Options. We, as readers, have so many options when it comes to buying our books. Me? I'll buy a book from any place that has them, even a gas station, but I do have favorite places depending on what I'm looking for. Each avenue has pros and cons: Retail stores (Target, Walmart, grocery/drug stores) tend to have a limited range when it comes to paranormal fiction, especially if the content is on the racy side, unless it's a big name. I have a secret love affair with bookstores (Barnes and Noble, Borders, Waldenbooks), but it can be difficult to work a trip into my daily routine and I could spend hours browsing the shelves. Online retailers (Amazon, BAMM, book clubs) have the best deals but I dislike waiting and paying for shipping. So basically I shop whenever and wherever I can- which can be confusing when I'm trying not to dent the checkbook too badly or I'm not sure what titles and authors I'm looking for. What's a book addict to do?
Where do you shop for books? What secret shopping tips can you share with the class? How often do you shop for books- weekly, monthly?
13 comments:
OK I'll comment on this one....I'm the same way as you are about it...I'll buy books anywhere if it looks like something I would like to read. (covers are a big attraction for me) Around here (now I live in the boondocks) I check our Dollar Stores...believe it or not they have some awesome paranormals and of course for a discounted price. But...while I like shopping online I get really overwhelmed by all the choices and I don't like to pay shipping.
Oh and I shop for books probably once a week. It may be just one book...or two...I just don't have the funds as a stay at home mom **eh who does have the funds right now LOL
I'll confess. I love me a good used book store. B&N can cost me hours of my life just wandering around touching all of the pretty new books as well as cost my lots out of my wallet. Amazon is one of my favorite places and waiting on the books is like waiting for Christmas. I can do the Amazon thing, but not often, because I've usually completely run out of reading material before I remember to order some more.
Best deal around? The Friends of the Library book sale. I know the authors don't receive any money, but the library does and I'm always excited to only pay twenty cents per book.
When we lived in Tucson I would shop at Bookman's all the time. Once a month I would trade in the books I had read and then get more with my store credit. Saved me oodles and a great way to get older books in a series. We don't have those here so I have totally changed how I buy older book titles.
I hate shipping too, that's why I always order at least $25 at Amazon to avoid paying shipping. (Oh yeah, they saw me coming when then created that promotion.) :-)
I have a Borders about two miles from my house, so you know where I spend a lot of time. I do believe Borders invented the coupon just for me too, because when they email me a coupon I feel like I HAVE to use it. You can't let a good coupon go to waste, can you?
Yeah I know.
We don't have a lot of used book stores in the area but we do have a chain called Half-Price Books. They have new and used. Great prices, and a lot of stuff you wouldn't find in a normal book store. Love that place!
I usually shop at B&N since that's where hubby gets me a gift card for Christmas. I'm going to have him switch to Borders since they have way better coupons. I also love going to used book stores and library sales. I've also found some good stuff at estate sales and thrift stores.
Hi everyone!
I usually buy my books from B&N or Borders. I prefer going to the actual store because half the fun for me is browsing the shelves. I don't mind wasting a few hours of my day (spoken like someone who has no kids...lol). But if I'm trying to save on over spending I'll order online and cut straight to the chase. I've never purchased books from Amazon which I know is crazy because you get better deals but, for whatever reason I have yet to take that step.
Another option I use is Paperback Swap. I'll order books that I'm on the fence about and if I love them I'll put the book I received up for exchange and buy a new copy. I unfortunately have this quirk about bent covers and beat up spines.
I've never tried the Paperback Swap but I have heard about it. That would be a good way to try new authors but I don't think I could use that as a way to get my favs. I have no patience for waiting and I always keep those on my keeper shelves- I would buy it shiny and new.
I have bought used books through Amazon. So far I have been very pleased with method. I have this weird guilt trip when I buy used books- I do it but I feel bad. I have heard authors say that they don't get paid for those and so it is a form of stealing. I've never bought a book without a cover because I know that's bad but is it wrong to buy at thrift stores and stuff?
I am a bi-weekly book fiend.
For new books or ones I can't live without I like to shop the Indy booksellers.
For more popular book titles or best selling authors I like to shop the used bookstores.
Hey guys I buy my books at Amazon. I live in a small town and we don't have a book store worth beans. So I just buy $25 worth of books and get free shipping. I hate the wait, but I don't have a whole lot of choices.
Amazon seems to be the best for online orders. DC is not the city for quick trips to the store so I am starting to shop more and more online. I have heard of a few Indy stores but I haven't found them yet. I really wish I was more comfortable driving because I really want to check out Nora Roberts bookstore over in Maryland.
Ever since I got kindle for iPhone I am amazon kindle solely. I miss the paper book sometimes but the ease of kindle on my phone is deadly! I also always visit an authors site prior to purchase for free download promotions, I just downloaded Michelle Haufs new book for free - the link is on her site still if anyone else is interested! iPhone kindle is great but addicting beware!!!
FYI. Here is link for free download of Kiss Me Deadly
http://www.michelerhauf.com/
Kindle can be on your iPhone? Very cool. I don't have the iPhone either, but cool all the same. So far I have been downloading books on the computer. I really want a Kindle though.
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