SmallBizGenius Analysis
Manning receives mixed reviews, with praise for its book content offset by criticisms of its website, customer service, and shipping. While some customers appreciate the unique publications and early access programs, many report issues with spam emails, order tracking, and unresponsive support.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 16 recent reviews
Customer Service
3.0/10Many reviewers express dissatisfaction with Manning's customer service, citing slow response times, unhelpful agents, and difficulty resolving issues. Several reviews mention a lack of response to emails, especially regarding refunds or order inquiries.
9 reviews mention thisShipping & Order Fulfillment
3.5/10A recurring complaint is the lack of order tracking information and long delivery times, particularly for international orders. Reviewers also mention unexpected international shipping charges and difficulties canceling orders.
7 reviews mention thisWebsite & Account Management
4.0/10Several reviewers report issues with the Manning website, including bugs, poor syntax formatting in LiveBook, and difficulties unsubscribing from newsletters. Some also mention problems with password resets and account management.
6 reviews mention thisContent Quality (Books)
8.0/10Despite the negative experiences, some reviewers praise the quality and depth of Manning's books, especially those in the MEAP program. They appreciate the clear explanations and practical examples provided.
4 reviews mention thisSpam Emails
1.0/10Multiple reviewers complain about receiving excessive spam emails from Manning after making a purchase, and report that unsubscribing is ineffective.
3 reviews mention thisRefunds
1.0/10Reviewers report difficulty obtaining refunds, even for accidental ebook purchases made within the legal withdrawal period.
2 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"The content is good and some of the publications are unique."
"A MEAP product is nice, because you get early access on previews of the book."
"There was a problem with payment but it was solved by support."
Common Complaints
"They stole my money for a service that was cancelled and they have not replied to my email for over 2 weeks."
"No order tracking / shipping information. Completely ridiculous that, in this day and age, a company of their size can't figure out how to include this in the order process."
"The product end is thoughtless / buggy garbage."
"Do not even consider buying a book here! Once they get a hold of your email address the spamming never stops! Up to three, four e-mails a day with spam, unsubscibing is pointless."
"I was charged a hefty charge of 25 USD for international shipping. However, my booked was actually shipped from a UK address."
Common Questions About Manning
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Manning legit and trustworthy?
Manning has a Trustpilot score of 2.0/5, indicating mixed customer experiences. While some reviewers praise the quality of their books, many others report issues with customer service, shipping, and website functionality. The negative reviews frequently mention unresponsive support, lack of order tracking, and unexpected shipping charges. Therefore, while Manning offers valuable content, potential customers should be aware of the reported issues and proceed with caution.
Based on 16 reviewsDoes Manning have good customer service?
Based on the available reviews, Manning's customer service is a significant area of concern. Many reviewers report difficulty contacting support, slow response times, and unhelpful agents. Several customers claim their emails were ignored, especially when requesting refunds or inquiring about order status. This lack of responsive and effective customer service is a recurring theme in the negative feedback.
Based on 9 reviewsIs Manning worth it for small businesses?
Whether Manning is worth it for a small business depends on the specific needs and risk tolerance. If a business requires access to Manning's unique and in-depth technical content, it might be worth considering despite the potential customer service and logistical challenges. However, businesses that prioritize reliable and efficient service may want to explore alternative providers with more positive customer feedback. The potential for shipping delays, website issues, and unresponsive support could negatively impact a small business's operations.
Based on 16 reviewsWhat is Manning's shipping like?
Shipping appears to be a major pain point for Manning customers, particularly those outside the UK. Many reviewers complain about the lack of order tracking information and long delivery times, with some international orders taking up to two months to arrive. Additionally, some customers report unexpected international shipping charges, even when the order is shipped from within the UK. These issues suggest that Manning's shipping processes are unreliable and potentially costly.
Based on 7 reviewsWhy is Manning charging me for international shipping when the order ships from the UK?
One reviewer specifically mentions being charged international shipping fees despite their order shipping from within the UK. They contacted Manning's support to request a refund of the difference but received no response. This suggests a potential issue with Manning's shipping charge calculation or a lack of transparency in their shipping policies.
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