I've ordered from Amazon UK direct and also through S&S. Through trial and error, I've concluded that shipping direct is a lot cheaper, S&S is expensive especially if Amazon sends the order in multiple packages (should have asked on here first shouldn't I, rather than learning from my own costly mistakes..). Also, they take VAT off the order if you ship direct, you don't get that with S&S....I'm surprised no-one's mentioned it.
However, my last Amazon UK direct order took 4 weeks to arrive for whatever reason. I received an email confirming dispatch, but it was delivered 3 1/2 weeks after the dispatch email.
<em>edited by Sugarbeach on 09/10/2011</em>
We order from them all the time. It takes about 2 weeks for delivery and is nearly always quicker than they estimate. I really wouldn't advocate ordering via shop and ship. The weight can really rack up the costs and also as Amazon have a tendency to ship things in dribs and drabs you end up getting hit for the minimum charge on each package, often doubling the cost of the item.
FFx
Have bought quite a few dvds and box sets and just had them delivered to my apartment p.o box. They're normally cheaper than here even after postage cost and no danger of over editing ruining things!