Should The Book Depository be scared that new online bookstore Wordery will steal its thunder? Possibly...
More and more bookworms are turning to the Internet to get their reading fix, and it’s no wonder why. The range of book titles available from these global bookstores is truly impressive. And with fast, cheap (and sometimes free) international shipping, you can finally go wild with your at-home library.
A quick introduction to The Book Depository:
UK-based online bookstore The Book Depository transitioned from ‘start-up’ to ‘force to be reckoned with’ in 2007 when it won two UK start-up awards, and was a finalist for the Retail/Leisure Business of the Year Fast Growth Business Award. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength, striving to deliver on its company motto to make ‘all books available to all’. In 2011, it reached an agreement to be acquired by Amazon.
A quick introduction to Wordery:
Wordery is credited with being the UK’s largest independent online bookstore. It prides itself on fast delivery and attentive customer service and a business model that offers a more personalised alternative to the online book giants. Wordery enjoys a very good online reputation for its service and has a satisfied and loyal customer base.
Which is cheaper: The Book Depository (TBD) or Wordery?
Wordery launched in 2013 by undercutting the leading online bookstores by up to 40% and beating Amazon’s prices by 10%. But how does it match up now? finder.com.au looks at some of the most popular titles to compare the prices at Book Depository and Wordery. (Prices current as at June 2015).
Grey
E L James
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Milan Kundera
A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set
George R.R. Martin
$16.22 at Wordery
$14.02 at TBD
$13.59 at Wordery
$14.20 at TBD
$111.05 at Wordery
$89.73 at TBD
The verdict?
The Book Depository beat Wordery on most of the titles selected, probably because it is a bigger store. To find the best price, our advice is to search both sites and then decide who to buy from. And don't forget - coupon codes and sales make a HUGE difference to these prices so check out The Book Depository and Wordery's working coupon codes first before you enter the checkout.
Which online bookstore offers a bigger variety of books?
Both sites have a pretty impressive range of titles to choose from. Wordery has a selection of 200,000 of their most popular titles waiting for extra-fast dispatch in a local warehouse, and boasts an online catalogue of over 8 million titles. The Book Depository has been around a little longer than Wordery and currently has over 12 million titles available online. Its recent partnership with Amazon is expected to increase its variety of titles even more.
Between The Book Depository and Wordery, which store has faster delivery?
The Book Depository narrowly beats Wordery is the shipping speed department. The Book Depository estimates orders to arrive within 5–8 business days while Wordery estimates 7–10 working days.
Which online bookstore offers free shipping?
Both The Book Depository and Wordery offer free shipping on all orders worldwide.
Between The Book Depository and Wordery, which bookstore sells rare books?
One of the big reasons to shop online for books is the range of titles available to readers and collectors, especially if you’re after rare or hard-to-find titles. Both The Book Depository and Wordery pride themselves on their varied selection of titles, and their inclusion of collector’s items and rare books.
Which one has a better returns policy?
If your book arrives and you decide that it’s not for you, you can return it for a full refund. Wordery and The Book Depository have pretty comparable returns policies: both offer 30 day returns as long as the books are returned in their original condition, and in their original packaging. You will need to pay for return shipping unless you received an incorrect order or your order arrives damaged.
Who else sells books online?
If you want even more options, and love to ‘browse the shelves’, check out these great places to buy books online:
Booktopia: Australian-based, award-winning online bookstore with over 4 million titles and an option for local pick-up from Sydney.
Amazon: No list would be complete. without Amazon. They are the reigning champions of online book sales all over the world.
Angus & Robertson: With over 100 years of experience providing great reads to Australians, Angus & Robertson is now online-only, and offers fast delivery all over the country.
Abbey’s Bookshop: Another Aussie favourite, Abbey’s is an icon in Sydney and now offers its hand-picked selection of titles online and internationally.
Bookworld: Local Bookworld has a wide range and offers a price match guarantee on titles available in Australian based online bookstores.
Better World Books: Shop with a conscience. Every time you buy a book, Better World Books donates another to charity, to give everyone the gift of reading.
The Book Depository v Wordery: who has the better discounts and coupons?
You decide, here’s what’s on offer at the moment:
Free Delivery
Receive Free Delivery on orders over $50 at Bookworld.
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Deal
Last verified 15 Jun 2015
Free shipping
Get free worldwide delivery on all Better World Books orders
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Deal
Last verified 1 Jun 2015
Bookworld Price Guarantee
Bookworld offers the most competitive prices in Australia with its Bookworld Price Guarantee.
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Deal
Last verified 5 Mar 2015
The Book Depository - Free Delivery Worldwide
Get free delivery worldwide at The Book Depository.
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Deal
Last verified 9 May 2014
The Book Depository - Save an extra 20%
Save an extra 20% off on many select titles at The Book Depository.
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Deal
Last verified 5 Jan 2015
Save up to 30% off the Top 100
Each week, Booktopia offers up to 30% off it's top 100 bestsellers. Will your new favourite be on that list?
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Deal
Last verified 2 Feb 2015
Five books for $35
Browse the Better World Books bargain bit and get five books for $35
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Deal
Last verified 2 Jun 2015
Abbeys Bookshop - $6.50 standard shipping Australia wide
Receive shipping at $6.50 standard at Australia wide only at Abbey's Bookshop
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Deal
Last verified 8 May 2014
The post Wordery vs Book Depository | Which is Better? appeared first on finder.com.au.