Discussion Amazon.ca vs Chapters.ca

Between Amazon.ca and Chapters.ca, which one do you prefer and why?

 

I wrote a long post but the browser crashed so I'll just quickly summarize.

I prefer amazon.ca just because it's usually cheaper but I tend to check both sites. On occasion, Chapters will be cheaper, particularly if you have an irewards membership (though they've changed the program now, so I'm not sure if that's still the case). In the past, Amazon has periodically offered $10 off $40 for new customers.

One thing to consider is that returns might be easier with Chapters because you can go do the store instead of mailing a package back.

Either way, both options will be cheaper than buying books in store if you take advantage of the free shipping promotions.

If you use swagbucks, you can also accumulate Amazon gift cards. Here is my shameless referral link if you want to find out more about the program. http://www.swagbucks.com/

 

Oh, it's also a good idea to check http://www.amazon.com. Not only is it usually cheaper than the Canadian site, but certain books are shippable to Canada without any additional tax/duties.

 

Wish you hadn't lost that long post because I'm interested in learning about your experiences from Amazon.ca and chapters.ca. My experience is pretty similar:

- Amazon.ca is cheaper by $3-4

- Chapters.ca - The only time prices is the same as Amazon.ca (or cheaper on occasion) is when iRewards membership discount is applied. But there is an annual fee ($35) for the iRewards membership

- Chapters.ca now has another reward program by the name of Plum rewards, this is a free membership that gives you 5% discount

- Overall, on pricing I still prefer Amazon.ca because the prices are lower and Amazon.ca has better collection of books. Some books I could not buy from Chapters.ca are sold at Amazon.ca

- the advantage of buying from Chapters.ca as you mentioned is in-store returns

- I did find Amazon.com much cheaper (US$12.00 vs C$18.00 for the same paperback), it is probably worth checking out with the exchange rate almost on par now. But the shipping costs to Canada (US$4.99 per shipment, US$3.99 per item, the first book would cost US$9 to ship, that is expensive shipping) is not cheap, previously it was not cost effective to buy from Amazon.com because of the shipping charges even though the books are cheaper.

- Lately, I stopped buying from Amazon.ca, despite the cheaper books, because Amazon.ca started using UPS instead of Canada Post to ship. This is so troublesome, so much that I rather pay more at Chapters.ca which still uses Canada Post. The problem is couriers like UPS or DHL is you have to go to the middle of nowhere (somewhere industrial in Richmond, I think) during office hours or week day to pick up the parcels. With Canada Post, I go to the Post Office to pick up my parcel, after office hours, Saturday or Sundays too.

 

Has anyone bought from Amazon.ca in the past month?

How do Amazon.ca ship now? For books, is it Canada Post or UPS?

 

I just ordered a book today. I should find out soon...

 

Please post when you find out.

Thanks

 

Hey Mission,

The book I ordered is coming from Victoria, BC. They sent it by Canpar.

 

Stumbled onto this recently: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/amazon/

 

Thanks, Canuckism for the info.

 

Thanks for posting that article.

102 degrees in Amazon's warehouse in Breinigsville, PA is certainly not a place to buy electronics or even groceries which Amazon.com sells.

I have bought hundreds of books from Amazon.ca and they come in excellent condition. Amazon.ca warehouse as far as I know is in Ontario.