SmallBizGenius Analysis
BookOutlet offers deeply discounted books, but customer reviews reveal significant issues with packaging and shipping that often lead to damaged products. While many appreciate the low prices and wide selection, inconsistent customer service and slow delivery times are recurring complaints.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews
Pricing & Value
9.0/10Reviewers consistently praise BookOutlet's low prices and discounts, often highlighting the significant savings compared to other retailers. Many find the prices worth the risk of potential imperfections or slower shipping.
55 reviews mention thisPackaging & Product Condition
3.0/10A major recurring issue is poor packaging, leading to damaged books upon arrival. Reviewers frequently mention flimsy boxes, lack of packing material, and books jostling around during transit, resulting in bent covers, torn pages, and other damage.
60 reviews mention thisShipping & Delivery
4.0/10Many reviewers report slow shipping times, with orders taking weeks to arrive. Some also mention issues with tracking and packages being mishandled during transit.
30 reviews mention thisCustomer Service
5.0/10Customer service experiences are inconsistent, with some reviewers praising helpful and prompt assistance, while others report difficulty reaching support or receiving satisfactory resolutions. Some mention long response times and unhelpful replies.
20 reviews mention thisBook Selection
8.0/10Reviewers appreciate the wide variety of books available on BookOutlet, including hard-to-find titles and books across various genres. Many describe the site as a treasure hunt for book lovers.
15 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"The prices are incomparable!"
"So many choices to choose from, great pricing, great condition the books arrived at."
"Books all came in great condition"
"easy to navigate site"
"Fast delivery, so many choices to choose from, great pricing, great condition the books arrived at."
Common Complaints
"Packaging is horrible. Boxes are weak. They often have holes or are partially ripped open. There is no packing material inside. Books bounce, jostle, and slide into each other, causing damage."
"Only reason I did not give five stars is the shipping takes so long. In an instant gratification/Amazon Prime 2 day world, waiting over two weeks is hard."
"Worst customer service in the world."
"My order was missing two books and I still haven’t heard back from customer service to correct it."
"Unable to contact Fraud Service. Please try again. If the problem persists please contact customer service."
Common Questions About Bookoutlet
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Bookoutlet legit and trustworthy?
BookOutlet is a legitimate online retailer offering discounted books. However, many customers report receiving damaged books due to poor packaging, which is a significant concern. While the low prices are attractive, the risk of damage and potential customer service issues should be considered. Some customers have had positive experiences, but the negative reviews highlight consistent problems that impact trustworthiness.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Bookoutlet have good customer service?
Customer service experiences with BookOutlet are mixed. Some reviewers praise the helpfulness and responsiveness of customer service representatives, while others report difficulty reaching support or receiving satisfactory resolutions to their issues. Common complaints include long response times and unhelpful replies. The inconsistency in customer service quality is a notable drawback.
Based on 20 reviewsIs Bookoutlet worth it for small business?
For small businesses, Bookoutlet's value depends on their tolerance for risk and the intended use of the books. If the books are for internal use or can tolerate minor imperfections, the low prices may be worthwhile. However, if the books are intended for resale or as gifts, the high risk of damage makes it a less suitable option. Businesses should carefully weigh the potential savings against the potential hassle of dealing with damaged goods and customer service issues.
Based on 30 reviewsWhat is Bookoutlet's return policy like?
The reviews do not provide comprehensive details on Bookoutlet's official return policy, but they do indicate that returns or refunds are offered for damaged books. However, the process can be cumbersome, requiring customers to provide photos of the damage. Some reviewers have reported difficulty getting their return postage refunded. It's recommended to check Bookoutlet's website for the most up-to-date information on their return policy.
Based on 10 reviewsWhy are Bookoutlet's prices so low?
Bookoutlet primarily sells remaindered books, which are overstock or unsold copies that publishers sell at a discount. These books may have minor imperfections, such as remainder marks (small dots or lines on the edge of the pages), but are otherwise new. This allows Bookoutlet to offer significantly lower prices compared to traditional retailers.
Based on 5 reviewsLooking for Something Different?
Compare Bookoutlet against 24 similar lifestyle & perks options.
View Alternatives