The internet opens up a whole new world when searching for books and collectibles. Over the last
four years we have seen sites come and go, but we have also found some great places to buy books
and collectibles. You may be looking for that childhood book that you would like to read
to your own children, cookbooks to add to your collection, or you may have a book or
collectible in your family that you would
like to know the value of.
When searching for an item be sure to compare the following:
1. Condition of the item
2. The publisher or company
3. The year
4. Shipping Costs
Especially with books, you may find quite a few shops that carry a particular title.
If you are willing to take a copy that is a more worn you can often opt for the
lowest price. With auctions or buying direct, always consider the shipping and
handling. I personally prefer Media Mail, which is cheaper, if I am not in a
hurry for shipping my purchases. It takes a little longer but is a much better
value. Priority Mail is also a good choice, especially for valuable items. Always
ask about the shipping options if it's not clear, BEFORE you bid or purchase.
Search Tips
It seems like searching for a certain book or collectible would be simple, but
often you have to try several different techniques to find the best
values and exactly what you are looking for.
Example: One of
our visitors was looking for the Better Homes and Gardens Dessert Cookbook. I knew this
title should be available but I was having problems locating it. The key was in searching
for Better Homes & Gardens Dessert Cook Book. Notice I had to use the ampersand and
not the word "and" plus "Cookbook" was two words and not one.
When you are searching for books in particular, try different variations of the title
and the author. You can also enter keyword searches if you are unsure of an exact title.
Auction Tips
Ebay has so many items that it can be overwhelming when you are trying to locate the
best deal. The above example for book searches applies to ebay as well if you are searching for an
certain title. I've been very pleased with the bargains I have found for
on ebay, but you have to use the "buyer beware" attitude. ALWAYS know
the method of payment accepted and the shipping costs before you bid.
You'll get to know how much is a reasonable amount for a book or a collectible. Some auctions will start as low as a penny but have a firm
$10.00 shipping charge. This is most likely not a good deal. Always consider these things before bidding.
Search Hints: Put in your search words as specific as you can, such as
"Backyard Birds". Be sure to include the quotations marks for more
than one word. If you don't get what your're looking for try other
words, or go to the search page on ebay for more choices.
Example: Many of our visitors have asked where to find deals on tea related items.
When searching, it's possible to search under "tea cups" or "teapots", then use the option at the top of
the page which lists the lowest price first to find the bargains. You can also search
for a particular type of tea item by design or manufacturer. I also like to put in simply "tea" and click the
option which lists the auctions ending first. You can also search for "tea time", "afternoon
tea" or any other terms that relate to tea. Each time you search you will see repeats but at
the same time you will find auctions that didn't come up with the previous search.
The internet allows us to virtually shop for antiques, collectibles and books any time
day or night from our chairs. It should be a fun and rewarding experience! Follow the
precautions and suggestions above and remember to always ask questions and never
assume! Below we have sites that we have found to be helpful and will continue to
add to the list as we discover new ones.
Used, New, Out of Print and Collectible Books
-eBay:
If you broke it, lost it, need it cheap or just can't find it anywhere else, find it at eBay!
After putting in your search item the page will come up with auctions. Go over to the left
hand side and further narrow it down. For instance, I check location as U.S., auctions using
PayPal, I also put in a dollar amount as a limit which really helps narrow it down to what
I want to spend.
-BookCloseOuts.com:
Buy new books at 50-90% off-some out of print titles too. I find it's the BEST source
for new fictions and puzzles, games and kid's activity/coloring books. I also use it a lot
for cookbooks and gardening books. They ship Media Mail so it's always reasonable, and
they ALWAYS beat Amazon prices. Great Deals!
-abebooks: Over 80 million new, used, rare, and out-of-print books.
-ElephantBooks.com: A Source for Rare, Used, and Out-of-Print Books online. A nice website to also look for out of print books on all topics.
-Alibris
Whether you're searching for a long-lost children's book or a first printing of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue on vinyl, find it--they carry books plus music and movies.
Another Search Hint: ABE lists books from different dealers nationwide. The prices
are varied greatly. If you don't find your book searching under title, then try
author, then subject. For whatever reason you will receive different search results, so don't give up after one try! Let us know if you
have a problem searching!
-Jessica's Biscuit/Ecookbooks:Over 8000 cookbooks, from current bestsellers, to hard-to-find, to out-of-print titles, up to 75% off every day plus interviews with chefs, authors
and more. Recipe excerpts, reviews, contests, freebies and more!
Collectibles, Antiques and Specialty Books
-Timber Press: A publisher of gardening and landscape book for 25 years now! Great titles with montly sales.
-Chinaberry: Great books, gifts and products to support families in raising their children with love, honesty and joy to be reverent, loving caretakers of each other and of the earth.
-SullivanBoutique.com : Exclusive Anne of Green Gables Collectibles, DVDs and more...
-Wiley Publishers:
 Around since 1807 Wiley carries books and manuals for professionals, plus cooking and parenting titles for the average person, including the Dummy series. This page goes to their ongoing specials.
-Architecturals: Buy or sell antiques, and high quality arts and crafts, restoration products and more. Free contest and resource information.
-Things From Another World: one of the largest selections of Marvel Comics, graphic novels, trade paperbacks, and hard-covers on the planet. Find old Marvel Comics classics, best-selling books, new releases and more.
-Lonely Planet Shop:
 Travel Guides, map books and language guides.
-Trailer Life Books: Great books about RV travel, maintenance, campgrounds, and much more for up to 50% off!
-National Geographic
Books, calendars, maps, and magazines on the world's culture, history, geography and science.
-Striped Ostrich Find thousands of fly fishing, fishing, and hunting books, gifts and videos. Worldwide shipping
-IBSDirect quality, ministry-priced Bibles, New Testaments and other specialty Scripture products.
-Motorbooks: largest selection of books, calendars and videos including motorcycle, truck and automobile repair manuals, tractor books, aviation and train titles and much more.
HINT: Powells offers used and new books (plus great deals on DVDs too). Watch the descriptions of the books and compare condition. If you don't mind a little bit of wear, it could save you quite a bit!
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