Alibris describes themselves as a vibrant marketplace that focuses on the three fastest growing areas of worldwide media, online sales, textbook rentals, and out-of-print books, music, and movies.
How Does It Work?
According to their website, the creator of Alibris began selling rare books in a traditional brick-and-mortar bookstore and eventually realized that he could create a worthwhile destination for customers searching for rare books if he joined together with other rare book sellers across the country, and eventually across the world.
Alibris.com says their own personal warehouse stocks 100 million titles, but you can also choose to support thousands of independent sellers from around the world.
When shopping, you can click the “See All Copies” link and you will pull up a page which displays all sellers offering that item. You can then sort through the sellers by rating, price, and condition.
In addition to their book selection, the website also promises a comprehensive inventory of music and movies, whether you are looking for new and popular selections or others which are older and hard to locate, as well as the ability to rent popular textbooks at discounted prices off the cost of purchasing them outright.
Customers are also promised that all of their independent sellers, no matter where they are from, are required to maintain strict codes of service, in order to stay true to their customer satisfaction guarantees.
Reasons To Pick Alibris
There are many reasons to choose Alibris for your book needs. In addition to the large selection and low prices, they offer a number of unique features, such as Early Bird Discounts and “What’s New” newsletter. Plus, they are always happy to help their customers find the perfect Alibris book!
Whether you’re an Alibris book collector, looking for an Alibris gift, or just love to read, Alibris is the place for you. So start browsing the massive selection of Alibris books right now. You’re sure to find something you’ll love, but first you need to become a member.
How To Become a Member On Alibris
Alibris offers two types of membership, a Basic Membership and a Premium Membership.
Basic Membership allows you to set up an online account, access advanced search options, and receive weekly “What’s New” newsletter with updates on Alibris sales and new Alibris books. Basic Membership is free.
If you are interested in getting even more benefits, consider upgrading to Premium Membership. This allows you unlimited browsing and full access to Alibris complete library of books, as well as expedited shipping options for those last minute purchases. With Premium Membership starting at just $29.99 per year, it’s the perfect way to stay connected to your favorite Alibris titles all year long.
Searching on Alibris
Searching for books on Alibris is easy – simply enter your desired keywords into the search bar and let the site do the rest! You can browse by title, author, subject, or rating to find exactly what you’re looking for. And with thousands of titles available, there’s sure to be something that satisfies your interest.
With a wide selection of Alibris books in all genres, formats, and editions, you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for your reading needs. And with discounts of up to 50% off on your first purchase as a Basic Member, there’s no better time to start shopping on Alibris. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and discover the world of Alibris books!
Alibris: Bonus Program
Alibris offers a bonus program for its members. For every $100 you spend on Alibris books, you’ll earn a $5 credit that can be used towards future purchases. Plus, as a Basic Member, you’ll get free standard shipping on all Alibris book orders over $39. Also you can earn Alibris credit with every purchase you make. Alibris credit can be used on future purchases on Alibris, so the more you shop, the more you save!
Here’s how it works:
- For every $1 spent on alibris books, you’ll earn 1 alibris credit.
- Credits can be redeemed for discounts of up to 20% off your next order.
- Credits never expire, so you can save them up for as long as you like.
- The minimum purchase amount to earn Alibris credit is $10.00.
Cost & Price Plans
Using their website to search for certain products or locate independent sellers of various products is completely free.
The prices of products available on their website will vary widely, especially since they provide access to extremely rare books.
Refund Policy
Customers who use their website to purchase a print book, movie, or music item have the first 60 calendar days of their purchase in which to return their purchase for a refund.
Alibris will provide you with a mailing label to return your item, and the item should be wrapped in its original packaging, along with a return authorization page which must be downloaded and included in your packaged return.
Items which are returned more than 60 days after the date of purchase, or which are returned without the authorization form will unfortunately not be accepted for return, and a refund will not be provided.
Customers who are renting textbooks have 21 days in which to return their textbooks without incurring any charges, if they books are lesser quality than they were advertised on their website.
Customer Service Contact Info
Customers who wish to contact Customer Service with questions, concerns, or complaints can do so by phone at 510-594-4586 or by submitting them directly to their website through the Contact Us link.
Reputation
Unfortunately this company does have a long list of complaints recorded online, and many of them – if not most of them – cite very similar problems. It seems the most common problem with this company has to do with shipping, and the problems which stem from that.
Customers who had both purchased and rented items said that the shipping took an extremely long time, to the point where students were already involved in their classes without ever having received their book and where purchasing customers were told that either their purchase was ultimately cancelled or that their book was simply “lost in the mail.”
The problem which then results from these complaints is that Alibris.com apparently refuses to return the money from these unhappy customers, saying that since they didn’t return their rental or purchase during the prescribed return period, they were not eligible for a refund.
Most reviews stated that Alibris Customer Service refused to accept the extremely delayed shipping time or the failure of receiving the book at all as an excuse for not returning the book during the time period required by their policies.
Competitors and Alternatives?
There are many other online book stores which attempt to provide the same or similar services to Alibris.com, including AbeBooks.com, Biblio.com, Cash4Books.com, and many others.
If you have any experience with Alibris or their products, please leave your reviews below.
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