AbesofMaine.com Site and Service Review
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Written To Better Inform Our Visitors Regarding These Deals: • Pyle MOSFET Amplifier Discount Code [COUPONS] • GE Range Hood Discount Code [COUPONS] • Hunter Air Purifier Discount Code [COUPONS] • Nu Technology Flat Panel LCD Display [COUPONS] |
Right now, for those looking for electronics, there are more stores than you can shake several sticks at. These shops tend to be a dime a dozen online and there are almost too many choices. If you’re looking for a great value, you’ll have plenty of places to shop, but they are not all created equal. The best electronics stores combine not only value, but great customer service and quick shipping. Can Abe’s of Maine stand up to the competition? Let’s find out!
Abe’s of Maine first opened the retail store in 1979, as a simple mom and pop store in Maine. The next few years brought quick expansion and by 1986, they had opened a new location at Coney Island. The remaining years have brought booming business and Abe’s is continuing their expansion. Their online store was opened to great results and the company has managed to bring their same attention to detail to their online venture. They are known for their great and helpful service as well as the quality of their products.
Abe’s of Maine has a nice site, but it does leave a lit bit wanting. They’ve done a great job of making sure that you know they have physical locations, which can increase consumer confidence. They’ve also clearly stated how long they’ve been in business, which is another important point. We would perhaps move some graphics around to give them more importance, which we’ll discuss next in this review, but overall, they have done a nice job of presenting themselves.
Consumers should feel comfortable shopping here and that is the main issue when it comes to being successful online. You’ve got to be able to show that you are reputable and they have managed to do this very well. The prominent display of their toll-free line earns them big points in our book as well as their clear stating of their policies on their front page.
The main issue we have with the site is that it feels a bit flat, and a bit behind the times. Not every site can be an ode to the glories of flash, but it does feel as though Abe’s could use a bit of a refresh. The site design is very clean, and they’ve made an extra effort to make sure that everything is easy to find. However, it just feels a little bit bland and a little bit too old.
This may give some shoppers the impression that Abe’s is not as with-it as their competitors, and maybe not as professional. This is certainly not the case, as they have a great reputation, but their site does need a little bit more "oophm" if they want to resonate with consumers. By presenting an image that is a bit staid when you’re dealing with technology, it just gives the wrong impression.
The fixes for this would be pretty simple and something as easy as a change of a theme, adding a little more color and a few more newer design elements would be just what they need to stand out. Since this is such a competitive arena, retailers in this sector have to go above and beyond not only with their products, but also their overall design. With a good makeover, their online business could definitely improve.
As for navigation, you couldn’t ask for an easier site to use, so they have definitely scored points there. Everything is clearly laid out and it’s easy to find exactly what you are looking for. We liked the fact that they put all of the most commonly used links right in the top center where anyone can find them. The graphics on the right hand side of the page are used to illustrate their accomplishments as well as provide customers with information. We would only change one thing, by bringing the 30 day guarantee graphic up before the fold of the page. This is important information that should be emblazoned where everyone can see it, without scrolling.
Abe’s has a wide variety of consumer electronics and cameras for sale. They also sell television, including plasma televisions, computers, audio equipment and even musical instruments. We were surprised to see that they also sell large appliances as well as some great items for the home, such as air purifiers. From marina audio equipment to strollers, they’ve pretty much got it all. We found the selection to be pretty stunning and there is something for the whole family here. The products are well organized and it’s easy to find just what you’re looking for in a few seconds.
Abe’s has a great return policy for most of their products, but as to be expected, many of them cannot be returned. Laptops for example, can only be returned within that time frame if they are defective. If you have issues after the thirty days, you’ll have to talk to the manufacturer and rely on the warranty for the item you purchased. This is to be expected since we are dealing with electronics. They will however accept returns on video cameras, regular cameras and other included items within that 30 day period, provided that the item is still in new condition.
They ship out most orders within 24-48 hours, and we found that they were able to meet this deadline in most cases. You can use the online account features to keep track of your order and your account, which was a nice feature.
Overall, while their site may not be the most stunning, the prices and products offered at Abe’s make it well worth a try. If you’re in the market for consumer electronics or cameras, we highly recommend them. The service is very good and the staff is very good at answering questions. We found them to be beyond helpful and their shipping time is very speedy. Abe’s has a lot to offer, and it’s easy to see why they have done so well through the years.
About Abe’s of Maine
Abe’s of Maine first opened the retail store in 1979, as a simple mom and pop store in Maine. The next few years brought quick expansion and by 1986, they had opened a new location at Coney Island. The remaining years have brought booming business and Abe’s is continuing their expansion. Their online store was opened to great results and the company has managed to bring their same attention to detail to their online venture. They are known for their great and helpful service as well as the quality of their products.
First Impression
Abe’s of Maine has a nice site, but it does leave a lit bit wanting. They’ve done a great job of making sure that you know they have physical locations, which can increase consumer confidence. They’ve also clearly stated how long they’ve been in business, which is another important point. We would perhaps move some graphics around to give them more importance, which we’ll discuss next in this review, but overall, they have done a nice job of presenting themselves.
Consumers should feel comfortable shopping here and that is the main issue when it comes to being successful online. You’ve got to be able to show that you are reputable and they have managed to do this very well. The prominent display of their toll-free line earns them big points in our book as well as their clear stating of their policies on their front page.
Site Design and Navigation
The main issue we have with the site is that it feels a bit flat, and a bit behind the times. Not every site can be an ode to the glories of flash, but it does feel as though Abe’s could use a bit of a refresh. The site design is very clean, and they’ve made an extra effort to make sure that everything is easy to find. However, it just feels a little bit bland and a little bit too old.
This may give some shoppers the impression that Abe’s is not as with-it as their competitors, and maybe not as professional. This is certainly not the case, as they have a great reputation, but their site does need a little bit more "oophm" if they want to resonate with consumers. By presenting an image that is a bit staid when you’re dealing with technology, it just gives the wrong impression.
The fixes for this would be pretty simple and something as easy as a change of a theme, adding a little more color and a few more newer design elements would be just what they need to stand out. Since this is such a competitive arena, retailers in this sector have to go above and beyond not only with their products, but also their overall design. With a good makeover, their online business could definitely improve.
As for navigation, you couldn’t ask for an easier site to use, so they have definitely scored points there. Everything is clearly laid out and it’s easy to find exactly what you are looking for. We liked the fact that they put all of the most commonly used links right in the top center where anyone can find them. The graphics on the right hand side of the page are used to illustrate their accomplishments as well as provide customers with information. We would only change one thing, by bringing the 30 day guarantee graphic up before the fold of the page. This is important information that should be emblazoned where everyone can see it, without scrolling.
Abe’s of Maine Products
Abe’s has a wide variety of consumer electronics and cameras for sale. They also sell television, including plasma televisions, computers, audio equipment and even musical instruments. We were surprised to see that they also sell large appliances as well as some great items for the home, such as air purifiers. From marina audio equipment to strollers, they’ve pretty much got it all. We found the selection to be pretty stunning and there is something for the whole family here. The products are well organized and it’s easy to find just what you’re looking for in a few seconds.
Customer Service
Abe’s has a great return policy for most of their products, but as to be expected, many of them cannot be returned. Laptops for example, can only be returned within that time frame if they are defective. If you have issues after the thirty days, you’ll have to talk to the manufacturer and rely on the warranty for the item you purchased. This is to be expected since we are dealing with electronics. They will however accept returns on video cameras, regular cameras and other included items within that 30 day period, provided that the item is still in new condition.
They ship out most orders within 24-48 hours, and we found that they were able to meet this deadline in most cases. You can use the online account features to keep track of your order and your account, which was a nice feature.
Overall Opinion
Overall, while their site may not be the most stunning, the prices and products offered at Abe’s make it well worth a try. If you’re in the market for consumer electronics or cameras, we highly recommend them. The service is very good and the staff is very good at answering questions. We found them to be beyond helpful and their shipping time is very speedy. Abe’s has a lot to offer, and it’s easy to see why they have done so well through the years.