Shopping for calendars online can feel like a gamble, especially when you're trying to find the perfect planner or wall calendar to organize your year. I recently went down the rabbit hole of researching Calendars.com after seeing their advertisements, and like many of you, I found myself wondering if this site was actually legitimate or just another online retailer that overpromises and underdelivers.
After personally ordering from the site and spending considerable time reading through customer feedback across various platforms, I want to share everything I've learned about this online calendar retailer. Whether you're considering purchasing a wall calendar, desk planner, or specialized organizational tool, this comprehensive review will help you make an informed decision.
What Exactly Is Calendars.com?
Calendars.com is an online retail store that specializes in—you guessed it—calendars. The site offers an extensive selection of wall calendars, desk calendars, planners, organizers, and other time-management products. They carry thousands of designs featuring everything from puppies and landscapes to specific niches like classic cars, spiritual themes, and pop culture references.
The website has been operating for many years and positions itself as a one-stop shop for all things related to calendars and planning. They offer products from major publishers and feature exclusive designs you might not find in retail stores. The site typically runs seasonal sales and promotions, especially as the new year approaches.
My Personal Experience Ordering From Calendars.com
I decided to test the waters myself by ordering two wall calendars—one featuring national parks photography and another with motivational quotes. The ordering process was straightforward, with clear product images and descriptions. The checkout system worked smoothly, and I received an order confirmation email within minutes.
The shipping took about seven business days, which aligned with what was promised at checkout. When the package arrived, the calendars were well-protected in a sturdy cardboard mailer, preventing any bending or damage during transit. The print quality exceeded my expectations—the colors were vibrant, the paper felt substantial, and the binding was secure.
One thing that impressed me was the actual product matching the website photos. Sometimes online shopping can be disappointing when items look different in person, but these calendars looked exactly as advertised. The size specifications were accurate, and the monthly grid layouts were easy to read with adequate space for writing notes.
What Customers Are Saying Across Different Platforms
To get a fuller picture beyond my single experience, I dove into customer reviews across multiple platforms. The feedback is mixed, which is typical for any large-scale online retailer, but certain patterns emerged that are worth discussing.
Many positive reviews highlight the wide selection available on the site. Customers appreciate being able to find niche calendars that aren't available in local stores—whether that's a specific dog breed, a hobby interest, or a particular art style. The variety is genuinely impressive, with thousands of options across dozens of categories.
The pricing is another frequently mentioned positive. While not the absolute cheapest option available, Calendars.com offers competitive prices, especially during their sales events. Many customers note that the prices are comparable to or better than what they'd find at bookstores or gift shops, with the added convenience of home delivery.
However, not all feedback is glowing. Some customers report longer-than-expected shipping times, particularly during peak seasons like November and December when calendar purchases surge. A few reviews mention receiving damaged products, though most indicate that customer service was responsive in providing replacements or refunds.
Investigating Legitimacy Concerns
The question of legitimacy is important, and I understand why shoppers are cautious. Based on my research and personal experience, Calendars.com is a legitimate business. They have a physical corporate presence, have been operating for years, and process thousands of orders successfully.
The site uses secure payment processing, which you can verify by the padlock icon in your browser's address bar. They accept major credit cards and PayPal, both of which offer buyer protection. I never experienced any unauthorized charges or security issues related to my purchase.
That said, like any business, they're not perfect. Some of the criticism stems from customer service experiences, shipping delays, or product availability issues—problems that can affect any online retailer, especially during high-demand periods.
Comparing Calendars.com to Alternatives
When evaluating whether to purchase from this site, it helps to consider alternatives. You could buy calendars from Amazon, which offers faster shipping through Prime but may have less specialized selection. Local bookstores and gift shops provide the advantage of seeing products in person but typically have limited inventory.
Big-box retailers like Target or Barnes & Noble offer calendars seasonally, often at competitive prices, but their selection peaks and diminishes quickly. Online specialty retailers exist, but many have smaller catalogs than Calendars.com.
What sets Calendars.com apart is the sheer breadth of their catalog. If you're looking for something specific or unusual, they're more likely to have it than general retailers. However, if you need a basic calendar quickly and have Amazon Prime, the faster shipping might outweigh the selection advantage.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Based on customer feedback patterns, here are some tips to ensure a smooth shopping experience. First, order early if you're shopping for the upcoming year. The best selection is available in October through early December, and shipping is more reliable when you order before the holiday rush.
Second, carefully check the product dimensions and specifications. Some customers expressed disappointment when calendars were smaller or larger than expected, but this information is clearly listed in the product details. Taking a moment to verify ensures the product meets your expectations.
Third, take advantage of sales and promotions. The site regularly offers discounts, especially on bulk orders or during seasonal events. Signing up for their email list can alert you to these deals, potentially saving you a significant amount on your purchase.
Customer Service and Return Policies
Understanding the return policy is crucial when shopping online. Calendars.com offers returns within a specific timeframe, typically 30 days, for unused products in original condition. However, personalized or customized calendars may not be eligible for return, so read the terms carefully before ordering customized items.
Customer service can be reached through email and phone during business hours. Response times vary based on season, with faster responses during off-peak months and potential delays during the busy year-end period. From what I've gathered, most legitimate issues are resolved, though the process may take some patience during high-volume times.
The Bottom Line: Should You Order From Calendars.com?
After thorough research and personal experience, I can confirm that Calendars.com is a legitimate online retailer. They offer a vast selection of calendar products with reasonable prices and generally reliable service. The site is secure, and they fulfill the majority of orders without issues.
However, like any business, they have room for improvement, particularly in shipping consistency and customer service responsiveness during peak times. If you're seeking a specific calendar design that's hard to find elsewhere and you're not in a rush, Calendars.com is a solid option.
For the best experience, I recommend ordering early in the season, carefully reviewing product specifications, and keeping your order confirmation for reference. While not perfect, the company provides a valuable service for calendar enthusiasts and anyone looking for quality planning products delivered to their door.
Your mileage may vary based on timing and specific product availability, but overall, this is a trustworthy retailer worth considering for your calendar and planner needs.