dcbs questions? please advise

[Gtc]

Hi. I'm thinking of switching over to DCBS instead of using the local store. I've never ordered anything thru the mail on a regular basis. I've noticed that a few people here use them and I am basically looking for some feedback/opinions about them. General stuff like:

Have you ever worried about missing items that seem to sell-out fast? (even if you pre-order)

How are they about varient covers? (if you want a particular cover is it difficult to get?)

How is their shipping? I was told they no longer use ups instead going with something called dhl (I've never heard of them). I definately do NOT want stuff coming by the regular post office (I am not far from them and would use a house address).

If you order a fair bit from them do you also order bags and boards and what is the difference between them (mylytes, half backs - stuff like that I am not sure what those things are?).

Do you get the previews BOOK or just wait and order straight from the site? (do you get the order book?)


I know that sounded like a lot of questions but I would really like to hear some reassurance that they have a good service and that switching is the right thing. I am not happy with the only local stores within my area and kindof want to change that. Any advice you could give about them would be great.
Thanks for your time and help!!!
gtc

[joshua]

to preface this, i work for the retail store westfield comics, etc, the retail location of westfield comics (westfieldcomics.com).

we order enough for damages, and can get stuff from the retail store in case of loss and whatnot. the only time orders don't get filled at this point is if diamond royally screwed us and we were never shipped product. preordered inventory is set aside just for that. the stuff for the store goes to the store (which is miles away, so it isn't getting swiped or anything).

as for variant covers, if it has a seperate line for ordering, no problem. incentives, on the other hand, i have no clue. they may not sell them at all, because you would in theory have to mark them up so much over cover price to recoup lost oney for having to order an extra X number of copies of the book.

last i knew, we used airborn express to deliver to local post offices or something like that. DHL is more wellknown internationally than nationally, but i've never heard complaints i haven't heard about any other company... and the worst seems to be UPS.

i think the price for shipping bags and boards is figured into the cost of them from us, so you don't have to worry about paying extra beause of their weight. mylites, from what i can tell, are a thinner bag from regular mylar sleeves, making them more similar to regular poly bags.

also, due to the volume of books we deal with,. they aren't individually bagged and boarded, but they are nicely bagged in magazine size bags (generally) and in nice double wall corrugated boxes... and most of us are comics fans ourselves, so we treat them pretty damned well because we know you want them treated well.

and westfields has been doing this since about the time i was born, 25 years ago.

hope that helps shed some light.

~j!

PS -- forgot: there is a monthly 'newsletter' mailed out at the begining of the month with much of the information from previews released the week prior (or thereabouts), and you can also order via web or with our software on the windows platform.

[pmpknface]

I'll try to answer as many of your Q's as I can, as I've been using DCBS for some time now.

Have you ever worried about missing items that seem to sell-out fast? (even if you pre-order)? I've worried about this, but they have almost always come through for me. Many of the Bowen statues I've ordered have been "allocated" but I always got one. I was worried about my Promethia #32 poster/signed edition, but I got that too! One time I didn't get a rare book and I was creditied for it.

How are they about varient covers? (if you want a particular cover is it difficult to get?) From what I've been able to tell, if it has a seperate order #, then you're all set. I'm unsure about incentive covers though. I've never tried to get one. If a comic has only 1 order #, but ships with 2 covers in equal #'s, then it's whatever they stuff in your bag. Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose (Jim Balent's book) does this and I'm always wondering what cover I'll end up getting.

How is their shipping? I was told they no longer use ups instead going with something called dhl (I've never heard of them). I definately do NOT want stuff coming by the regular post office (I am not far from them and would use a house address). The simple answer - FANTASTIC! Yes, they use DHL which is a widely known shipping service (suprised you've never heard of them). Basiclly, it's the same as UPS. I get an email whenever I've got another box on the way w/ a tracking # which is pretty cool. I get boxes once a week, and that may be extra but is not that much and is worth it!

If you order a fair bit from them do you also order bags and boards and what is the difference between them (mylytes, half backs - stuff like that I am not sure what those things are?). Yes, I do order B&B's. You have a few different options (and at the end of this I'll give you some advice for looking at them). Sometimes I order them in bulk by the 100 count but mostly I have them BAG AND BOARD MY BOOKS FOR ME which is so damn cool. It makes sure they arrive in the best condition possible and saves me a lotta time and effort.

Do you get the previews BOOK or just wait and order straight from the site? (do you get the order book?) Yes. After their discounts the regular Previews and the Marvel one come to a whopping $1.12 each month.

This is what I would do if you're interested:
Go to this page from thier site: http://www.dcbservice.com/downloads.aspx There you can d-load an Excel spreadsheet that is the ENTIRE Previews catalog. All you have to do is put a "1" in the quantity column and it'll add up the total for you. At the top of the form are your shipping options and your B&B options.

I've NEVER ordered directly through thier site, but instead take my time and look over the Excel form and just email it in. A day or 2 later I'll get a reply with all of the items I ordered as a confirmation. If you have any other Q's just email them, as they are usually pretty good at gettin back to you: customer.service@dcbservice.com. Also check out the FAQ page (http://www.dcbservice.com/faq.aspx) for other details.

I hope that helps! :D

[Matches Malone]

I'm a Westfield man, myself. I've been ordering from them for over 6 years, and they've made exactly two mistakes in my order, both minor and easily correctable. Highly recommended.

I have only ordered back-items from dcbs, but I was pleased with their service and selection. I also had occasion to meet the fellow who runs it a few years back, and he is a very nice guy, really enthusiastic about comics and dedicated to good customer service.

[Chad Anderson]

Now THAT was an informative post. As a recent convert to DCBS who's waiting for his first box from them, now I also have a couple questions for you, if you don't mind a lurker emerging from the shadows.

I get boxes once a week, and that may be extra but is not that much and is worth it!

How much more is it? Can you give me a guesstimate? The wait for comics is the only thing I don't like about ordering through the mail, and I'm just curious about the expense of a more-frequent shipping schedule.

Yes, I do order B&B's. You have a few different options (and at the end of this I'll give you some advice for looking at them). Sometimes I order them in bulk by the 100 count but mostly I have them BAG AND BOARD MY BOOKS FOR ME which is so damn cool. It makes sure they arrive in the best condition possible and saves me a lotta time and effort.

Again, if you know off the top of your head, how much does it cost to have them bag and board your stuff? That would be a pretty convenient service.

And thanks for the excel order-form tip. That'll certainly make it easier when ordering from publishers in the back of the catalogue (scrolling through all those Web pages on the DCBS site was a pain).

[pmpknface]

Now THAT was an informative post.
Why, thank you! :rolleyes:

How much more is it? Can you give me a guesstimate? The wait for comics is the only thing I don't like about ordering through the mail, and I'm just curious about the expense of a more-frequent shipping schedule.

Yup, I know! If you look at the Excel sheet, you'll see that:

2x a month shipping is $4 extra
Weekly shipping is $8 extra

I think it's a bargain. I'd also like to point out that items that arrive on a Wednesday usually get to me (that's from DCBS in Indiana to me in Boston) by Monday, although I've had them show up as early as the immideate Thursday or the following Wednesday.

Again, if you know off the top of your head, how much does it cost to have them bag and board your stuff? That would be a pretty convenient service.

Oh, it is! It saves me sooooo much time putting packages of 100 togather. I didn't use it for a while, but occasionally a comic might have messed up corners or something and I can get picky. They don't tape them for you either, just put them in the B&B's. Here are the prices off of the Excel sheet:

$.10 for B&B's per book (with CDS ProBags and New Boards)
$.30 for B&B's per book (with Mylites and 24 mil Half Backs)

I get the 1st option.

And thanks for the excel order-form tip. That'll certainly make it easier when ordering from publishers in the back of the catalogue (scrolling through all those Web pages on the DCBS site was a pain).

What I also do is keep all of the spreadsheets that I send in as a reference. Then I re-sort it and copy all the items that I ordered and paste them on another sheet that I use to mark off items when they arrive. It's a good way to make sure I'm getting what I order.

Another thing the Excel sheet is good for is that everything above the normal (35%) discount is bolded in RED so you can easily see the specially discuonted stuff!

Any more questions, just lemme know. I just got a friend of mine hooked on this service and he's awaiting his 1st monthly box. :D

[Chad Anderson]

If you look at the Excel sheet, you'll see that:

2x a month shipping is $4 extra
Weekly shipping is $8 extra

I think it's a bargain.

You are correct, sir — that's a bargain. And so ends my one regret about going mail order. Thanks.

[torippu]

Thanks for all the answers Jamie. I'm contemplating a switch to DCBS for the June books that aren't on my pull list. With most books at 35% off and a special higher discounted rate for the hot item, I'm still getting a better discount than the 20% I get at my shop (shipping included).

[pmpknface]

No problem guys! Glad to help! :D

[GeorgeG]

I've been using DCBS for almost a year now. They're really good. I go through the Web site & order my books each month (get monthly shipments). The only problem I've ever had wasn't their fault--when books are delayed/miss their initial solicitation, then I have to wait longer.

DHL is great too. Service right to your door. Haven't had a problem yet. My location is usually hard to find, but they've found it quite easily.

You can't beat the discounts. I do a cost comparison of what I would've paid in a store to what I pay through DCBS. Easily $20-30 each month (if not more), and that includes shipping. Plus, because of the discounts, I find myself trying new books from all of the publishers (not just DC & Marvel).

[torippu]

You can't beat the discounts. I do a cost comparison of what I would've paid in a store to what I pay through DCBS. Easily $20-30 each month (if not more), and that includes shipping. Plus, because of the discounts, I find myself trying new books from all of the publishers (not just DC & Marvel).
I just placed my order with DCBS for books shipping in June. Saved 40% - and that includes the $4 for twice a month shipping and bags/boards. Definitely beats the normal 20% discount that I would get from my LCS and definitely know that I would never have thought about getting the Invincible HC (I've got both the single issues and TP) if it hadn't been listed at 50%.

I'm eagerly anticipating the order form for July. Anybody know when the website usually gets updated?

[pmpknface]

It should happen this week. I try not to expect them to type out the entire Previews catalog in a week, but that hasn't stopped me from checking every day. :)

[Greg of greg5]

Thanks for all the good information on DCBS. I, too, have been contemplating using an online/mail service.

Currently I am leaning towards either Mail Order Comics or DCBS. I prefer DCBS' order form, but I am leary because there is no way to speak to a human being if anything goes wrong. Call me old fashioned. :rolleyes:

I even sent DCBS an email letting them know my concern. My hope was that I would receive a prompt email reply alleviating my worries. No such luck, it has been over 48 hours and still no reply. Not even an automated response.

Has anyone who uses the service had any problems or needed to contact DCBS? Good results? Bad results? Did your problem get resolved? Was it timely?

Thanks in advance!

Greg

[torippu]

Thanks for all the good information on DCBS. I, too, have been contemplating using an online/mail service.

Currently I am leaning towards either Mail Order Comics or DCBS. I prefer DCBS' order form, but I am leary because there is no way to speak to a human being if anything goes wrong. Call me old fashioned. :rolleyes:

I even sent DCBS an email letting them know my concern. My hope was that I would receive a prompt email reply alleviating my worries. No such luck, it has been over 48 hours and still no reply. Not even an automated response.

Has anyone who uses the service had any problems or needed to contact DCBS? Good results? Bad results? Did your problem get resolved? Was it timely?

Thanks in advance!

Greg
To me, the service from DCBS has been great. I've only had two problems so far (received books that I hadn't ordered and someone else's order was added to my account and I was charged for it), but both were handled promptly (receipt of DHL return form to ship books back to DCBS) and professionally (removal of books from list and refund of charge). All communication was done via email with little delay in their response.

[pmpknface]

I've had a few issues here and there, but like torippu, they were handled pretty well. I like getting the DHL notices so that I can track my shipments each week too!

[roach04]

I've only ever had one problem and it wasn't really DCBS' problem, it was the post office (back before they used DHL). As will others, the book was replaced free of charge in my next shipment.

Honestly, I haven't gone to a comic book store to buy new comics in several years now - with the publisher's using a 1996 exchange rate on all books I get nauseous looking at the cover prices!

[sixstringguild]

DCBS is the way to go. You will not be disappointed. I've used them for the past 4 months and they have taken care of me...

[roach04]

DCBS is the way to go. You will not be disappointed. I've used them for the past 4 months and they have taken care of me...

Yep. I'm just starting my 3rd year and the other thing worth noting - they are always improving the way they do things!

[Gtc]

Hi. I noticed that this came up again and thought I would comment. Ever since I first asked about dcbs last year I decided to go with them and have keep with it since. After getting used to how it works (I was new to mail order stuff on a regular basis) I decided that it was great. Dcbs is a FANTASTIC service and I don't for a second regret going with them. I plan to stick with them every month. Everything that I order that was released I got packaged well and in a timely manner. I had never heard of dhl before but since then if I ever order anything from anywhere I try to go dhl as they are a great shipping service, much better than ANY of the others (and it is cool to get that e-mail every time a new box is about to ship). As far as communication goes, they have been great (and very patient with all my questions, especially in the beginning). I do need to do it by e-mail, but I've always gotten a friendly helpful response to every question I've asked (I just tend to give it a few days as I'm sure they are busy).

Anyway, I pretty much wanted to mention that I'm really happy with their service and would easily HIGHLY recommend them.

gtc

[melikeconan]

I just ordered April's comics from DCBS. I just have a question for anyone that uses this service. When I ordered my books I saw no option to change the shipping frequency and no options to get my books bagged and boarded. Where do I find this on the website?

[roach04]

I just ordered April's comics from DCBS. I just have a question for anyone that uses this service. When I ordered my books I saw no option to change the shipping frequency and no options to get my books bagged and boarded. Where do I find this on the website?

It's listed under the "Previews --> Order Accesories" section of the menu. There's a few shipping options for the US and a few levels of bags and boards.

One of the things they do have to automate is bags and boards per issue - right now you have to manually count how many books are on your order and update the number of bags and boards accordingly. But, that's a small price to pay!

[Tadhg Adams]

I even sent DCBS an email letting them know my concern. My hope was that I would receive a prompt email reply alleviating my worries. No such luck, it has been over 48 hours and still no reply. Not even an automated response.


Have you checked your junk mail? I had a problem and e-mailed them and thought they hadn't replied but found out that while their automated messages about my orders wern't placed in junk, the reply I got from them was.

[Greg of greg5]

Thank you (to everyone who responded to my post)...

Especially GtC & roach04, who expressed the longevity that I was hoping for.

I am planning on sending DCBS my April list this weekend!

Thank you very much for everyone's feedback.



Greg

[Greg of greg5]

Have you checked your junk mail? I had a problem and e-mailed them and thought they hadn't replied but found out that while their automated messages about my orders wern't placed in junk, the reply I got from them was.


Thanks for the thought. I did check my junk and quarantined emails. No response.

As a matter of fact, I discovered that when I clicked on the link provided on the DCBS website, it showed up different in my email client than "customer.service@dcbservice.com". In fact, it came up "customer_service@dcbservice.com". I figured it had to do with the Mozilla software I'm using (Firefox & Thunderbird-for email), so I sent DCBS another email, using the "customer.service@dcbservice.com" address. Two days went by. Nothing.

I'm figuring at this point, the personal contact thing that I want and they don't provide is their line in the sand. I respect that, and based on the feedback I've gotten here and elsewhere, they still get a shot or two.

Though it seems to me that as soon as Mail Order Comics figures out the excel order taking process... that they will become my preferred method... if for no other reason than, I like a response. And that they give me the option of picking up the phone and talking to a person.

Until then, make mine DCBS I'll be sending my list off this weekend. *fingers crossed*


Greg

[Greg of greg5]

I got a response to my email!

I feel much better about my decision to try DCBS. Thanks again to everyone who offered feedback.

Greg

[Greg of greg5]

I thought it would only be fair to post an update.

I have been using DCBS now for over two months of shipping and I have been absolutely pleased with their service!

Email correspondence has been fast and DCBS has been very accomodating. DCBS even swiftly handled my re-location.

Thanks again for everyone's feedback.

Greg