In other words, the cookie on Ms Gould's PC may have stored the details of the wrong card, not Amazon. However, this does not explain the long delay in delivery. While we were pleased that Amazon did not charge Ms Gould until her goods were ready for dispatch, we do not understand why Amazon took a week to prepare goods they promised would be dispatched within 24 hours. This is a complaint very often levelled at internet traders, that goods are apparently ready for dispatch but are then delayed for days, even weeks, without informing the customer. It may seem a small point to complain about, but it can make all the difference when it comes to a choice between ordering on the web and walking into a shop to buy your books and CDs.
Retailers take note.