button and rate the seller.
Agreed--Newbury is top-notch.
Favorable reports from GMGers prompted me to try Caiman again (after a terrible experience with atrocious customer service) and I've had good luck with half-a-dozen orders this year, including the Alexander String Quartet's boxset LvB cycle.
I've used go-Hastings many times. Only once did I have a problem -- a scratched disc that wouldn't play halfway through. They promptly and cheerfully refunded my money and told me not to bother sending it back.
Newbury Comics has been my favorite sellar - don't always have as much listed, but their selections seem to be 'in stock' and are shipped often in one package!
Caiman - I've used them quite a bit; selections often shipped in small 'bunches' or singly (assume they are finding sources for many items); but to date, I have not had any major issues w/ their service. :)
I checked my order history. I have bought from this praised Newbury Comics once. I have left a comment "Excellent service! Thank You!" with 5 stars rating. I use mostly Caiman for their low prices. So far I have been happy with their service.
Newbury is my choice by a long shot....I will pay a little more to buy from them because I know that within five days it will be at my door. I have even received goods from them in three days. Most of the cd's are brand new...I will not buy from Caiman period. I have had plenty of empty conversations with Claire. Thank you but no thank you...
Perhaps for Finnish customers the benefits of Newbury Comics aren't as significant as for Americans? Nobody could deliver me items from US in 3 or 5 days. It always takes 2-3 weeks no matter who the seller is.
This thread has prompted me to check my purchasing history. I too, have used Newbury on countless occassions, as well as Caiman, and RussianDVD. To this date, I've never had a problem with service.... ;)
I had tons of problems with Caiman, but this was over a year (or two) ago, maybe they have improved. I have nothing but good things to say about gohastings.com If they send an incorrect item, they refund it immediately and let you keep the wrong disc.
NewburyComics is the best.
I've also had very good experience with IndigoHeirlooms, www_fotrecords_com and mymusicandvideocom (which now shown in my history as cddvd4u)
Quote from: longears on July 28, 2007, 05:20:54 AM
Agreed--Newbury is top-notch.
Favorable reports from GMGers prompted me to try Caiman again (after a terrible experience with atrocious customer service) and I've had good luck with half-a-dozen orders this year, including the Alexander String Quartet's boxset LvB cycle.
I've used go-Hastings many times. Only once did I have a problem -- a scratched disc that wouldn't play halfway through. They promptly and cheerfully refunded my money and told me not to bother sending it back.
Thanks for all the replies, from this one forward, I will add your suggestions later when I have a chance. :)
Quote from: Steve on July 28, 2007, 09:05:03 AM
This thread has prompted me to check my purchasing history. I too, have used Newbury on countless occassions, as well as Caiman, and RussianDVD. To this date, I've never had a problem with service.... ;)
Caiman is fine, as long as you don't order items you know that are OOP (out of print).
When you do, you can wait till kingdom come before you hear anything from them. 8)
In such cases I requested the order to be cancelled, and that they did.
Q
Here in the UK, I'm very wary now of Direct-Offers. They say they have stuff, then cancel your order because they clearly don't have it. >:( The clue is in the item offered (usually something pretty desirable) and the price they're asking. If it's too cheap, chances are you won't get it. :(
I've used Caiman in the past and have had no bad experiences. There selection is broader than most retailers and prices are very good. On the downside you sometimes have to wait longer for there discs to ship and as was already mentioned don't order anything that is OOP. While I've never ordered those items, I have read countless negative comments when it comes to dealing with OOP items. To me it's just not worth the aggravation. As for Newbury Comics, count me as another very happy customer. Outstanding prices and service. The selection unfortunately is not quite up to speed with Caiman if I were to find any fault. As for there stores itself, I was in the Boston area a few months back and came away with a very positive experience. To be honest, I wasn't looking for classical music but jazz issues and I came home with a boatload of cds. I can't wait to make a return visit.
Today I got Bach's cantatas vol. 22 on BIS in just 6 days (US to Finland) and in perfect condition.
The seller was www.importcds.com. :)
Based on the posts for the last week or two, I am in the process of updating the OP and will be done in a few minutes.
This is where you will continue to find updated info, rather than buried in the middle of this thread.
Anyone heard of the amazon seller "Cheap_CDs?"
I have been waiting a very long time and they won't return my emails.
??? >:( :( :-\ :'(
Don't like the sound of that George.
I'm awaiting a few disc's at the moment too;mail seems to be slow to this part of the globe at the moment.
I hope it turns up for you :)
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on October 11, 2007, 05:55:21 PM
Don't like the sound of that George.
I'm awaiting a few disc's at the moment too;mail seems to be slow to this part of the globe at the moment.
I hope it turns up for you :)
Thanks SW.
Days after ordering this CD from a domestic seller, I ordered a CD from MDT in Europe. The Cd from Europe has already arrived. :-\
The amazon seller has a 95% rating. The only complaints are people never getting their CDs and the company not returning their emails. ???
I had a disc turn up today which was shipped from the US on 18th Sept!
I usually receive them within 10 days.
Frustrating when they are late :)
syzygymusic
Ordered The Pilgrim's Progress from them nearly a month ago, still haven't received it. They ship from the UK, but that's no excuse unless the postal workers have decided to go on strike! I haven't even received a notification of shipment. I won't be ordering from them again. They have a pretty high rating on Amazon, though.
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on October 11, 2007, 06:00:51 PM
I had a disc turn up today which was shipped from the US on 18th Sept!
I usually receive them within 10 days.
Frustrating when they are late :)
SW and George, just be grateful the two of you do not live in the UK. Here we have experienced a postal strike (Tues, Wed) which have held up my opera DVD purchases from market_plus (an excellent amazon seller, UK based) which have dispatched my orders on October 6, 2007 :o by first class post which should have arrived the next day Oct.7!! If any of you are ordering from UK based amazon sellers,
beware more strikes are expected next week!!!
marvin
Quote from: marvinbrown on October 12, 2007, 07:45:57 AM
SW and George, just be grateful the two of you do not live in the UK. Here we have experienced a postal strike (Tues, Wed) which have held up my opera DVD purchases from market_plus (an excellent amazon seller, UK based) which have dispatched my orders on October 6, 2007 :o by first class post which should have arrived the next day Oct.7!! If any of you are ordering from UK based amazon sellers, beware more strikes are expected next week!!!
marvin
That would explain my order.
Quote from: Corey on October 12, 2007, 07:46:49 AM
That would explain my order.
Yes Corey it is quite bad, they have an accumulating "backlog" of post...they are only hurting us. I am having to resort to the internet to do my business correspondence, I even had to hand deliver a check to a supplier because I feared it may never get there on time :(.
marvin
Well, I won't cancel my order. The seller probably has a lot of problems already. Something like that could easily put a seller out of business.
(This is for UK Amazon) - I recently did a large order from multiple marketplace sellers, and despite postal strikes and all sorts of nonsense, the four ones I ordered from media_moguls-uk arrived very promptly.
Quote from: Lethe on October 15, 2007, 02:07:16 PM
(This is for UK Amazon) - I recently did a large order from multiple marketplace sellers, and despite postal strikes and all sorts of nonsense, the four ones I ordered from media_moguls-uk arrived very promptly.
Congratulations I wish I had your luck. One of my orders placed with market_plus (a UK based seller that dispatches from the UK) on October 6 which was sent first class post arrived today October 15 :o I'd hardly call that First Class postage service. The second order which was also dispatched First Class Postage on Oct. 6 has yet to arrive >:(. On a business note at work we are receiving letters with dates ranging from Oct 4-Oct.9 all sent first class post today. Sadly I have lost a fair amount of confidence with the Royal Mail postal service and have no intention of ordering anything on-line until this mess gets resolved.
marvin
Quote from: marvinbrown on October 15, 2007, 02:30:33 PM
Congratulations I wish I had your luck. One of my orders placed with market_plus (a UK based seller that dispatches from the UK) on October 6 which was sent first class post arrived today October 15 :o I'd hardly call that First Class postage service. The second order which was also dispatched First Class Postage on Oct. 6 has yet to arrive >:(. On a business note at work we are receiving letters with dates ranging from Oct 4-Oct.9 all sent first class post today. Sadly I have lost a fair amount of confidence with the Royal Mail postal service and have no intention of ordering anything on-line until this mess gets resolved.
marvin
The RM is a mess anyway I think - I don't think it was even capable of making a profit until a year or two ago. A prime example of something that should probably not have been privatised.
Sorry to hear about your postal woes - but still, think of the money you will have saved when they do arrive :P I probably saved £25+ on the four I bought, over the usual Amazon price.
Quote from: Lethe on October 15, 2007, 02:33:13 PM
Sorry to hear about your postal woes - but still, think of the money you will have saved when they do arrive :P I probably saved £25+ on the four I bought, over the usual Amazon price.
Lethe what did you buy?
Today I received Solti's Die Frau Ohne Schatten (R. Strauss) DVD, you know the one you recommended. I am still waiting for the Levine MET Ariadne auf Naxos DVD with Jessye Norman-Guess its going to be a R. Strauss week next week.
marvin
Quote from: marvinbrown on October 15, 2007, 02:46:54 PM
Lethe what did you buy?
Puccini - Il trittico (Gavazzeni, La Scala)
Puccini - La bohème (Cotrubas, Shicoff, Zschau, Allen, ROH)
Britten - A Midsummer Night's Dream (Haitink, LPO, Glyndebourne)
Britten - Peter Grimes (Vickers, Harper, Bailey, C. Davis, ROH)
All on NVC Arts/Warner. I had read good things about the latter three, the first is a gamble.
Quote from: marvinbrown on October 15, 2007, 02:46:54 PM
Today I received Solti's Die Frau Ohne Schatten (R. Strauss) DVD, you know the one you recommended. I am still waiting for the Levine MET Ariadne auf Naxos DVD with Jessye Norman-Guess its going to be a R. Strauss week next week.
I bought both those at the same time as well :) The Ariadne auf Naxos production is also good, although I'm not so sure about the piece itself - I recall having a big problem with the very long monologue sung by Norman's character on the deserted island (possibly scene 2).
Edit: And having just watched Grimes, wow, more or less lived up to my highest hopes.
Quote from: George on October 11, 2007, 05:51:10 PM
Anyone heard of the amazon seller "Cheap_CDs?"
I have been waiting a very long time and they won't return my emails.
??? >:( :( :-\ :'(
I finally got a direct email address for the above seller and they wrote back, saying that the CD set is on back order. Why must these idiot sellers post stuff they don't even have?
Quote from: George on October 15, 2007, 03:19:28 PM
I finally got a direct email address for the above seller and they wrote back, saying that the CD set is on back order. Why must these idiot sellers post stuff they don't even have?
I ordered a disc of Martinů songs from them without looking at this thread. :( Should I go ahead and cancel it now and get my money back?
Quote from: Corey on October 16, 2007, 05:10:45 AM
I ordered a disc of Martinů songs from them without looking at this thread. :( Should I go ahead and cancel it now and get my money back?
Well, from reading their feedback, it looks like they are like caiman, either they have it and you get it quick, or they don't and they wait for you to cancel. The hard part is getting in touch with them. I suggest using their direct email and including your order number. Their direct email address is email@cheap-cds.com.
Quote from: George on October 16, 2007, 05:25:33 AM
Well, from reading their feedback, it looks like they are like caiman, either they have it and you get it quick, or they don't and they wait for you to cancel. The hard part is getting in touch with them. I suggest using their direct email and including your order number. Their direct email address is email@cheap-cds.com.
Thanks, I will do that if it takes much longer. I ordered it only a week ago, but most sellers give you a notification of shipment about two days after you order it. Isn't that the limit as per the seller agreement anyway?
Quote from: Corey on October 16, 2007, 05:39:12 AM
Thanks, I will do that if it takes much longer. I ordered it only a week ago, but most sellers give you a notification of shipment about two days after you order it. Isn't that the limit as per the seller agreement anyway?
I think the agreement is that they ship in 2 days, but many sellers don't send you an email confirmation confirming this. :-\
Just got the disc of Martinů songs from Cheap_CDs, finally!
Quote from: Corey on October 20, 2007, 04:00:18 PM
Just got the disc of Martinů songs from Cheap_CDs, finally!
Yes and my Ariadne auf Naxos DVD recording which was dispatched from a UK based amazon marketplace seller on Oct.6 (allegedly first class postage ::)) arrived on Oct.18.......better late than never I guess :-\.
marvin
Meh, still waiting on 9 CDs ordered variously between 2 and 3 weeks ago, some from UK sellers as well. Whereas the CD I ordered on the 15th arrived a couple of days later.
*grumble, grumble*
Some Caiman CDs I ordered (UK Amazon again) came very promptly, considering it was international mail. I did make a point to only order new releases from them, though.
I agree with the recommendations in the OP, especially Newbury Comics, who have been consistently outstanding in every regard. I quit using Caiman after some bad experiences with them (horrible communication, listing items they don't actually have, etc.).
My problem with Caiman, and the reason I will no longer use them, is when there is a problem with an order. I have sent them several e-mails over the last 3 or 4 years and not once have they replied.
There are plenty of others I now use:
ch____marche24
direct-offers
importcds.com (USA)
market_plus (UK)
selectcheaper
Quote from: Great Gable on October 22, 2007, 03:37:32 AM
My problem with Caiman, and the reason I will no longer use them, is when there is a problem with an order. I have sent them several e-mails over the last 3 or 4 years and not once have they replied.
There are plenty of others I now use:
ch____marche24
direct-offers
importcds.com (USA)
market_plus (UK)
selectcheaper
Thanks I'll update these later. :)
Had some trouble with Market Place seller importscd-com. They did send me the wrong item and did not respond to THREE emails I sent about it. So I had no other option left than to invoke the Amazon money-back-guarantuee, and then suddenly importscd-com refunded my money...
Definitely one to avoid IMO.
Q
Quote from: Que on June 21, 2008, 02:45:22 AM
Had some trouble with Market Place seller importscd-com. They did send me the wrong item and did not respond to THREE emails I sent about it. So I had no other option left than to invoke the Amazon money-back-guarantuee, and then suddenly importscd-com refunded my money...
Definitely one to avoid IMO.
Q
I ordered from them once and it went fine FWIW.
Quote from: Que on June 21, 2008, 02:45:22 AM
Had some trouble with Market Place seller importscd-com. They did send me the wrong item and did not respond to THREE emails I sent about it. So I had no other option left than to invoke the Amazon money-back-guarantuee, and then suddenly importscd-com refunded my money...
Definitely one to avoid IMO.
Q
I use
importcds-uk often and have no problem with them whatsoever. I presume they are related to
importscd-com?? I could be mistaken here.
marvin
Quote from: marvinbrown on June 21, 2008, 08:25:33 AM
I use importcds-uk often and have no problem with them whatsoever. I presume they are related to importscd-com?? I could be mistaken here.
marvin
I suppose they are related. And perhaps this indeed was a incidental
faux pax. But I find it hard to believe they
accidentally ignored three emails (sent via Amazon), sent each time several days apart.
Q
Quote from: Que on June 21, 2008, 02:45:22 AM
Had some trouble with Market Place seller importscd-com. They did send me the wrong item and did not respond to THREE emails I sent about it. So I had no other option left than to invoke the Amazon money-back-guarantuee, and then suddenly importscd-com refunded my money...
Definitely one to avoid IMO.
Q
This was the same outfit who "sold" me the Complete Czech / Kletzki box set, and then 2 weeks later dropped me a line saying "sorry, we didn't really have that". Bastards >:(
8)
----------------
Listening to:
St Saëns SQs - Margand Quartet - Quartet #1 in E for Strings Op 112 3rd mvmt
I've ordered perhaps a dozen things from them. One time they sent the wrong thing, I mailed it back and they credited me immediately. Their service may be imperfect, but they are often the cheapest alternative.
Quote from: Que on June 21, 2008, 02:45:22 AM
Had some trouble with Market Place seller importscd-com. They did send me the wrong item and did not respond to THREE emails I sent about it. So I had no other option left than to invoke the Amazon money-back-guarantuee, and then suddenly importscd-com refunded my money...
Definitely one to avoid IMO.
Q
I'm disgruntled with sellers who do not disclose the true nature of their offerings. I've had sellers send record club editions that were not described as such, and one of my last purchases was of a disc advertised as new that was actually a cutout. Yes, it was new, but that it's a cutout makes a big difference in the price I'm willing to pay.
Live and learn. That's a seller I won't be doing business with again.
I always save the descriptions and if they are not accurate, I contact the seller and demand a partial refund. Or to take it back when it is in really bad shape. Which only happened once or twice that I can recall though. In the vast majority of cases, the sellers do try to make up. If not, then I hit them with maximum negative feedback. That actually triggers reactions in most cases. It's not like the sellers are sitting there and trying to come up with misleading descriptions. They probably have some minmum wage dude sitting in the basement all day long, looking at the items and classifying them according to a few pre-written texts.
I had one experience where the item sent me was other than (though related to) the product on the amazon page from which I'd purchased it. The seller responded not only promptly, but volunteered a partial refund on his own.
I had that happen once or twice, too, with cheap used CDs. Once I ordered Beethoven's 9th (don't remember which one) and got Dohnányi's which wasn't the one I ordered but since the seller offered a full refund and to let me keep it, I kept it :)
The only problem I've had with an Amazon marketplace CD in condition not as described was with a 1p cheapie, so I had no alternative but to give them negative feedback as a refund wasn't an option :'( Other than that, it's been hunky-dory :)
Is there anyway to check on the sellers description after you've received the cd?
I've just received a very tatty used cd :(
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on June 22, 2008, 04:07:57 PM
Is there anyway to check on the sellers description after you've received the cd?
I've just received a very tatty used cd :(
Yeah - go to the Marketplace column on the bottom right of the Your Account screen and click zShops & Auctions Order History. Click search, then click Listing ID.
Quote from: Lethe on June 22, 2008, 04:18:06 PM
Yeah - go to the Marketplace column on the bottom right of the Your Account screen and click zShops & Auctions Order History. Click search, then click Listing ID.
Yep, thats worked thanks :)
Strange thing is, the item I'm looking for isn't in my list and the ID number is odd looking [compared to the ones in the list] ???
Very odd.
I've displayed my last 160 transactions since January 08 and they all have an ID # starting with 058.
Except for the one I'm looking for which starts with 002 ??
I've tried the seller email address and the item title but nothing come up.
Must be a rogue one...
That's why M always saves the page with the description as web archive (single file) .mht before clicking on the buy button $:)
M saves all these in one directory named "amazon purchases" and when the item arrives, M checks it, compares it to the description and if accurate, leaves good feedback. If not, then M contacts the seller and complains (see above). Then M moves the mht file into a subdirectory called "complaints" where it stays until the complaint is resolved. Inspecting the item and leaving feedback immediately and, if there were no problems or the problems have been corrected, deleting the mht file is also a good way to keep track of what has already arrived, what you are waiting for, what you had the reson to complain about. Very practical if you order a lot of stuff in one batch (which M doesn't really do anymore at this time though).
As for amazon sellers to not be reckoned with, I nominate valuecd.
I just placed an order with a seller that goes by the name of Smogtown. Only time will tell whether they get a thumbs up or down...
I see we have dueling avatars again, George. :)
Quote from: donwyn on July 08, 2008, 06:23:36 PM
I just placed an order with a seller that goes by the name of Smogtown. Only time will tell whether they get a thumbs up or down...
I see we have dueling avatars again, George. :)
I see, light VS darkness. 8)
I don't use US Amazon much due to the outrageous shipping costs but now I used because the item was cheap. Well, the CD arrived and I just leaved seller feedback. Turned out the new feedback interface of US Amazon does not work with Opera 9.51 browser. I had to use Firefox.
UK Amazon works fine with Opera.
CDBARON is another amazon seller that goes on my shit list. I asked them for shipping info on multiple CDs and they tripled their price. I wrote them back saying that greed cost them the sale and that I would be sharing this info with others.
Update
Recommended:
Newbury Comics- IMO and many others the best seller on Amazon: fast delivery and great customer service!
Russian DVD.com - Excellent customer service and hard to find Russian titles.
archiv- Great reputation, fast delivery.
Wherehouse
Alphacraze
Music Express
Music_Media
ImportCds
movie mars
spun-dot-com
ruslania.com
ch____marche24
direct-offers
market_plus (UK)
selectcheaper
Avoid:
CDepot
Secondhandtunes
digital_eyes
Cheap_CDs
CDBARON
valuecd
Questionable:
hermanstreet - Has a good rating, but they often post things that they don't even have. When that's the case, they don't communicate that to the customer, as their customer service isn't poor, its nonexistent.
Direct Offers - Similar issues as hermanstreet.
caiman- I have had good experiences with this seller but like hermanstreet, they post things they don't even have. They have low prices, but its a gamble.
gohastings- I've read more complaints about this one than any other, though some people have had good experiences with them.
I'll give some favorable pop to caiman. I adore working with them.
And some thumbs down to gohastings.
Quote from: Philoctetes on August 05, 2008, 10:43:05 AM
I'll give some favorable pop to caiman. I adore working with them.
So far, I'd have to agree on the above
Caiman assessment - I've ordered dozens of CDs from them (nearly always pick the 'new' offerings) - can't remember having any not in stock or excessively delayed in their shipment - guess I've been lucky - :D
Quote from: SonicMan on August 05, 2008, 10:47:41 AM
So far, I'd have to agree on the above Caiman assessment - I've ordered dozens of CDs from them (nearly always pick the 'new' offerings) - can't remember having any not in stock or excessively delayed in their shipment - guess I've been lucky - :D
And I've always picked from their cheap, probably less stocked, items, and I've not had one problem.
Quote from: donwyn on July 08, 2008, 06:23:36 PM
I just placed an order with a seller that goes by the name of Smogtown. Only time will tell whether they get a thumbs up or down...
I'm happy to report my experience with
Smogtown ended happily. And delivery was pretty quick.
Quote from: SonicMan on August 05, 2008, 10:47:41 AM
So far, I'd have to agree on the above Caiman assessment - I've ordered dozens of CDs from them (nearly always pick the 'new' offerings) - can't remember having any not in stock or excessively delayed in their shipment - guess I've been lucky - :D
Yeah, with Caiman I've found that when sticking with what's current and/or VERY recently OOP they're quite dependable.
But experience has taught me never to trust them again with something rare or relatively obscure. That's when their habit of listing items they don't have can do the most harm.
Especially when a competitor lists the same item concurrently. In the past I've gone with Caiman even though a competitor had an identical item for practically the same price and I've been burned. So I get stuck with nothing since Caiman didn't really have the item while someone else gets the prize. Very frustrating!!
Now, if Caiman's the only one listing a rare item, sure, I'll go for it. Nothing to lose in that case.
Of course, I'm a big Newbury Comics fan, but a couple of other sellers that I have recently had very good experience with are cddvd4u and Boston Computer. I admit, the name scared me off at first (Boston Computer? ::) NO, the other one!), but I have got 4 disks in the last couple of months, all less than mainstream, and shipping, pricing, communication etc. were first rate. :)
8)
----------------
Listening to:
K 468a 429alt Masonic Cantata - Choir and Orchestra of the Vienna Volksoper/Peter Maag - K 468a 429 Cantata for Boy Soprano, Male Choir & Orchestra - Dir, Seele des Weltalls
Update
Recommended:
Newbury Comics- IMO and many others the best seller on Amazon: fast delivery and great customer service!
Russian DVD.com - Excellent customer service and hard to find Russian titles.
archiv- Great reputation, fast delivery.
Wherehouse
Alphacraze
Music Express
Music_Media
ImportCds
movie mars
spun-dot-com
ruslania.com
ch____marche24
direct-offers
market_plus (UK)
selectcheaper
cddvd4u
Boston Computer
Smogtown
Avoid:
CDepot
Secondhandtunes
digital_eyes
Cheap_CDs
CDBARON
valuecd
Questionable:
hermanstreet - Has a good rating, but they often post things that they don't even have. When that's the case, they don't communicate that to the customer, as their customer service isn't poor, its nonexistent.
Direct Offers - Similar issues as hermanstreet.
caiman- For in print items, many of us have had good experiences with this seller but like hermanstreet, they post things they don't even have, usually OOP stuff. They have low prices, but its a gamble on OOP stuff.
gohastings- I've read more complaints about this one than any other, though some people have had good experiences with them.
Could someone tell me the best way to get to these Marketplace sellers to browse at their offerings? Thanks.....
Quote from: BaxMan on February 04, 2009, 03:11:45 PM
Could someone tell me the best way to get to these Marketplace sellers to browse at their offerings? Thanks.....
Go to amazon, type the name of the seller and then a blank space and "store."
EX - "newbury comics store"
Thanks a lot George! I've wondered how to do that for a long time. :)
Quote from: BaxMan on February 04, 2009, 03:23:08 PM
Thanks a lot George! I've wondered how to do that for a long time. :)
I actually just went over there and tried a few different searches and came up with it. Looks like you can't separate by classical only though.
I usually go the other way around, choosing the product that I want and finding the best seller for the least money. That's why I started this thread.
These days I just browse my bulging Wish List. It's now 13 pages long!! :o
hmmm....doesn't seem to be working. Do I need to search in a particular department??
That's what I do to. I thought there might be an easy way just to bounce from one to another easily. Thanks for the help.
Quote from: BaxMan on February 04, 2009, 03:29:41 PM
hmmm....doesn't seem to be working. Do I need to search in a particular department??
Sorry, it's not working for me now either.
The other way is to pick a very popular CD, like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Ludwig-van-Beethoven-9-Symphonien/dp/B000001GBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1233794026&sr=8-1
Click on "used and new"
click on the store name
click on storefront
if the seller is small enough, you can browse.
Sorry this is the best I can figure out.
That should work! Thanks. 8)
Quote from: BaxMan on February 04, 2009, 03:56:09 PM
That should work! Thanks. 8)
I notice that it doesn't work for the bigger sellers. :-\
Like you said, there isn't a way you can browse, say, for just classical music in newbury comics so I guess that's not the best way.
(I guess Amazon doesn't want to make it TOO easy!) :-X ;D
Quote from: BaxMan on February 04, 2009, 04:17:10 PM
Like you said, there isn't a way you can browse, say, for just classical music in newbury comics so I guess that's not the best way.
(I guess Amazon doesn't want to make it TOO easy!) :-X ;D
Good point.
I'd be upset if I used amazon in this manner, but I always search by product so I don't have an issue with it.
Quote from: George on February 04, 2009, 04:18:53 PM
Good point.
I'd be upset if I used amazon in this manner, but I always search by product so I don't have an issue with it.
Among the MarketPlace vendors, I think ImportCD has just about the best selections and usually the best prices. Newbury Comics also has some of the best prices, though its selections are not as comprehensive as ImportCD's. Amazon's prices generally are nothing to write home about unless when it runs its occasional promotions such as that 80-CD Glenn Gould set that I paid $109 with free shipping. I paid a great price for the Wagner Ring cycle by Karl Bohm at Newbury Comics last year. Last I checked, it also had the Karajan's Wagner Ring at a price that is cheaper than is available at MDT.
Quote from: nicht schleppend on April 14, 2009, 06:36:58 AM
I am still waiting for an order I placed with Caiman nine days ago. It's not that long, but I know others have received at least one of the discs I ordered. My order is still "being processed," which is what it's said since the day after I placed the order.
I am still avoiding Caiman. There are enough good MP vendors out there. I have had excellent experience with these vendors: ImportCD, Newbury Comics, Beach Entertainments and classical_music_superstore.
Quote from: Coopmv on April 14, 2009, 04:53:42 PM
I am still avoiding Caiman. There are enough good MP vendors out there. I have had excellent experience with these vendors: ImportCD, Newbury Comics, Beach Entertainments and classical_music_superstore.
My one experience with Caiman was unsatisfactory so I never dealt with them again. I ordered a Vivaldi
Four Seasons CD because I needed a recording of the piece it was coupled with. Caiman sent me a different
Seasons CD by a different orchestra and without the piece I wanted. They never responded to my e-mails notifying them of the problem.
Quote from: Coopmv on April 14, 2009, 04:53:42 PM
I am still avoiding Caiman. There are enough good MP vendors out there. I have had excellent experience with these vendors: ImportCD, Newbury Comics, Beach Entertainments and classical_music_superstore.
I have used all of those, but twice had problems with ImportCD. On two occasions I ordered DVDs which were explicitly listed as NTSC and received PAL DVDs. On both occasions I returned the item and received a refund, but I lost time and the cost of mailing the thing back.
Quote from: nut-job on April 14, 2009, 02:47:02 PM
Yes, they are greedy financial wizards. They pad their pockets by pretending their distributor doesn't have things. ::)
I sometimes wonder if any of these e-tailers actually place the orders with their distributors only after they have received the orders. After all, keeping everything in stock all the time is expensive ...
Quote from: nut-job on April 14, 2009, 05:27:53 PM
I have used all of those, but twice had problems with ImportCD. On two occasions I ordered DVDs which were explicitly listed as NTSC and received PAL DVDs. On both occasions I returned the item and received a refund, but I lost time and the cost of mailing the thing back.
If it were not for the lousy USPS, my experience with ImportCD would have been nearly perfect. I once received two box sets, each in its own fatboy jewel case, both cases were crushed though the CD's survived intact ...
Boy, the Amazon Marketplace sounds like a 'crap shoot' - ;D
I've used most of the places preferred already, but must say that Caiman seems to have some of the best prices and has a lot to offer (regardless of whether 'in stock', unlikely, or sent for as ordered by customers) - I have used Caiman dozens of times and have had absolutely no problems w/ them (one exception which was a mis-directed order to the wrong customer) - I know others have had poor experiences, but maybe I've just been a lucky one? :)
Quote from: SonicMan on April 15, 2009, 03:32:47 PM
Boy, the Amazon Marketplace sounds like a 'crap shoot' - ;D
I've used most of the places preferred already, but must say that Caiman seems to have some of the best prices and has a lot to offer (regardless of whether 'in stock', unlikely, or sent for as ordered by customers) - I have used Caiman dozens of times and have had absolutely no problems w/ them (one exception which was a mis-directed order to the wrong customer) - I know others have had poor experiences, but maybe I've just been a lucky one? :)
Well, one I ordered from Caiman (through their "tower records" site) last week and which seemed to be in stock hasn't shipped yet and now reports backorder on the site. I could cancel the order, but the price is 10 bucks higher on every other site I've seen so far. I'm sticking.
Quote from: nut-job on April 15, 2009, 03:45:12 PM
Well, one I ordered from Caiman (through their "tower records" site) last week and which seemed to be in stock hasn't shipped yet and now reports backorder on the site. I could cancel the order, but the price is 10 bucks higher on every other site I've seen so far. I'm sticking.
I had the same issue with the Tower site myself, it happened at the same time as the order with MDT that I described in the MDT thread. This had never happened to me before with any seller on any site. My CD was $12.99 and this is at least $10 less than everyone. I'm waiting mine out too.
I continue to buy from selected AM vendors. While I have placed some 20 orders with MDT since late last year, MDT does not uniformly have the best prices on all labels.
Quote from: George on April 15, 2009, 05:02:42 PM
I had the same issue with the Tower site myself, it happened at the same time as the order with MDT that I described in the MDT thread. This had never happened to me before with any seller on any site. My CD was $12.99 and this is at least $10 less than everyone. I'm waiting mine out too.
PET SOUNDS or THE BAND?
Quote from: Coopmv on April 15, 2009, 05:21:57 PM
I continue to buy from selected AM vendors.
Me too, that continues to be the first place I look for CDs.
I've waited months and months for Caiman to back-order, being the stubborn thing I am. Eventually the thought of them accruing interest on my money (fractions of pennies or not, it's the principle of it!) got the better of me and I cancelled. Better to order at a higher price, see if you like it and if not flog it to some other punter on eBay! ;D
Quote from: George on April 16, 2009, 02:49:32 AM
Me too, that continues to be the first place I look for CDs.
Same here. I love buying from Marketplace for all the
good as new bargains, though I buy many more books than CDs. I love getting books for the nominal price of a penny. 8) Cheap prices + sense of smugness from recycling used goods = joy.
Quote from: Benji on April 16, 2009, 12:57:25 PM
Cheap prices + sense of smugness from recycling used goods = joy.
8)
Ack! 3 of the last 4 marketplace sellers I bought from sent RECORD CLUB issues! This is not acceptable. They need to identify those things clearly. If in mint condition and otherwise hard to come by I might pay $2 for one, but not more. I learned long ago that I couldn't trust sellers there for DVDs, but now it's getting so that I'm afraid to buy classical CDs as well. Anyone else experiencing this? Or have I just had a run of bad luck?
If I were going off the deep end in real life I know that my friends would give me shit about it and tease me back into sanity--and if I couldn't take the hint, one or two would probably take me aside for a "come to Jesus" talk. I'd like to think that my virtual friends feel comfortable enough to do the same. But I'm just an educated country boy who's spent half his life around farmers, truckers, construction workers, etc., and we might do things a bit differently out here.
Go ahead and make jokes about buying BMG issues. It won't hurt my feelings and if they're funny I'll enjoy the laugh. 8)
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 16, 2009, 03:40:10 PM
Ack! 3 of the last 4 marketplace sellers I bought from sent RECORD CLUB issues! This is not acceptable.
What makes Record Club issues less desirable?
Quote from: Szykniej on April 16, 2009, 05:32:04 PM
What makes Record Club issues less desirable?
They have an awkward looking logo on them somewhere, and their resale value is somewhat less because of people like DR who prefer not to have them. They are normally manufactured by the original label, so the disc and music it contains is itself is for all practical purposes identical.
When I get one on Marketplace I am normally irritated that it wasn't mentioned by the seller (it never is) but I usually don't make an issue of it.
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 16, 2009, 03:40:10 PM
Ack! 3 of the last 4 marketplace sellers I bought from sent RECORD CLUB issues! This is not acceptable. They need to identify those things clearly. If in mint condition and otherwise hard to come by I might pay $2 for one, but not more. I learned long ago that I couldn't trust sellers there for DVDs, but now it's getting so that I'm afraid to buy classical CDs as well. Anyone else experiencing this? Or have I just had a run of bad luck?
I've gotten record club issues on a number of occasions lately (past year or so) when the seller failed to mention it. At some point, however, I noticed that I'd stopped noticing. As long as the disc plays through, and the sound quality is good, I don't care the way I used to about club copies. Yes, it would be nice if people would indicate "bmgmusic.com club edition" -- I always do when I'm selling one -- but I'm not that bothered by it anymore.
Sometimes used CDs smell--usually the booklets--and that bothers me more than getting an unanticipated bmgmusic.com edition. And, ugh, rotten foam inserts from really old discs are another thing I hate. Those I return if the schmutzification of the disc is too egregious, although twice the seller told me just to keep it and offered me a refund. That's what I do when I'm unhappy with a used CD or LP, arrange for some kind of refund, partial or total.
Quote from: nicht schleppend on April 16, 2009, 06:31:55 PM
I've gotten record club issues on a number of occasions lately (past year or so) when the seller failed to mention it. At some point, however, I noticed that I'd stopped noticing. As long as the disc plays through, and the sound quality is good, I don't care the way I used to about club copies. Yes, it would be nice if people would indicate "bmgmusic.com club edition" -- I always do when I'm selling one -- but I'm not that bothered by it anymore.
So some e-tailers actually sell Music-Club CD's? I have always been under the impression Music-Club CD's are only for individual retail customers ...
Quote from: Coopmv on April 16, 2009, 06:53:32 PM
So some e-tailers actually sell Music-Club CD's? I have always been under the impression Music-Club CD's are only for individual retail customers ...
I'm just talking about people selling used CDs on Amazon Marketplace. importcds.com and mdt aren't going to send you a bmg copy.
Quote from: nicht schleppend on April 16, 2009, 07:17:33 PM
I'm just talking about people selling used CDs on Amazon Marketplace. importcds.com and mdt aren't going to send you a bmg copy.
Indeed, I have noticed some individuals selling on Amazon MP. I generally avoid those vendors.
Quote from: Coopmv on April 16, 2009, 07:22:01 PM
Indeed, I have noticed some individuals selling on Amazon MP. I generally avoid those vendors.
You shouldn't. Sometimes you can get things that way that are just what you're looking for, at not a bad price. When you were curious about the Bach/Schiff box set, I looked through amazon for one of the old ones on AMP, but there weren't any.
I'm just curious here, so no big deal.
I wonder what the business model is for certain vendors on the Marketplace. As an example, look for almost any Classical disk and then go to the "Used" tab and look at what's available. There will often be 15-20 disks under $10, then a few in the regular retail price range (under $20). And then, the mystery (to me). There are a few vendors there, like "Any-Book" and "Woody's Books" and a couple of others that have the same disk, used, for anywhere from $40 to $100! What's that all about? Do they actually sell these? Do they even intend to sell them? ???
I've written to both of those companies and got no reply from either, but I can't imagine that I'm the only one that has been curious enough to do that. Has anyone even figured that out? If so, share the wisdom with me. I can see when they have the only copy out there, but when 30 people have one to sell, starting at $3, I'm just puzzled. :-\ :)
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I'm sure I cannot resolve that puzzle, Gurn.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 06:37:18 AM
I'm just curious here, so no big deal.
I wonder what the business model is for certain vendors on the Marketplace. As an example, look for almost any Classical disk and then go to the "Used" tab and look at what's available. There will often be 15-20 disks under $10, then a few in the regular retail price range (under $20). And then, the mystery (to me). There are a few vendors there, like "Any-Book" and "Woody's Books" and a couple of others that have the same disk, used, for anywhere from $40 to $100! What's that all about? Do they actually sell these? Do they even intend to sell them? ???
I've written to both of those companies and got no reply from either, but I can't imagine that I'm the only one that has been curious enough to do that. Has anyone even figured that out? If so, share the wisdom with me. I can see when they have the only copy out there, but when 30 people have one to sell, starting at $3, I'm just puzzled. :-\ :)
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Presumably they list everything at a high price by default and pray for the day when all other copies sell out and they are the sole alternative.
There's a single CD which, in a perfect world, I should like to listen to. The "used and new" copies start at $59.99; and simply put, there isn't a CD in the world I should pay that much for.
But I know that there are many out there who think otherwise.
Quote from: Scarpia on September 17, 2010, 06:50:37 AM
Presumably they list everything at a high price by default and pray for the day when all other copies sell out and they are the sole alternative.
Well, that is what I figured, I was just hoping I was wrong. It just seems so wrong-headed to me somehow... :-\
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 17, 2010, 07:01:19 AM
There's a single CD which, in a perfect world, I should like to listen to. The "used and new" copies start at $59.99; and simply put, there isn't a CD in the world I should pay that much for.
But I know that there are many out there who think otherwise.
As you say. I have paid as much as $35, but it took a significant amount of soul-searching before I could bring myself to press the button. I have seen disks priced at $200 disappear within a day though. Somehow that just seems OTT in terms of collector mania. 0:)
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Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 17, 2010, 07:01:19 AM
There's a single CD which, in a perfect world, I should like to listen to. The "used and new" copies start at $59.99; and simply put, there isn't a CD in the world I should pay that much for.
But I know that there are many out there who think otherwise.
What is it?
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Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 07:14:00 AM
Well, that is what I figured, I was just hoping I was wrong. It just seems so wrong-headed to me somehow... :-\
Amazon marketplace has no listing fee, so there is no disincentive for this strategy, except for the time taken to list the items. What surprises me more very cheap listings on ebay. ebay does have a listing fee and people sell CDs for $0.01. I recently got one for $1.00. I guess they make a slim profit if the shipping fee exceeds the actual shipping cost, but it strikes me as a tiring way to make a buck.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 07:14:00 AM
As you say. I have paid as much as $35, but it took a significant amount of soul-searching before I could bring myself to press the button. I have seen disks priced at $200 disappear within a day though. Somehow that just seems OTT in terms of collector mania. 0:)
I wonder what the most I've paid for a single CD is? $35 is probably more than that, but it's a sum which does not necessarily strike me as madness ; )Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 07:14:41 AM
What is it?
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Hah! Actually an album of which a chap I knew in Charlottesville once gave me a cassette: The Holy Modal Rounders, Alleged in Their Own Time
Quote from: Scarpia on September 17, 2010, 07:24:38 AM
Amazon marketplace has no listing fee, so there is no disincentive for this strategy, except for the time taken to list the items. What surprises me more very cheap listings on ebay. ebay does have a listing fee and people sell CDs for $0.01. I recently got one for $1.00. I guess they make a slim profit if the shipping fee exceeds the actual shipping cost, but it strikes me as a tiring way to make a buck.
Yes, I agree with that. I got a disk just yesterday that I have seen selling for $30. The seller started it at $5, hoping it would spark a biding frenzy, I assume. Well, I bid $15, but since no one else bid on it, I got it for $5. I was pleased... :) In point of fact, this has happened for me dozens of times, far outnumbering the times when I was overbid at the high end.
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Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 17, 2010, 07:26:22 AM
I wonder what the most I've paid for a single CD is? $35 is probably more than that, but it's a sum which does not necessarily strike me as madness ; )
Hah! Actually an album of which a chap I knew in Charlottesville once gave me a cassette: The Holy Modal Rounders, Alleged in Their Own Time
Wow, I've heard of them. That's scary :o :o It was just an off-chance that I might be able to help you locate. I'll keep an eye out. :)
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Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 07:31:39 AM
Yes, I agree with that. I got a disk just yesterday that I have seen selling for $30. The seller started it at $5, hoping it would spark a biding frenzy, I assume. Well, I bid $15, but since no one else bid on it, I got it for $5. I was pleased... :) In point of fact, this has happened for me dozens of times, far outnumbering the times when I was overbid at the high end.
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Try doing what I do. Search for all classical CDs, and set the limit to $1.00, or maybe $2.00. You'd be surprised at what you will find. Got a mint copy of this for $1.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51m0rz8QBSL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Some joker is listing it for $70 on Amazon marketplace.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 07:33:02 AM
Wow, I've heard of them. That's scary :o :o It was just an off-chance that I might be able to help you locate. I'll keep an eye out. :)
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW42PzDyPmA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW42PzDyPmA)
Quote from: Scarpia on September 17, 2010, 07:37:33 AM
Try doing what I do. Search for all classical CDs, and set the limit to $1.00, or maybe $2.00. You'd be surprised at what you will find. Got a mint copy of this for $1.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51m0rz8QBSL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Some joker is listing it for $70 on Amazon marketplace.
Yeah, I'll try that. I have a few pre-fab searches that I check every day, but I really need to have a more general (and targeted at cheap) search too. I can see us competing now;
"$.99"
"$1.24 - take that you bastard!"
;D
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Quote from: Szykniej on September 17, 2010, 07:43:23 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW42PzDyPmA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW42PzDyPmA)
Hmm. That's on some album other . . . and it's reinforcing my sense that I want to revisit the album what I know, and Accept No Substitutes ; )
When you mentioned the group, I immediately associated the name with "Easy Rider". I've never heard anything else by them.
Quote from: Szykniej on September 17, 2010, 08:29:34 AM
When you mentioned the group, I immediately associated the name with "Easy Rider". I've never heard anything else by them.
Which reminds me, I've always heard about that movie and was curious enough to rent it. After about 25 minutes or so there didn't seem to be much point in continuing. I can't recall a more idiotic film.
Quote from: Scarpia on September 17, 2010, 08:36:18 AM
Which reminds me, I've always heard about that movie and was curious enough to rent it. After about 25 minutes or so there didn't seem to be much point in continuing. I can't recall a more idiotic film.
You mean you're
not a biker on acid? ???
Quote from: MN Dave on September 17, 2010, 08:41:20 AM
You mean you're not a biker on acid? ???
I guess I assumed if I
were a biker on acid my life would at least be interesting, though short.
I always forget to pass through this site when buying from amazon - what percentage does the forum get of every purchase when clicking on the amazon link?
Quote from: Guido on September 17, 2010, 08:45:20 AM
I always forget to pass through this site when buying from amazon - what percentage does the forum get of every purchase when clicking on the amazon link?
I'm not sure Rob ever told me, but I have a vague remembrance of 5%. :-\
Geology is my hobby. :)
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Quote from: Scarpia on September 17, 2010, 08:36:18 AM
Which reminds me, I've always heard about that movie and was curious enough to rent it. After about 25 minutes or so there didn't seem to be much point in continuing. I can't recall a more idiotic film.
It was far more interesting in 1969 (the year I graduated high school, BTW) than it is now. :(
It was the film that gave us Jack Nicholson though. That in itself is value-added. :D
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Quote from: Guido on September 17, 2010, 08:45:20 AM
I always forget to pass through this site when buying from amazon - what percentage does the forum get of every purchase when clicking on the amazon link?
Thanks for the reminder. I was supporting my local classical radio station through an Amazon click-thru, but now that I', participating in GMG again I just tried to revise my Amazon bookmark for GMG (naturally just after yesterday's purchases!). But amazon flags don't show on my GMG pages these days, I'm not sure the old link still works ( http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/573448?tag2=goodmusicguideco ) so I just tried revising my bookmark URL to the link http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F&tag=goodmusicguideco&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=39095 .
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 06:37:18 AM
I'm just curious here, so no big deal.
I wonder what the business model is for certain vendors on the Marketplace. As an example, look for almost any Classical disk and then go to the "Used" tab and look at what's available. There will often be 15-20 disks under $10, then a few in the regular retail price range (under $20). And then, the mystery (to me). There are a few vendors there, like "Any-Book" and "Woody's Books" and a couple of others that have the same disk, used, for anywhere from $40 to $100! What's that all about? Do they actually sell these? Do they even intend to sell them? ???
I have a CD for sale in that range. It's OOP. I have paid up to $100 for a single CD in a handful of cases.
Quote from: George on September 17, 2010, 11:57:14 AM
I have a CD for sale in that range. It's OOP. I have paid up to $100 for a single CD in a handful of cases.
Oh sure, there are lots of disks in that $100 range. But it is the paradox of having a disk for $100 right below an equal one (or 20 equal ones!) for $2.98 that makes me reel. If you have the only copy of an OOP classic for sale, you can ask what you want. If there are 25 copies available and yours is priced 30X higher than others', that just doesn't make sense. :) And it isn't like this is a rarity; almost any disk you pull up has this going on.
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Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 12:14:15 PM
Oh sure, there are lots of disks in that $100 range. But it is the paradox of having a disk for $100 right below an equal one (or 20 equal ones!) for $2.98 that makes me reel. If you have the only copy of an OOP classic for sale, you can ask what you want. If there are 25 copies available and yours is priced 30X higher than others', that just doesn't make sense. :) And it isn't like this is a rarity; almost any disk you pull up has this going on.
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I guess they are preying on the less informed customers. There was a thread recently over at CMG on this very topic that mentioned that any book seller.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 12:14:15 PM
Oh sure, there are lots of disks in that $100 range. But it is the paradox of having a disk for $100 right below an equal one (or 20 equal ones!) for $2.98 that makes me reel. If you have the only copy of an OOP classic for sale, you can ask what you want. If there are 25 copies available and yours is priced 30X higher than others', that just doesn't make sense. :) And it isn't like this is a rarity; almost any disk you pull up has this going on.
Such as this one, which just happens to be in my shopping cart because someone here mentioned it.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51G9F9MJG5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Korngold-Schmidt-Music-Strings-Piano/dp/B000006O66/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1284754746&sr=8-2
I have a used copy in my cart for a bit over 5 bucks, but if I go to the list of used copy, there is one seller that lists it for $80.
This is my theory:
You go to a page and see a used disc from seller X for a good price. You put it into your cart. Then you go to the seller X "storefront." The seller X "storefront" only shows you discs from seller X, it doesn't show you if the disc is available from other sellers unless you take considerable trouble to look. They you see a disc on seller X's storefront that you have always wanted, but for $100. Damn, it must be rare, you think. I'd better get it now before it is too late. You buy it, and never know that 10 other Marketplace sellers have it for $5.
Quote from: George on September 17, 2010, 11:57:14 AM
I have paid up to $100 for a single CD in a handful of cases.
Was it Jesus playing Bach?
Quote from: Scarpia on September 17, 2010, 12:25:29 PM
Such as this one, which just happens to be in my shopping cart because someone here mentioned it.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51G9F9MJG5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Korngold-Schmidt-Music-Strings-Piano/dp/B000006O66/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1284754746&sr=8-2
I have a used copy in my cart for a bit over 5 bucks, but if I go to the list of used copy, there is one seller that lists it for $80.
This is my theory:
You go to a page and see a used disc from seller X for a good price. You put it into your cart. Then you go to the seller X "storefront." The seller X "storefront" only shows you discs from seller X, it doesn't show you if the disc is available from other sellers unless you take considerable trouble to look. They you see a disc on seller X's storefront that you have always wanted, but for $100. Damn, it must be rare, you think. I'd better get it now before it is too late. You buy it, and never know that 10 other Marketplace sellers have it for $5.
Yup, just like that! :)
I see what you're saying. It never occurred to me because I don't think I've ever been to a seller's store (except once to Newbury Comics'). But that makes good sense if someone only goes there, or happens across it that way. Damn!
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Quote from: George on September 17, 2010, 12:17:54 PM
I guess they are preying on the less informed customers. There was a thread recently over at CMG on this very topic that mentioned that any book seller.
I haven't checked them out in a long time. But "Any_Book" must be getting famous off speculation on their business model. :D
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Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 12:31:27 PM
I see what you're saying. It never occurred to me because I don't think I've ever been to a seller's store (except once to Newbury Comics'). But that makes good sense if someone only goes there, or happens across it that way. Damn!
Amazon is evil.
Quote from: Scarpia on September 17, 2010, 12:33:09 PM
Amazon is evil.
>:D
Well, it works better for people who are patient and thorough. Otherwise one can take a good licking. :)
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Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 12:36:34 PM
>:D
Well, it works better for people who are patient and thorough. Otherwise one can take a good licking. :)
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Well, it's either play, or get played. Maybe I'll put a few $100 items into my marketplace listings and see if anyone bites.
Quote from: Scarpia on September 17, 2010, 12:38:06 PM
Well, it's either play, or get played. Maybe I'll put a few $100 items into my marketplace listings and see if anyone bites.
We'll send George an advert... >:D >:D :D
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Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2010, 12:31:27 PM
. . . It never occurred to me because I don't think I've ever been to a seller's store (except once to Newbury Comics').
Ditto. Even unto the Newbury Comics (I've made a couple of purchases directly from their site to keep the shipping charge rational). There have been times when I have wanted to buy Andriessen's De staat, but the Schoenberg Ensemble/de Leeuw recording has been OOP, and for a couple of years, there were only stiffly overpriced copies available from the 3rd-party sellers. There was no way I was going to pay those asking prices, not even $24.99, for a disc with a single 40-minute (IIRC) work. It was a lucky day when Paul mentioned the piece again last week or so, because it prompted me to have a fresh look — and lo! I found a new copy for $12 plus sh/h. And it was very good. I mean: any_book is the high asker for $118. I could fly to Holland just to have a laugh over that with Louis in Den Haag.
Quote from: Scarpia on September 17, 2010, 12:38:06 PM
Well, it's either play, or get played. Maybe I'll put a few $100 items into my marketplace listings and see if anyone bites.
Heck, just for a lark you should try.
Is anyone familiar with Zoverstocks (a vendor on Amazon)?
AArrrrgh!!!!! >:D
Quote from: snyprrr on June 21, 2011, 06:08:48 AM
Is anyone familiar with Zoverstocks (a vendor on Amazon)?
AArrrrgh!!!!! >:D
I've ordered a couple of items from them in the past half a year; they're in the UK, and there's something generally slow about parcels out of the UK these days. (Yes, I think that even ZOverstocksUSA ships out of the UK.)
I know that the suggestion that one need be patient with shipments from the Mother Country, does not vitiate Your Condition (per subject header) . . . .
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 21, 2011, 06:13:26 AM
I've ordered a couple of items from them in the past half a year; they're in the UK, and there's something generally slow about parcels out of the UK these days. (Yes, I think that even ZOverstocksUSA ships out of the UK.)
Things aren't shipped in the UK; they are despatched. I learned that from AmazonUK when I ordered there. And they don't have shopping carts, they have baskets.
Meanwhile, as I mentioned in the Bruckner thread, I'm still waiting for Zoverstocks to despatch the Argerich box set I ordered over the weekend.
Separate question: is Marketplace vendor FabulousCD actually the same as Abeille Musique. I've placed two orders with them, and both were shipped by Abeille.
Quote from: kishnevi on June 21, 2011, 06:52:28 PM
Separate question: is Marketplace vendor FabulousCD actually the same as Abeille Musique. I've placed two orders with them, and both were shipped by Abeille.
I placed 2 orders with FabulousCD and the packing slips that came with the orders did say Abeille ...
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 21, 2011, 06:13:26 AM
I've ordered a couple of items from them in the past half a year; they're in the UK, and there's something generally slow about parcels out of the UK these days. (Yes, I think that even ZOverstocksUSA ships out of the UK.)
To be fair to the UK, whenever I order from mdt I have it within a week. Zoverstocks takes several days just to mail out their orders. Not very prompt, but they're cheap.
I only buy from a few select sellers:
Sellers who I buy brand new, factory sealed items from:
ImportCDs (don't use them much anymore)
blowitoutahere (I use them for Hyperion, DG, Decca, Philips, and EMI)
classicalmusicsuperstore (my go to vendor for Naxos, Chandos, Ondine, Dacapo, and Warner Classics)
Sellers I buy used, like new items from that really understand what "like new" actually means:
Orpheus Classics
mouse8 (I haven't used seller in about a year, but when I see them and their item is the cheapest, I buy immediately)
birdkeeper (only had one problem with them in the past, but remains a reliable seller for me)
SecondStoryBooks (excellent seller who I've had zero problems with, great products)
zzy49 (the few times I've used them, which has been recently has proven to be good experience)
Fred's Collection (an honest seller that I've bought some rare recordings from)
dg25472
Good list MI. For me almost everything new I order from blowitoutahere, classicalmusicsuperstore, amazon, jpc, mdt and bro.
Quote from: DavidW on June 21, 2011, 08:30:25 PM
Good list MI. For me almost everything new I order from blowitoutahere, classicalmusicsuperstore, amazon, jpc, mdt and bro.
Trust me, it took me several years to get this down to where it is. I've given sellers like Caiman (remember them?) and MovieMars so many chances to correct the error of their ways but they never did, so I never bought from them again. I think Caiman isn't a seller anymore or went out-of-business. I'm not sure.
I remember Caiman... but not if I liked or hated them. I have a feeling hate. I think they listed things they didn't have and wasted peoples time, much like MovieMarz actually! :D
Quote from: DavidW on June 21, 2011, 07:49:25 PM
To be fair to the UK, whenever I order from mdt I have it within a week. Zoverstocks takes several days just to mail out their orders. Not very prompt, but they're cheap.
Aye. Chap I once worked with told me of a shop where he had been earlier, they had a great sign:QuoteFAST
GOOD
CHEAP
Choose any two
So, no, I don't mind the wait, as I am pleased with the price.
Love that, just like "Work, Sleep, Play-- pick two" :D
For Amazon Canada marketplace sellers, I've used Caiman, ImportCDs.com and Rarewaves.ca
I'm sure I've used others, but these are the ones I remember. Never a problem so far.
Quote from: ChamberNut on November 04, 2011, 04:54:35 AM
For Amazon Canada marketplace sellers, I've used Caiman, ImportCDs.com and Rarewaves.ca
I'm sure I've used others, but these are the ones I remember. Never a problem so far.
Is Caiman still around? ImportCD is notorious for its cheap packaging, 7 out 10 orders I have received from it has busted CD's cases ...
I can safely recommend Avatar Music in England and Medimops in Germany. Both often are the only source for small labels...good prices and just the standard shipping fees. ImportCDs, Blowitouttahere and ClassicalMusicSuperstore are also excellent, as others have stated. I'm ClassicCDs...100% positive ratings so far! :)
Quote from: Toccata&Fugue on November 04, 2011, 02:43:24 PM
I can safely recommend Avatar Music in England and Medimops in Germany. Both often are the only source for small labels...good prices and just the standard shipping fees. ImportCDs, Blowitouttahere and ClassicalMusicSuperstore are also excellent, as others have stated. I'm ClassicCDs...100% positive ratings so far! :)
Do Avatar Music and Medimops charge the same $2.98 for shipping CD to the US?
Quote from: Coopmv on November 04, 2011, 09:27:20 AM
Is Caiman still around? ImportCD is notorious for its cheap packaging, 7 out 10 orders I have received from it has busted CD's cases ...
Caiman disappeared months if not a year or more ago (not sure if they changed to a different name?) - I've ordered a lot of MP CDs from Europe (mainly England) and the $3 'service charge' is the same, so not an issue for me. I've ordered from many different MP providers and generally if one if lesser known to me I rely on the ratings, i.e. if there are multiple reviews and the satisfaction is in the upper 90% range, then I've been comfortable purchasing from them. Dave :)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on November 04, 2011, 06:14:28 PM
Caiman disappeared months if not a year or more ago (not sure if they changed to a different name?) - I've ordered a lot of MP CDs from Europe (mainly England) and the $3 'service charge' is the same, so not an issue for me. I've ordered from many different MP providers and generally if one if lesser known to me I rely on the ratings, i.e. if there are multiple reviews and the satisfaction is in the upper 90% range, then I've been comfortable purchasing from them. Dave :)
I have only ordered from Europe-based MP vendors by accident and have generally steered clear of them, i.e. Fabulous CD turns out to be a European vendor but I did not know that.
Quote from: SonicMan46 on November 04, 2011, 06:14:28 PM
Caiman disappeared months if not a year or more ago (not sure if they changed to a different name?) - I've ordered a lot of MP CDs from Europe (mainly England) and the $3 'service charge' is the same, so not an issue for me. I've ordered from many different MP providers and generally if one if lesser known to me I rely on the ratings, i.e. if there are multiple reviews and the satisfaction is in the upper 90% range, then I've been comfortable purchasing from them. Dave :)
Somebody on Amazon commented that
Caiman seemed to have undergone a management change 2 or 3 years ago, then went downhill quickly in a year or two.
Quote from: Coopmv on November 04, 2011, 06:19:48 PM
I have only ordered from Europe-based MP vendors by accident and have generally steered clear of them, i.e. Fabulous CD turns out to be a European vendor but I did not know that.
Fabulous CD is apparently the same as Abeille. I've ordered from them twice, and received everything promptly and with no problems. I have ordered from Medimops, encountered a problem (CD was in not as good a condition as stated), bickered, received an adjustment of a few dollars. A little while ago I ordered another CD because they were the only ones to have it in stock, listed as new--this time there were no problems. Beyond Zoverstocks being slow to ship, I have no problems with European vendors. Last week I placed an order with a AmazonUK vendor who is based in England and Germany named Nagiry; that is currently in transit with me.
Stateside, I've ordered several times from ImportCDs, and have encountered no problems. In fact, I have a CD in transit from them now (Shostakovich 11--Petrenko) which will probably arrive in the next couple of days. I've ordered twice from classical music superstore--one time, it took them a week to ship the item; the second time was this week--ordered Tuesday, email saying it had been shipped was in my mailbox last night, and I received it today (Shostakovich 5 and 9--Petrenko and Vivaldi--Atenaide--Naive Edition). The Amazon confimration of shipment email says that classical music superstore is actually Naxos of America doing business under that name; and the physical address they use in Franklin TN is also one of the addresses used by Arkivmusic. (and I've had the same relatively situation of receiving the shipment almost immediately after the email announcing the shipment from Arkivmusic itself more than once).
Beyond the problem with Medimops and the couple of slow-to-ships I mentioned, I don't recall any problems with an Marketplace vendor in the US or Europe. In fact, shipments from Amazon vendors are almost always quicker to get to me than those ordered directly from Amazon itself.
Quote from: Coopmv on November 04, 2011, 06:04:19 PM
Do Avatar Music and Medimops charge the same $2.98 for shipping CD to the US?
Correct--that's what I meant by the standard shipping fee.