popeks.com: a blog about books and bookselling

Homebase 3 from Abebooks - It's Here!

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:29:00 +0000

New Features

Real time inventory management: HomeBase 3.0 will automatically send listings and wants to Abebooks as they’re entered or edited with no need to e-mail or FTP files. The FTP option will be retained to accommodate users who don’t want to be online when they work. You may still export a listings or wants file and e-mail it as an attachment via your e-mail program if they choose.
Multi-select: Up to 100 listings or wants may be selected and edited/deleted at once. For example, if you realized you mis-typed an author's name on 5 listings, you could select them all and make the update once, and the edit would be applied to all 5 listings.
Improved Price Partner: Price Partner is built into HomeBase 3. Booksellers may select a sub-set of their listings and increase or decrease prices by a fixed amount or a percentage on only the selected listings. They can also update all selected listings to the same price.
ISBN LookUp: ISBN LookUp will now return more than one result if we have several matches to the ISBN in our database. The bookseller can choose the best match from the list. In addition, many more fields may be returned by ISBN LookUp.
Quantity: If you have more than one copy of a book, you can use the quantity field and we'll automatically decrement the quantity online when a book is sold; no more manually re-listing!
More Import Options: HomeBase 3.0 can import almost any type of file, so getting set up is easy.

I like the improved import/export features so far, but I am a little put off by the automatic updates to the website. For those of us who list on several websites, this can create a problem. I will be doing a full review of the software once I've had enough time to use all of its new features.

oldbookman-793841.jpg (JPEG Image, 640x409 pixels)

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:55:00 +0000

oldbookman-793841.jpg (JPEG Image, 640x409 pixels)

Blogged with the Flock Browser

SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY BASEBALL GUIDE 1911

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:10:00 +0000

This antique book has a yellow soft cover with black spine lettering and a color cover illustration. Book is edgeworn, with soil; cover has protective plastic library-style covering to prevent further wear. Inner pages are browned, with some edgewear and bent corners. This classic baseball reference is illustrated with photos and includes official rules, standings, rosters and news of each Major League team. 405 pages, plus numerous advertisements; approx. 4"x7". Bookseller Inventory # P8025

Bibliographic Details

Publisher: American Sports Publishing Co., New York
Publication Date: 1911
Binding: Soft Cover
Illustrator: Illustrated
Book Condition: Good

Regular Price: $299.00 Today's Special: US$ 258.75

(Button takes you to our Abebooks listing)

I hate to keep posting about college textbooks...

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:01:00 +0000

...but this is what happens in the current system:

3 arrested in college book-selling scam

Police said they would either shoplift the books or write bad checks and then return the books to other stores for a cash refund....

...The total loss incurred by the three bookstores and the bank was $15,823.76.

I looked around for stats on textbook shoplifting, but couldn't find any meaningful numbers. I imagine, with the cost of books, that there is a lot of loss that bookstores have to pick up due to poor students swiping books.

Another irritating textbook buyback story

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:53:00 +0000

I don't want to throw around the word epidemic, but something has to be done soon.

From thecolonialist.com:

I decided to sell to the cart outside of Kogan on H St. I buy coffee from the guy twice a week and he always seemed to be a fair man. I gave him five books to scan, and he did so with out speaking a word. After a few moments he said, “five dollars.”

Now, I’ve been screwed on books before, but one dollar a book seemed a little irrational. I told him that I was going to take the books over to the bookstore, but I’m confident he had lower prices, so I’d be back. The following is a transcript of our actual conversation:

Coffee Guy: If you come back, I’ll only give you fifty cents for each of these books. $2.50 then, instead of $5.
Travis: What? Why would you do that?
Coffee Guy: Because I control the prices.

That pretty much sums it up. College kids - buy all your books online, then sell them online when you're done. Professors - don't require the latest edition of a textbook when the last edition has all the same information. Take away their control. Help stop the epidemic.

Keep an eye out for these -

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:28:00 +0000

The top 10 out-of-print books. By top 10, I assume they mean most wanted.

Once a Runner (1978) by John L. Parker, Jr.
The cult classic distance running novel; the long-awaited sequel, Again to Carthage, was released in November
Football Scouting Methods (1962) by Steve Belichick
Legendary college football scout’s playbook, used by coaches and players to develop winning game plans
Sex (1992) by Madonna
The pop icon’s controversial book of erotic photos
Promise Me Tomorrow (1984) by Nora Roberts
An early novel that the bestselling romance novelist refuses to reprint, describing it as “mediocre”
The Lion’s Paw (1946) by Robb White
A children’s adventure story about two orphans who travel around Florida in a boat
The Principles of Knitting (1988) by June Hemmons Hiatt
An indispensable resource on hand knitting
Raven: The Untold Story of the Reverend Jim Jones and His People (1982) by Tim Reiterman
Chronicles the inner workings which allowed the Peoples Temple to flourish
Aran Knitting (1997) by Alice Starmore
History and how-to about the Irish knitting technique
One Way Up (1964) by John F. Straubel
The story of of helicopters and vertically rising aircraft
Dear and Glorious Physician (1959) by Taylor Caldwell
A novel based on the life of Saint Luke

From bookfinder.com journal

This month's special:

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:42:00 +0000

"THE ART OF COOKERY MADE PLAIN AND EASY" by Mrs. Glasse

Published by T. Longman, B. Law, J. Johnson, et. Al., 1796.

This antique hardcover cookbook is bound in full leather, trimmed in gilt, with patterned edges. No cover or spine letters. Half-title page notes a price of six shillings bound; title page notes that the book "far excels any thing of the kind yet published ... in which are included one hundred and fifty new and useful receipts, not inserted in any former edition." Also included are "the order of a Bill of Fare for each Month; the Dishes arranged on the Table in the most fashionable Style." Some cover wear; inner pages browned, but clean, with very little foxing. A great example of one of the first widely-available cookbooks. 418 pages; approx. 5"x8".

Price: ~~$599.00 US~~ Now only $529.00

-Buy it-

Abebooks draws ire for charging comission on shipping

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Sun, 04 May 2008 12:02:00 +0000

From PW

The decision by AbeBooks to place an 8% charge on seller shipping expenses has caused outrage among many of the online retailer’s booksellers, who called the move shortsighted and one that discriminates against international booksellers. Hannes Blum, Abe CEO, said that in order to cover rising costs and compete in a marketplace that includes Amazon and Alibris, Abe needed to find a way to boost revenue. The benefit of instituting a charge on shipping fees is that it has the dual affect of raising revenue while discouraging gouging on shipping costs by booksellers who sell books for (literally) pennies and make their profit on shipping charges.

This is a BIG deal. Eight percent is no small chunk of change; we routinely eat up to $20 on shipping as it is, to add another 8% is going to kill a lot of smaller dealers.

Out of shelf space?

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:51:00 +0000

From Curbly.com, but I've seen it around in other places.

Pictures:

Book buyers are happy!

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:00:00 +0000

From Seattle PI

Abebooks UK lead the field with a rating of "89% for overall satisfaction and were praised for how easy it was to find products on their site."

That seems pretty high to me. We do a lot of ordering for customers, and one out of every three orders arrive quickly and without hassle. More often than not, books are "out of stock," or we receive a book that is totally different from what we ordered. This happens a lot using Amazon, as they are still working out the kinks of their ISBN/ASIN title matching system. Usually it is an issue with large print / audio book / book club edition substitutes. Overall, it is good to see these numbers. Happy customers come back.

Chrislands/Abebooks merger

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:19:00 +0000

From Auctionbytes.com

Online bookselling site Abebooks.com has acquired Chrislands, a business that builds, hosts and maintains online bookstores, the fourth acquisition in four years.

This had been rumored for a while, but has finally gone through. Abebooks maintains that the pricing and services of Chrislands will not change, but time will tell. Chrislands offered many smaller bookstores a gateway to the web with their easy hosting setup and database management. Chrislands was easy, but simple, and their services were limited. Perhaps Abebooks will allow them to offer more robust packages.

Bauman Books heads to the Strip

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:08:00 +0000

From SeattlePI

If you've ever been in a Bauman Books store, you know they mean business. I'm not sure if I'm happy or a little freaked out by this. I just can't imagine a high roller from Texas winning big at the craps table and running over to Bauman's and blowing ten grand on modern firsts.

Special of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:42:00 +0000

Once in a while, I will throw up a listing of one of our books. I will try and pick titles you won't see in your average corner bookstore or on eBay. Today, we have an antiquarian collection of religious music.

MUSICAL MONITOR; OR, NEW-YORK COLLECTION OF DEVOTIONAL CHURCH MUSIC

by Ephraim Reed

This antique hardcover book is bound in a brown double leather cover with gilt lettering on a green leather spine label. Cover has some wear, scuffing, but is well-maintained and supple. Inside, pages have some foxing and browning, but text is legible. Published in 1822 by the A.P. Searing and Co. of Ithaca, NY. Includes music notation. 215 pages; approx. 5"x8". This is the revised 2nd edition.

$143.75 US

Buy it!

Mention this blog entry, and you can have it for $125.00 postage paid. First come, first served as there is only one in our inventory.

Bookstore discount

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:40:00 +0000

Trying to get the word out - mention this blog at our store and receive 10% off any book in the store. This offer will be valid until April 1st.

Pirates, yar

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:16:00 +0000

Pirated copies of Benazir’s new book selling like hot cakes

Always a problem with movies and music, it's not often you hear about books (unless it is Harry Potter).

Unusual bookshelves

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:31:00 +0000

A lighter post today, check out these bookshelves:

http://freshome.com/2008/02/25/30-of-the-most-creative-bookshelves-designs/

Of course, most of them are impractical and inefficient, but the designs are nice to look at.

Why Independent Bookstores Matter

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:34:00 +0000

http://chronicle.com/review/brainstorm/index.php?id=166

This article touches on something I have thought a lot about; retailers like WalMart, Costco, etc. are the country's leading brick and mortar booksellers (sad, isn't it? Amazon is #1 overall). With megasellers like these leading the way, the titles you see for sale in the store are going to be safe sellers (read: boring) like Nora Roberts, Stephen King, Danielle Steele, etc. If we're lucky, we might even see cutting-edge writing from the vaunted vault of Oprah's Book Club.

The author goes on to argue that it is the job, no, the responsibility of the independents to maintain variety. I couldn't agree more, and would add that it's the responsibility of the used independents to keep the old classics alive, as well as give birth to new classics.

One sticking point in this article:

What about the “convenience” of ordering books over the Internet? Unless you order your fresh fruit over the Web, meet your friends and lovers via Web sites, and would trust your medicines to an on-line pharmacy, you are treating your intellectual life with less respect than you treat your other appetites and needs. What about the book that’s shelved next to the one you were actually looking for — what if that other book is the one to change your life?

I see what she's saying, but it is silly to think shopping online is the wrong way to buy books. Brick and mortars and online sellers work together very nicely - a customer will shop at their local, see a few titles they like, and order online. They usually save a few dollars in the process. Yes, I realize the B&M missed a sale, but the customer bought a book, and hopefully read it. The transaction is keeping the tradition alive, and I am willing to bet the customer picked up a few things while browsing the aisles as well. Bookselling is a totally different enterprise these days. Online booksellers are not going away, and it is up to the B&Ms to adapt.

Nearly every big online bookseller (Amazon, Abebooks, Alibris, etc) suggest other titles you might like based on what you have purchased and what you have looked at.

Children's books are a staple of small booksellers

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:44:00 +0000

The Right Mix: Kids and Adults

This article refers mostly to new books, and is therefore out of my jurisdiction, but I can still see why juvenile literature remains such a big seller. Younger readers are constantly developing, both in reading ability and in subject interest. As they acquire a larger vocabulary and better reading comprehension, a six year old may like Clifford one week, and Harry Potter the next. (and Gore Vidal the next?) Children's books are usually paperbound and short on content, 10-30 pages. It is easy for a publisher to churn out hundreds of these titles, and in a fashion that lends more towards reading inhalation than book collecting.
We sell a fair amount of children's books, mostly around Christmas time. The difference is that our customers are usually looking for books they read as a child, either for collecting or to pass the title down to younger generations. They are looking for specific titles, editions, and conditions. Our current stock stands at about 15% juvenile, if you count our children's history, reference, and religion sections, as well as our series books like Nancy Drew, etc. In any given month, I would say that maybe 5% of the books sold are children's books, so maybe we should clear that section out or have a sale!

Abebooks to expand their reach

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:52:00 +0000

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6528972.html

The Vancouver-based new and used online bookseller, AbeBooks.com, has launched a new sales site called Gojaba.com to serve bibliophiles and booksellers in Sweden and Russia. The site, which will facilitate the sale of used, rare and out-of-print books, was launched today and is intended to branch out to serve other emerging bookselling markets, the next of which will be Brazil.

Gojaba, which will charge a subscription fee to users, is intended to serve the expanding market for online bookselling in these countries. With the flat monthly fee customers can list up to 20,000 books on the site, which does not charge buyers a fee. The site, currently in beta, also does not issue commission fees on any transaction.

Speaking to the new site, AbeBooks CEO Hannes Blum, who called Gojaba's approach a "simple no-frills" one, said the company hopes to "help buyers find books in markets where the online book trade is developing."

I have mixed feelings about the international market. It is, at the same time, easier and harder than ever to sell books overseas. USPS has made customs issues, packaging, rates, and online tracking easier than ever. On the other hand, credit card verification, email scams, and other pitfalls make it tougher to know your books will arrive in safe hands. We ship overseas everyday, and 98% of it goes wthout a hitch. It's that 2% can hold up an order for weeks.

Book conditions

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Know what you're getting when you buy a book! I can't tell you how many times a customer in the store has scoffed at a book that is listed in 'Good' condition because they didn't didn't understand it was at the lower end of the scale. So let's get these terms out there, shall we?

These are quoted directly from abebooks.com, one of the largest used book resellers out there:

Condition of a book is usually in the form of VG/VG, Fine/Good, VG/--, etc. The first part is the condition of the book, the second is the condition of the dust jacket. If a "/--" is present, it usually means that the dustjacket is not present.

New - A new book is unread, in print and in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages.
As New - To be used only when the book is in the same immaculate condition to which it was published. There can be no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc., and the dustjacket (if it was issued with one) must be perfect, without any tears.
Fine (F or FN) - Approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. For the use of the term Fine, there must also be no defects, etc., and if the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, this should be noted.
Very Good (VG) - Describes a book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Any defects must be noted.
Good (G) - Describes the average used worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.
Fair - Worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. (which must be noted). Binding, jacket (if any), etc., may also be worn. All defects must be noted.
Poor - Describes a book that is sufficiently worn, to the point that its only merit is as a Reading Copy because it does have the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps or plates should still be noted. This copy may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.

It should be noted that many dealers will also use a "+" and "-" system to further explain the condition. For example, if a book is very clean, tight, bright, and crisp, but has a small imperfection, they will use VG+ instead of VG. We can't quite commit to calling it Near Fine, but Very Good doesn't quite do it justice.

Hope this helps in your next search.

A possible solution to the textbook epidemic?

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:35:00 +0000

Via Murray State...

Even though textbook rental programs can save college students anywhere from $400 to $800 a year, many universities still only offer textbooks for purchase, Southeast Missouri State University bookstore Assistant Manager Laurie Taylor said.

Jack Vaughn, director of the University Bookstore at Murray State, said many factors contribute to the fact that the bookstore does not offer textbook rentals.

"It would literally cost millions of dollars to start a rental program," he said. "On top of that, new editions come out every two to three years and professors change their required texts. Very few schools use a rental system - that should tell you something."

According to the National Association of College Stores, in 2006 "textbook rental services were offered only by 1.8 percent of NACS member stores in the U.S and Canada."

SEMO is one school that has always had a textbook rental program, Taylor said, and it's not suited for every university.

"We advertise it as a scholarship for every student," she said. "Instead of spending $600-$1,000 a year on books, our students average around $185."

Perhaps not. These poor college kids. Even with the proliferation of online textbook sellers and resellers, spending up to $2000 on books they will use for 4 months is ridiculous.

Have a question about your books?

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:52:00 +0000

This site gives you all the answers: http://www.rbms.info/yob.shtml

1. What makes a book rare?
Millions of books, pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, and broadsides have been published since the invention of printing more than 500 years ago. Only a small portion of these pieces, however, would be considered "rare" by specialists. In simple terms, books achieve a degree of rarity only when demand exceeds supply. Unfortunately, there are no easy formulas for determining rarity.

2. What makes a book important?

People value books either because of their contents or because of their physical characteristics. First editions of important literary or historical works and initial reports of scientific discoveries or inventions are prime examples of books that are important because of their contents. Illustrated books that give a new interpretation of a text or are the work of an esteemed artist are also valued. Books that were suppressed or censored may be both important and scarce, since few copies may have survived. Physical characteristics, such as a special binding, an early use of a new printing process, or an autograph, inscription, or marginal annotations of a famous person, may also contribute to a book's importance and its market price.

3. Does scarcity increase a book's value?

A book known to exist in only a few copies may have significant monetary value if collectors prize it. Searching the Internet using services like bookfinder.com, AbeBooks.com, or ABAA.org can give you an idea of how many copies of a book are currently being offered for sale. However, a book without important text or distinguishing physical characteristics is likely to have little economic value, no matter how few copies survive.

4. Are all old books valuable?

Age by itself is not enough to make a book valuable. The importance of the text, the condition of the book, and demand for it will determine the valuation of an old book. However, certain categories of books are generally more sought after, including all books printed before 1501, English books printed before 1641, books printed in the Americas before 1801, and books printed west of the Mississippi before 1850.

5. Where are rare books found?

Because books are portable and durable, rare books can turn up anywhere, from well-ordered private libraries to attics, basements, garage sales, and increasingly on Internet bookseller and auction sites. Books considered rare by collectors and librarians may be found together with more common books. Experience and specialized knowledge are often needed to discriminate among them.

6. What is the difference between a rare book and a second-hand book?

A second-hand or used book is a previously owned book that is not an important edition and has no special physical characteristics, such as binding, provenance, inscription or association with important previous owners. Market prices for second-hand or used books are typically modest.

7. What is meant by a book's condition and how does it affect its value?

Condition refers to a book's physical appearance and the completeness of its contents. In general, the better a book's physical condition, the more it will be worth. A book in "fine" condition will be complete and show very little or no wear. A book with loose pages or a worn binding will be considered in "poor" condition. Missing pages or illustrations are a major fault that will make most books almost valueless.

Oneonta's local paper highlights Popek's Bookstore

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:27:00 +0000

'Shop Talk' from thedailystar.com

Popeks Books Featured in Binghamton paper

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:24:00 +0000

We made the news again:

Page-turners turn into profit for Popek

How to care for your books

noreply@blogger.com (unmoderated) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 01:39:00 +0000

A comprehensive guide to taking care of those special volumes. There are a lot of rules that go against conventional wisdom - DON'T store your books in plastic. They need to breathe, and the plastic will trap in moisture and dirt.

http://www.tappinbookmine.com/bookcare.htm