Second Hand Isn't Always Second Best!
Mar 28 '01
The Bottom Line Buying used is a great way to save a little cash, and gain those hard to find books. And when your done, share the love with someone else!
It's true, everyone likes something new. A new outfit, a new car, a new house.....a brand, spankin' new novel! Oh yes, it's great to be the first to read that new Stephen King novel, to be the first on your block to have the new Dean Koontz, the first to write that new Tom Clancy review on Epinions. But what about older books? You know, the ones you read as a kid that the local bookstore just doesn't sell? How many of you mothers or fathers out their read a fabulous book as a child, only to find that it's out of print, and you can't share it with your child? Or how bout that first edition Dickens? You think you're going to find that at Barnes and Noble? I think not!
Come with me, and enter the world of used books. The land of oldies but goodies, classic tales, and forgotten tomes. Journey to a place that you remember only in the darkest corner of your childhood memories.....
When deciding to purchase used books, there are a few things you must consider. First, where to buy them. Second, how much to pay. And third, when to say no.
WHERE
I know what you are thinking....we're talking used books here....just go to a used book store! Ah yes, but there are so many more places to find a beloved novel. Used book stores are a wonderful start, but don't let your search end there! But, while we're on the subject, I will discuss these stores briefly. A used book store is one that specializes in books that have been previously owned. Often the bookseller has rows and rows of dusty paperbacks, just waiting for you to peruse. Many of these stores also let you bring in your old books in exchange for store credit. You can then use that credit to buy more used books! It's a great way to get rid of tired books, and buy someone else's. Used bookstores always offer the books at a lower price, often for less than a dollar, depending on the book.
There's also a number of used book websites currently on the internet. Half.com, which is advertised on Epinions.com, is a great place to start. Stick in the title of the book you are looking for, and it will tell you how many copies of the book they have in stock, what condition that book is in, and the lowest price they have available. Often there will be a few different copies at different prices, and you can choose which one you want, balancing price and condition to make your decision. You can also sell your books here as well. Ebay is also another option where you can buy or sell your used books.
Garage sales, church sales, and library sales are also great places to look for used books. Often, these are the cheapest. You can often find paperbacks for mere quarters at a garage sale. This is also a great place to stock up on romance novels:) Churches and libraries are a great place to find some nice, older, hardback books for your children. These often are made to last longer, as many children have leafed through them over the years. I have found some great buys at my local library.
If you have a lot of used books you are trying to get rid of, consider giving them to Goodwill. They also sell used books at an extremely low price, and if you aren't worried about money, then this is a great way to share with others. Give the gift of reading to those who are less fortunate!
HOW MUCH
How much should you spend on a used book? Well, that all depends on the type of book you are thinking about buying. If it's a paperback over 5 years old, I wouldn't consider spending more than $2.50. Usually, the thicker and more popular the book is, the more expensive it will be. Newer used books will usually only be about 25% cheaper than the original, especially if they are in good condition. Big named authors also seem to run a little more. Children's books are also usually less expensive, as they are usually a little more worn. If you are looking for a classic, hard-bound, first edition...expect to spend a lot!
Basically, ask yourself how much you want the book. If you wouldn't spend much on it new, don't spend much on it used! The idea behind buying used is that you are either getting a good deal, or you are buying a book you can't find new. If the book is good, but out of print, you may be paying a little more than normal. Again, it all depends on how much you want the book!
WHEN TO SAY NO
When is a used book a good buy, and when is it not? First, consider the condition of the book. Does it look new? Are the pages all there? Can you read all the writing? If yes, then it's a good buy. Is the binding broken? Does the cover look like it's about to come off? Is the print starting to run together? If yes, then don't buy it!
Many times, you will find used books with highlighting or writing in the margins. Sometimes, this can be a good thing, so don't let it deter you from buying the book. Often, it can give you more insight into the story, or what the author had intended. It can help you see the story from another point of view that you might not have otherwise realized. It can even add to the book itself. But, if it's distracting to you, then by all means, put the book back on the shelf!
Buying used books is a great way to get a great book at a good price. There are many places to find used books, and it's a great option for finding books that are out of print, or out of vogue. When buying, you always want to weigh your interest in the book vs. the condition and price. And don't forget, when you are done with your own book collection, a used bookstore or Goodwill is always a way to unload those well-loved novels. Share your love of reading with the rest of the world!
Just for the record, I used to work in a used book store, so I do have a little experience in this matter:)
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
CJsMommy
|
 - Top 500 |
|
Member: Jennifer Boyle
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Reviews written: 267
Trusted by: 227 members
About Me:
Connect to me on LinkedIn!
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.