nivek@cmu-ri-rover.ARPA (Kevin Dowling) (03/08/85)
I don't know if messages about subscription services have appeared before on net.comics but I thought I'd present my experiences with Westfield. For 6 months I've been using the Westfield Comics subscription service. I highly reccomend it for those considering a subscription service. I used to use a local store service. But they gave only 10% off, sometimes missed issues, and PA sales tax on top meant I wasn't saving anything and was still missing desired issues. Three of us here order from Westfield and combine orders. So we order 30-40 comics a month. We've always had prompt service. There are options for monthly or biweekly shipping rate. We opted for the monthly rate. There is a $40.00 min order for the biweekly rate. Only $10 for the monthly. You can select which you want at any time just by checking a box on your new order form. The shipping is done UPS and in very sturdy boxes. The comics are grouped flat in several bags (not individually). You also pay only for exact shipping charges. That runs about $2-$2.50 and we get many magazines in our order. These boxes are tough, and I save them for my use when I need strong small boxes in shipping. The single minor problem we've had was when Beauty and the Beast #? was shipped instead of Kitty and Wolverine #5, I called and they said don't bother sending the issues back, just enclose a note with the new order! Now, the stuff does often arrive on the newstand slightly before we get our shipment. This doesn't bother me but might annoy some who are waiting anxiously for some issue(s). In any case, Westfield has been reliable and thoroughly professional. The order forms for next months shipment are enclosed with the present shipment and is a clear well laid out form. There is a Credit and Debit corner in the event of over or undepayments, or a title has been cancelled, rescheduled or undergone a price change. The prices are 30%-40% off cover prices. For example: $0.65 cover prices are $0.45 $1.50 cover are $1.00 $20.00 portfolio's are $15.00 Magazines like Epic that have $2.50 cover are $1.85 The pricing structure is similar for all lines. I think this is a pretty substantial savings and there is no tax. There is a $1 maintenance fee on each order for overhead. Mags and Fanzines carried are Amazing Heroes, Captain Britain, Comic Interview, Comics Journal, Dragon, Dr. Who, Epic, Enterprise Incidents, Fangoria, Heavy Metal, Prevue, SS of Conan, Starburst, Starlog, Warrior, Twilight Zone, Nemo, occasional special 'zines. Good line of independents from First, Eagle, Comico, Kitchen Sink, Eclipse, Americomics, Fantagraphics... Marvel and DC of course, and a full category of Special Publications (may be published irregularly). Portfolios, posters, buttons, books, Overstreet price guides, Cochran's EC library series, Barks pubs, Elfquest, Cerebus etc... I have found the newsletter to be fairly informative about new offerings and have made several buying decisions based on it. You get Marvel Age free, sometimes they enclose companies' promo posters and other little goodies like DC Releases, First in..., and Eagle News are also enclosed in each newsletter shipment (with the comics you last ordered). If something hasn't arrived in time to be shipped then a sheet is enclosed showing exactly what will be shipped in your next order. They are: Westfield Comics 6515 Grand Teton Plaza Madison, WI 53719 (608) 833-2122 I'd be interested in hearing opinions on other subscription services too. nivek Aka: Kevin Dowling Arpanet: nivek@cmu-ri-rover Bell: (412) 578-8830 USmail: Robotics Institute CMU Schenley Park Pgh, PA 15213