Hi, I searched the forum for a thread on where to buy the cheapest books .. online or B&M. I just know of Barnes and Nobles (love the thread), Overstock, Amazon and CostCo. So I thought I'd start a discussion thread on the best places to buy books. Anyone know of better places or deals? Feel free to share!!! Thanks much!
general books .. not textbooks. i dont think new or used matter as long as they're in good condition. I just buy a lot of reading stuff and was wondering if there were ways to save some cents from those expenses.
Barnes and Noble B&M stores have a discounted section. You can find some great deals there. Also, last summer, Sams Club had a bunch of "summer reading" books for $4-$5 each (all hardcovers). You could bring them to a used bookstore when you were done to make back a little of the cost.
Near me there are stores called "book outlets" that sell new, remaindered books at 70% off of the cover price. The selection has been pretty good, although no where near a Border's or Banres and Noble.
purplearia24
Member
posted: Jun. 6, 2006 @ 3:48p
I do the yardsale, thrift store route.
Also, Friends of the Library sale
This year my son got 5 brand new condition hardcover Bluebonnet books at the library sale for $.25 each. We look on the racks a lot and have never paid more than $1 for a book.
If you ask the librarian they will even tell you what time of year the school book series are pulled....Bluebonnet...Caldecott (sp?) etc.
thepowerpig
Senior Member
posted: Jun. 6, 2006 @ 4:03p
DollarTree. I've picked up some great current titles for a buck apiece.
purplearia24
Member
posted: Jun. 6, 2006 @ 4:04p
thepowerpig....
good point Dollar Tree has some good ones too
Chihiro24
Silly Member
posted: Jun. 6, 2006 @ 4:21p
I got two books for 99 cents each the other day at Hastings.
Their bargain books are pretty good, IMO. I also love Waldenbooks and half.com.
partialinsomniac
Tired Member
posted: Jun. 6, 2006 @ 4:26p
Second AddAll and Amazon Marketplace. eBay has some decent deals every now and then as well for rarer books. If you have a Borders Outlet nearby, they're worth a visit as well.
half.com and Amazon Marketplace are all I used...I have had good success with both, buying books needed for school for less than a dollar (of course, the $3 shipping kinda ruins it, but still probably 80%+ less than new).
blipstutter
Member
posted: Jun. 6, 2006 @ 5:25p
half.com and Amazon both feature remainer copies (cut outs discontinued by publishers, which will be brand new but with black pen marks on the side). just check the used sections for the "new' or "like new" condition books.
bookfinder.com is a good resource to search for specific titles with price comparisons. abe books is a big database of many booksellers.
strand books, bargain books, powells, and a few others specialize in discounted sales sections. it's best to have a title you are looking for and then search for the cheapest price. these sites have too much volume to window shop through.
Wanted to share a great site called www.bigwords.com. It's a META-search engine that searches many online book retailers for the best price (including shipping). It then compares all the retailers that have the items, and you are free to choose whichever you'd like. I've used it many times and it's been a great help.
Borders B&M stores have the best bargain book sections by far. I've gotten tons of great books there over the years, most under $5.00. Every once in a while, they run a Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale on their bargain books too. Check them out!
It compares different retailers prices and even shows coupons which may be available for use.
Edit- oops, sorry just noticed same post above, its late at night, sorry.
Batts
Senior Member
posted: Jun. 7, 2006 @ 9:23a
I would try charity/thrift shops. I volunteer at a charity/thrift shop in Houston. The books there are 50 cents for a paperback and $1.00 for a hardback book. Once a month all books are 10 cents for a paperback and 50 for a hardback! The books this place sells are in excellent condition and many are new. I have seen people buy as many as 700 books.
i always get my paperbacks from goodwill or salvation army and they charge 3 for $1. they are normally in excellent condition, read only once and have a wide selection and fairly new titles.
Thriftbooks-com, the site doesn't seem to be secure though, to pay by creditcard
jhburgess
Senior Member
posted: Jun. 7, 2006 @ 2:26p
If you're interested in new, current books, you might consider Zooba. All books are $9.95 with no additional charge for shipping. This is a book club offshoot, so you have to buy at least 1 book per month or cancel your membership. However, there's usually at least 1 book per month that's worth buying for the price. Almost all interests are covered in both fiction and non-fiction. Many new selections are added each month.
Stoned
Senior Member
posted: Jun. 7, 2006 @ 2:47p
Boxcutter said: libary
I'll second that, LIBRARY.
If you live near a large public library, nothing will beat it. Many also have periodic book sales at really cheap prices.
kdbosma
Broke Member
posted: Jun. 7, 2006 @ 5:32p
Check with your local library. Many of them have at least annual book sales. Some branches may even have a small used book store. Also try second-hand places. Lots of interesting stuff out there!
charlesroast
Broke Member
posted: Jun. 7, 2006 @ 11:21p
Nobody mentioned Half-Price Books. I belive they are a national chain. I get all kinds of books there, plus when you are done, they buy them back. Obviously not for much, but hey, better than them sitting around the house collecting dust.
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