I have purchased numerous books over the 4 years I have had the store,
and I'm amazed at the differences in prices when I look
them up.
They seem to be one end of the spectrum to the other.
For example...this Jane Eyre/Wuthering Heights 1943 set I have now.
The case they are in is worn some,
but the book covers and insides are perfect.
I'm not sure the books were ever even read.
When I went to Amazon to check prices, they
are anywhere from $15.00 to ....hold on to your hats....
$1,000!!!!! Yes, $1,000!! Now, who would pay $1,000
for books when they could get them for $15, or $50,
or $300 or anywhere in between?
(is this where first editions come in?
and how do you know if you have one?)
Now I know if you read the fine print, there are differences,
but I read, and I could not see that much
difference in descriptions of the shape they were in.
~~~~~~~~~
Here is another example...on the more
affordable side..=)
Flora of the Pacific Northwest 1973.
It sells used on Amazon for from $34-$157.
Amazon will buy this one back for $28 in store credit.
(this is new to me).
I thought that was a great deal,
I do not have to wait for just the right customer to
come in to the store and snatch it up for the $20 I might have priced it.
(My goal for the store is to keep it affordable and fun for people.)
And here is a beautiful book!!
Janet Marsh's Nature Diary, 1979.
It is full of her wonderful drawings and watercolors....
on every page!!
It is listed from $5.00 to $68.
Again, the dust cover on this book is worn,
but the inside is wonderful.
Because of what I paid for it,
I would charge $18.(+shipping)
(what I paid for them is always a big factor in what I charge.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm hoping by writing this post someone may be able to
shed some light on the why's and how to's of books.
In the mean time....I will continue to purchase what I love and can afford,
and enjoy for them awhile, then pass them on to my customers.
Thanks for all your help
blessings
barbara jean
I'm linking up to
I'm linking up to
I've been collecting old books also and have had the same questions as you. I do know, from watching Antique's Roadshow, that having the dust jacket makes a big difference. I've purchased most of mine from Etsy and have seen such varying prices, I always go for the lower price but I make sure the book is in fairly good condition, as in has all of its pages!
ReplyDeleteThis article was quite interesting and informative, here's the link:
http://www.litterascripta.com/bibliomania/appraisal.shtml
These are all fabulous books! Sorry I'm not a hand at pricing them, but such fantastic finds!
ReplyDelete