Support your independent bookseller

[msmemory_archive]

But at what price? I'm not sure I'm ready to support my independent bookseller charging me $30 more for a book, plus tax, than Amazon does.

Comments

[oakleaf-mirror.livejournal.com]

The guideline I've generally used is if I find a book I want by browsing in an independent bookstore, I buy it there, even if it turns out I could get the book for less, online. I figure I'm rewarding them for being there to bring the book to my attention.

If, on the other hand, I already know I'm looking for a particular book, then I'll give them a chance to be competitive (and immediacy of delivery and lack of shipping charges weigh in their favour), but will not pass up bargains online, just because there's a local source.

And the local shop looses any advantage when they offer to order something for me, because they don't have it on the shelves. If they can't put it in my hands that moment, I'll order it directly, myself, if that means I'll get is faster or cheaper.

[cellio]

That's my approach too. If a store brings something to my attention I want, and it's not outrageous, I just buy it. If I already know what I want, best deal wins (factoring in costs in time and money). And I see no point to having a local store place an order for me that will then be more hassle for me to go get, when I can instead get it sent right to my doorstep.