Message-ID: <219@cmu-ri-rover.ARPA>
Date: Fri, 8-Mar-85 12:04:51 EST
Article-I.D.: cmu-ri-r.219
Posted: Fri Mar  8 12:04:51 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 11-Mar-85 05:32:56 EST
Organization: Carnegie-Mellon University, CS/RI
Lines: 85

I don't know if messages about subscription services have appeared
before on net.comics but I thought I'd present my experiences with
Westfield.

For 6 months I've been using the Westfield Comics subscription service.
I highly reccomend it for those considering a subscription service.

I used to use a local store service. But they gave only 10% off, sometimes
missed issues, and PA sales tax on top meant I wasn't saving anything and
was still missing desired issues.

Three of us here order from Westfield and combine orders. So we order 30-40
comics a month. We've always had prompt service.  There are options for
monthly or biweekly shipping rate. We opted for the monthly rate. There
is a $40.00 min order for the biweekly rate. Only $10 for the monthly.
You can select which you want at any time just by checking a box
on your new order form.

The shipping is done UPS and in very sturdy boxes. The comics are grouped
flat in several bags (not individually). You also pay only for exact
shipping charges. That runs about $2-$2.50 and we get many magazines in our
order. These boxes are tough, and I save them for my use when I need strong
small boxes in shipping.

The single minor problem we've had was when Beauty and the Beast #? was
shipped instead of Kitty and Wolverine #5, I called and they said don't
bother sending the issues back, just enclose a note with the new order!

Now, the stuff does often arrive on the newstand slightly before we get our
shipment. This doesn't bother me but might annoy some who are waiting
anxiously for some issue(s).

In any case, Westfield has been reliable and thoroughly professional.  The
order forms for next months shipment are enclosed with the present shipment
and is a clear well laid out form. There is a Credit and Debit corner in the
event of over or undepayments, or a title has been cancelled, rescheduled or
undergone a price change.

The prices are 30%-40% off cover prices. For example: $0.65 cover prices
are $0.45  $1.50 cover are $1.00   $20.00 portfolio's are $15.00
Magazines like Epic that have $2.50 cover are $1.85  The pricing
structure is similar for all lines. I think this is a pretty substantial
savings and there is no tax. There is a $1 maintenance fee on each order
for overhead. 

Mags and Fanzines carried are Amazing Heroes, Captain Britain, 
Comic Interview, Comics Journal, Dragon, Dr. Who, Epic, Enterprise
Incidents, Fangoria, Heavy Metal, Prevue, SS of Conan, Starburst, Starlog,
Warrior, Twilight Zone, Nemo, occasional special 'zines.

Good line of independents from First, Eagle, Comico, Kitchen Sink, Eclipse,
Americomics, Fantagraphics...

Marvel and DC of course, and a full category of Special Publications
(may be published irregularly). Portfolios, posters, buttons, books,
Overstreet price guides, Cochran's EC library series, Barks pubs, 
Elfquest, Cerebus etc...

I have found the newsletter to be fairly informative about new offerings
and have made several buying decisions based on it. You get Marvel Age
free, sometimes they enclose companies' promo posters and other little
goodies like DC Releases, First in..., and Eagle News are also enclosed
in each newsletter shipment (with the comics you last ordered).

If something hasn't arrived in time to be shipped then a sheet is enclosed
showing exactly what will be shipped in your next order.

	They are:
				Westfield Comics
				6515 Grand Teton Plaza
				Madison, WI 53719
				(608) 833-2122

I'd be interested in hearing opinions on other subscription services too.

				nivek

Aka:	  Kevin Dowling
Arpanet:  nivek@cmu-ri-rover
Bell:     (412) 578-8830
USmail:   Robotics Institute CMU
          Schenley Park
	  Pgh, PA 15213