Where do you buy from? And are you picky about what you buy?

[[deleted user]]

I use to but them at 7-11 convenience stores, bus stops. Then I dicovered the bookstores at malls. I hit every bookstore I discovered. Then it was thift stores, garage sales, estate sales. Next came flea makets. Peoples cast offs, books in waiting rooms. Library sales them. Now, Amazon. I'm ashamed to say I stole books from the Library when I was younger. :(

[~Geektastic~]

I buy from all over the place, mostly used unless I'm looking for something specific. But the hard and fast rule is that there can be no trace of anyone else's annotations and underlinings inside; a name on the cover page is fine, but any writing in or around the text, and it's a no-go. And like many others here, I avoid the movie covers when at all possible (although I have to give in once and a while when I get a really good deal). My favorite places are my local used bookstores, BJ's Books and McKay's, but I always scour the goodwill and salvation army shelves when I'm there. I have always liked using Amazon too, except that I'm impatient, but now that I have my Kindle the wait time is not so much of an issue anymore and I've been using it a lot more.

[Alyssa]

I order from B&N online, or I buy the book from Wal-Mart. I can't stand waiting for the books in the mail, so if Wal-Mart has it, I will get it. I also don't like paperback, but many books come in only paperback, or they switch halfway through the series. I will buy paperback for the time being, and then later I will buy them in hardcover. A waste of money? Definitely. But I don't mind it haha.

[Legacy-serenity]

I buy mostly from Barnes and noble its my favorite book store and I love just being there. When I buy a book there its like treating myself to an ice cream cone but better.

[Melissa]

For new books my choice WAS Borders because the Barnes&Noble in my area very seldom has any books in my preferred genre, but I'm going to have to start getting my Barnes&Noble on because the only Borders within 45 minutes of me closed. . .I suppose I could buy online but I have this thing about ordering stuff and I feel like I am being ripped off somehow by paying for something and not having anything to show for it.

As for used books there is a great store in my area called The Book Exchange where you can bring in all the used books you like and get credit for them (no matter what they are) and you can use that credit to get up to 1/2 off anything you buy. They can be pretty hit and miss but it's definitely better than the other used book store near me, where they are super picky, don't have a great selection of most things, and if you're lucky enough for them to accept your used books for credit, they won't even take the others as donations.

[[deleted user]]

I love used books in theory -- but in practice I really prefer NEW. I'm weirdly phobic, and anything I buy used has to look/smell/feel new so I can pretend to myself that it's germ free, etc. Because, you know, no one ever touches the books in Borders before I touch them.

I'm stupidly loyal to Borders, although they NEVER have anything I'm specifically looking for. I can always find something whenever I'm just browsing, but if I want a particular title I almost always have to try B&N. I do shop a lot at Amazon for that reason, too -- very rarely do I want something that I can't find on Amazon.

I do shop at Half Price Books, but that's usually a desperation move on my part -- they're having a huge sale or they've sent me a coupon I just can't not use, or I NEED a particular book RIGHT NOW and no one else has it, etc.

I'd love to be the kind of person who supports the local shops, but I really do prefer convenience.

[Becomingme]

Me, I buy from a lot of places...I have a NOOK now, so I order a lot from B&N, but I don't mind using Amazon and also have been pleasantly surprised at some used book places like AbeBooks. For physical book stores, I have used B&N and Changing Hands in Tempe, AZ(or where ever I'm living or visiting, I love a good book store). I also love well made books from Easton Press and Folio books...and go gaga over well made books.

[Denise]

Jennifer wrote: "I am an equal opportunity buyer. New and used. Anywhere and everywhere."

The only way to purchase. I see it I buy it. Well, only if I want it....

[Kathy]

normally i would buy a book because I planned to and my mom and I would pack some money and head to the nearest barnes and noble but to tell ya the truth I will buy a book anywhere i can get my hands on a book I am not prejudice against used books and used book stores. I love used book stores though they are so cozy and u just want to curl up with a book and some lemonade or what ever and read.

[cazdoll]

I like buying used books at the moment, but every now and then I just have to buy a new book to treat myself, my next new book buying will be June when I go on holidays :)

[Dylan]

Amazon is great for used books so is almost any used book store,goodwill and library used book store. I only buy new if it's a book I can't wait to read. New books are super expensive compared to used!!

[[deleted user]]

Kelsey wrote: "I try to get most of my books from the independent bookstore I work at, then Borders, and last Barnes & Noble. I try not to go to the last one very often. Nothing against them personally, but they ..."

Hello,

Your loyalty to your bookstore employer speaks well of you, but you are possibly not seeing all the issues that go into the success or failure of bookstores, large and small. Here's a link to an interesting interview with B&N founder Leonard Riggio from a few years back that is instructive in some of those areas (be patient, it's around 3/4 of the way in if memory serves). Anyway, I found it to be educational and I hope you will, too:
http://www.businessweek.com/mediacent...

Cheers,
bookstothesky

[hejko]

That depends. If I'm buying the next book in a series, then yes. I am so picky that I'll even pay more to go and buy it from the physical store, just so that I know that I'll get the "right" edition.
Otherwise, no, not really. If I'm buying a new book that I've read about, then I am just as likely to buy it online as I am to go the the physical store.

But then again, I've only bought Harlequins used, and those were from a flee market when I was like.. 13 so I hadn't really gotten a preference for editions yet.

I need to start looking for used books though, because as long as they're in good condition, and it's on my To-Read-List, that'd be great.

[sonya]

Jackie wrote: "I only by used books, abebooks or resale or salvation army."

i get used books mainly due to the price or ebooks. I always lend-back the used books when done.

[Holly]

I'm such a terrible snob... I can only buy new books. For some unknown reason, I hate buying used books! They don't have the new-book smell... I am currently working on getting over this, due to my sincere lack of money. However, getting discounts on books gives me a fantastic feeling of joy, so I make it a point to walk down the book isles everytime I go to Target or Walmart. If I could, I would rent the bathroom at Barnes and Noble and spend the rest of my life there. Favorite place on earth? Definitely.

[Faye]

Hi I buy most of my books from Garage Sales, Secondhand shops, markets and Op Shops. If I do have a book I really want to purchase I try online at "Book Depository" as they are much cheaper and do not charge any shipping fee.

[Candace]

I too love Amazon for their used books. I also love library sales. There is a library near me that has a huge used bookstore in the basement; I love it!

[Bridgette]

I love using second hand book shops, local Market and charity shops for bargains. But I do use waterstones and local bookshops when possible.

[Afsana]

Melissa wrote: "For new books my choice WAS Borders because the Barnes&Noble in my area very seldom has any books in my preferred genre, but I'm going to have to start getting my Barnes&Noble on because the only B..."

but wouldn't you have the book to show for it?

[Colby]

The closest bookstore to me sucks, then there is one 20 minutes away that has an OK selection, but I like to go to KC or Joplin to check out some of there big bookstores and Half-price or used bookstores.

[Jamie]

I get books from many different places
Flea Market
Rummage Sales
Garage Sales
Book stores
online and
estate sales.

[Francesca]

I mostly buy from Amazon. Kindle I love it that you can download just a free sample and you can actually see if you like it or not.

[Ellen]

Anytime I pass a bookstore or thrift shop anywhere, I check out the books! Also library sales.

But since I got my kindle, I get most of my books from amazon.

[Paul]

I buy my books locally. I am always looking for first editions that I know will go up in value. I like to see what I am getting when I'm looking for collectables so I shop B&N, garage sales, library sales, and thrift stores. If I find a book that I want to read, I don't care if it's a first or a paperback. I'll buy and read it. I use ABE Books to find an average value. Hunting for collectable firsts is a lot of fun and can be profitable. Twice I have found books that are worth $800 and $900, and
I have many books that are in the 100-150 dollar range. My only problem as a book addict is that I find them and buy them but never sell them. My wife is always asking me when am I going to sell a book.

[Tiffany]

I buy books from almost anywhere. When the mood strikes me that I need a new book and I am close to one then I buy it. I do tend to shop Amazon the most, then it used to be Borders, then Barnes and Nobel, Target, WalMart, etc. I am also not afraid of buying a used book. I actually have started selling books online because there are some that I won't read again. Wasted my time once and I don't need to waste it again!

[Alondra]

I would prefer to buy from a reputed book store; but I have to settle for Booksamillion in NC. The nearest Barnes & Noble is too far to just skip on over to take a peek. Booksamillion is not a great store to get books. Many only sell the paperback or trade-paperback; I like hardcovers for my library. I have recently started shopping online at Amazon. I ordered 2 new books; if my orders come in within the next week, and are in good shape; guess where I will be shopping??! :D

[Barry]

I buy all the time from Amazon and ABE. I like old books that have been loved and cared for. But when I come across a battered book, I will give it a good home. I like my new books in top condition. Kindles are a blessing. Thanks to them, I now have 4 Richard Matheson works that are collector's items in book form I could never afford.

[Joanne]

I'm not usually picky about books. I do have an autographed copy of "The Autobiography Of Calvin Coolidge." I showed it to my mother, who was eating potato chips at the time. She grabbed the book to see for herself, and right next to the signature is a greasy print of my late mother's thumb. I'm sure the monetary value is diminished, but the sentimental value is strong.

[Afsana]

Joanne wrote: "I'm not usually picky about books. I do have an autographed copy of "The Autobiography Of Calvin Coolidge." I showed it to my mother, who was eating potato chips at the time. She grabbed the book t..."

That is a nice mark- a fingerprint that only she has


Though at the time I bet you were annoyed..lol

[Joanne]

I was annoyed, but was soon laughing. What else could I do ?

[Paul]

I recently bought a book at Books-A-Million. I like it there and it is convenient to my home. I normally do my looking for books at library sales.

[[deleted user]]

for current books I use my nook, so b&N. For other's I use half priced books. Not really picky about edition. I used to use the library, but now that I'm recycling my books through half priced books at the same time that I'm buying books. They have a great concept.

[Thom]

I am an avid book market shopper. I love to dig around in boxes and stacks of books to recover that hidden gem.

[Becky]

My husband claims my eyes glaze over whenever I walk into a bookstore, be it a used bookstore or B&N. I get most of my private stock from Amazon. But I do shop on ABE and Biblo.

[Jay]

Most of mine come from either the B&N clearance sales several times a year (just got 16 in Sept); or the Friendly Bookstore (Friends of the library, used, mostly donated; or library discards). I do get some here and there though.

Since I keep all of my books, I want one in good condition. I prefer hardcover or large softcovers. I only get mass market paperback with some of the mysteries that aren't available in HC.

[Vikki]

I buy most of my books from Tescos, Easons, WHSmith, Waterstones or Amazon.

I will only buy new books.

I can be picky about the edition - I like a series of books to all look the same.

[Ellen]

I buy most of my books from amazon and Barnes & Noble. I also buy from library sales.

[Karen M]

Used books definitely but free downloads from Amazon are so tempting. Just ordered my Kindle Touch 3G today. Realized I have already downloaded 100 books on the Kindle App so figured I might as well take the plunge!

[sonya]

Used to be Borders, but now library browse shelves and bookmooch.com. Sometimes half.com

[Nicole D.]

I buy alot of my books form amazon.But do buy some on sale at hastings.Sometimes at target and sam's club/walmart.

I don't like movie covers books and never buy them.I like to get hardcover or paperback.I don't like mass market paperback and avoid them if I can.I do like special editions of books and get those when I can.I like the barnes and noble classics and penguin classics editions when I get classic books.

I love new books and used book in good condition.

[Johanness]

I can't and so, don't buy online. I HATE kindle and ebooks.
That leaves me with not much since AngusandRobertson and Borders shutdown and the closest one is 2 hours away. ~sigh
But (salvation!), http://www.unleashbooks.com/ has opened up near where I live so I'm content with buying my books there. Kmart, BigW and Target are okay, but they could never have the same feeling as an actual bookstore nor the same amount of books and variety is important. (*Also if Kmart (always cheaper!) has the same book in 'Unleash'(always expensive!) I would check the the book size/cover, and usually I would buy the book from Unleash... the more expensive one...)

And yes, I'm picky, I always buy a book after reading the summary, I don't care much for book covers (although I would rather no human faces or recognisable facial features on the front), but every time I've bought something because the cover is just amazing it's disappointed me. (I've done that twice in my lifetime) The summary has to be really good for me to buy them since the books I buy are usually on the (AUD) $16+ scale or $30-, and even if it's my parents money I do feel some form of guilt.

[Veronika]

I miss my Borders sooooooo much!!! :'(

[Rozzer]

As an inveterate bibliomaniac for over fifty years, I have to say that used books from Amazon are quite a bit above the standard for used books to which I'm accustomed. At least eighty percent of them look and feel unused. If I want to maximize my purchasing power, I have to buy used in many cases. And the on-line people, even those on ABE, are now selling impressively high quality. Those of you who are uncomfortable with used books (my wife is such) ought to re-evaluate your standards in light of what now appears to be normal practice on-line. And no, I'm not a shill, and I'm not in any way connected to any of these sellers, including but not limited to Amazon.

[Stefani]

I buy from all kinds of places. I go to my locally owned bookstore if I need to order a book, because they will order it for me and call me when its ready to pickup. I buy from Barnes & Noble all the time, and I make full use of my membership discounts and free member shipping on the website. I buy a lot of ebooks, but only from B&N since I can't stand working with Amazon anymore.

When I want used books I go to PaperBackSwap.com. They have fairly strict posting guidelines for the books that are allowed to be put on the site, that keeps quality up a lot. I have gotten very high quality used books from there and trade most of my books that I need to clear out on there as well.

[Rozzer]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try PaperBackSwap.com this evening.

Stefani wrote: "I buy from all kinds of places. I go to my locally owned bookstore if I need to order a book, because they will order it for me and call me when its ready to pickup. I buy from Barnes & Noble all..."

[Rachel]

I buy online (Amazon, Alibris, etc.) largely because I have disabilities that keep me from going to the local bookstores. Books are always worth owning, so if I buy one I'm not particularly crazy about, I don't really care.

[Rozzer]

If we had a good enough local store, I'd buy there too. This is a small town. So it's the internet for me.

Rachel wrote: "I buy online (Amazon, Alibris, etc.) largely because I have disabilities that keep me from going to the local bookstores. Books are always worth owning, so if I buy one I'm not particularly crazy a..."

[Paulfozz]

I look all over the place for books - amazon and some other online stores, in town here I look in Waterstones, the 'Works' (a cheap bookshop chain) the 'community bookshop' and other charity bookshops plus I go to a nice independent bookshop in another town near here and some lovely second-hand/rare book sellers there too.

I also check out books in nature reserve visitor centres and look out for second-hand bookshops while on holiday - spending a week at a little cottage in a small village in Suffolk back in May we had a fantastic second-hand bookshop just around the corner housed in an old chapel. Unfortunately (in terms of temptation) they had loads of old books from a series of nature books I've started collecting... good in that they had two I REALLY wanted to get hold of and were a good price, bad that they had loads of others that I had to resist buying. Lucky my brother was with me and helped me to avoid leaving with the shop's entire stock!

I'm not sure quite how picky I am, I certainly don't mind buying fairly worn books if the price is right and I think I'm unlikely to find another copy easily, though I do much prefer to get good condition books. I rather like old books when they are a bit tatty though, if they show their life that adds to their value to me... I'm not exactly keen on crinkled old paperbacks though!

[Xenia]

I purchase most of my books from amazon dot com because they always have books I want discounted and I get free shipping. I also purchase books from half dot com. I save a lot of money buying books at that online store. Now that I have a Kindle I purchase a lot of books for just cents or no more than a few dollars.

[Thom]

I would have to answer those two questions as follows: EVERYWHERE and NO.
I buy books anywhere (I’m not proud) and I don’t mind admitting it! I don’t particularly have to have new books but I try to buy books in reasonable condition.
I’m not predominantly interested in one or two genres but tend to be remarkably flexible. If a book catches my eye or a review my attention I won’t hesitate to buy it.