OTTO Media: How the online bookshop works
At Otto Media you can order books, eBooks, DVDs, games and much more. However, there are a few things to consider.
Advantages of an Otto Media Club membership
If you register with Otto Media, you will save up to 25% on books compared to the recommended retail price. In addition, many books at Otto Media are provided with different covers than the standard volumes. You can choose from over 600, 000 books and 15, 000 DVDs. You will receive a catalog with the current offers four times a year.
Disadvantages of Otto Media
Since you sign up for a kind of subscription with your registration, you are obliged to purchase once a quarter. The price doesn't matter. So you can also buy something very cheap. If you do not order anything, the current bestseller will automatically be sent to you, which of course you will then have to pay for. When you receive this forced order, you have 14 days to exchange the book for another book of your choice. You have to bear the shipping costs of all items yourself, unless you have them delivered to a branch to pick them up there.
With your registration you commit yourself for two years. If you do not cancel three months before it expires, your membership will be extended by one year. After you have registered in the club, you have 14 days to cancel this membership.
Criticism of club membership
On the Trusted Shops website, which awards seals of approval for online shops, users rate Otto Media with 3.94 out of 5 possible stars. However, there is also a lot of criticism about Otto Media's service. The main criticism is the long delivery time, the high shipping costs of just under € 4 per book, many advertising calls and the purchase obligation mentioned above. It is also striking how often users report that branches in your area have been closed and therefore they had to pay the postage.
Alternative to Otto Media
At Weltbild you will find a selection similar to that at Otto Media, but you can benefit from free delivery from a purchase value of € 10. However, the reviews of Weltbild are not only good. There, the service seems to be in need of improvement, especially with complaints. After all, Weltbild customers do not have to buy as they do at Otto Media. It is definitely worthwhile to compare the advantages and disadvantages individually. Be sure to also consider Amazon when making your choice. There you can order books free of charge.
Are you looking for reading material but don't want to spend money on it? In this practical tip we will explain how you can get non-fiction books free of charge. Addendum: Unfortunately, the service Otto Media was discontinued. However, we do offer discounts with which you can save on other Otto services.