I recently started reading the Harry Potter books. I got the first one in paperback for 30% off $6.00. Mr. Rilch gave me the second one in hardcover for my recent birthday. Yesterday, I got another b-day gift from the senior Mr. Rilch–a $50 Borders gift certificate, which I hastened out to spend. I wanted to get the third HP in paperback, but it’s not in paperback…not in the US, anyway. They did have it in hardback, but even with the discount, it was $14. I came home with the idea of getting on Amazon and seeing if they had a British-published paperback I could order.
Now, a crucial factor in my rash decision is my stupid computer. As pricciar and Melin know, it reboots whenever it feels like doing so, at my greatest inconvenience. It did this twice while I was trying to navigate Amazon, which hindered my attempt to read the list thoroughly. I didn’t see a paperback copy, British or otherwise, but I did see a hardback copy for $10. The computer was docile, naturally, while I placed the order (and thought, gee, I hope the shipping isn’t too costly). When the order was totalled up, it was…$14!
I could have gotten it at Borders for just a little more than that (when the 8.25% CA sales tax was added, of course)! I tried immediately to cancel it, but was informed I couldn’t cancel an order listed as “shipping soon”. So now I’ve spent $14 of my own money, instead of gift money! Grrr! Why do they have to be so all-fired efficient! And yes, I did inquire about returns, but they don’t refund shipping costs unless it’s their error.
Boy, am I dumb.
I guess I’m just better off living with my inner tensions.
—Snoopy
You aren’t dumb, you just made a mistake, and that just makes you human, and a pretty nice one too!!
So when the book comes, send it back, and you’ve only lost the shipping and handling costs, or hey, read and enjoy the book, then take it to a flea market near you and sell it to them. Sounds like a win-win to me!! 
“It’s hard to avoid reading because ever wheres we go, reading is there.”
I’ll keep it permanently. Since it’ll be arriving day after tomorrow no matter what I do, I might as well get my money’s worth. My only regret is that I spent “real” money instead of gift money. Oh well.
I guess I’m just better off living with my inner tensions.
—Snoopy
You’ll find that a $4.00 lesson is cheap. They get a whole lot more expensive. Read the book and put it in a prominent place as a reminder.
man, i wish i’d ordered my textbooks from amazon.com. i’ve been waiting for about 5 weeks now and we’re already well into the term. (don’t order from page1 or ecampus.com!!)
Go easy on yourself, Ril. You made a mistake, which only makes you human, not stupid.
Now, if you were to repeat this mistake, THAT would make you stupid.
So don’t do it again, 'kay?
The Dave-Guy
“Since my daughter’s only half-Jewish, can she go in up to her knees?” J.H. Marx
So, you want me to make you feel better? How 'bout this.
I have always been hesitant about shopping online, it just seems to quick and easy, and I always feared that if I needed there would be no human contact available. This year I’ve recently begun getting more accepting.
So, I decide to book my airfare to Colorado for a couple of friends and I. I set up an account for American Airlines and purchace my ticket, this goes well. I then try to reserve their seats until I can speak with them to confirm it. When you set up an account it saves your credit information for future purchases w/out re-entering it. I mistakenly hit the “Buy It” button which was neatly positioned right next to the “Reserve It” button. Having all my account information stored on a cookie, the submission was automatic. And according to Murphy’s law one of my friends decides he can’t afford the trip. I now own a round trip ticket worth ~$300 in his name, bought on my credit card, that I can’t refund, or transfer. Bastards. Feel any better?
Oh, Omniscient, that’s awful. Did you ever manage to unload it?
I guess I’m just better off living with my inner tensions.
—Snoopy