here's a puzzle

[winterbadger]

So, Amazon, it seems, has started using Fed Ex instead of UPS for shipping. And FedEx has, for some unknown reason, decided that they won't leave packages at my apartment, even with a signature. So they eventually send the packages back to Amazon; I get my money back, but I don't get what I ordered--unless I drive downtown to the Fed Ex office every time I order something, which seems to makes the business of paying to have something shipped to me rather pointless.

I can't change how Amazon ships (there's no way to specify what shipper they use), and I can't change FedEx's refusal to leave packages (I've read a lot on the web since this started--apparently it's often the driver who decides that they won't leave a package, no matter what the shipper or the recipient says). So I need to find a new place to buy books, DVDs, and music online. Books I can get, often cheaper than at Amazon, through Abe Books and Alibris. Alibris has some DVDs and music, but they don't have the selection that Amazon does. Does anyone know of a good alternate source for music CDs on the Net? I can buy music from iTunes, but I don't like not having an actual CD--if something happens to your hard drive, iTunes won't replace the songs you've bought from them.

Comments

[lotuslion.livejournal.com]

if something happens to your hard drive, iTunes won't replace the songs you've bought from them.

Huh, I was going to leave a comment saying that's not true, because my computer suffered a fatal HDD crash in 2008, and I was definitely able re-download all the music I'd purchased from iTunes for free onto my new computer. But it seems that Apple changed its policy in 2009. You used to be able to download purchased music up to 5 times and it was tracked through your iTunes account, not the computer itself. I suppose you can always burn CDs or back-up to an external. Mac rumors forum says too if you contact Apple in the event of a crash, they'll authorize a one-time re-download of all your purchased items, just FYI.

[winterbadger]

Mac rumours are contradicted by the evidence of one of my friends, who had exactly this happen to him. I don't know whether it was last year or earlier, but when he contacted Apple, they said he was SOL, that purchasing from iTunes entitled you to one download and that was it. :-(

And I'd really like to buy my music pre-burned, rather than have to burn it myself, hence the search for a new outlet.

[wolfette]

you can write to Amazon management and tell them that you will not be buying from them - and why.

Last year because of the Royal Mail disputes, Amazon UK started to use a private delivery service in the UK. Their "Edinburgh" depot is out at Dedridge - not on any bus routes and fairly distant from town. They'd leave a card with a number to call to "arrange redelivery" - except that the number went to a voicemail telling you that you could pick up your package from the depot. Not everyone drives. Amazon must have gotten so many complaints that they've gone back to RM.

[winterbadger]

you can write to Amazon management and tell them that you will not be buying from them - and why.

I've done that, and they seem to be completely unimpressed. I think the millions of other people who are still going to be ordering from them are of more concern... :-(

[aitkendrum.livejournal.com]

Don't Fedex operate what we call a "Safe Place" scheme over here. if you specify where packages should left this can be printed on the consignment note for the driver. Mots of the courier companies I use will leave packages in my bin if small enough

[rolypolypony.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think this is right - if you talk tFedEx and specify a spot, they'll leave it there.

Also, Amazon is still using UPS here in MA, winterbadger.

[winterbadger]

if you talk to FedEx and specify a spot, they'll leave it there.

No, they won't. They insist that the "security requirements specified by the sender" require them to obtain a FTF collection, and they won't budge. Amazon isn't giving them that requirement, but never mind. From discussions I've seen on the Web (from customers *and* FedEx people), it's ultimately up to the driver as to what they do, and many of their drivers are just dickheads.

Also, Amazon is still using UPS here in MA, winterbadger.

Erm, which helps me how, unless I move to Massachusetts? :-)

[rolypolypony.livejournal.com]

Really? We've been able to tell them "leave it on the back steps" and they do it! That sucks - I'm sorry.

Well, d'uh - move to MA! ;) We're a lot like Scotland! ;)

[winterbadger]

Really? We've been able to tell them "leave it on the back steps" and they do it! That sucks - I'm sorry.

Yes, I've left them notes, signed the forms, etc. They just ignore my notes, scribble all over the forms, circle the "will not leave, even with signature" wording, and go away.

Well, d'uh - move to MA! ;) We're a lot like Scotland! ;)

It's my backup plan. Though probably VT, NH, or ME instead of MA (sorry! :-)

[rolypolypony.livejournal.com]

Man, your FedEx sucks! I'm really sorry you have to deal w/ it! And I wish I had a good suggestion for an amazon alternative!

Hehe, no hard feelings - I'd rather live in VT or ME instead of MA! NH, I dunno - that's a close call ;)

[winterbadger]

Nope. These guys are refusing to leave the packages, no matter what I write on the doortag. I can either drive to their depot or not get my package.

The best thing is that they are clearly carrying the packages around, too--it's not just some jackass writing up tags for all his deliveries first thing and then taking the day off. I know this because I did go collect one package after they left multiple tags for it (they're supposed to make three delivery attempts, but in most cases they only make one or two and then return to sender). When the person at the counter brought it out, they remarked on how beat up the box was (it was splitting apart at the seams, and it had been a sturdy box). I felt like saying "Yes, because your ape has been throwing it around in his van for a week" but assessed that I wouldn't get the package if I said that.

[silme.livejournal.com]

I've been boycotting Amazon since their debacle with various publishers. I tend to get most of my on-line books from The Book Depository, which ships free world-wide. They use Royal Mail here in the UK. You'll get your prices in dollars on your US website; here, we get them in pounds.
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/
http://www.bookdepository.com/

For CDs, if it's folk music, I use Fish Records here in the UK. In the US, for 'smaller' artists, have you ever tried CD Baby? They're really good and carry a lot of lesser known names.
http://www.fishrecords.co.uk/
http://www.cdbaby.com/

[winterbadger]

Thanks for the suggestions; I'll check them out.

Yeah, I looked at CD Baby, but they're not much use if I want to buy something by anyone who isn't one of their artists. I do business sometimes with footstompin.com in the UK, but of course the same problem obtains.

[silme.livejournal.com]

Drop a line to Andy at Albums on the Hill, Boulder's only remaining independent CD shop. Andy's wonderful. I spent a lot of money there when I lived in Colorado over the years (and I spend money there when I visit now :), and he always treated me well. (He even gave me his comp tickets to shows sometimes when he couldn't get to them and he knew I liked the artists.) He has a great selection, all sorts of genres.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/albumsonthehill?ref=search&sid=581211592.4081992313..1 is his Facebook page.

The store website doesn't seem to be working well at the moment, but drop him a note. He does mail order.

Another good one is Twist and Shout in Denver. (I am assuming that the DC area no longer has any decent independent CD shops? Sad.)
http://www.twistandshout.com

Again, lots of stuff -- many genres. And both T&S and Albums will do special orders.

[winterbadger]

Thanks for the suggestions! As to whether DC has any good stores--I have no idea. The only times I've bought CDs in person in YEARS has been at music venues.

[maureenkspeller.livejournal.com]

I echo the Book Depository recommendation. I use them a lot and they're well-priced and reliable.

[pisica.livejournal.com]

http://www.betterworldbooks.com/

I love love LOVE them.

[pisica.livejournal.com]

Sorry, close reading fail; I don't think they do music.

[winterbadger]

Thanks, though. Worth knowing about another option for books.

[reasdream.livejournal.com]

I think alibris does music now. As for books, Powells (the fantastic bookstore in Portland OR) has a web site.

[schizokitty.livejournal.com]

Yes! Yes! Powell's!

My local CD/head shop special orders for me at no extra charge, and I usually get it within a week. See if there's a place near you that will do the same.

I'm home most of the time, so the FedEx thing wouldn't bother me as much, but I think it's a helluva way to run a business. Maybe I should write Amazon a nasty note just on principle. >:-(

[shy-kat.livejournal.com]

FWIW Amazon shipped something to me today with USPS, so it apparently varies.

[la-renardine.livejournal.com]

No suggestions - but wow, this is certainly a popular post!