As the weather gets warmer, many of us head out to the beach, the park or other outdoor area carrying our favorite book. However, all too often, I see people walking out of the neighborhood bookstore carrying overpriced books that they could have bought much cheaper by doing some easy comparison shopping.
The internet makes comparison shopping a breeze in today's world (when before you had to drive store to store or call around every store in your area asking for prices).
Most books bought at regular bookstores are overpriced and it's unlikely you'll read the book more than once or maybe twice, so always try to see if you can get the book used. You can then turn around and try to sell the used book again, or if you can't sell it, at least you won't feel so bad about spending $20 or sometimes even $30. Also, books depreciate in value very fast; just look at the last new book you bought a few months ago, and see how much it's worth on Craig's List. Some books may be used multiple times, such as cookbooks or reference books, but with the internet almost everywhere, usually it's just easier (and faster)to get online and look these things up.
Also, one of the best sources of books that is also often the most overlooked is the local library, where the books are free to read (even if you are just visiting an area for a while, many libraries will let you rent books for free or for a very small fee). The only caveat with renting books from the library is that sometimes you have to wait a while for new releases or popular books, but if you don't mind waiting, this is your best bet.
Although e-books are becoming more and more popular, once you read the book, you can't return it or turn around and sell it, like traditional books. Sometimes e-books are cheaper than traditional books, but many publishers have not discounted the books (since there's no cost for printing the paper version) as much as expected. If it's a e-book you really want to have because it's "cool," just remember the extra price you're paying for that "cool" factor.
If you need a new book, use the internet to comparison shop. A very good tool is the Google Shopping website (http://www.google.com/products), which compares online stores, but also looks at nearby stores in your area (if you need the book sooner). Google shopping also tells you which bookstores have the books in stock, but it's always best to call the store yourself to double check before you head out there. Many times books ordered online are much, much less expensive than books bought in the store and many times even come with free shipping or the cost of the book plus shipping can often be cheaper than the in-store price (which is usually always the list price, whereas online stores often give a discount from the list price). The only exception to buying new books in the store is at a warehouse store, like Costco, where books are discounted from the list price and you can return in the book later than the 2 weeks that other traditional book stores give you (just make sure you keep the book in very good condition).
Happy Reading!
The internet makes comparison shopping a breeze in today's world (when before you had to drive store to store or call around every store in your area asking for prices).
Most books bought at regular bookstores are overpriced and it's unlikely you'll read the book more than once or maybe twice, so always try to see if you can get the book used. You can then turn around and try to sell the used book again, or if you can't sell it, at least you won't feel so bad about spending $20 or sometimes even $30. Also, books depreciate in value very fast; just look at the last new book you bought a few months ago, and see how much it's worth on Craig's List. Some books may be used multiple times, such as cookbooks or reference books, but with the internet almost everywhere, usually it's just easier (and faster)to get online and look these things up.
Also, one of the best sources of books that is also often the most overlooked is the local library, where the books are free to read (even if you are just visiting an area for a while, many libraries will let you rent books for free or for a very small fee). The only caveat with renting books from the library is that sometimes you have to wait a while for new releases or popular books, but if you don't mind waiting, this is your best bet.
Although e-books are becoming more and more popular, once you read the book, you can't return it or turn around and sell it, like traditional books. Sometimes e-books are cheaper than traditional books, but many publishers have not discounted the books (since there's no cost for printing the paper version) as much as expected. If it's a e-book you really want to have because it's "cool," just remember the extra price you're paying for that "cool" factor.
If you need a new book, use the internet to comparison shop. A very good tool is the Google Shopping website (http://www.google.com/products), which compares online stores, but also looks at nearby stores in your area (if you need the book sooner). Google shopping also tells you which bookstores have the books in stock, but it's always best to call the store yourself to double check before you head out there. Many times books ordered online are much, much less expensive than books bought in the store and many times even come with free shipping or the cost of the book plus shipping can often be cheaper than the in-store price (which is usually always the list price, whereas online stores often give a discount from the list price). The only exception to buying new books in the store is at a warehouse store, like Costco, where books are discounted from the list price and you can return in the book later than the 2 weeks that other traditional book stores give you (just make sure you keep the book in very good condition).
Happy Reading!
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