Aspen Book is the WORST! Part 1 & 2

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Aspen Book is the WORST! Part 1 & 2

Bookshop.Org provides an alternative to Amazon
Bookshop.org (Click here) helps other bookstores by providing a new revenue stream through online sales, giving affiliate stores a 30% profit margin on sales made through their specific pages, and contributing to a general profit-sharing pool that distributes funds to independent bookstores. It also helps by removing the overhead costs associated with maintaining an e-commerce site, allowing small bookstores to compete in the online market without managing their own inventory or fulfillment.

Pics of review left October 9, 2025 - Tried to add this to the Google Review I left for them, but it's still unviewable. They don't want people to know EXACTLY what kind of business they are or what kind of service they offer. Makes me wonder how many other reviews they've gotten like mine and they make them unviewable. They just want you to see the GOOD STUFF. Says more about them that it does for me. They can't block bad reviews on eBay so I got some of the pics of them (see below)

October 14, 2025 - update to original review of Apsen Book is the WORST! Still unviewable. They don't want people to know EXACTLY what kind of business they are or what kind of service they offer. Makes me wonder how many other reviews they've gotten like mine and they make them unviewable. They just want you to see the GOOD STUFF. Says more about them that it does for me. They can't block bad reviews on eBay so I got some of the pics of them (see below)

NEVER ASPEN BOOK! - The review we left might be gone, because we've checked with 2 other Google Accounts and it's doesn't show up, but it is with the original Google post. They might've requested it removed. That tells you a LOT about them if it was

Original Blog post starts here (October 11, 2025)

Aspen Book Company is the WORST!

Aspen Book Company's address - THEY'RE 10 MILES FROM MOM'S. INSTEAD THEY HAD MOM'S ITEM TRAVEL 794 MILES TO GRAND PRAIRIE, TX AND THEN 794 MILES BACK TO DENVER, CO - 1,588 MILES VS HAVING IT TRAVEL 10 MILES. There is a USPS location 2.9 miles, LITERALLY, from their Denver location. And a person that makes large shipments (They're a business in a warehouse) can negotiate prices with USPS. Per their website "We purchase used books in bulk and bring them to our processing center in Denver, where our team carefully reviews every item (sometimes 30,000 in a single week!). We list many of the books for sale, recycle damaged books, and sell bulk books to others." 30,000 qualifies them as a "large shipper," but I've learned they're concerned about pennies
80 E 62nd Ave Unit 105A
Denver, CO 80216

Aspen Book Company is the WORST! We both live in Denver. He shipped my order to Grand Prairie, TX. October 9, 2025 was the last date of Denver delivery. It was STILL sitting in TX. He said he'd pay for return shipping if it arrives. Right, like my mom, a disabled person, that can't drive will pay to get it to a shipping place to return it. They've changed the delivery date from Oct 9, then to Oct 20 & then to Oct 14, 2025. I'd give seller a ZERO & a ZERO for common sense. It would've cost $4.63 to ship to me locally

Correspondence between seller and my mom:
I ordered it from you on October 2, 2025, because it stated you live in Denver and so do I. I figured the item would arrive before the expected date of October 9, 2025

I just checked and found it left Denver (October 3, 2025) and went to Grand Prairie, TX (October 7, 2025) and now it's expected Monday, October 20

That's kinda dumb!

Why did it get sent to Grand Prairie, TX vs coming directly to me since we both live in Denver, CO?

By the time I receive it it'll be 11 days past the original date it was expected to

That's NOT good customer service

Sincerely,
(My mom's name)

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out. Your package was picked up by our shipping partner, OSM, who transports it about 90% of the way and then hands it over to USPS for final delivery. Sometimes packages pass through a large hub, such as Grand Prairie, TX, before reaching your local post office.

This is a normal part of the shipping process, and your package is still expected to be delivered on time by USPS.

No matter what the outcome of this order, we will resolve this to the best of our ability. If it is lost, we will send a full refund, and if it is delivered late, you are welcome to return it for a full refund.

Thank you,
Alfini - Aspen Book Co

Alfini,
DID YOU REALLY READ WHAT YOU WROTE?

"Your package was picked up by our shipping partner, OSM, who transports it about 90% of the way and then hands it over to USPS for final delivery"

Do you know how RIDICULOUS that sounds? Why would you send something to Texas when you and I BOTH live in Denver?!?

Why would I want to return it to you, incurring ANOTHER COST TO ME, if it's late when it WASN'T MY FAULT!!?!

That is IF it even arrives

The arrival date is supposed to be today, October 9, 2025

Yesterday when I clicked through to see the Original Listing it said delivery is expected, Wednesday, October 15 and Monday, October 20, 2025

Today it says, Saturday, October 11, 2025 and Thursday, October 16, 2025

On the Tracking it says it's still sitting in Grand Prairie, TX as of TODAY, October 9, 2025

I don't see how it'll magically appear BACK IN DENVER today if it's sitting in Grand Prairie, TX as I'm typing this

Can't wait to write to eBay and have them roll their eyes over how YOU messed up my order

(Mom's name)

ANOTHER EMAIL (Mom's name),

We always strive to resolve issues to the satisfaction of our customers. We will seek to do this for you as well.

We switched to OSM because it is more cost effective and time efficient to work with them than directly through USPS, which was what we used to do. This does pass on savings to our customers, who receive free shipping in the US. We understand this shipping method seems odd to our local customers here in Denver, but we have found it has been generally quicker compared to direct USPS distribution. Delays in shipping timeframes are rare with OSM but can still happen.

Scott with Aspen Book Co

Reply
YOU still don't get it. Are you THAT ignorant? THIS is NOT saving ME, YOUR CUSTOMER. "Quicker"? My package is supposed to be here TODAY. It's still sitting in Grand Prairie, TX. The delivery date from You got moved to October 20, 2025 vs the original date of October 9, 2025. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I will NOT be speaking to you again. I will be leaving a review though

(See graphics on website)
Denver, CO
1 Seller lives here
2 Buyer lives here

Grand Prairie, TX
3. Seller sent pacakage here

Denver, CO

Seller keeps defending his choice of shipping methods

Denver, CO to Grand Prairie, TX = 794 MILES
Grand Prairie, TX back to Denver, CO = 794 MILES

He could've just shipped USPS
The book weighs 1.21 pounds
USPS costs $4.63 to ship to me

And I woud've received it in time, not the 11 days (October 20, 2025) from original delivery of October 9, 2025

P.S. It was received October 10, 2025. Still later than the original delivery date

In the future we won't be ordering from Aspen Book Comapany (Jacob or Ashleigh Dean Pinkerton) or any company they own

We'll be shopping from Bookshop.org

How Bookshop.org (Click here) supports bookstores

Affiliate earnings: When a customer buys from a specific bookstore's affiliate page on Bookshop.org (Click here), that store receives 30% of the cover price for each sale.

Profit-sharing pool: 10% of every sale made on the main Bookshop.org site is put into a pool that is evenly distributed to all participating independent bookstores every six months.

Eliminating overhead: By handling the online store's infrastructure, payment processing, and customer service, Bookshop.org allows stores to earn money online without the costs and hassle of building and maintaining their own e-commerce platform.

Increased sales: Bookshop.org's higher conversion rate compared to many other online platforms can lead to more sales for stores, even if their individual margin is slightly lower than on their own site.

Support for non-affiliates: The profit-sharing pool also benefits bookstores that do not set up their own affiliate page

And if you're on their Affiliate Program selling books through your website you'll earn MORE commissions than if you're selling books through Amazon's Affiliate Program

October 14, 2025 - update to original review of Apsen Book is the WORST! and left on their Google Review (October 14, 2025)

Your Request to Change Review - was going to add this to Google Review, but it's unviewable nor can I write another
Hi Aspen Book,
Thanks for reaching out. Appreciate the refund, but I’m a little confused here. The book *did* eventually arrive, but only after being on a world tour of Denver and Grand Prairie, TX.

As for the review, I did mention in it the many (many) changes to the delivery date and the fact that your 90% reliable shipping was, well, *not* part of that 90% on this occasion. Given the whole ordeal, I’m not sure how that doesn’t deserve a 1-star or 2-star review. Maybe when the book takes its next trip, it’ll get there in time for a second chance?

I’ll leave the review as-is for now. Best of luck with that shipper of yours, though. Sounds like a *real* adventure every time and potential BAD customer reviews

Best,
My mom's

Sidenote:
They asked mom to change her eBay review. She left 😂🤣😂 (laughing emoji's) via email. She changed it. They blocked her from writing them

Mom left per requested
"They didn't like the review I left so they gave me a refund, minus taxes (the taxes part not being refunded is legal. It's only refunded if I returned the item). Then they asked me to change the review. So, I am. GOOGLE what one thing should online sellers know about customer service. And NO, I STILL WOULDN'T RECOMMEND THIS SELLER, because it took me writing a review for them to do something. All it should've taken was an email. Have a nice day all"

My, feelings on the entire matter Did they ever happen to think of using another carrier (See info below how prices are negotiable with USPS) that is low cost with a higher rate of on time reviews. Google what carrier is on time for shipping books and low cost

For low-cost book shipping, the USPS Media Mail service is the most affordable option for non-urgent, domestic shipments, but it can be slow. For faster but more expensive options, you could use UPS Ground or FedEx Ground, which are reliable and can be cost-effective for heavier packages. For very lightweight books, USPS First-Class Package Service is also a cheap choice

Mom even suggested USPS to them. Yes, it would raise the price, but she would've gladly paid it if it meant not having to deal with all the stress. Mom's disabled

Aspen Book Could’ve Walked It Over Faster — But Chose Drama Instead

Mom bought an item from a seller *literally* in the same city (Denver), 10 miles from her. Somehow, instead of just dropping it in the mail or walking it over, he shipped it using some obscure third-party service that sent it on a scenic tour to Grand Prairie, Texas. I guess her package wanted BBQ?

When mom asked why he didn't just use USPS — which would’ve actually gotten it to her on time — he said his shipper is “90% reliable.” Cool story. Hers fell in the 10%, but thanks for playing.

After writing a review and pinning it like a digital scarlet letter on Pinterest, he suddenly found the ability to refund... all but the taxes. Because, you know, *principles*.

The taxes part not being refunded is legal. It's only refunded if I returned the item. EVERY TIME she's ever gotten a refund before they refunded the cost and the taxes. You know, *principles*.

They should've left is-a-is. Ya know, they gotta stir up the pot. It is Halloween season.

If they'd left as-is or removed my original review I wouldn't have written more to my online review.

COMMON SENSE IS LOST AGAIN?

Jacob (Click here to read) and Ashleigh (Click here to read) Ashleigh Pinkerton are the owners of Aspen. Jacob was an bike mechanic, aircraft interior technician, product development engineer and engineer before Aspen Books. Maybe he needs to take his analytical and creative thinking back to being an engineer, because of how he runs Aspen Book. (10-14-25 He probably should use spell check on his LinkedIn page goo). Ashleigh Pinkerton comes from a varied background of being a content creator, project manager, social moderator, freelance writer and office manager for The Rock Church. The Rock Church make "disciples of Jesus for the renewal of Denver."

If Ashleigh is an example of what The Rock Church is, RUN!!!!

They also might want to Google what one thing should online sellers know about customer service:

"Online sellers should understand that customer service is the foundation for building loyalty and success, and the most crucial element is creating a positive and efficient customer experience through empathetic communication, prompt responses, and problem-solving"

They should also pick up the following books to read about online selling

Bottom line: If you enjoy waiting, detours, and sellers being petty over a few bucks, this is your guy. If not, maybe shop with someone who knows how to use a stamp.

I couldn't leave my revised Google Review, because they made it unviewable. I was going to post suggestions of books for them to read to better their business. I post the books here. Click on their name to order one if you want (Affilicate link - we earn a small commission for any sales made. Hubby and I are trying to help mom move to a safer senior community. The straw that broke the camel's back was her finding a dead person in the vestibule of her building. She's disabled and lives in low income housing. We're also helping her to get new teeth after one of her caregivers put bleach in her denture soaking cup).

Dear Worst Online Seller,
I noticed that your business could use a bit of polish. If you want to learn how to not completely alienate your customers, you might want to check out some of these books. They’re filled with pearls of wisdom on how to be a *slightly* more effective seller—maybe even a decent one. Best of luck

Some books for YOU to read
By clicking the link you'll find an Affiliate Link to Bookshop.org. THEY'RE THE BEST! They help local bookstores with EVERY purchase. They're ALWAYS thinking of others

Click here to buy The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone
Why: Because maybe, just maybe, learning how to run a multi-billion dollar empire might help you get a *few* more stars on your reviews?"

Click here to buy Book Launch Success Formula
Why: It’s full of practical tips for real sales success. Maybe you could stop 'selling like a ghost' and start 'selling like a pro.'

Click here to buy The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
Why: A bit of innovation might be in order... just a suggestion. It could transform your business from 'sad' to 'smooth.'

Click here to buy The Ultimate Sales Machine: Turbocharge Your Business with Relentless Focus on 12 Key Strategies by Chet Holmes
Why: Since your sales strategy seems to be ‘none,’ this book might be your best bet."

Click here to buy How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Why: If you’d like to work on your customer service, this 1936 classic might teach you how to at least *pretend* to care about people.

Click here to buy The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Why: Maybe if you read this book, you’ll learn how to *not* ignore customers and actually develop a *habit* of being effective.

Click here to buy The Secret Diary of a Mystery Shopper
Why: Perhaps this one will teach you how to actually respond to your customers. You know, things like 'acknowledge' and 'assist.'

Click here to buy What Great Salespeople Do
Why: You might find this book helpful in not turning away every potential sale with your ‘charm.’ A quick read before you lose all your future customers.

ANDClick here to buy Start with Why How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
Why: Because if you can figure out *why* you’re selling something, maybe your customers will actually want to buy it.

Click here to buy The Psychology of Selling Increase Your Sales Faster and Easier Than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracy
Why: I mean, understanding human psychology might just help you grasp the basics of customer interactions.

Why might these people listen to our advice?

When mom was on 16 weeks of bedrest while pregnant with me she taught herself HTML. She later made a living designing websites

Back when mom could work (She's disabled now and can't work) she was in the top 10 sales of a unit of 2,500 Mary Kay Consultants. They teach their consultants GREAT classes in business and marketing. Mom NEVER used hard pressure sales techniques and accomplished Top 10 in 12 months (From the date she started).

Mom used to do online marketing for celebrities after quitting Mary Kay. The things she learned from them enabled her to be quite the success. She was able to get them ALL celebrities 3,000 new followers within 3 months.

Me, I'm a Tech Engineer and I'm always looking for bookstores to shop at. Mom taught me to read before I was in kindergarten. We're both bookaholics. For now we're sticking with the bookstores we like, NEVER ASPEN BOOK! - The review we left might be gone, because we've checked with 2 other Google Accounts and it's doesn't show up, but it is with the original Google post. They might've requested it removed. That tells you a LOT about them if it was. See graphics above

And we're both bargain hunters. Aspen Book may be a bargain for some, but not if it comes with the soap opera.

Right before mom became disabled (Multiple TBI's - abuse-related) she was going to school to get a MLIS (Click here to read what a MLIS is) Hint: Master of Library and Information Science. She's REALLY GOOD at resarch.

We’re a mother-and-child team of lifelong book lovers who believe that buying books should be as enjoyable as reading them.

We're both analytical & tech-savy. We're both passionate about books and lifelong learns and readers. We're consumer advocates and write reviews that prompt change. HOPEFULLY Aspen Book will change. We're both professional communicators, ethical and fair. We also state it like it is, with facts to back it up

And MOST important....we're personally motivated to protect others from BAD sellers, in-person or online.

We enjoy finding out about the business behind books, because we like others to know about honesty, transparency, and accountability in the online book marketplace.

Because for us, it’s not just about what’s on the pages.

It’s about the people, processes, and principles behind every purchase.

We see where Aspen Book stands

Maybe their staff needs to start a side hustle, like an Affiliate Program. Bookshop.org (Click here) They pay better than than the Amazon Affiliate Program

October 14, 2025 - 6:00pm Tried to add this to the Google Review I left for them, but it's still unviewable. They don't want people to know EXACTLY what kind of business they are or what kind of service they offer. Makes me wonder how many other reviews they've gotten like mine and they make them unviewable. They just want you to see the GOOD STUFF. Says more about them that it does for me.They can't block bad reviews on eBay so I got some of the pics of them (see below)

I suggested they use USPS to ship books

There is a USPS location is 2.9 MILES from them, literally (Click here)

He told me

"Thank you for reaching out. Your package was picked up by our shipping partner, OSM, who transports it about 90% of the way and then hands it over to USPS for final delivery. Sometimes packages pass through a large hub, such as Grand Prairie, TX, before reaching your local post office.

This is a normal part of the shipping process, and your package is still expected to be delivered on time by USPS"

Certainly they could've negotiated a better price than that vs shipping it from Denver, CO to Grand Prairie, TX back to Denver

So, ship it using "their carrier" ships it 794 miles away, back 794 back and then to my place

And no, my package didn't arrive on time. I fell into your 10% that had packages arrive late. Wonder how many of their Google Reviews you set "Unviewable"?

On another website it says, ""500 per day" is sold

AND NO, WE'RE NOT THE ONLY BAD NEGATIVE REVIEWS. THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE 107 ON THEIR EBAY ACCOUNTS. He can't make them unviewable on there. I bet there are more on Google, but those they block so they're unviewable

Most complaints are about late deliveries, "He takes profit, over service", "Sent postage due when it was supposed to be free shipping", wrong item (LOTS of those), poor condition, dishonest, "Ordered signed author and it wasn't signed", "BUYER BEWARE", "Not in the condition as described", and another was, "It's still not here" (that was posted a month after it was supposed to be delivered).

I don't believe their shipping success rate is "90%" after reading their eBay negative feedback. I believe it's a LOT less.

IF YOU'RE BUYING ON EBAY CHECK ALL FEEDBACK, ESPECIALLY THE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK WHEN ORDERING FROM A SELLER

The Social Security Act, Section 207, protects Social Security benefits from garnishment, with some exceptions. This federal law was enacted on August 10, 1939

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to protect consumers from abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. Enacted in 1977, it restricts what third-party debt collectors can do when trying to collect debts from consumers

HELPS Non-profit law firm helps seniors protect their Social Security Checks. CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO ON HOW THEY HELP

Selling other's stuff and earning a commission is a GREAT way to earn an income. It's called Affiliate Marketing. Learn how HERE You can also pick up a copy of Affiliate Marketing: How To Make Money Online And Build Your Own $100,000+ Affiliate Marketing Online Business, Passive Income, Clickbank, by clicking here

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How To Use The Internet To Pay For Your Dental Bills
This is my mom, now disabled, from 10 years ago talking about some of the abuse she's survived

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