iRobot
The home page for the site is pretty busy and can be overwhelming. There are tabs across the top (Home Robots, Store, Government/Industrial Robots, About IRobot) that allow you to jump to introductory pages for each section. Alternatively, you can just move the cursor over the tab and several drop-down menus (how they work, owner talk, service/support, etc.) are available for you to use.
There are also three large bubbles mid-page that contain several "quick links" for home robot shoppers, those who want to know more about IRobot's government machines, and those who want to read the company's recent press releases.
When you jump to the "Home Robots" main page, the three different robots (Roomba, Scooba, and Dirt Dog) are pictured above a brief description of each. You can click on the images to go to each product's page and learn more about how they work, FAQ's, etc. There are even infomercial-type video clips that show Roomba and Scooba robots in action.
I clicked on the "Government Robots" tab because I was curious about what a company that produces vacuuming machines could make for the armed forces. I was amazed to see these little "Number 5 is alive!"-looking robots that can go on unmanned scouting expeditions, send live video and audio feeds back to base, and even pick up objects like explosives or HAZMATs. I was really impressed while browsing through this section.
Finally, it was time to order a Roomba for my mother. I clicked on the "Store" tab at the top of the page and jumped to another page that was chock full of links. My eye was immediately drawn to the huge banner advertising five different specials. Along the right side of the page there are links that allow you to browse through different collections: specials, Roomba, Scooba, Dirt Dog, accessories, parts and even skins to customize the appearance of your robot! There also is a link to the Roomba Upgrade Program which allows you to purchase their newest, most expensive Roomba (Discovery) for 30% off if you own older models.
Return Policy
IRobot.com offers a 30-day risk-free trial period. You can return your robot (including all accessories) to them during that time by simply boxing it up, including the bottom half of the original packing slip, and shipping the product back to them. IRobot suggests using UPS or Insured Parcel Post to return items. The web site states that they will process your return within 30 days and you will be refunded in the same form of payment that you used when you placed the order.
Returns after 30 days require a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) code. You have to contact the company to provide your name, address, and reason for the return in order to receive a RMA.
Warranty
The company offers a one year parts/labor warranty on their Roomba and Scooba robots. The site states that you will have to provide your original bill of sale in order to receive warranty service.
Placing An Order With IRobot
After clicking on the main Roomba link, I decided to order the Roomba Sage for Pets for my mother for $219.99. The quantity box default is "1" so I only had to click on the "add to cart" button to make my selection.
Since I was already spending a fair amount of cash, I said "what the heck" and browsed through the Scooba accessory section. I found the Scooba Caddy which allows you to store your Scooba standing up. I had been puzzling over exactly where I should keep my new Scooba and the caddy seemed like a good idea. I added it to my cart even though the item was listed as out of stock and shipping in 3-4 weeks.
Each time you add an item to the cart, you are shown a complete listing of the contents and can adjust quantities, delete items, or move them from your cart to your wish list. When you are satisfied with your order, you can either proceed to a secure checkout or use Google Checkout. I didn't know what Google Checkout was so I opted to just go to IRobot's checkout.
If you are a returning customer, you are asked to enter your email address and password to access your account. New users are taken to a page where you have to enter your billing address, phone number, and email address. They also ask you if you want your order shipped to your billing address, to a different address, or to multiple addresses. When you have finished with that section, it is time to review your order again, select a shipping option and request or decline gift wrapping. I chose the most inexpensive shipping option, UPS Ground (6-10 days), which was still $16.95. The next page in the checkout process asks you to enter any promotional codes that you have and, finally, your credit card information including the 3-digit card verification code. There also is an option to "Bill Me Later" if you have spent $250 or more but I really don't know anything about that process since I paid with my credit card right then and there. After your payment information is entered, you view a page that lists all of your order information: merchandise ordered, billing address, shipping information, payment information, etc. If you everything is correct, you click a button to place your order and IRobot sends you a confirmation email.
Receiving My Order
I received two emails from IRobot immediately after placing my order. The first one confirmed the order. The second one stated that the Scooba Caddy was back-ordered and that my credit card wouldn't be charged until the item was in-stock and about to be shipped. Several days later they sent me a shipping confirmation notice to let me know that the Roomba was on its way.
The package hit my doorstep about a week after I placed my order. I was very pleased to see it arrive so quickly. I was somewhat upset to see that the exterior cardboard packing box clearly said IRobot in large and bold letters. The company name is not exactly obscure. Anyone with a TV could figure out that there was a couple hundred dollars worth of product inside the box. Luckily I live in a quiet, friendly neighborhood and the Roomba was still on my doorstep when I got home from work.
The Scooba Caddy is still on back-order but that's okay with me. I knew it was out of stock when I ordered it and I am in no big rush to get it.
Registering Your Robot
After you receive your robot, you can register it on the IRobot web site. When I registered my Scooba, they sent me an email good for a one-time 15% discount on accessories. I am hoping that the registration might also help me if I ever have to utilize the warranty because I think my boyfriend threw away the original purchase receipt.
Overall Experience
Although the IRobot site is jam packed with links, tabs, and images, it is still very user-friendly. It is easy to browse through the site, find information about products, and place an order. Delivery is fast when an item is in stock and they send you emails updating you on your order's progress throughout the entire experience. I had a great experience shopping at this site. My birthday is coming up and a Roomba Discovery is on my wish list. If a certain someone doesn't catch the hint and buy me one? Let's just say that I know where the IRobot site is and I'm not afraid to use it.