Don't bother pre-ordering anything...

What is the use of pre-ordering and paying for a book online only for the book to only be available for collection AFTER the launch? And I am not talking a day after the launch – FIVE to to SEVEN working days!!! This after the advert for the book on the Exclusive Books site said 'availability 4 October'. The response to my query today about the delivery code (or whatever they want to call it) which I need to collect the book was as follows:

"We have ordered the book from our local suppliers,it will take 5-7 working days. As soon as we receive your order it will be dispatched to your chosen address or store."

Are you kidding me?!

I could have walked into the Constantia store yesterday evening and bought the book - no problem. Now I have to wait for Exclusive Books to send me a notification to collect the book while one of your store assistants could have handed me a copy in store seeing as there were about 50 copies on display?

All this experience has taught me is no to pre-order anything from Exclusive Books... I could have had the book delivered (guaranteed) by Takealot YESTERDAY...