Over six months since having gone to ground, the Exclusive Books Web site has emerged redesigned, revamped and very definitely re-engineered. The new site, though it appears very template-based and wizard-driven, is a huge improvement over the previous incarnation.
Appearance
The site remains loyal to its initial layout parameters. Good use of both white space and the Exclusive Books corporate colours makes it very easy on the eye.
Functionality
It is obvious a lot of effort has gone into improving the site`s functionality. When visiting the home page, users are prompted to sign in if already an Exclusive Books.com customer, or to register if not. The option of using either a secure or a standard server is provided, and the registration form is quick to work through.
Although there is room on the form for one`s membership details for Fanatics, Exclusive`s loyalty programme, one can`t apply for a Fanatics card online as this is a process that must still be undertaken in the real world. To aid interested parties, there is a detailed store guide on the site. In a step designed to entice traffic through the brick-and-mortar stores, the site features an in-store event guide as well.
A very helpful addition is the site guide, which contains an index of links to all the main features and sections on the Web site. Hyperlinked headings will take you to the front page for that section, and the items below each heading will take you to a more specific page. This might become cumbersome as the site grows in both depth and content range, but for now, it`s a very efficient way of finding exactly what you`re looking for.
Navigation
Working your way through this site is easy and enjoyable. The tons of interesting content mean that even if you do lose your way (despite the four variously anchored navigation bars) you`re sure to enjoy the ride.
Content quality
The quality of information available on this site is exceptional. To my mind, this broad range of content would interest students and aficionados alike. The site provides extensive coverage of news, awards and almost everything literary through the ages.
Litmus test
Possibly the best selling point of this new and improved site is its competitive pricing. A rather nifty feature allows you to see the price of any given item in rands, dollars, pounds and euros.
I decided on Jamie Oliver`s The Naked Chef, and was very pleasantly surprised by how the site`s offering stood up against that of Amazon.com. Including the cost to ship to a PO box, buying this book through Exclusive Books` site saved me close to R140, according to the latest rand/dollar exchange rates.
One gripe is that you can`t yet view your order history or track packages from within the site. Delivery is handled nationally by Speed Services couriers and internationally by FedEx. The site promises customers: "If we have dispatched a book to you but you have not received it, you can contact Speed Services on their toll-free number. Give the operator your tracking number, which you received in your confirmation e-mail, and they will locate your parcel for you."
All well and good, except there was no tracking number in my confirmation mail. Having followed up with a mail to the Orders department, I tried a phone call as well, and found that the book, which was purchased on 16 May, still hadn`t been shipped by 22 May, despite assurances on the site itself that The Naked Chef is available, and ships within 24 hours.
The Exclusive Books team deserves a hearty pat on the back for the enormous amount of work they`ve put into improving this site. However, the crucial element of fulfilment is still weak, and appears prone to cracking under stress.
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