How to Buy Used Books
From LoveToKnow Buy
Thrifty bookworms have long known that purchasing used books is the way to go for satisfying literary cravings, as well as building an impressive home library. Consider the advice below when you head out to used bookstores to do some shopping.
Tips for buying used books
- Get a good handle on what kind of book lover you are. If you're after rare, pricey first editions that are in excellent condition, you're going to need to do some reading up on collecting rare books (there are books and Web sites on this subject). If you're a more casual reader and are simply interested in picking up Stephen King's last book at a good price, you're going to have much more luck (as well as an easier time) in finding what you want.
- The biggest factor in determining the price of a used book is condition. You'll find many used books in near-pristine condition that won't cost much less than a new copy of the book. You'll also find books in ragged condition that will most likely cost you next to nothing. You'll also find used books in great condition that cost next to nothing. Why is this? Because many times these books are so widely read and available (think of titles by mega-popular writers like King, Danielle Steel, Tom Clancy) that used bookstores end up with too many copies which they markdown drastically.
- Select a used bookstore or used book Web site and begin browsing. Used bookstores and websites are categorized the same way bookstores selling new books are, so choose your genre and begin looking for the book or author of your choice. Keep in mind that you're not always going to find the book you want in a used bookstore!
- When you find a book you want, check its condition. Are the front and back covers in good shape? Is the binding secure? Flip through the book and make sure the pages are intact. Also make sure there's no writing or scribbling over the text that will prevent you from making sense of the author's words. If the book is in good condition and at an affordable price, scoop it up!
- In addition to used bookstores, you should check out thrift stores and look online for used books, as well as check the classifieds in your paper for garage and estate sales. In the case of garage sales, you can often find books the original owner is willing to part with for less than a dollar!
Caution
Always examine the used book you buy a bit more closely when you get home. Be sure you have your receipt if you find a major defect, and be sure the place where you bought the book allows returns.
Where to buy used books
You'll find no shortage of good spots on the Web for used book shopping. Here are just a few-
Alibris has long been one of the most popular places online to look for used, rare, and out-of-print books. Peruse the selection, and if you like what you see, create a shopping account and begin making purchases.
The online home of the Portland, Oregon literary institution Powell's has a terrific selection of used books. Enter the used section and check out new used arrivals, plus the best-selling used books of the week.
Conduct a search for a book you want at Barnes & Noble. In many cases, there will be a multitude of used copies available from authorized sellers.
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