Late Wednesday evening I ordered a few copies of 'Waiting for Your Cat to Bark' for a client from Barnes & Noble specifically because they promise 'same day delivery in Manhattan'. But since the power of word-of-mouth and customer referrals is so central to the theme, I feel compelled to warn you that it doesn't always turn out that way.

My order was placed in the wee hours of Thursday the 22nd. It should have been an easy 'same day delivery' as they literally had the entire day. The web site even reported status as 'scheduled for delivery 6/22'. When our client informed me late on the 23rd that the books had not arrived, the real fun began. Three phone calls and four B&N people later, they still had no idea why the order wasn't delivered, and little indication it would get there by close of business business (and it happened to be a Friday). After some prodding, they offered to schedule a Saturday home delivery, and I can only hope that made it. 'Guarenteed Same Day Delivery' turned out to be '3rd day delivery if you call us three times and make sure it happens'. Next time, I'm back to Amazon and suggest you just start there.

I'll also point out that the online ordering process at B&N doesn't make the Manhattan delivery option very clear. It tells you the book qualifies for 'free same day delivery' but still offer you four shipping options without making it clear that you don't have to choose any expedited delivery.

I know the Eisenbergs have sold a lot of books through BN.com. I hope someone there grabs a copy and reads it.