While it's difficult to replicate the feel of a retail store in an online store, Barnes and Noble does a pretty good job. Their color scheme of forest green and tan is quite evident throughout their web site. Roaming around the site makes one comfortable. The only things that are missing are the classical music in the background and the smell of coffee (the one that I visit has a Starbucks Coffee attached).
While B&N is not my first choice of online book-sellers, on occasion I'll get a deal that makes shopping there worth my while. I've not only purchased books, but also posters as well. The reason I don't purchase books from B&N more often is because I usually don't buy books, I usually borrow from the library when I can. And B&N doesn't have the best prices (Amazon.com usually has the best prices and free shipping at only US$25). Since I don't buy a lot of books, buying a B&N membership is not cost-effective for me. However, for someone who loves to buy books, it may be cheaper to be a member and buy from B&N.
Of the times I did buy from B&N, ordering was a simple process. Processing time of my order was quite short. I received emails to confirm receipt of my order and let me know when my order shipped, complete with tracking number. When my orders arrive, they're always correct and packaged securely.
The one thing that bugs me, however, is that sometimes the prices are different online than they are in store. I remember buying a book in store, and happened to be cheaper online. If I would have known that, I would have purchased online instead, as I don't live that close to a store. In addition, while member and non-member prices are listed for each item, the non-member price is in red and can attract your attention. This could be confusing if you're a non-member and think that they're not charging you correctly.
With the reputation of Barnes & Noble, I feel secure ordering from them. I know I'll get what I ordered and if I have a problem, I can get it resolved easily.
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