New Kindle: Amazon vs Waterstones

mjwilson · 11-03-2013, 08:49 AM

I'm thinking of picking up a new Kindle and am wondering what considerations there are in buying at Waterstones versus direct from Amazon.

I've read that Waterstones put their own screensaver on, but that doesn't sound like a big deal to me. Are there any other disadvantages? If Amazon release a new firmware version, would a Waterstones-bought Kindle get the update immediately, or does that rely on Waterstones pushing out their own version of the firmware?

I'd like to support real bookshops but I'm not likely to go back to buying paper books in significant quantities. If I've bought a Kindle from Waterstones, do they then get a cut of e-books I buy on that Kindle? Or do I need to be in-store for that to happen? (I couldn't find any clear description of this on the Waterstones web site.)

HarryT · 11-03-2013, 09:19 AM

I'd buy direct from Amazon. Waterstones have a very poor returns policy should you have a problem.

Mike L · 11-03-2013, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Waterstones have a very poor returns policy should you have a problem.

Yes, I've heard that as well. But, in theory, it should be irrelevant. If you have a problem, you will rely on your statutory rights. The merchant's returns policy shouldn't come into it.

That said, it's true that Amazon has a reputation for excellent customer service, so that would be another reason to buy from them.

I don't know whether Waterstone's get a cut on your future ebook purchases. If they did, I would have no great desire to support them. After all, this is the firm that put two of my favourite independent bookshops out of business.

Mike

mjwilson · 11-04-2013, 03:02 PM

Thanks for the feedback.

11-03-2013, 08:49 AM	#1
mjwilson Connoisseur Posts: 96 Karma: 511127 Join Date: May 2012 Device: Kindle Keyboard	New Kindle: Amazon vs Waterstones I'm thinking of picking up a new Kindle and am wondering what considerations there are in buying at Waterstones versus direct from Amazon. I've read that Waterstones put their own screensaver on, but that doesn't sound like a big deal to me. Are there any other disadvantages? If Amazon release a new firmware version, would a Waterstones-bought Kindle get the update immediately, or does that rely on Waterstones pushing out their own version of the firmware? I'd like to support real bookshops but I'm not likely to go back to buying paper books in significant quantities. If I've bought a Kindle from Waterstones, do they then get a cut of e-books I buy on that Kindle? Or do I need to be in-store for that to happen? (I couldn't find any clear description of this on the Waterstones web site.)

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11-03-2013, 09:19 AM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I'd buy direct from Amazon. Waterstones have a very poor returns policy should you have a problem.

11-04-2013, 03:02 PM	#4
mjwilson Connoisseur Posts: 96 Karma: 511127 Join Date: May 2012 Device: Kindle Keyboard	Thanks for the feedback.