Shocking Amazon.com prices

[Joseph]

Has anyone else been caught offguard lately by some prices at Amazon? I pre-ordered a couple of hardcovers that originated with cover prices of $25 (Changes and Holly Blues) and they've dropped by up to 60% to only ten bucks! I don't know if this is good or bad for the publishing or book-selling industry, but I sure don't think Borders or Barnes and Noble could match these prices.

[Batsap]

I never tend to think of the effect it has on the publishing industry.. just of the effect it has on my bank account. XD They must get it at some special deal or something.

That said, some of the books are horrendously expensive. I got one book at Waterstones for £7.99 and out of interest looked it up on Amazon and it was £70! I guess that's private sellers being a bit crazy, though. Can't say I complain why they have books for a penny however.

[Valorie]

Holy Moses!! I can't believe they are selling "Changes" for so cheap!

[Kel]

I wonder why they're doing that, too. I thought the big price/release date controversy would stick in the E-book realm, but I guess not. Once something's in Amazon's warehouse, I think they're allowed to sell it at whatever price they choose...maybe they left it at $25 for the initial rush of hardcore fans who always buy it first at top dollar and then lowered the price for the casual readers to bring in more buyers...or maybe they had overstock.

Have you seen this on lots of new hardcovers? It feels like every time I go looking for a book, the prices are always one or two dollars off list price. ^^;;

[Anne]

I preordered the new Charlaine Harris HC for $9.99 from Amazon. Awesome price.

[Tutti]

I ordered Lover Mine for $9.99 on Amazon. When I went into a Barnes and Noble bookstore, it was $25.00! That said, bn.com now has it for $15.xx but I wonder if that price is for those who have that membership card that they sell.

[Vanessa]

I stopped even looking at amazon when I online book shop. Their free shipping takes way too long. I might have to start checking them out again. If the prices are gonna be crazy lower, I might wait a little longer for the book to show up.

[Michelle]

Vanessa wrote: "I stopped even looking at amazon when I online book shop. Their free shipping takes way too long. I might have to start checking them out again. If the prices are gonna be crazy lower, I might wait..."

I don't know how often you buy books, but when you start looking into amazon again, check out the amazon prime deal. I buy books, and other items from them often enough that I don't mind paying the 80 dollars a year for the "free" 2 day shipping. There have a few times where I've received my order the next day.

[KimWin]

The shipping isn't too bad. But I also have a membership discount for Barnes and Noble and the coupons for the hardbacks make the prices more comparable to Amazon.

[Audrey]

I check out Half Price Books locally, then abebooks.com. In major sites like Amazon, Borders, and Barnes and Noble I only look at the used books prices. Shopping around does get you the best deal. I am also on Border's e-mail list/free membership, and so I have purchased a book or two from them only when they send me the 40% off coupon :}.

[Petra X]

Booksamillion often beat Amazon on prices, especially if you are a member.Also free shipping over $25.

If you find a book on Amazon Marketplace or Abebooks (owned by Amazon), look for it on Alibris. There are no discounts on Amazon or Abebooks but plenty on Alibris, just Google Alibris coupons. There's even a $1 off any order of any size coupon.