[net.audio] Mail Order CD's

freak@ihu1n.UUCP (c e malloy) (02/22/85)

After doing some research on compact disc players, I recently
purchased one.  All the talk about features, sampling rate, number of
lasers, etc. had me confused.  I have two laser disc players, video
that is.  So I used that knowledge as a starting point, along with my
knowledge of computers.  After looking at about 20 different players,
comparing the features, price and reputation, I bought a Scott model
939AD.  I felt with a three beam laser, a sampling rate of 88.2, and
a price of $390, I couldn't go wrong.  I have had it now for about
two weeks.  And have 20 discs.  But, with a collection of over 2,000
albums, I wanted to find a good, inexpensive source of CD's.
(Because I would like to replace as many albums as I can with CD's.)
Well, I have been reading different groups on the "net" for about
one year and looked for a group that might have some information on
CD's.  That is when I found "net.audio".  And, lo and behold, you
people were talking about just what I was looking for.  After reading
about 50 messages about different mail order houses (and searching
the local record shops), I think I found the answer.  That answer
is...

                 Compact Disc Centre (1-800-CDCENTR)

After calling them today, I would like to clarify some of the points
mentioned in earlier postings.  And my own opinions.

First.  They have some of the best prices around, even if you don't
order 10 or more discs.  They have a shipping and handling fee of
$2.00 reguardless of the number of discs that you order.

Second.  They are very consumer orientated.  They gave me a feeling
that I was important to them.  While I know that with out people
retailers are nothing, most of the places that I do business with
don't care about the people that come into their stores.  They give
the impression that they are the only ones in the business of
selling whatever they are selling, and that if I want it, I must put
up with them.  I don't buy that.  If they want my money, they must be
willing to work with me.  (Sorry about the flame.)  I called CDC to
request their catalog.  That's all, just a catalog.  I spent about 45
minutes on their toll-free number.  She explained, in close detail,
every aspect of the way in which the company operated.  She didn't
have to do that.  But it showed to me the concern that they had for
the customer.  I like that.

Third.  If you do wish to take advantage of the $1.00 off per disc
you must order 10 or more discs.  But, you don't have to order extra
discs just to take advantage of the discount.  If one or more of the
discs you have ordered is out of stock, all you need to do is ask
them to back order the missing discs.  They will attempt to ship back
orders within 30 days.  If, after 30 days, they cannot ship you the
missing discs, then you will lose the discount price.  If the back
order is shipped, then you must pay a $1.00 shipping fee for each
shipment.  Confused?  I will endeavor to explain.  Say you order 10
discs.  Eight are in stock.  Two are not.  The eight are shipped
immediately for the cost plus $2.00 shipping.  Now, let us presume
that one of the back ordered discs comes in six days later.  You have
the choice of either having it shipped then, and incurring a $1.00
shipping fee, or waiting until the second arrives.  Now, the second
one arrives 12 days later.  If the first wasn't shipped when it
arrived, they will both be sent to you for $1.00.  In short, you will
be charged $2.00 for the first shipment and $1.00 for every shipment
thereafter, until the order is complete.  The other way to get the
discount price is to send a list of ten discs with at least three
alternates.  Then, if for some reason, only eight are in stock, you
will still get the discount price.  Still confused?  Call them.  They
will explain it.

Fourth.  Orders are shipped immediately.  If you call and place an
order before 12:00 EST (noon), it will be shipped that day.  All
orders are shipped UPS.  If you are in a hurry, request UPS Next Day
Air.  They will ship it that way if you want to pay the extra
charge.

In conclusion.  If they are as good as they sound, why buy anywhere
else?


Clancy Malloy
AT&T Bell Labs
Indian Hill
Naperville, IL
(..!ihnp4!ihu1n!freak)