Random pondering re books

Hedy · #1 (**permalink**) 07-27-2007, 08:13 AM

Like so many others, I bought Harry Potter last weekend. As I did with the last book, I resold it on half.com for a decent percentage of my purchase price. However, I'm wondering why people buy the book on half.com, as the price I sold it for+shipping is close (around a couple of dollars) to what Amazon and B&N are asking for it. Given that the book is for sale everywhere, does anybody know why people buy the book on half? Is there something I'm missing?

Joan.of.the.Arch · #2 (**permalink**) 07-27-2007, 09:02 AM

Around a couple of dollars less than the total price at amazon.com? To me, a two dollar discount is enough of a savings to make me choose half.com. Why not?

Hypersion · #3 (**permalink**) 07-27-2007, 06:29 PM

On something like a book I always buy the cheapest I can find.

disneysteve · #4 (**permalink**) 07-27-2007, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedy

I'm wondering why people buy the book on half.com, as the price I sold it for+shipping is close (around a couple of dollars) to what Amazon and B&N are asking for it.

The cheapest I've seen the book around here is $17.99. If I could get it online for $15, I'd probably pick that option. Nothing wrong with saving $2-3.

SnoopyCool · #5 (**permalink**) 07-28-2007, 07:43 AM

I waited until all the books were finished before I started #1. I did not want to be caught up in the craze and (knowing me) I would have had to had the books when they first came out (now, I can just borrow them from friends that bought them or check them out at the library). I saved a lot of money that way ;o)

Aleta · #6 (**permalink**) 07-28-2007, 08:34 AM

Not only are you saving a couple of dollars, but your time, gas, and energy going to the bookstores. The good thing is that it comes to you in the mail. I'm finding out that sometimes, it is less expensive to buy certain things on line. There is the price of gas, your time and yes some places charge you for parking there. Why would I want to put myself out like that?

corolla02 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-28-2007, 09:29 AM

Generally when comes to the buying a book, I prefer half to amazon.
Amazon is great market place for new stuff but buying used stuff is more expensive (shipping charges) and there is no a variety as such as at half.com. I have an account with ebay/half and I like it. People are charged more(I believe) at amazon.com than at half.om for their listings. Amazon on this way advertise their original stuff, and with no shipping charges often one is tempted to buy new stuff.
Also, a good web site is abebooks.com!