Interesting article about algorithmic pricing....
http://www.michaeleisen.org/blog/?p=358 On a similar note, when dealing with Marketplace vendors you really need to do your homework. I recently tried to purchase the first ed. of Characterization Tests for Objects of Art and Archaeology at $169.95 from an Amazon Marketplace vendor. The vendor emailed me back and said that he didn't have the 1st edition but he could offer me the 2nd edition at the same price. Foolishly I said yes without doing a further investigation. I received the 2nd edition not from the Marketplace vendor but directly from Amazon.ca. The packing list stated that the price was 58.59 CN for the book. The vendor ordered the book from Amazon.ca and had it shipped to me at over $100 mark-up! When I checked this title again on amazon.com, the 2nd edition was readily available at $56.85. I returned the book and was refunded for the book but got socked $16.95 for the return postage (which was subsequently reimbursed). I gave the vendor a horrible review. I was later contacted by the vendor who pleaded with me to revoke my review. After giving him an earful about fair pricing I caved and retracted the review (what can I say? I'm a pansy) I see that this vendor still has the 1st edition listed even though I KNOW he doesn't have it in his possession. Moral of the story: 1) buyer beware 2) never solely rely on ISBN searches in Amazon-there may be a newer edition lurking out there What a racket!!! I know now how I'll be financing my retirement.... (only kidding, although it IS tempting....) Chris McN ________________________________________ Chris McNevins | ACQUISITIONS COORDINATOR UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT | HOMER BABBIDGE LIBRARY 369 Fairfield Way Unit 2005AM | Storrs, CT 06269-2005 USA PH: 860-486-3842 | FX: 860-486-6493 | EMAIL: chris.mcnev...@uconn.edu <mailto:chris.mcnev...@uconn.edu> ________________________________________
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