Amazon.com

I have ordered from this site for the greater part of a decade. I no longer even look to Books In Print as a source, but rather, I figure, if it isn't on this site, it probably isn't available for purchase. Since the inclusion of used products and consumer-sponsored and supplied shops, the inventory of possibilities has grown dramatically, and continues to grow hour by hour.

There are interesting features, like the nickel-trivia games, the Friends-and-Family features, the consumer-produced lists, reader guides, and reviews, as well as professionally produced reviews and synopses. Another good feature is the ability to hear bits of music prior to purchase; this goes a long way toward helping me determine if what I'm purchasing in fact is what I want.

This site has brand recognition that speaks of quality, not something easy to come by as an internet enterprise without physical shop components. Customers tend to be loyal, customer service is good, and navigation about the site is essentially intuitive and smoothly transacted.

Five stars!

The first thing that struck me was Amazon's customer book reviews. I loved this feature and still do after almost seven years. Most of the reviews are informative and well written. I find it difficult to purchase a book, or any item, without knowing something more about it than what is provided on the DJ, CD cover, or by a professional reviewer. Other websites now provide this feature, but back then this was a very innovative idea and helped make me a loyal customer. Since many reviewers have been writing for Amazon for a long time now, they have remained loyal and the number, quality and variety of reviews is just not available on other sites. Amazon has also expanded and sells much more than books, with reviews for everything, including websites and restaurants.

Customer Service, (with capital letters), is very important to me. I do not believe there is better service than that which Amazon provides. I have never had a serious problem buying or returning any item from this online source. The few minor glitches or delays that I have experienced were cleared up immediately after contacting Customer Service. The site is easy to navigate, and if one is not of a mind or in the mood to purchase anything, browsing is great fun. Another feature I appreciate is the "Wish List." When I do browse, I want to remember where I have been and what I would have bought if I had the money and space. I just add everything I desire to my wish list. Unlike the many paper lists I make, this one cannot be lost or torn.

Amazon.com/ has also provided me with a favorite hobby. I wrote my first review for Amazon a few years ago, when I read a piece panning one of my favorite books. I was so incensed that I immediately wrote a review extolling the virtues of the novel. About a year later I realized that my review had accrued votes. Wow! People had actually liked what I wrote and voted that my opinion was helpful to them when deciding whether or not to make a purchase. I needed to write more. And I haven't stopped since.

The Discussion Board for the community of Amazon reviewers is totally unlike any online forum I have seen. The contributors are, for the most part, intelligent, well read, articulate and knowledgeable on a variety of subjects. A terrific group, and another service provided by this "Number 1 Dot.com." I even bought stock in appreciation, and in hopes of appreciation - the Market has got to go up sometime!

On a scale of 1 to 5, Amazon rates a perfect 10!
JANA