SHOP BY MAIL WORLDWIDE How to Find It, Buy it and Get it for Less--From China and Perfumes to Fashions and Toys

A guide to finding and ordering items directly from international distributors, with individual mailing, buying and shipping specifications

These two books of sources for mail order shopping differ in content and intent. "Worldwide" is the key to Flato and Schiff as well as their subtitle " . . . from china and perfumes to fashions and toys." Emphasis is on those four categories. Where to buy is anywhere other than the United States (except for cameras and electronic equipment). Their introduction includes a sample letter of inquiry and a useless page of currency rates. De La Iglesia on the other hand gives a toll-free 800 number for up-to-the-minute exchange rates. Nor do Flato and Schiff place enough emphasis on customs regulations, brokers, duties, etc.; however, De La Iglesia covers that well. Flato and Schiff use the standard blue-chip, not fly-by-night, companies. There are some curious omissions, e.g., Burberry's, Harrod's and Foyle's but not Aquascutum, Fortnum and Mason, Blackwell, or Hatchards. De La Iglesia roams all over the map in categories from appliances to haircuts to watches. Her introductory material includes when to buy, second hand dealers, and how to pay and deal with problems. She also includes customs charges, a metric conversion table, and a size chart. Customs information for Canadians is also included. Most of the sources in her book are American. Foreign sources are included when they are the best or only source. Overlaps between the two books are few. Both are reliable. Neither provides comprehensive coverage. They are better together than either on its own. Recommended, especially for libraries whose patrons include shut-ins and those without easy access to big-city amenities.Paula M. Zieselman, Sarah Lawrence Coll. Lib., Bronxville, N.Y.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.