posted on April 21, 2001 02:10:46 PM new
I enjoy reading about the experiences of other booksellers here and I hope that we can all continue to participate in a friendly spirit.
I sell both fiction and non-fiction and would agree that content appears to hold more sway in non-fiction vs. the outward appearance or design of the book.
I've noticed that with fiction the outward appearance of the cover seems to bear a great deal of influence online, just like in a regular bookstore. An appealing cover will catch your eye and you'll pick that book up and read the dust jacket over the other books that might surround it. Unless, of course, it's the author you're buying rather than the book title itself. If the dust jacket is rather blah and uninteresting, dull in color, I have a very difficult time trying to sell it.
I've become much more selective in the fiction I buy for resale as a result of noting this trend.
Also, I've been successful in selling audiobooks. There is quite a market for them. I just wish I could get as much of a stock in those as in printed books. http://bjgrolle.freehomepage.com
posted on April 21, 2001 02:26:01 PM new
There is no reason to pull out of these threads....the negative posters seem to be ngative in any thread they post to...if they object to the thread or the title (the spirit used is rather evident), they have an option to ignore. Personally, I find the threads completely refreshing - it's more of a community sharing than I have seen in a long time - competitors actually helping each other out - rather than trying to obliterate each other - and it may be that the negative posters feel a little threatened by this.
As far as thrift stores go, in my area, they can be goldmines. I make regular stops in all of them for two purposes - for books to sell outright and for books to trade for store credits. I have hit paydirt several times - the most recent was the paperback that sold for $81 - the place I picked up would be considered a combo thrift store / collectible store - they call themselves a collectible store, but pricing is more in line with a thrift store. The book cost me a whopping fifty cents!
I will disagree with staying away from fiction - I have done well with it - you really do have to know what your looking for and the tastes seem to change weekly - what sells for $30-40 one week may bring $7-8 the next - but that's the chance I take. I also pick up things on gut instinct - if they do well, I profit - if they don't, they go off to the UBS's for trade. Either way, it seems to work. I also will sell them in lots - a single fiction by one author may not do well, but 4-5 together usually do. And with a few thrift stores around here selling paperbacks for a dime each, I can take those chances.
Also - watch for advertising items. I picked up 3 Virginia Slims date books (pocket calendars) for a dime a piece and they all sold - the lowest going for just under $20. Plus old catalogs - even from the 80's seem to sell.
I would love to see these threads continue. If the naysayers want to bring them down, I again will volunteer to set up a mailing list for those that want to continue without the hassles - it's always an option!
posted on April 21, 2001 02:41:44 PM newbibliophile: I LOVE your posts! I have never really sold books before on ebay. But after the first 2 threads I decided to give it try. I spent only about $10 total on all of my books that I listed last week. I made nearly $100!
It was so easy! I will continue to sell books and read your awesome threads! Thank you!
posted on April 21, 2001 02:42:00 PM new
Since I'm not an accomplished bookseller, I've had to wrack my brain for anything to contribute.
I imagine the possiblity of scoring a wonderful book in a thrift store, would directly correlate with the ability to find good antiques at a bargain.
SOooo... Salvation Army, in my area, is impossible and completely picked over by staff, prior to arriving in the local store. I know this for a fact. However, goodies can be found at the church thrifts. Goodies with literally hundreds of dollars of profit left in them... Sounds a safe bet that there'll be some good books to be found, also.
I'm going to expand my search to books in those...
posted on April 21, 2001 02:47:01 PM new
Responding to several posts above:
I must object to the continued characterization of people with opinions opposite that of the majority as "negative." I find it insulting and close-minded. This is a discussion forum, open to one and all, including those whose opinions vary from the rest.
There is nothing, absolutely nothing, about anyone else's opinion that makes it better or more valid than mine, keziak's, gravid's or amy's.
We are speaking based on our own experiences. How dare anyone suggest that we be barred from participating in these discussions. Before you cast stones, you should take into account that this thread was opened with a post that contradicted opinions expressed in another thread about Goodwill stores. Does that make bibliophile "negative" because he posted an opinion contrary to ones I expressed elsewhere?
This thread is tame compared to some of the more spirited threads I have been involved in here at AuctionWatch. And nobody in those threads ever suggested that posters be barred because they weren't echoing the popular sentiment.
If you don't like what we have to say, I suggest you follow the Moderator's recommendation and use the Ignore button. Speaking for myself, I will continue to post as I see fit.
posted on April 21, 2001 02:53:42 PM new
bibliophile: if we let negativity and carping stop us, than we may as well never do anything. Those people will always be around. let an old lady share something with you. Part of the reason why some are being cranky is because of your tone of authority. It sounds like you have good reason to use it and I'm certainly not complaining. But some people will ALWAYS be rubbed the wrong way by others who state things with authority, and these people inevitably begin to question/nitpick, even if they *know* the authoritative person is basically in the right. I have seen this throughout my working life and I've seen a great deal of it online. When I was a moderator on IRC it was inevitable. We also have some of them here. They will look for any tiny variance in what you are saying because it nearly kills them to let someone else think that he/she knows a great deal about any given topic. By finding a situation in which your general statement does not apply, they feel important, intelligent, and noticed (although they usually claim it's because they don't want anyone ELSE to be 'misled'.)Personalities like this are sadly predictable. Don't let it get to you. We all have different experiences and we may disagree but MOST of us are clearly enjoying this thread!
posted on April 21, 2001 03:00:42 PM new
This is all very useful information.
I've started to dabble in this, mainly as an offshoot of being in thrift stores anyway for personal purchases and also selling in other auction areas. Maybe 5% of my total sales are now in books.
Most sales so far have been on Half.com (OK, so maybe I'm REALLY an idiot. Or just lazy.). Am considering moving more over to eBay instead.
Seems tricky to pick from thrift store racks. Maybe I'm just not doing it right. I generally avoid anything that looks mass-market because of supply/demand concerns. I'm also a little gun-shy on textbooks and travel guides if I suspect that newer editions have come out. Current-edition travel guides in good shape always do well, though.
I need to develop a better eye for first editions and collectibles like that. Would agree that thrift stores usually don't have a clue; they tend to err on the side of fear over letting go of a collectible bargain if it's a very well-known name.
posted on April 21, 2001 03:12:08 PM new
I wish someone would give me a definition of "negativity" as it applies to these three threads. I wish Bibliophile would define who the "pot stirrers" he accused in the second thread (I think it was the second thread)..and just how they were trying to destroy his thread.
If I am one being identified as one of those "negative" peoplementioned in the last few posts let me dispell any notion that I am being "negative because I feel threatened by competition. Nor am I "rubbed wrong" by "authority".
When we post a thread or post to a thread we have to realize there will be those who have opposing opinions...we shouldn't get our feelings hurt because someone else doesn't agree with every word we utter.
Lets recognize the rights of EVERYONE to hold an opinion. Let's stop calling people names because they disagree with us (negative, threatened, can't stand authority, pot stirrers, etc). Lets stop the practice of "taking our bat & ball and going home" when the posters to the thread we started even slightly disagree with our opinion.
I didn't come to AW to sit at the foot of a "teacher", listening raptly to his every word and storing them as pearls of wisdom. I come here to discus with my peers the common business we are in. I expect to hear others opinions, question them, agree and disagree with them, give my own opinions...and learn.
posted on April 21, 2001 03:17:03 PM new
I too have been following these threads since they began and have learned something from all. What I've enjoyed the most is a sense of sharing of experiences and knowledge with a non competitive spirit.
The only objection I have to opposing views is when I don't find anything constructive within them.
It's OK to disagree, but tell us why. What have been your experiences in that area that make you feel that way. Don't attack the messenger. What can you add to the thread?
In my area we have a wide range of thrifts that encompass all of the situations named above.
There is one that is church related, that I know get's new household items on Thursdays (because the church ladies volunteer on Wednesdays to sort, price, etc) I know the volunteer that opens on Thursday goes through the shop at 1/2 hour before opening and picks out what she wants and puts it behind the counter. But you know now she donates her time and I guess that's one of the perks. But she doesn't take everything.
I've even thought of finding a thrift in a great area and volunteering myself so I could get first shot as my "pay".
But in spite of all the things that go on I've still managed to find Royal Doulton collector plates for 1.00, interesting books, etc...and it's on my way to the grocery store.
You have to be persistent, open minded and lucky.
Anyway I'm starting to ramble, and my son is pulling on my arm to go help with that puzzle...
Jay
posted on April 21, 2001 03:19:03 PM new
It's always helpful to remember...not every post requires a response. If those interested in the topic, merely scroll past the posts unrelated to the topic, no disruption occurs...
posted on April 21, 2001 03:29:17 PM newLets recognize the rights of EVERYONE to hold an opinion. Let's stop calling people names because they disagree with us (negative, threatened, can't stand authority, pot stirrers, etc). Lets stop the practice of "taking our bat & ball and going home" when the posters to the thread we started even slightly disagree with our opinion.
I didn't come to AW to sit at the foot of a "teacher", listening raptly to his every word and storing them as pearls of wisdom. I come here to discus with my peers the common business we are in. I expect to hear others opinions, question them, agree and disagree with them, give my own opinions...and learn.
Excellent post, Amy. My thoughts exactly, though you expressed them more eloquently than I could have.
posted on April 21, 2001 03:34:43 PM new
You guys need to find a better class of thrift!
Our Goodwills here are pretty much worthless. True junk w/high prices. They think it's spun gold.
Our Salvation Army is beginning to look a lot better. NICE books and they've apparently learned that people are NOT going to pay Barnes & Noble prices for them. Last week was a buy one, get one free sale & I picked up major college textbooks for my daughter who's moving into high school honors programs next year.
Our biggest thrifts in the area are run by a local charity & they get some pretty good stuff in there. My daughter collects equestrian books (obviously) & we've found many nice first edition ones along w/plenty of others good enough for her library.
I don't generally sell books on ebay so I can't speak as to the dollar value of what I see in there but from the few times I grabbed something of interest to sell, it's been at a nice profit.
Perhaps it's the "name" charities that are having the problems. While in FL, I stopped in a couple of Goodwills & Salvation Army stores & it was pretty yuck. The local charity places seem to have a better selection & items which could be purchased for resale.
posted on April 21, 2001 03:49:13 PM new
Everyone,
The originator of this thread has requested that it be locked, and at the time I was not inclined to do so. However, the bickering has not stopped but rather progressed.
I'm going to lock this thread. If you wish to continue the conversation, I strongly encourage you to start a new thread. Those of you who don't think the thread will be beneficial to you, please exercise your option not to participate.
