3 ms·

Why would anyone buy a book online and wait for 3-5 days? -- Almost everyone in 1995.

• benj111 8y ago
  A book is a bit different to a car. If I don't like a book I can take it to the charity shop and buy a new one, can't really do that with a car. And if lack of 'test drives' for books did turn out to be a problem, it is at least a trivially solvable problem, technologically speaking. Plus you might need to add at least 5 years to that date.
  • dwighttk 8y ago
    look inside the book is Amazon's test drive for books.
    • benj111 8y ago
      That's what I was alluding to. :) It didn't exist in 1995, and wasn't clear if it was needed, just like it isn't clear if test drives are needed for Teslas today.
• threeseed 8y ago
  Ridiculous comparison. Books just work. There are no moving parts and unless something has gone really wrong you won't have quality control issues. Also they cost like $20 so any losses are minimal. Cars are highly complex, require regular servicing, are a once in every 5/10 year purchase and cost $40,000. And they are also highly personal as the driving and interior experience needs to work for just you. It's more akin to asking someone to buy a house online without ever looking inside.