Personally, when I want a rare antiquarian book where an expert vendor
describes every nuance of the condition in paragraphs of detail, I go to
an antiquarian bookseller (and one with a return policy, though I never
order anything unless I'm sure I want it, so I very rarely return
anything). There are a couple of associations of same who define terms,
and have guidelines for members who are listing books. See:
http://www.abaa.org/cgi-bin/abaa/abaapages/glossary.html
http://www.ioba.org/desc.html
http://www.rbms.info/yob.shtml
When I want serendipitous finds at a wide range of prices, I go to eBay.
Well, actually, I spend a couple of hours every day browsing eBay.
I'm doing it even as I write this e-mail. For modern books I always buy
in new condition wherever possible. But if the book is out of print and
I have to buy a used copy, I look at Addall/used before Amazon
Marketplace. That's because most of the booksellers whose merchandise
is listed on Addall are pros.
The one thing I don't do, is expect an amateur, nonspecialist vendor to
give me the same service as a specialist, only cheaper. It's
unreasonable and fruitless to expect random eBay or Marketplace sellers
just trying to unload the contents of their personal library, or their
grandmother's attic, to have spent the years that pros spend learning
about their merchandise. When I buy on eBay, as long as they send the
item and it is not really, grossly, different from the listing, I take
what I get without complaint. I've been going to auctions since
childhood, and that's what auctions are all about. It's a form of
gambling, only at least you get something or other for your money even
when you "lose." Also, I've spent a great deal of time gaining expertise
myself, so I don't have to rely on the vendors so much.
I also don't expect a used book to be in the same condition as a new
one, only cheaper. If it's in used condition, I expect it to reflect that.
Fran
Lavolta Press
http://www.lavoltapress.com
Andrew T Trembley wrote:
I prefer to buy from dealers I know, but usually it's just combing
through the stock and seeing if there's anything interesting. I'll
still ask if they can find something they don't have in stock, usually
waiting until I decide I can't live without it anymore.
In that case, I've used Amazon marketplace with good results.
I still:
1. review the seller feedback.
2. check where the seller is located.
3. see if the seller has any other web presence.
If possible I'll spend a bit more to go with a seller that's within
easy driving distance, should there be a problem with the book not
matching the description and quality listing.
andy
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