I recently ordered some Microsoft Software online from Officeworks, as the store in Perth city did not have it, and it was taking ages to get it from Sydney. I cancelled my order with the store and I put my order online, using their website, with great results and satisfaction.
The website is very easy to browse and to add items to your shopping cart. However, you have to register to be able to purchase, which is something that could easily be avoided if they had a "purchase as a guest" option; this also would certainly generate more business for them, as many people are put off by online registrations. Nevertheless, I am surprised at how serious they are, and the fact that you can customise your account so you don't receive any promotional mail/email. That is always a guarantee of seriousness to me. The only down is the tracking area, which does not show activity beyond the "order received". I don't call this a tracking device, but an "order received" device. A tracking device not only shows the receipt of the order, but also the dispatch of the parcels and the different transit spots of the same; this was never the case when I checked my account. That could be certainly improved; if you don't live in a city area or you put your order on a Friday evening, is takes about 4 days for your parcel to arrive, and you want to know if the parcel has been dispatched.
The website states that the delivery is done in the next two working days for free in city areas by courier if your over is over $55. I thought that, like in many other websites, the statement was a declaration of intentions, but they were actually right and serious about their commitment, and I got my items delivered on the same day. This has happened every time I have ordered. I am most impressed.
Officeworks offer some of the best prices for the office and school supplies in Australia, with frequent specials, clearings, and regular discount catalogues. What is more important, they offer a super-easy to shop online and get your order at home in time record.
Actually, after my experience with the real store, I prefer their online service. That is a lot to say.
The only thing I don't like about the online store is their idiotic patronising censorship on reviews. No wonder most items don't have any.
Most recommended!
UPDATE JANUARY 2015
I still love Officeworks and I buy a good deal of staff online from them. The people on the phone at Customer Service are usually lovely, but there are a few issues that you have to beware of:> You can be waiting for your call to be taken by a representative about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, you are bombarded with Officworks self-promotion. What happened to the right music being used? Or, "your call has progressed in the cue message"? Or the minimum period wait is X sort of message?
> Customer Service can give you contradictory replies to the same question.
> They don't tell you aproximate time of delivery.
> They cannot contact the driver to tell you an approximate time of delivery either, or if they are going to be in the morning or afternoon. So you cannot leave your place unless you want your purchase to be leaved at your door and trust the Universe that nobody will take it.
> The delivery on the same day tick box is not on view any longer. It used to be clearly visible. Now, the next business day delivery is used as a default, so bear that in mind.
> The track your order in your account is completely worthless and inaccurate. What is the point in having a tracking system that does not do just that?
UPDATE 3/12/2019
I've been buying from Officeworks for years having different local stores as home store where the supplies would be dispatched.
POSITIVES
> They free delivery minimum expenditure is low and easy to achieve.
> You can get your items delivered on the next day if you order a day ahead or that day before 11. I've done that multiple times and received my parcels in less than 24 hours.
> Pricing of products online is the same as products in store.
> Huge selection of items.
> Great return policies.
> Friendly delivery guys.
> Customer service operators on the phone have always been extremely kind and helpful.
NEGATIVES
> The main downside is that, depending on the store you set as your default, you will get a better or worse service. However, you can manually change that. I have done as one of the stores I used to provide me with supplies for my last relocation were sending wrong numbers or not sending them or double sending then. I changed the store, and problem solved.
> Office chairs used to be part of the next day delivery for free. However, that's not the case these days, and you have to pay 30+ bucks for being considered a bulky item, and next day delivery isn't guaranteed.
> There are online and local retailers selling some of the products they sell at cheaper prices, printer cartridges among them.
My experience is very positive overall.
