Kinokuniya Book Web

[skylink67]

Just to share a unique experience when I ordered from Kino bookweb. I ordered like 10+ books from the store last week. Before placing the order, I checked that the books are in stock.

The stock status for the books is:
Usually dispatches within 1 to 3 days

After waiting for 1 week, I emailed their department and they mentioned that one of the book titles is not in stock! They will only process my order after ALL the books are ready.

Today I checked the same books again, the stock status is:
Temporary Out of Stock

The website does not allow cancelling of order so now I am stuck with no books and no delivery date.
Learnt my lesson - next time I will purchase from the bookstore instead.

 

[eq2addict]

ahh... they got disclaimer on the website already... no frequent update 1

 

[skylink67]

I guess I should have read the disclaimer instead of the advertisement. This is from their website:

USING BOOKWEB SINGAPORE
Step by step guide on how to use BookWeb Singapore.
What is BookWeb Singapore?

Based on a hybrid model, BookWeb Singapore is an online book-ordering service by Books Kinokuniya, combining the convenience of online shopping with the accessibility of our Kinokuniya Singapore Main Store (SIMS) at Ngee Ann City.

With immediate internet access to real stock, BookWeb Singapore differentiates itself from other online book web-sites. Our customers are provided with an access to 500,000 titles in real stock - the largest range of books in Singapore! When dealing with real stock from Kinokuniya Singapore Main Store (SIMS), our customers need not wait for books to be obtained overseas or from a warehouse when their orders come through. This is unlike other online book web-sites. In addition, our database is also being updated daily.

 

[sherlockian21]

just go to opentrolley bookstore. they update everyday. http://opentrolley.com.sg

 

[tactical.genius]

seems like they redesigned the website. it's a lot better than last time.

 

[xamtaro]

i guess their priority 1 is in-store sales since it does say that the bookweb lists real stock that is in store.

So if the item is sold out in the store, they wont have stock to deliver anyway.

 

[booklover]

I like shopping online for books and usually use amazon, acmamall and bookdepository. I haven't tried opentrolley or kino before... any one has shopped there before?

 

[sonofadude]

I like shopping online for books and usually use amazon, acmamall and bookdepository. I haven't tried opentrolley or kino before... any one has shopped there before?

Just to update the thread, I've used the Kino Web Store recently. Unfortunately, it was an unpleasant experience. If you want to skip the story, just go to the last paragraph.

Briefly, purchased books that stated available on the website. The total amount allowed me to have free shipping. After 4 days, they emailed me to say that one item not available and had to wait 3 to 4 weeks before shipping out together with other items.

Called them and they said although website states 'available', it does not mean the item is 'available', I was constantly reminded that this was stated on the website. So my option was:

1) wait 3 to 4 weeks for all the items
2) deliver other items, wait for 3 to 4 weeks for this item + pay shipping cost; or
3) cancel this item, deliver the rest + pay shipping cost since the remaining items do not go above free shipping rate; or
4) self collect from web store during office hours, Mon to Fri only.

I highlighted that my purchase was due to all items available and I should not been made to pay extra shipping. But no use, they are very strict on their policies. Kept reminding me it's stated on website.

So I requested for self collect of remaining items and cancel of out of stock item. They allow the cancel but self collect had to be at their office and during office hours, Mon to Fri. I asked to collect the items from their Ngee Ann retail store and was told that this option is not possible. I then asked where is their office that I have to collect the items. Guess where?

Their office is at Ngee Ann City! Same place as the retail store and they will not allow the collection at the store. Instead, have to find time off or take leave to go and pick up during office at the same place. I highlighted that the out of stock situation that brought up all these problems was not my doing and I am trying to find a solution but Kino was being very difficult about it. Throughout, the manager was not accommodating and basically stuck to whatever company policy. Finally, manager agreed to put up a 'special request' for me to collect items from the store. I am waiting to see if the special request is allowed.

The lesson: Buyer Beware!! If you must purchase from their Web Store, real ALL their 'FAQ' and 'HELP' sections.

 

[Shion]

I think better to visit the stores and buy the books instead

 

[hnzfaz]

Aftee reading the story, I feel that kino is still not there yet, despite the fact that most Japanese companies are very customer oriented.

 

[Illusionist_85]

Aftee reading the story, I feel that kino is still not there yet, despite the fact that most Japanese companies are very customer oriented.

sometimes is bo bian, cuz the store may have 1-2 books kena snapped up physically after u buy the books online. i doubt the system can auto update the books stocks sold at the shop against online in real life

 

[eq2addict]

i got buy before from their book web , its actually not bad . i bought a whole series on their book web (cos i'm lazy to carry back 10+ books from orchard store) and Taqbin delivered on the next working day after payment cleared.

 

[lorettatay]

used their service many many times as i am a member. so far so good.