drugstore.com

Full review
For years I have shopped from DrugStore.com.  Whenever I can't find something from my local pharmacy, grocery or department store ... I visit DrugStore.com.  They often have what I need, and sometimes provide a bonus.


About DrugStore.com

http://www.drugstore.com


As you can infer from their name, DrugStore.com offers items that can usually be found in a drugstore/pharmacy.  They provide prescription and over-the-counter medicines.  Other selections include: hair products, skin care, personal items, makeup, contact lenses, vitamins (including GNC merchandise), fitness items, some food, children's toys, pet supplies, laundry supplies and dish detergent.  And this just covers the basics.


Navigating the Site

This website is easy to navigate with plenty of links.  Sometimes too many links!  For me, the quickest way to find a product is to use the Search Box located at the left top of the page.

At the Top

At the top of the Home Page is a notice proclaiming "Free Standard Shipping with orders over $49" (this does not include prescription medicine).  There is also a link showing how many items are currently in the shopping bag and how much money has been spent.

A lot of tabs run across the top of the page to aid in categorizing areas of interest.  There are also links to Holiday Items, Sale Items and Beauty.com.

To the Left

This side of the page offers detailed category links.  For instance one of the headings says "Medicine Cabinet" and the subheadings beneath it read: Home Medical, Allergy & Sinus, Digestion, First Aid, See More.  There is also a handy link that allows one to search by Brand Name instead of category.   

In the Middle

There are many images in the center of the Home Page.  Some of them feature promotion highlights (such as holiday sales, a percentage off GNC merchandise or other products).  Other product images link to special offers.

Along the Bottom

Along the bottom of the Home Page are duplicate links to the categories.  There are also links to corporate and employment information as well as participating in an affiliate program.


Let's Go Shopping!

I am a value shopper.  I look for sales, deals, freebies ... ways to stretch dollars.  Keeping alert for sales and special offers, one can do well at DrugStore.com.  Over the years, I have ordered a variety of products that include:  vitamins, makeup, over-the-counter medicines, first aid items, Burt's Bees and GNC merchandise.

My latest shopping visit included buying face cream, foot scrub, and makeup.  I knew the facial cream was a GNC product, so that was easy to locate in the GNC category.  However, I wasn't sure what brand of foot scrub or makeup I wanted.  The foot scrub I normally use is no longer being made, and I wanted to try some makeup different from what I've been using.

I used the Search Box to type in "foot scrub".  The results came back with 19 product choices.  Some of the items were marked with a red Sale notice.  I wanted to sort by Lowest Price, so at the top of the selections, I chose that option.  You can also reorder the search results by selecting: Best Match, Best Selling, New to Store, A-Z, Savings Dollars, Savings Percent, or Customer Rating.

Customer Ratings are a big help.  Customers can write about their experiences with each product.  I found this very helpful when looking at the foot scrubs and makeup.  The comments mentioned the various consistencies of the foot scrub (I did not want a watery one), and the makeup comments discussed the actual shade/color of the cosmetic and how well it wore.  It's great when consumers take the time to share their experiences (whether here or at Epinions).  Reading the reviews saved me from purchasing products I would not have been pleased using.

Each product page features a product photograph that can be enlarged.  Also included is a description of the item (some more detailed than others).  Look at the tabs near the product description to see the "Ingredients," "Reviews," and "Directions" for using the product. 

Another nice feature is that DrugStore.com often offers deals and freebies.  These bonus buys are always welcome.  For instance, with the makeup I purchased there was a "buy two and receive a free eye shadow" offer.  The eye shadow instantly appeared in my shopping bag, too.  I remember another time when I purchase some Burt's Bees products and was sent a free Burt's Bee sampler pack.  Make sure to click the "Free Gifts" link on the Home Page, located beneath the Search Box.

At the right of the product page is a box that lists the price.  Here you can adjust the quantity and add it to the shopping bag.  Beneath this box is a list of related products that might be of interest.


Checking Out

To check out, click the "View Shopping Bag" button.  This opens a page where the items are itemized, complete with product photo, quantity ordered, and price.  A subtotal appears at the bottom.  You can change the quantity of items, remove items, and update the bag from this page.

Enter your zip code and choose the shipping method (Standard Shipping, Overnight, 2-Day, or 3-Day).  This changes the subtotal order information so that you can view the shipping and tax charges.

There is also a box to enter a coupon code if you have one.  There is also a section titled DrugStore.com Dollars.  The amount of "dollars" you earn from the order is printed in red along with the date you must use them by.  After the order is placed, you will receive an email informing you that this extra money is available to use on your next order, and it will provide the expiration date.  Periodic reminder emails are sent to jog your memory about using these Drugstore.com Dollars.

The usual billing and shipping information is required.  Payment can be made via Paypal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diner's Club, or Bill Me Later.

If you don't qualify for free shipping, the shipping rates start at $5.99 for Standard Shipping.  There is an additional 99-cent per pound charge for each incremental pound over 20 pounds.


Notification & Shipping

DrugStore.com is excellent at communicating the order confirmation via email.  They also follow up with shipment notification that includes the tracking number.

Packages have always arrived in good condition and in a timely fashion.  I have never had to return a product or contact customer service.  I found it interesting that even though I made my purchases through the DrugStore.com website, the makeup arrived in a clear plastic bag marked with the Beauty.com logo.


Summary

I will continue to shop at DrugStore.com.  If you know your prices, you can do quite well shopping at this online store.  I'm a happy customer!

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com

Please read my other reviews:

BestBuy (online store)

Zappos (shoes online)

Kohl's (online store)

Old Pueblo Traders (online store)

Harry and David Online and at the Mall

The Republic of Tea Online Store


Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart