Introduction
When I first discovered Play.com I couldn’t believe how cheap their prices were, compared to many other online retailers. Since I found play I haven’t had to spend hours on trying to discover the cheapest online, instead I search for it on play, and find that there won’t generally be many places cheaper. I always shop with play because it saves me time and effort searching the web at other sites - not to discourage you to be price savvy of course - I guess I'm just brand loyal.
To buy an item from the site, the customers will have to become a member, it's a very simple process where all that's required is a name, address, email address, and a password.
With Play.com, they accept all major debit cards and credit cards. When you pay for your items it's carried out using secure server to protect your data - what I've come to expect from online stores but nevertheless important.
I also found their website simple to use, and there shouldn’t be any problems with finding what you want. Once you first open the home page, you will be greeted with some of the offers that the site is running, at the top of the page there are some buttons - you just need to click on the one that your item will be in. Alternatively, there is a search bar positioned just to the left of the buttons, it's very surpising how much time you can save with search tools.
DVD Section
The DVD page always has an editors choice at the top of the page, perhaps they just want to sell surplus stock, I'm not sure. As well as that they have some of the new releases listed. Particulary of use, on the right hand side there is a countdown, which tells you how many days until a certain DVD is released. I find that Play is the best site to buy your DVDs from, the price is a lot cheaper than many other sites, with good offers too, for example you can get 3 for £20 and the DVDs aren’t that old neither. Of course, if you're buying something really expensive, like a Trilogy you may still want to do a price comparison before deciding.
Another thing that I find good with play is the amount of information that they supply on the DVD pages, with information such as the special features, a quick review of the film, the technical information - such as the director, the starring cast, the certificate, duration and some other information. If you like the actors that are starring in the film, then Play.com also tells you his/hers other films. Also you are able to pre-order a DVD and play will deliver it on the Day it's being released.
MUSIC
With the music page, it is set out in the same style as the DVD selection with an editor choice at the top and new releases following it. The search is also the same, as you can search for the CD title, the artist, also when you click on the music that you want, the information it gives you all the tracks that appear on the CD and other items the artist has released.
GAMESOut of the whole of the site, this is which I use the most. They have all games from console games, PC games and handhelds. Not only are they well priced, but also you are able to pre-order a game that is coming out soon. I have done this often and I have always received my game on the day it’s released in this country. The main game page is set out the same as the DVD page and the music page, with new releases and a count down timer. Once you have found a game which you like and have clicked on it, you get a small review explaining what the game is about - I have often bought a game of Play just by reading the review!
GADGETAn interesting part of the site, I find this bit of the site very useful. With this part of the site if you’re stuck for an idea for a gift, either for Christmas or birthday, then why not search though the site, cause there’s loads of wacky gadgets for a laugh and seriously; visiting play is just worth look at the gadget page.
There are a few other sections of the site which I haven’t mentioned but I have haven’t bought anything from them, but I would recommend a look.
BUYINGOnce you have found an item which you wish to purchase it is very simple from there. Once you have registered you will get an email telling you that your account is active, then you can get the process started. Firstly, on the item you wish to buy, make sure that the item says in stock, and then you need to click buy. Once you have clicked buy it is then added to your personal shopping basket. If that is all that you require, then you just need to click checkout, once you have clicked checkout it will ask you to enter your email address and the password you chose. You will then get an email telling you that your order is confirmed. Once your order is confirmed, it’s still possible to cancel an order if required, but you will only have a certain time in which to do this.
DELIVERYDelivery is free with play. Most items are packed and despatched within a 24-hr period. I have noticed with play, that transactions won’t happen until the item has being despatched from their warehouse. The tracking facility on the site is also very clear and easy to follow - a better alternative than dealing with a delivery company you have never heard of. By logging into your account, all items recently ordered are displayed in a table, stating the dates of despatch, and the reference number. Other items will be accompanied by a message, either stating that the product has been pre-ordered or if the site is awaiting new stock. Once your order has being despatched you will get an email telling you that your item has been posted and is on its way.
I have already given my thoughts throughout this review, and I don't think I need to further emphasise they are one of my favorite retailers - I'm yet to find a true fault with their service, price or products!
I would strongly advise people to have a look at this site.
www.play.com |
