Newbury bargain thread (and bargains in general)

[BERIGAN]

I checked their storefront on Amazon but it's a real drag because they only allow you to sort their offerings (3000+ pages) alphabetically. Why not by price as well?

I don't know, I have often wondered about that...only thing I can figure is Amazon don't want to make it too easy for folks to buy new stuff under what Amazon themselves sell items for...

[papsrus]

I can't afford to save anymore money.

[BeBop]

This place will do that to you!

[BERIGAN]

I can't afford to save anymore money.

[Rooster_Ties]

I've never ordered from Newbury (well, maybe from them through Amazon a time or two, without even knowing it probably), but what the heck is up with their website not being in sync with what they have listed at Amazon??

Recently I found a couple things on Amazon's used marketplace that they had the lowest price on, and I thought I'd go direct to their site and get the same titles directly from them -- in part because I'd hoped to be able to combine shipping on multiple items, and save a little $$ (like you can do on half.com), but also because I really wanted Newbury to get more of (all) my cash (since they probably need it worse than Amazon does), even if I couldn't combine shipping. They're the little guy, and Amazon is a big corporate thing, so you can guess where (given a choice), where I'd want more of my money to go (especially in this economy).

But I couldn't find the same titles they have on Amazon on their site, and vice versa. Makes me think (possibly) what they have listed in either place might be vaporware (stuff they don't have in stock, but think they can get from their sources – like that company (Caiman?) that took over Tower Records on-line presence).

What gives?? My perceived impression of them was quite good (from what others have said here over the years), but I'm leery of on-line vendors that list lots of inventory that they might not really have. And not seeing the same inventory on their site and the Amazon site seems squirrely, at least to me. Either they HAVE something in stock, or they DON'T – it can't be two different ways at the same time, can it?

[bertrand]

How is the Bobby Timmons Quartet/Orchestras CD?

Bertrand.

[David Ayers]

I've never ordered from Newbury (well, maybe from them through Amazon a time or two, without even knowing it probably), but what the heck is up with their website not being in sync with what they have listed at Amazon??

Recently I found a couple things on Amazon's used marketplace that they had the lowest price on, and I thought I'd go direct to their site and get the same titles directly from them -- in part because I'd hoped to be able to combine shipping on multiple items, and save a little $$ (like you can do on half.com), but also because I really wanted Newbury to get more of (all) my cash (since they probably need it worse than Amazon does), even if I couldn't combine shipping. They're the little guy, and Amazon is a big corporate thing, so you can guess where (given a choice), where I'd want more of my money to go (especially in this economy).

But I couldn't find the same titles they have on Amazon on their site, and vice versa. Makes me think (possibly) what they have listed in either place might be vaporware (stuff they don't have in stock, but think they can get from their sources – like that company (Caiman?) that took over Tower Records on-line presence).

What gives?? My perceived impression of them was quite good (from what others have said here over the years), but I'm leery of on-line vendors that list lots of inventory that they might not really have. And not seeing the same inventory on their site and the Amazon site seems squirrely, at least to me. Either they HAVE something in stock, or they DON'T – it can't be two different ways at the same time, can it?

Best bet with Newbury is to go to the Newbury Street store and buy what you see

In fact, it is logically possible for them to have the inventory listed on each site. I'd say if you are after the bargain options these are priced on amazon in a particular way and will artrive or not one item at a time - what's to lose?

[Ron S]

I've never ordered from Newbury (well, maybe from them through Amazon a time or two, without even knowing it probably), but what the heck is up with their website not being in sync with what they have listed at Amazon??

Recently I found a couple things on Amazon's used marketplace that they had the lowest price on, and I thought I'd go direct to their site and get the same titles directly from them -- in part because I'd hoped to be able to combine shipping on multiple items, and save a little $$ (like you can do on half.com), but also because I really wanted Newbury to get more of (all) my cash (since they probably need it worse than Amazon does), even if I couldn't combine shipping. They're the little guy, and Amazon is a big corporate thing, so you can guess where (given a choice), where I'd want more of my money to go (especially in this economy).

But I couldn't find the same titles they have on Amazon on their site, and vice versa. Makes me think (possibly) what they have listed in either place might be vaporware (stuff they don't have in stock, but think they can get from their sources – like that company (Caiman?) that took over Tower Records on-line presence).

What gives?? My perceived impression of them was quite good (from what others have said here over the years), but I'm leery of on-line vendors that list lots of inventory that they might not really have. And not seeing the same inventory on their site and the Amazon site seems squirrely, at least to me. Either they HAVE something in stock, or they DON'T – it can't be two different ways at the same time, can it?

I've made tens--probably more like HUNDREDS --of purchases from Newbury. The vast majority have been through Amazon Marketplace, but a few were directly from their web site.

NEVER a problem with stock or otherwise. Well, maybe once (literally) when they didn't have something they had listed, but they notified and cancelled immediately. And one other time I received a cut-out when they had not identified it as such--they immediately sent me another new copy that was NOT a cut-out, and told me to keep the cut-out. You can't go wrong with Newbury.

Incidentally, there are several other Amazon Marketplace sellers (from whom I've also made numerous purchases) with whom I've had consistently good luck, and some of them also maintain separate web sites on which the stock and/or prices often vary from their Amazon listings, so I wouldn't worry about that. One of the reasons for the price differentials, I think, is that their Amazon pricing is tied to the prices of other Amazon Marketplace merchants for the same item. You'll often see them engage in a kind of bidding war, with several of them vying to be the lowest price, even if by 1 cent.

In addition to Newbury, the ones I've had consistent good luck with over many, many purchases include:

blowitoutahere: Crappy name, but fantastic service and prices. In fact, I recently ordered a box set directly from their own site and, although it was brand-new and factory-sealed, it was missing one of the discs. They IMMEDIATELY sent me a new copy by UPS 2-day delivery, and also sent me a prepaid UPS return label to return the defective set.

importcds: Always have what they say they have, and ship quickly. Not so great with returns--make you pay return postage, and sometimes a bit slow in processing refunds, but never any serious problems.

MovieMars: Similar to importcds, but if I recall correctly, they pay for returns of defective merchandise. They're occasionally a couple of days slower in shipping, but generally pretty fast (and provide tracking).

classical_music_superstore: This one is obviously for classical music. They are actually part of Naxos USA, and are the US distributor of all the labels they sell. As a result, their prices can be phenomenal (Naxos discs in the $1-4 range, occasional blow-out prices for Chandos box sets, etc.). Customer service is fantastic--they ship immediately, respond to inquiries quickly, etc.

I'm sure there are some others I'm forgetting, but those are the ones that immediately came to mind.

You should also be aware that Amazon changed its Marketplace procedures a while back, so that your credit card does not get charged until Marketplace merchants notify Amazon that your item has actually shipped. This seems to be a great incentive for them to get things out quickly, and Amazon (and often the merchant, too) now notifies you when an item ships.

[bertrand]

Up for the Bobby Timmons - any reason not to get this?

Bertrand.

[colinmce]

I've been waiting over three weeks for a Movie Mars order, with no shipping notice or anything (even though my card was charged upon purchase). I sent an e-mail inquiry today but have yet to hear anything back.

[ghost of miles]

Up for the Bobby Timmons - any reason not to get this?

Bertrand.

I don't have it, Bertrand--and while I don't treat the Penguin Guide as gospel, they give it 2 stars and say, "Despite the distinguished cast, a sad finale." I'm still a bit tempted to pick it up for only $5, however.

[bertrand]

Yeah, I saw that too. Still hesitating.

Bertrand.

[jazzbo]

Bertrand, as a Bobby Timmons fan I have that one and like it. But I sense you and I have a differing philosophy on cd ownership, you like to own ones that are excellent top to bottom. . . and this one is far shakier than that.

[Ron S]

I've been waiting over three weeks for a Movie Mars order, with no shipping notice or anything (even though my card was charged upon purchase). I sent an e-mail inquiry today but have yet to hear anything back.

In my experience, they're pretty good about responding to emails--although it may take a day or two. If you don't hear back by tomorrow, I'd suggest sending them another email.

Bottom line: none of these guys are perfect.

[mellowT]

I just ordered these last week and have already received them. The deals are still good as of today. Thanks to another thread for pointing two of them out:

Benny Golson - The Other Side of Benny Golson, $1.99 + ship

Lucky Thompson - Happy Days, $1.99 + ship

Coleman Hawkins - The Hawk Flies High, $0.99 + ship

[AllenLowe]

BERTRAND: BUY THAT CD OR THE FATE OF THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY WILL BE ON YOUR CONSCIENCE

Edited March 8, 2010 by AllenLowe

[Quincy]

But I couldn't find the same titles they have on Amazon on their site, and vice versa. Makes me think (possibly) what they have listed in either place might be vaporware (stuff they don't have in stock, but think they can get from their sources – like that company (Caiman?) that took over Tower Records on-line presence).

What gives??

I have a friend who works with an independent shop and it's as simple as it's easier to keep track of items if you have things only being sold from one place. If the item was in the store and on Amazon at the same time, you're going to disappoint some people online too frequently when you have to inform them the item is no longer available. And some of those people reach the conclusion that the store is trying to sell what they don't have and don't come back. Thus when they have something that they feel the local market isn't going to snap up, online it goes, and that's the only way to buy it.

[Big Wheel]

But I couldn't find the same titles they have on Amazon on their site, and vice versa. Makes me think (possibly) what they have listed in either place might be vaporware (stuff they don't have in stock, but think they can get from their sources – like that company (Caiman?) that took over Tower Records on-line presence).

What gives??

I have a friend who works with an independent shop and it's as simple as it's easier to keep track of items if you have things only being sold from one place. If the item was in the store and on Amazon at the same time, you're going to disappoint some people online too frequently when you have to inform them the item is no longer available. And some of those people reach the conclusion that the store is trying to sell what they don't have and don't come back. Thus when they have something that they feel the local market isn't going to snap up, online it goes, and that's the only way to buy it.

You'd think that modern IT would help eliminate this problem. There has to be an inventory system somewhere that can take this kind of purchase info from disparate sources and updates your databases nearly in real time. That way as soon as you ring up that CD, your system is telling Amazon to pull your listing from the store. I guess this must be too expensive for the little guy, though, so they end up wasting time dealing with all this crap manually.

[mikelz777]

I couldn't pass up: (both $1.99 + ship)

Lucky Thompson - Happy Days

Sonny Phillips - Legends Of Acid Jazz (2-fer-->Sure 'Nuff/Black On Black)

Edited March 9, 2010 by mikelz777

[Dave Garrett]

blowitoutahere: Crappy name, but fantastic service and prices. In fact, I recently ordered a box set directly from their own site and, although it was brand-new and factory-sealed, it was missing one of the discs. They IMMEDIATELY sent me a new copy by UPS 2-day delivery, and also sent me a prepaid UPS return label to return the defective set.

I've bought several things from blowitoutahere and was likewise favorably impressed with them. Will definitely patronize them again.

MovieMars: Similar to importcds, but if I recall correctly, they pay for returns of defective merchandise. They're occasionally a couple of days slower in shipping, but generally pretty fast (and provide tracking).

My only experiences with MovieMars have been on eBay, but based on that, I'd have to conclude that they list items which they do not have in stock and are unable to obtain from their distributor. I've run across far too many listings from them for out-of-print items that there's no way they could possibly have, and the one time I bit on one of those listings when they were literally the only vendor anywhere that had the item listed at any price, sure enough, they couldn't fulfill it. To be fair, they did issue a refund pretty quickly when I requested one after several weeks had elapsed with no sign of the item.

[colinmce]

I think that's what happened with my aforementioned Movie Mars order: Alexander Von Schlippenbach's Monk's Casino for $11.43. Seemed far too good to be true

[ejp626]

I think that's what happened with my aforementioned Movie Mars order: Alexander Von Schlippenbach's Monk's Casino for $11.43. Seemed far too good to be true

Not quite as good a deal, but JazzLoft seems to have it in stock for $37:

http://www.jazzloft.com/p-38492-monks-casino.aspx

Here's a YouTube clip of the guys doing their thing: Monk's Casino

[Ron S]

My only experiences with MovieMars have been on eBay, but based on that, I'd have to conclude that they list items which they do not have in stock and are unable to obtain from their distributor. I've run across far too many listings from them for out-of-print items that there's no way they could possibly have, and the one time I bit on one of those listings when they were literally the only vendor anywhere that had the item listed at any price, sure enough, they couldn't fulfill it. To be fair, they did issue a refund pretty quickly when I requested one after several weeks had elapsed with no sign of the item.

I think that's what happened with my aforementioned Movie Mars order: Alexander Von Schlippenbach's Monk's Casino for $11.43. Seemed far too good to be true

I think that's one of the secrets of dealing with these high-volume sellers (MovieMars, importcds, etc.): stick with in-print items (including imports), and you should have pretty good luck. I learned that lesson with Caiman way back when, and usually had good luck with them, also.

For brand-new, still-sealed OOP stuff, I've always had better luck with smaller-volume sellers (i.e., number of reviews in the tens/hundreds/low thousands, and not tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands). Of course, there's always the "used--like new" and "used--very good" listings, if you're willing to take a chance (I've had some decent luck with those, lately).

And it goes without saying that you should stick with sellers with predominantly positive reviews.

[Stefan Wood]

Les Spann's Gemini for $2.99.

Edited March 9, 2010 by Stefan Wood

[Son-of-a-Weizen]

Nice price ($1.99) on that 2cd Monk/Trane Complete 1957 Riverside Recordings.