SmallBizGenius Analysis
Taschen is a well-regarded publisher known for high-quality art and photography books, but customer experiences are mixed, particularly regarding shipping and packaging. While many customers praise the books' quality and content, delivery issues and damaged items are recurring complaints.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 280 recent reviews
Product Quality
9.0/10Reviewers consistently praise the high quality of Taschen's books, highlighting the printing, binding, paper quality, and image sharpness. Many describe the books as 'magnificent' and 'exceptional,' emphasizing their value as collectibles and sources of inspiration.
55 reviews mention thisShipping and Delivery
4.5/10A significant number of reviewers report issues with shipping and delivery, including slow delivery times, damaged packaging, and books arriving with damaged corners. Common complaints involve the use of DHL and other carriers, with some customers experiencing unexpected brokerage fees and poor handling of parcels.
40 reviews mention thisPackaging
5.0/10Many customers express disappointment with Taschen's packaging, stating that it is often inadequate to protect the books during transit. Reviewers report receiving books with damaged corners and other defects due to poor packaging, especially when ordering expensive or collectible volumes.
25 reviews mention thisCustomer Service
6.0/10Customer service experiences are mixed, with some reviewers praising the timely and helpful responses, while others express frustration with unhelpful or delayed assistance. Some customers report difficulties resolving issues related to damaged or incomplete orders.
15 reviews mention thisVariety and Content
8.5/10Reviewers appreciate the wide range of subjects covered by Taschen's publications, including art, history, fashion, photography, and architecture. Many customers value the depth of information and the visually stunning content found in Taschen books.
10 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"The books are amazing from the quality of the printing, binding, paper, image sharpness, color, etc. I treasure their books."
"The subject matter — they have something for everyone! History, art, fashion, photography, arc..."
"Great service and prompt delivery Books are marvelous as well as the printed photos are of great quality as usual."
"Books arrived perfectly, timely and well wrapped. The quality of the books from this publisher is exceptional."
"Excellent value for money. I love it."
Common Complaints
"Books are slightly damaged, the cardboard box, packaging was not protected at all, very poor packing. Especially if you're a collector, this is a no go."
"The book is fantastic, but shipping is the slowest I have ever seen. I ordered the book in september the 7th and received it today, september the 25th."
"However I would not have purchased this if I knew it was coming via DHL. You pay TASCHEN a shipping fee, you pay import duty (5% where I am), and then DHL cha..."
"Incomplete shipment. "The Fantastic Worlds of Frank Frazetta" was not included, even though the invoice would suggest that it had."
"The only problem, that happens constantly, is that DHL does not write the purchasers phone number, on the voucher and this makes the delivery problematic."
Common Questions About Taschen
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Taschen legit and trustworthy?
Taschen is a legitimate publisher with a strong reputation for producing high-quality art and photography books. However, customer reviews indicate that their shipping and packaging processes are inconsistent, leading to frequent complaints about damaged books and slow delivery times. While the quality of the books themselves is rarely questioned, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for issues with the delivery process. Despite these issues, many customers report positive experiences and continue to purchase from Taschen due to the unique and visually stunning content they offer.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Taschen have good customer service?
Customer service experiences with Taschen appear to be mixed. Some reviewers praise the customer service for being responsive and helpful in resolving issues, while others report difficulties in getting timely assistance or satisfactory resolutions. Common complaints include delays in responding to inquiries and challenges in resolving issues related to damaged or incomplete orders. While some customers have had positive interactions, others have found the customer service to be lacking, suggesting that there is room for improvement in this area.
Based on 15 reviewsIs Taschen worth it for small business?
For small businesses such as art galleries, design studios, or architecture firms, Taschen books can be a valuable addition to their collections or retail offerings. The high-quality printing, visually stunning content, and wide range of subjects make Taschen books an attractive option for businesses looking to enhance their aesthetic appeal or provide inspiration to their teams. However, small business owners should carefully consider the potential for shipping and packaging issues, as damaged books can be a significant concern, especially when purchasing in bulk. Weighing the benefits of the unique content against the potential logistical challenges is crucial in determining whether Taschen is worth it for a small business.
Based on 20 reviewsWhat is Taschen's return policy like?
The reviews do not provide specific details about Taschen's formal return policy. However, some reviewers mention attempting to return damaged books, with varying degrees of success. Some customers report that they were asked to return the books to the post office, while others express frustration with the lack of refunds for shipping costs. Because the return policy isn't clearly addressed in these reviews, it's recommended to check Taschen's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on their return procedures.
Based on 5 reviewsWhy do customers complain about DHL when ordering from Taschen?
Customers frequently complain about DHL due to issues such as slow delivery times, unexpected brokerage fees, and poor handling of parcels. Some reviewers report that DHL fails to provide accurate tracking information or deliver packages to the correct address. Additionally, customers in Canada have noted that DHL charges high brokerage fees for clearing customs, even though books are typically exempt from customs duties. These issues with DHL contribute to a negative overall experience for customers ordering from Taschen.
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