Sunday, November 2, 2008

Indiespensable Volume 6

This past week I received Volume 6 of Indiespensable, Powell's newish subscription book club. This volume includes a copy of Iain Banks's The Crow Road along with a CD of "original songs by great local [Portland, Oregon] artists." I'm enjoying the CD, and I've heard very good things about The Crow Road. I must, however, express some disappointment about the author signature contained in the book. Rather than an actual signature in the book, there was a card with Banks's signature slipped inside the front cover of the book. I looked back at the description and now notice that it says "[h]ardcover first edition, with laid-in bookplate signed by the author." I guess the white card is the "laid-in bookplate." Justifiably or not, I've always expected my Indiespensable volumes to be signed books, particularly since the subscription price ($40) is significantly more than the retail price ($25) for the books. A signed card just isn't the same. The description also promises that the book will be "packaged in a custom, full-cloth slipcase." The actual slipcase is covered in glossy paper, not cloth. Small complaints, perhaps, but I'm hoping for better in the future.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the concept of "Indispensables", and agree with you that the delivered product didn't meet the promise.

Have you let Powell's know about your disappointment?

I'm glad the CD is a hit, and hope you enjoy the book when you get to it.

Anonymous said...

I agree that Powell's didn't quite give what they promised in this instance. I am usually thrilled with their services, both in-person and by mail, but this time they didn't live up to what they said they'd deliver.

Coffeechit said...

Hi Gwen, My name is Beth. I work for Powell's and I'd like to refund you for this Indiespensible shipment. I understand your disappointment. Feel free to give me a call. 800.878.7323, hit zero and ask for Beth in customer service.

Gwen Dawson said...

Indiespensable subscribers:

I've talked with Beth at Powell's, and she has generously offered to refund the $39.99 for those of you disappointed with Volume 6. See her comment above for her phone number, and just tell her you're a Literary License reader. Powell's apologizes for the situation, which was caused by the publisher going out of business.

By the way, I won't give away any details, but Volume 7 sounds very interesting.

Gwen

Anonymous said...

Outstanding customer service! Yea, Powell's! If you talk to Beth again, point her to the wonderful essay Jill wrote about Powell's for my Spotlight on Bookstores series:

http://www.sheistoofondofbooks.com/2008/10/15/spotlight-on-bookstores-powells-city-of-books-in-portland-oregon/

(sorry, I've tried to post this twice and apparently I'm html illiterate today!)

Amy said...

wow, that's amazing. But I won't ask for a refund, as I wasn't as observant as you and have barely even looked at my shipment. ;)

Jena said...

I love Powell's! I have had nothing but fantastic service from them, whether it be online, by phone or in person. They're my preferred source for books.

Jena said...

Also, did you know that Powell's was voted to have one of the sexiest staffs in Portland? http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=38300&category=34029