Overstock.com

Full review
I never shopped before this year from Overstock.com, but I had heard about it for years. I browsed their site from time to time, to see if there was anything I would like and once in awhile, something pops up. I tend to notice that items are less expensive than I would fine elsewhere.

I took the plunge when I bought a microsueded (microfiber-style) futon cover for my futon. The price was right at $69 and most other places offer futon covers like this anywhere from $80-130 and I was looking for a deal. What sealed the deal for me, was that Overstock.com offers reviews. People who are signed up with them, can offer their opinion and rating on an item. This item, in particular had great reviews. I like to see what people have to say about an item before I buy: the good and the bad.

I recieved it within two weeks. Before I bought it, I had e-mailed customer service to ask if it was washable. I did not see anything about that, so they said no, it was spot cleaning only. This was "iffy" for me, because of dust mites and allergies, I like to wash things (well, and a toddler). So I took the plunge anyway. I decided I could spot and wipe clean, plus I have a spot cleaner I could use on it, or vacuum it when I need to (or shake it out, etc). I figured it would last 2 years at least until I find a washable one. I also put a waterproof mattress cover under it so the mattress part is well protected. I instantly found that it wipes up nicely and the color matches what I saw on Overstock (sage/olive) color perfectly.

My only issue with my first purchase was that it smelled "musty" so I e-mailed customer service and got a prompt response. First off, I don't want something "musty" if I cannot wash it. The offered it for me to send it back for a new one, but I said no because it would probably be musty too since they insisted it was their fault not mine (of course). So I agreed to take a 10% refund for the musty/dusty smell to it and just clean it myself. So I vacuumed it, shook it out and I also sprayed it with spray that takes smells out and now it is fine and I had $6 in my Overstock account to spend the next time. That is some decent and quick-reacting customer service! Plus I'm happy with my purchase.

My next purchase was for a DVD, on of my favorite new movies for only $10 so I had to snatch it up. With my $6 credit, my movie cost me $4 plus $2.95 shipping. Shipping is low and sometimes offered for free. If you sign up with Overstock they send deals/discounts in your email all the time (like free shipping, or $20 off $100 only 'til midnight, etc.). They have star ratings and reviews from customers. The pages are easy to dig through. Just go to a section like "furniture" and then "living room" and then "chairs" or you can type in the search box for what you're looking for. You can sign up for an account and track your order. I have just used their shopping website, but not the auctions, cars or real estate part of it, so I cannot comment on those.

Overstock will have items at all times that they carry, and at other times it IS just overstock from somewhere and they may only carry it for a limited amount of time. You can return products for 100% of the price within 30 days, but it's 80% of the price after 30 days. Customer service is handy and you can e-mail them, you can talk to someone live (about the item you want to buy) which is handy or you can call them. See http://www.overstock.com for all their rules/regulations and policies.

Overall: I've had a great experience for them. I wouldn't buy anything like a gift if you need it "rushed" because it takes an average of 2-3 weeks to get your item. Shipping is reasonable...very reasonable. I average $2.95 for my items no matter the size. They even sell furniture, which I have my eye on. If you google promotional codes, you may find a coupon to use online at their website when checking out (just a possibility)...but your best bet is to sign up with them to recieve their coupons via e-mail.