The stupidly simple reason not to buy books from Amazon.com

Published 9/20/07

One of these days I’ll go off yet again on how the homogenization of America is ruining so much. But for the moment I should mention this.

Next time you want to buy a book and are thinking of using Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble, think twice. Instead, call your local bookstore.

Most people don’t think of that small store down the block as having a great selection. True, at least for browsing. But they all have distributors, and they can all get whatever you want, usually within a day or two.

True, it’ll be delivered to your neighborhood instead of your doorstep, but you won’t pay shipping and you’ll be helping a local business. (One that in turn helps you community by giving it some character.)

Heck, once they get to know you, your local bookseller might even take your order via a quick informal e-mail — “Cathy, can you order me the new Donald Westlake?”

Beat that.

The Fray

6 responses (add yours)

Leland says:

While living in Kentucky, I made it a point to shop the local book store. She had new and used books and a fancy coffee (ala Starbucks) bar. Sadly, where I live now, there is no local book store.

September 21st, 2007 at 10:20 AM

Dan says:

That’s the wisest thing I’ve read in a long time.
But buying at the local store won’t help the book’s Amazon sales rank…

September 21st, 2007 at 10:21 AM

Gnomic says:

We have 3 major bookstores nearby - B&N, Borders, and Booksamillion. Sadly, not of the smaller bookstores that have service and atmosphere. So I get our books wherever I get the best price and service. Most of the time thats via Amazon’s used book sales, not Amazon per se. But I’d happily support a smaller franchise with better service and atmosphere if one existed nearby.

September 21st, 2007 at 11:10 AM

lionemom says:

Sadly, there is no “local” bookstore in my town. It appears from a Google search that there is one a few exits down on the highway, and as I expected there is more than one in Providence. And then it becomes an issue of whether it is worth the mileage and gas expended for the extra drive to the local independent business (fortunately, the one a few exits down seems pretty close). I am TOTALLY IN FAVOR of supporting local businesses. But when it becomes impractical in terms of my finances then unfortunately, the big box store wins.

And that is exactly what places like this are betting on. Fuckers.

I am going to visit that store as soon as I can. I hope they are open after 6pm! :-)

September 21st, 2007 at 2:35 PM