The usual scenario is that I'll go to the book shop (new or used) and try a book. If I like it, I'll try to find more by the same author. My sister got a job a a librarian and I was going to give her my copy of "Patience and Fortitude" by Nicholas Basbanes. Patience and Fortitude are the names of the lions in front of the main branch of the New York City Public Library. I couldn't find it so I went to Border's to buy another. The little computer kiosk showed a number of titles that I hadn't read yet but they only had "Patience" on the shelf. The clerk asked me if I wanted to order them but I decided to check eBay first. I found all three of the titles and bought them.
I've been collecting for decades now, so most of what I'm doing is filling in gaps. I'm a serious re-reader, and I like to pass books along to friends, so I have picked up a few "reading copies" to lend out & a few "shelf copies", including first editions & rarities, for the pure pleasure of owning them.
Buying on eBay requires some risk-taking, but there are a few things I look out for:
(a) A picture that shows the actual book(s) being sold, in which the edges are visible--cropped off edges imply a seller with something to hide!
(b) Some basic description of the book--I don't expect every listing to have formal grading, but a simple, honest description of the book's condition is a must. Anything that's not visible in the picture but will be obvious as soon as I open the package should be mentioned. In particular: a light "reading crease" in a paperback is no big deal, but a leaning spine drives me CRAZY. It's also cool to see a few words on the book's contents, certainly if there's only one in the listing. I strongly recommend checking spelling in listings, too: someone who spells three words wrong in a listing will probably be sloppy in ways that matter much more.
(c) Reasonably sane shipping--I don't mind a little extra to cover packing IF the book is actually securely packed, but jacking up shipping to make up for a lowball price is poor practice in my opinion. If you can't make a profit at your starting price, you shouldn't be selling the book.
(d) I always check feedback for signs that buyers have said something specifically positive, and that's the kind of feedback I leave. "Great eBayer" tells me nothing; I want to see "Very well packed" or "as described" every now & then.
Choragos really got this one. I will add that I generally buy lots if they are organized by author and there is several titles I want, and condition is a plus too. And to reiterate what Choragos wrote, my biggest pet peeve of all is cropped edges. UGH! I am also wary of a description that reads, "Like new, FOR IT'S AGE." This could mean anything, especially that the book is not LIKE NEW. I generally only buy a book one at a time if it is a book I REALLY want. If a seller has several titles I want and will give me a break on shipping I am more likely to buy several then one since 4 books for $4 shipping is much more enticing than one book for $4.
Hello! Good discussion thread. My husband and I are what is called bibliophiles. We treasure our books like they were the finest of china so condition is always very important to me and I reflect that in my eBay auctions. I will not buy a book from a seller who has exorbitant shipping costs; will not combine shipping or who does not take the time to put in at least a cursory statement of condition. I always look for hard-to-find books that would take me months to find in old bookstores. Sometimes I just want to read them, other times I want to add them to my collection so depending on that desire I will buy from a "reader copy" to a "like new" - sometimes those old books you will only be able to find in "reader copy" condition, but the joy is in reading, right? I prefer to buy individually rather than lots, personally, but as a seller I list both ways. Happy Reading!
For me it depends on how books are listed, both how I buy and If I by one or more. I've found that listing goes somewhat in cycles. Sometimes a couple months will go by with nothing then there is to much of what I want to get them all. I read the listing and the feed back. I agree that feedback is not all that informative. I'll buy a book if it's what I want. I need a picture (not stock photo), a good description, the more precise the better. I will always read the book I buy (unless It's a REAL treasure printed on acidic paper) A book is not alive unless read and will become more alive if read more than once. Just Please don't eat chocolate when you're reading it!
I think my favorite finds Were "Forty Signs of Rain" and "Fifty Degrees Below Zero" both new, 1st signed for $4.50 a piece. Wasn't anyone looking? What was the lister thinking? The autographs came with a certificate of authenicity and match known ones. Sometimes it's o.k. when someone does a carpet bombing of listings. A gem becomes hidden in between all the Eastons and L@@Ks and a sharp eye can come in handy.
Sane shipping is a good indication to me. When I have ordered with higher than average shipping the quality of the book is less.
Just what is "Good for it's age?" I run from those unless I see a picture. I buy for collecting but also for reading. I cover all my dust covers in archival covers, and take good care of them. The ladies at the library love it when I bring books in for the library sale. I'm phasing out my book clubs with 1sts. Eventually I'll have enough space for what I need to flesh things out.
To me it's, don't buy what you don't want to read, read the listing carefully, have a top bid in your head when you begin, and remember that ....most likely another one will come along.
I usually am interested in one book at a time since I'm normally searching for books by specific authors and filling in gaps. I do like to buy several at a time if it's an author I've just discovered and they already have several books published but at my age and with the amount of books I read that doesn't happen very often darn it.
I am an avid reader. My book buying varies from subject matter: How to do things(My brother taught me to get a book to teach you), mystery, fantasy, sci fi, autobiography, on and on-I love books! I buy more than one book at a time to save shipping cost money. I do not mind paying money for a collector/rare book if it is what I want or need, however, I will shop around for the best price! Best Wishes Vicky
I generally buy books so long as they're in decent condition with all pages. So far I've only bought them singularly, but I haven't come across a whole lot that I've wanted just yet. Sometimes the seller will put various genres together. I wouldn't mind so much, but I won't spend two bucks on a book I've never heard of or seen before.
I prefer new editions. I generally buy titles individually and I have had a wonderful time collecting Easton Press Masterpeices of Science Fiction which publishes quite beautiful editions that are quite a tribute to SF authors. My best finds are my signed Heinlein and Asimov titles.
I end up buying in many ways. On line I prefer a good description of the book, and what it is about. Newer publications I would like brand new books, but can't afford that. I love hardbacks but much of what I read does not come that way. I like combined shipping, but hate sellers who say they combine but only take off 50 cents for additional books. I do expect the sellers to charge enough shipping and handling to not lose money though. I originally started on eBay looking for books to fill gaps in series. Before I digressed on shipping, I like new newly published books, but adore old books, pre World War II mostly, for there content and purely physical appeal.
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