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JaysFamily
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| Posted: Nov 14 2011 at 7:49pm | IP Logged
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I usually use Amazon for everything. However, most of the Advent and Christmas books I've selected for this year are listed on Amazon, but aren't sold through Amazon. I'm a little skeptic about ordering through unknown third parties, especially if the book is used and I can't verify the condition of the book before I pay for it. I'm also not interested in paying $4 shipping for each book I order! I could buy more books for those shipping costs! Plus, I'm already paying for Prime shipping, and I've bought books from friends that were shipped for only about $2.
From where do you order your books?
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Jaysfamily
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Mackfam
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I've had very good experiences ordering used books through Amazon third party sellers, and I've been ordering used books through Amazon for YEARS. They aren't the only source I use for used books, but they are my primary go-to source. I've only had one deal that didn't work out, and Amazon's reimbursement policy worked easily and as it was written.
The shipping is something you'll have to consider. Unless you can find the book locally, you'll be paying shipping somehow - either through the increased price of the book, or for a 1 cent book with $3.99 shipping.
More and more, third party sellers are offering their books to ship with Prime benefits and it will say so clearly.
I find that usually books are described well from small sellers and have a generic statement of description for larger sellers like Goodwill. It will depend on how badly you want the book as to whether you're willing to pursue a sale based on a one word condition of a book. I have taken this chance many, many times, especially for a very affordable price on a harder to find book. I really have not been disappointed, but I don't buy books to collect, they're to read, so I don't have a problem with library discards or wrinkled pages. My only preference is for hardcover.
Most sellers will communicate very quickly with you if you ask a question and I do contact sellers for info a lot.
I do find really good books in thrift stores around us, Jaysfamily! So keep your eyes out at the thrift store!! Hope this helps! 
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Jen Mackintosh
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Wildflowers and Marbles
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JaysFamily
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Which thrift stores do you use? The ones closest to me smell heavily of cigarette smoke. 
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Jaysfamily
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JodieLyn
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I've ordered used books through Amazon and been pleased. I try not to look at the cost of those books without figuring in the shipping. So no that book is not $1 it's $5 because the set rate is $4 shipping. But if I'm saving $10 off the price of the book.. it's still worth it. Now if I'm looking at a used price of $11 when the list price is only $12.95.. well yeah it's saving money but is it worth it?  And while shipping from friends can be cheaper.. when you're doing it as a business you also have to include your packaging materials and the time to get things packaged up and mailed in the time frame required. And if you have to drive.. the cost of fuel and wear and tear.. as little as it is, it will add up.
Basically, you do have to include the shipping in the cost of the item and stop thinking of it as a seperate expense when you're looking at used books.
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JaysFamily
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| Posted: Nov 14 2011 at 8:04pm | IP Logged
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...can you tell I'm picky about books?? 
I have purchased used books from the local homeschool supply store. I am not against used books in general (I love the prices!) If you've had good experiences with used books through Amazon, then I'll try it out. I just think it's weird that I'm finding a single used book that's priced from $.01 to $999!
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Jaysfamily
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Mackfam
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JodieLyn wrote:
I've ordered used books through Amazon and been pleased. I try not to look at the cost of those books without figuring in the shipping. So no that book is not $1 it's $5 because the set rate is $4 shipping. But if I'm saving $10 off the price of the book.. it's still worth it. Now if I'm looking at a used price of $11 when the list price is only $12.95.. well yeah it's saving money but is it worth it? And while shipping from friends can be cheaper.. when you're doing it as a business you also have to include your packaging materials and the time to get things packaged up and mailed in the time frame required. And if you have to drive.. the cost of fuel and wear and tear.. as little as it is, it will add up.
Basically, you do have to include the shipping in the cost of the item and stop thinking of it as a seperate expense when you're looking at used books. |
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Yes. This, too!
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Jen Mackintosh
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Wildflowers and Marbles
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JodieLyn
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Well it might be easier to start by ordering books that you can only get used.. and see if you're pleased. And keep track of the third party sellers you've used and liked. Then if you have the option to use them again you'll know who they are.
Since they're 3rd party sellers books are sometimes not the same edition unless specified.. so you might get a rare edition of the book mixed in with dime a dozen editions which can give you the huge price range. And since some of the people selling are individuals it can also be a case of wishful thinking.. the worth of a book is not necessarily what you can sell it for 
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Nov 14 2011 at 8:12pm | IP Logged
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JaysFamily wrote:
| Which thrift stores do you use? |
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Ya gotta get out here in the country where we are!!!! I'll email you.
JaysFamily wrote:
| The ones closest to me smell heavily of cigarette smoke. |
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Your thrift store may not smell very savory...but smell the book, too. I DEFINITELY don't like books with heavy odors or smells, but most don't smell and will air out from being in the thrift store. Sometimes it's worth trudging through to find a Little Golden Book for 5 cents that smells just fine and is rare, illustrated by your favorite illustrator, and selling on Amazon for over 30 bucks. Which I did a few weeks ago. Imagine my happy dance! 
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Jen Mackintosh
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Wildflowers and Marbles
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JennGM
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Hi, my name is Jennifer, and I'm a bookaholic....
Amazon does have wild pricing differentials. It happens. I'd love to find out why some books are priced outrageously. Do the booksellers get to claim more for their insurance or something if they value the books so high?
Just look for dealers that include the prime shipping into the cost of the book, as Jen explained
I buy from 3rd party sellers all the time, and other used book dealers online elsewhere. I mentioned this is another thread, but if you think a book is overpriced on Amazon, check bookfinder.com or used.addall.com and see what the going rate for a title is. Bookfinder is handy because the price includes the shipping -- so realistic for me to see that reminder rolled up in the cost.
There are some dealers that provide free shipping. Biblio.com has varied shipping amounts, including free. Alibris seems to be usually one straight fee, like Amazon.
How much I pay, and from whom all depends on the books, how much I want/need it, how long I've been looking, condition (hardback I'll pay more), and lots of other factors. I do look for where a book is shipped, and pick a state closer to me. Media mail can take an awfully long time, especially nearer to Christmas.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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JennGM
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| Posted: Nov 14 2011 at 9:39pm | IP Logged
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Oh, and I hit return too soon. I just remembered that buying through Amazon, even though 3rd party sellers, I do get my packages sooner than usual ordering elsewhere. I don't think they come through as media mail. I'll have to check my package next time.
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lapazfarm
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I have only had good experiences buying used through Amazon sellers.
re: the shipping speed. Some have taken a very long time,maybe 3 weeks, others get here very quickly. But this is to Alaska. I always assume when ordering from a third party seller that it will take the maximum time.That way I am not disappointed and am often pleasantly surprised when it gets here quickly.
ETA: also try abebooks. They are often very cheap and sometimes have free shipping, sometimes 2.99, etc. I've bought several things throgh them and always had good results.
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Mackfam
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3rd party sellers MUST ship within two day of you placing your order. It is their option as to the method of shipping but third party sellers ONLY get reimbursed $3 for shipping. Period. So, if a third party seller sells an item for a penny, they're only making a few cents on the order because shipping, even media mail, costs just under $3. Larger sellers may upgrade shipping speed, and also, purchasing from the same 3rd party seller multiple times will sometimes result in the seller upgrading your shipping speed because you've established a return buyer relationship.
And media mail can be wild in terms of shipping speed. Yes, Christmas shipping really slows speed.
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Jen Mackintosh
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guitarnan
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I have had only positive experiences with Amazon's 3rd party sellers.
I also order used books and textbooks through Abebooks.com, and again, it's been a great experience every time.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Erin
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JaysFamily wrote:
| From where do you order your books? |
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In order of preference.
Book Depository Free Shipping worldwide.
Betterworld New and second hand and now has FREE shipping worldwide 
Abe BooksSecond hand and need to factor in shipping costs.
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jawgee
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I've had a great experience with Amazon used sellers. Once, in fact, a used seller sent me the wrong book in error. When I contacted them, they credited my account immediately and told me to keep the book they had sent.
Betterworld looks great, though. I bookmarked that for future reference!
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SallyT
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Ditto the good experiences with 3rd party sellers on Amazon, though it can be a good idea to pay attention to a seller's ratings and reviews. I did once buy some curriculum via an Amazon seller who charged me for a whole set (it was a Teaching Textbooks set, with CDs) and only sent the textbook. I complained to Amazon and was reimbursed -- no small deal, since even used TT sets run well over a hundred dollars.
Only later did I read this seller's reviews and discover that this had happened before. Hopefully by now, if that really was a pattern, this person isn't still selling on Amazon, but the moral of the story is that it's a good idea to pay attention to any negative reviews.
Most sellers, however, are anxious for good reviews, because good reviews=business, and they will bend over backward to make sure that you receive good service.
Sally
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Topic: Help ordering books
