[cid:imagec79a00.GIF@c6fe49a0.4a8b237c] this is aacc It is possible that the book was not ordered by the Marketplace vendor from Amazon in order to fulfill the customer’s order. My library uses Amazon Marketplace often – always scrutinizing prices and vendor ratings – so we are familiar with a relatively new practice that Amazon offers to its Marketplace partners. Amazon is not only the storefront, but is also the distributor for some of them. This is clearly noted in the listing, with phrasing something like “ships from Amazon.com” and “eligible for super saver.” I can’t quickly find an example, or I would include a screen shot.
While the blog posting contains some pretty outrageous examples, the price for a particular used book can vary greatly from vendor to vendor. We hope that it is based on tangible characteristics, such as condition. But often, there is more to it, such as the availability of used copies of the book. Generally speaking, though, if you carefully review the listings and think about how much you are willing to pay for an item, you can do well with Marketplace. It has made purchasing out of print materials much easier and faster. Cynthia Steinhoff Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, MD The information contained in this email may be confidential and/or legally privileged. It has been sent for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication, or any of its content, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. From: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Chris McNevins Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 10:33 AM To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Subject: [Videolib] Amazon MKPLC-- buyer beware! 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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VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
