I wanted to start a thread that weighs the relative merits of each. Ive been doing a little comparative shopping. Im interested in the best price obviously but not at the price of aggravation. obviously my situation is a bit different from most, for example the free delivery for book depository looks great here in central europe where shipping usualy costs more than my purchase. however, enjoying obscure old books means the depository often send me to abe books anyway. Ive used amazon and abe both to my general satifaction. but if the prices look better i might try the book depository for a bit.
your opinions? (good and bad experience stories are welcome)
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Amazon, Abe books or book depository
- Kveto from Prague
- Compulsive Reader
- Posts: 921
- Joined: September 2008
- Location: Prague, Bohemia
I've used Abe sellers a lot when I'm buying used books and never had a problem. If and when I do buy a new book I go through Amazon but then there's that super saver shipping in the US.
At home with a good book and the cat...
...is the only place I want to be
...is the only place I want to be
I go with amazon because they seem to have more choices and the quality of their books (used) seems better to me. For those ultra rare books I have used Abe but I'm an Amazon girl.
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- Bibliophile
- Posts: 1667
- Joined: April 2009
- Location: New York
It depends on the book that I'm buying. As I've griped about often enough, in ordering books from the UK, I would prefer to buy from Book Depository because of its free shipping -- Amazon UK's shipping fees can easily double the cost of my order (and in some cases, exceed it!) On the other hand, I've had a lot of problems with cancelled orders. I've also been trying Aphrohead, and I've got to say that I'm impressed so far. No, I can't preorder and their range isn't as extensive, but I haven't had a single problem with a cancelled book and the delivery is much more rapid.
For domestic books that are new, it's Amazon. I'm a Prime member, so I get free 2-day shipping, and the discounts are the best around. I also have a Kindle, so that also means Amazon.
But: I will move to Abe books when I'm looking for something older or out of print. My experience is that Abe vendors tend to describe condition more completely and accurately than Amazon vendors (even when they are the same sellers!!) So, I just ordered an OOP biogrpahy from Abe. Meanwhile, I have a bunch of pre-orders in for books to be released later this year at Amazon. And I'm still searching for a good option for my books from England.
For domestic books that are new, it's Amazon. I'm a Prime member, so I get free 2-day shipping, and the discounts are the best around. I also have a Kindle, so that also means Amazon.
But: I will move to Abe books when I'm looking for something older or out of print. My experience is that Abe vendors tend to describe condition more completely and accurately than Amazon vendors (even when they are the same sellers!!) So, I just ordered an OOP biogrpahy from Abe. Meanwhile, I have a bunch of pre-orders in for books to be released later this year at Amazon. And I'm still searching for a good option for my books from England.
Last edited by Chatterbox on Fri January 15th, 2010, 11:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- boswellbaxter
- Bibliomaniac
- Posts: 3066
- Joined: August 2008
- Location: North Carolina
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I've had good luck with all three. Amazon is where I do most of my book shopping for both new and used, but I've often used Abebooks for used books I can't find elsewhere. I've been using Book Depository lately for new UK books ever since I found they take PayPal, since Amazon UK doesn't take my debit card. (The free shipping helps too!)
Susan Higginbotham
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- diamondlil
- Bibliomaniac
- Posts: 2642
- Joined: August 2008
I had never had any issues with BookDepository until recently when they didn't seem to like my credit card. Other than that, it's been all good.
I don't really use Amazon because of the shipping costs and haven't used Abebooks.
I don't really use Amazon because of the shipping costs and haven't used Abebooks.
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There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
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All things Historical Fiction - Historical Tapestry
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
Edith Wharton
[quote=""Chatterbox""]IBut: I will move to Abe books when I'm looking for something older or out of print. My experience is that Abe vendors tend to describe condition more completely and accurately than Amazon vendors (even when they are the same sellers!!) So, I just ordered an OOP biogrpahy from Abe. Meanwhile, I have a bunch of pre-orders in for books to be released later this year at Amazon. And I'm still searching for a good option for my books from England.[/quote]
That is sooo true. I have noticed that as well. Thats why I buy a lot of my antique books from them.
That is sooo true. I have noticed that as well. Thats why I buy a lot of my antique books from them.
News, views, and reviews on books and graphic novels for young adult.
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If I can't find something at my local used, I go to Book Finders (which includes Abe, Albiris, Amazon and others in their search), or Book Depository for UK. I've never had any trouble with any of them; the sellers I use have been upfront about what they have. and when there's been an issue of quality, have always refunded my money.
I'm very hesitant to buy something rare online, however, I'll often use the sites to get an idea of price before I start my live search around town.
I'm very hesitant to buy something rare online, however, I'll often use the sites to get an idea of price before I start my live search around town.