[Jaina Posts: 2,908 Status: Offline Just keep typing, just keep typing . . .]

I wasn't sure where to put this, but it IS for research purposes that I'm asking, so . . .

Suppose I need to do research on a particular NF topic or person, and I find there'd some very helpful titles out there that are now OOP.  I want good copies, not falling apart, but these aren't really for collecting.  I want them for research--and to possibly build up a library on X subject.

Where would you order such books?  Do you find Abebooks most reliable?  Should I check Powell's online?  Do I dare buy through Amazon's "other" sellers or should I go through alibris or ebay or somewhere else?

In the past, I've bought plenty of secondhand books, but always in person--by browsing through local used book stores.  But now that I need specific titles, I'm not sure where people get the best quality and the best price (if they don't care about it being signed or a first edition, etc.).

Maybe I can order them through my local used bookstore?

[Liz Straw Posts: 1,084 Status: Offline That was a yummy book!]

On line there sometimes if you type the name of the book in a number of places that have the book for sale will pop up.  Abebooks  serves as a clearing house and usually list several places.

However if you have a good used book store that you go to, the owner probably has better resources and you can give him the name of the book and the amount you are willing to spend.  I would probably trust the owner better than some of the online sources unless they are a reputable Indy store doing a big used book sales on line. 

i.e., I do not trust the majority of ebay sellers with books as most are not book dealers and their definitions of VG, F, G, etc. are not mine.  The prices tend to be way out of control also. 

 

[ShirleyH Posts: 933 Status: Offline WWW]

I order OOP books from Amazon's "other sellers." I have never had a problem. 

[cindybb]

I have only had one time an Amazon other seller didn't deliver - and I was able to cancel the order after 1 month.
I have thought about trying the search function on Half Price Books, but haven't needed to yet.

And yes, sometimes the prices get skewed outrageously high.  If I remember right, there was a post on another section about how sellers use automatic computer algorithms to set the price and never do a sanity check. They might sell a few more books if they did!

Good luck

Cindy

[Marissa Doyle Posts: 3,731 Status: Offline Charles Bewitched: out now! WWW]

I write historicals so I've used them all--Amazon's used books, Barnes & Noble's used books, Abebooks, Alibris, and Ebay.  I've never had any problems with any of them, but it can require opening multiple windows on your browser as you compare sites.

[AnneB Posts: 3,410 Status: Offline]

There are sites that compare prices across many vendors. The one I use is http://www.allbookstores.com/ but I think there's an even better one Younger Son uses (he works at a second-hand bookstore). I'll check on that and add a post about it if it seems worthwhile.

[ChristineSarmel Posts: 252 Status: Offline WWW]

I've used a variety of e-bay sellers and Powells and been fine with any of them, but I'm getting the books just to read them so the difference between VG and G isn't an issue.  I've skipped some that seem outrageously priced, especially if there is only one available on that date.  A few more usually pop up later and if not, I do without.

[Jaina Posts: 2,908 Status: Offline Just keep typing, just keep typing . . .]

Thanks, friends.  It's nice to know most of these sites have been reliable for you all--and I'll be sure to check around for the best price (and closest shipping!).

[Vijaya Posts: 8,402 Status: Offline LISTEN. Let all mortal flesh keep silence ... WWW]

I've had good luck with Amazon and Abebooks!
Vijaya

[AnneB Posts: 3,410 Status: Offline]

[ ]
Just wanted to add how NICE it is to see that little penguin typing again! [/ ]

[olmue Posts: 4,192 Status: Offline WWW]

I've used half.com as well as Abebooks and Amazon used sellers. I've noticed, though, that Amazon's used prices are set so that when you add in shipping, it's cheaper to order a new book directly from Amazon (provided you boost your total to $25 to get the free shipping...). So for used, I've leaned more heavily towards Abebooks. For not out of print but maybe obscure books, I like thebookdepository.com. It takes a long time to get the books, but there is no shipping charge and no minimum order price to get that free shipping. And it's English language worldwide.

I've found some pretty obscure other-language books on Abebooks--another reason you might check them.

[LTMadison Posts: 119 Status: Offline Cover art avatar by 2020 WWW]

My favorite meta-search is www.bookfinder.com, which amalgamates lots of small and independent bookstores. This is important to me because I like to know about the quality and edition of the book -- amazon sellers tend to be those mostly illiterate creeps who race through used book sales with scanners, trying to find a copy a dollar cheaper than the copies being sold by other creeps.   

[Mara Posts: 504 Status: Offline WWW]

My first place to try is always www.betterworldbooks.com--low prices, free carbon-neutral shipping, and they support literacy and libraries. If I can't find an affordable used copy, I request an interlibrary loan.

[Jaina Posts: 2,908 Status: Offline Just keep typing, just keep typing . . .]

Thank you, everyone!  I'm definitely checking these out.  See lots of copies of these books I need around the $30 mark or so, which is fine!

[Amanda Coppedge Posts: 483 Status: Offline WWW]

thriftbooks.com