The Great Switcheroo

[The Bluestocking]

Lately, I've been finding myself in this slightly odd situation which is basically me going into the bookshop to get certain books but ending up walking out with, er, different books. A bit like going to the grocery store/supermarket for eggs and oranges but coming home with a garlic press and Nutella.

Blame it on the browsing and the different monthly discounts and offers at my local bookshop.

For example: Went in today to get the Maze Runner series which was on deep discount, got there and saw that book 1 was sold out so what's the point of getting the rest of the books? Then wandered about for a bit and came across a display of books with a bunch of John Green titles going for 30% off RRP and... bought those instead.

Anyone else ever had that happen to you before?

 

[Vince W]

All the time. But usually what happens is I go for the book I'm looking for and come away with that and several others besides, leaving me with an empty wallet.

 

[Wendigo]

For me if there's something I know I want I usually reserve it on the website before I go in (ah, the joys of the 21st century). But before I pick it up I browse to see what else is on offer, and usually end up spending more than I would have planned. Still, that's fine- a few extra books never killed anyone!

 

[Kylara]

This is why I only go into bookshops to buy things when I have accumalted £50 worth of points from said bookstore...how do I do this without going into said bookshop? I buy the books I want off their website and get them posted to me. Otherwise I collect a basket/armfull of books and dump them at the desk and end up without any money By paying with the points money the bookshop is actually buying me books! Woooo!

PS this doesn't always work, especially when I happen to walk past one...

 

[The Bluestocking]

This is why I only go into bookshops to buy things when I have accumalted £50 worth of points from said bookstore...how do I do this without going into said bookshop? I buy the books I want off their website and get them posted to me.

If I get let loose on Book Depository (Free delivery anywhere in the world! Woo!), my credit card will... suffer

 

[biodroid]

Our book stores never have the first book in the series mostly. Even Amazon outside the US has all the books in the series except book one or even the middle books aren't available. I tried to look for the Nine Princes in Amber for Kindle but only some of the books are available for some stupid reason. Not sure why books 1,2,3 are not available but 4,5,6 are. So I go for something else.

 

[The Bluestocking]

Our book stores never have the first book in the series mostly. Even Amazon outside the US has all the books in the series except book one or even the middle books aren't available. I tried to look for the Nine Princes in Amber for Kindle but only some of the books are available for some stupid reason. Not sure why books 1,2,3 are not available but 4,5,6 are. So I go for something else.

It's the same in Malaysia. It's actually reached a point where if I see the entire series sitting on a shelf and it's at a good price (i.e. there is some discount), I just buy it all (if the series comes highly recommended by trusted friends).

Have you tried Book Depository? Free delivery worldwide on all books from The Book Depository They have everything... including the first book of any series And they have free worldwide delivery

 

[biodroid]

Bluestocking, I just might have to resort to going back to paper books. Its annoying when Amazon says they have millions of ebooks but only for Americans. They encourage internationals to buy the kindle but dont give them variety.

 

[The Bluestocking]

Bluestocking, I just might have to resort to going back to paper books. Its annoying when Amazon says they have millions of ebooks but only for Americans. They encourage internationals to buy the kindle but dont give them variety.

And that's why I haven't switched to an e-reader yet. Until all titles are widely available worldwide, it's a bit pointless to invest in one.

 

[biodroid]

I have run out of shelf space, and the books are cheaper. Our bookstores dont stock the latest and greatest and when the do they are expensive

 

[The Bluestocking]

I have run out of shelf space, and the books are cheaper. Our bookstores dont stock the latest and greatest and when the do they are expensive

Hmm... well, e-books are more expensive than paperbacks here. Of course, full-price paperbacks are expensive but there are warehouse sales, regular special offers etc by local bookshops, so paper books end up being the cheaper option.

The selection here isn't too bad. Could be better but then again, this isn't London (where I used to live for many years) or New York City.

I miss London...

 

[Bookit]

Happens a bit. And it's often a mistake.