Amazon’s initial “in stock” statement.

A two day book delivery promise from Amazon can turn into 2 1/2 weeks. Or longer.

I try to keep enough copies of my photography book in stock to have at my photography workshops for people who didn’t order the book before the workshop. I also keep books on hand for people who discover my book and want to order an autographed copy for themselves or to give away as a gift. At least that’s the plan. With three of my workshops coming up I decided to order a few more copies this morning.

I checked Amazon’s site and they have 6 copies in stock, or at least that is what the site says, with the possibility of overnight delivery (screen capture above).  I ordered 5 books and Amazon gave me several delivery options, including paying for overnight delivery. I opted for the free two day “Prime” delivery.  I paid with a credit card and checked out.

Amazon delivery estimate after ordering.

It was not until the ordering process was done that they showed me my new delivery date estimate, August 13-20. What on earth happened to the two day delivery that comes with the Prime membership I paid for? How did 2 days delivery become 19-26 days?

Fortunately, I have enough books for my August 15-17 workshop. That is one reason I have started ordering well in advance for my fall workshops. This isn’t the first time this happened. This whole thing with two days delivery time becoming three weeks was a problem when I was ordering extra books for my spring photography workshops. I now order extra copies of my book two months ahead of my workshops. I remember when two days delivery time with Amazon really was two days.

Amazon, revised in stock estimate after my order.

After getting my delivery date surprise, I went back to my book’s Amazon page. Now they have one book “In stock on July 28”. Hmmm. And I won’t get my books until mid August or later. I don’t get it.

I could cancel my order at Amazon and go elsewhere, but the last time I did that (for my spring workshops) the delivery date from the other book dealers was much later than the estimated delivery date, not too mention I had to pay a “per book” delivery fee so the total cost per book was higher than at Amazon. Sigh.

There is a moral to the story. If Amazon offers you two day delivery at check out, that does not always mean you will get the book in two days. Order early.