Company Crud: Amazon 2
I previously ranted about the borderline fraudulent manner in which Amazon implements its "Super Saver Shipping." Back on May 7 I ordered 2 items, Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album 4 (which was then FAR) and Consumer Reports Best Baby Products, 8th Edition. The software shipped on May 7 (same day!) and arrived yesterday, despite a shipping estimate of May 11 and a delivery estimate of May 14-17. The book shipped May 8, and I'll let you know when it is delivered.
However, even though they are beating their estimates, the problem hasn't been solved. Something that "usually ships in 24 hours" shouldn't switch to shipping several days later, just because you choose a cheaper shipping method.
Comments
I think the "usually ships within 24 hours" is just an estimate based on regular shipping - NOT the super saver free shipping. The fact that it comes faster than it's supposed to does suck but what can we, as common folk, do?
Posted by: JJ | May 12, 2004 3:22 PM
The statement indicates that the item is stocked, and therefore ready for shipping as soon as:
1) The order is received
and
2) A shipper is available to pack the order.
While it is understandable to process next day shipping items as a top priority, there's no explanation for a 4-day delay, just because an inexpensive shipment method is chosen.
Posted by: FatWallach | May 12, 2004 3:34 PM
Sure thre is, they assign shippers to ship items that were paid for with regular shipping first. This way they can have less shippers and save money.
Posted by: JJ | May 12, 2004 7:28 PM
As I stated in my comment, I agree that it makes sense to pack things like next day shipping as a top priority, but if they "have less shippers" to the point that there is a 4-day backlog for Supersaver Shipping, the backlog will be ever increasing. (On day 1, the SS is backed up 4 days - till day 5. On day 2, the SS is backed up 4 days - but day 5 is busy, so day 2 stuff will have to wait until day 7. As time goes on, the backup grows.
To have an efficient system, they need to be shipping things pretty much as fast as they come in. (Think about the famous I Love Lucy chocolate factory episode. Once you fall behind, you never catch up.)
Posted by: FatWallach | May 13, 2004 9:26 AM