eBags.com

Full review
Yes, I admit it: I have a strange fetish with notebook computer bags. Even I wonder why a person would need as many cases for a notebook as I have (I have a particular bag for every possible situation). Some bags are utilitarian, others are sleek and sexy. I find that I need (ok, I want) various bags for various situations.

Generally, I buy my bags at retail stores where I can carefully examine every crevice of the case before I buy it (and, believe me: every crevice is examined before I plunk my money down). I have heard friends and colleagues mention their good experiences buying their various carriers online at eBags.com, so I decided to check out the website. The website is one of the best-designed of any online retailer. My experiences with them has proven that they are than just a lot of fluff, as many other online retailers prove to be: eBags.com is a reliable retailer who offers quick service and stands behind their products. There is a reason this company dominates the bag market--they have mastered this niche.


So, What Do They Sell?

Obviously, they sell bags, but that does not tell the entire story. The various categories include:
- Handbags
- Business and Laptop
- Urban and Messenger
- Sports and Duffels (duffel, gym, wheeled gym bags, etc.)
- Business Accessories
- Luggage (rolling, carry-on, garment bags, etc.)
- Backpacks (school packs, laptop packs, wheeled, etc.)
- Travel Accessories (toiletry kits, packing aids, etc.)
- Kids and Parents (Children's backpacks, diaper bags, etc.)
- Wallets (ladies, mens, and travel wallets)
- Digital Lifestyle (iPod, MP3, cameras, etc.)
- Sales Items

If these categories fail to paint the picture for you, then picture this: if it could possibly be described as a bag, this company sells us. They sell all of the major brands of bags (and it looks to me like they sell the minor brands as well). In addition, eBags also sells their own branded products.

While they sell, all type of bags, I know that this is probably the leading online retailer for notebook computer cases and camera bags (two realms that I know a lot about).


What about the Website?

I am a rather experienced online shopper (it takes quite a bit to impress me when it comes to the various websites attempting to peddle their goods). With that said, I was incredibly impressed with this website. The eBags.com website is pleasant to look at, it is well organized, and it also provides more information on the various bags than most of us thought was possible.

For every bag, there is a color picture (and most of the bags have several pictures showing every angle). Besides the pictures, there is also a full description describing everything about it (size, material, pockets, etc.). What then puts eBags above the competition is the customer information. First of all, customers who purchased the bags have returned to rate the bag on a scale of 1 to 10 regarding every possible aspect of the product (i.e., appearance, organization, durability, padding, price/value, overall, etc.). Besides the numerical rating, customers have also written a brief review of their bag--these reviews are quite informative, pointing out both the positive and negative aspects of the product.

One of my favorite features of this website is the various ways to search. A customer could browse by type of bag (which becomes rather detailed), by brand, or by price. I was looking for a new bag for my notebook computer--all I had to do was enter in the manufacturer and model of my computer, and eBags then provided me a list of cases that would perfectly fit my computer! After going through the list, I found several that perfectly fit my needs.


Can I Get a Bargain?

Their prices are good (not exceptional, but very good). eBags.com is constantly running sales, so bargain hunters will always be able to find something to make them very happy. All of their prices are lower than you will ever find at specialty or department stores. I bought a notebook case that retails at $79.99, but usually sells from them for $49.99. eBags was running a sale on the bag for $39.99, and their current special was 10% off plus free shipping. Thus, my grand total was about $36 shipped (and they charged no tax) on a bag that has a MSRP of $80.

eBags.com is ALWAYS running specials--but shoppers need to find them. If buyers will do a quick search for the specials, they could always find a deal worth a minimum of free shipping, and usually more than that. Some shoppers might become rather annoyed that their deals are not stackable (i.e., I had to choose between free shipping and 10% off, $5 off, and free next day shipping--I could have one, but not have all three).


Ordering Process

I really have very little to say about this, because the process went completely smoothly for me--there were absolutely no hassles. Simply put your items in the cart, enter your payment and shipping information--that't it! All done! Payment options include: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and the new "Bill Me Later" (a service which allows you to buy products online, but not pay for them until after they are received). For those who would rather not place their order online, there is an 800 number to call to complete the process.


How Long Will They Sit on My Order?

In my case, I placed my order after midnight, and it was shipped out on the morning of the same day (so, it took them approximately two to three business hours to ship my merchandise). I was extremely pleased with their promptness of filling my order. I chose the cheapest shipping available (UPS ground), but other shipment options are available to speed up delivery (all of the options are with UPS). In my case, my shipment arrived in just two days. I was rather impressed when I looked into upgrading the shipping when eBags automatically warned me not to, saying that it would arrive to my location sooner with ground shipping than air shipping (which saved me the temptation of spending an extra few bucks).


What's Going on With My Bag Now?

eBags.com has definitely heard the cries of customers who desire email notifications. Immediately after placing my order, I received an email containing order confirmation information. A few hours later, I received another email telling me it has been shipped. After my order arrived, I received a very cordial email saying that UPS delivered the package and providing me with all the customer service information and their return policy should I need it.


Where's My Stuff?

No hassles with the tracking information with their utilitarian site! From the moment I clicked on "place my order," I could track my order status (I could watch it go from verifying the credit card information, to processing the order, to sending it to be packaged). Once the order has shipped, simply by going to their website and logging in, the complete tracking information from UPS pops up on their website (no need to go the website of UPS or anyone else).


How Was it Thrown in the Box?

I am usually quite a stickler when it comes to the packaging of shipped merchandise, but, honestly, how do we expect them to pack up a bag? The packaging was nothing fancy (a brown box with the merchandise in a very thick plastic bag), but it was certainly adequate. My notebook case arrived in perfect condition.


What if I Hate What I Buy?

There might be other online retailers who will match this return policy, but nobody can beat the "No Hassle Return Policy." This comes straight from eBags.com:

We unconditionally guarantee all unused or defective merchandise for 30 days from the receipt of shipment. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you may return any unused or defective merchandise FREE, for a prompt refund; the only exception is personalized or custom made items.

eBags.com will even pay for the shipping if a customer chooses to return merchandise he or she purchased! That is great news for paranoid shoppers (like myself).


Would I Buy from eBags.com Again?

Yes! In every way, the company met and surpassed my expectations (I wish I was as crazy about the notebook bag as I am about the company). Still, I like to be able to physically examine these types of purchases before I spend my money--that is the only hesitancy that I would have about buying products from them in the future. Just to give me an added incentive, included with my order was an offer for $10 off my next order of $25 or more--it would be wasteful not to use this coupon!