Dymocks

Web Site: www.dymocks.com.au

While the frontpage to Dymocks's Internet site looks good, unfortunately it stops there. Of the four retailers surveyed Dymocks had the highest price and the worst site design. Little things like the 'add to cart' buttons and the fact a search doesn't tell you how many pages of results seems to add to this effect.

Prices on the site seem to be standard retail and there are few specials. This wouldn't be too bad if postage was free, but unfortunately you get hit with a $5 fee to Sydney, or $8 to the rest of Australia.

Additionally very little information is contained on each book, and certainly nothing compared to the wealth of links and reviews found on the US based sites.

Although a non-framed site, each page does not contain a search box, you have to click on search first then wait for the search page to load. Again the search can lead to frustration, as the results are presented based on alphabetical order not on exact match or popularity.

About all Dymocks has going for it is that it is local, so you can get Australian books and pay in Australian currency. Unfortunately, when combined with the postage costs you would be better off just going into your local store, which for Dymocks is generally quite close.