Pitfalls of Buying Books Online (& Rant)

Let’s talk about the pitfalls of buying books from online booksellers and fair warning this is going to be a bit of a rant.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:06 Pitfall 1
04:34 Pitfall 2
06:17 Pitfall 3
15:28 Pitfall 4
17:05 Summary
18:34 Recommendations
19:53 Outro
Music: ‘Lament of the Ancients’ by Asher Fulero
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Instagram: / nerdykathi

[@mildrumpus]

I’m right there with you. I HATE the stock photos & ex-library copies.

[@NerdyKathi]

Yes!

[@ttowntrekker5174]

Oh Kathi! My pet peeves. I return every bent cover, damaged spine, moldy/tobacco smell, ex library and Book Club edition etc if the listing doesn't identify or misidentify on ebay I only buy from individual sellers who photograph the exact item I'll receive. When I find a bookseller that sends me what I actually buy...I save them and always leave great feedback and always buy from them again. Those great sellers are sadly rare.

[@NerdyKathi]

Some books I want are just not available from individual sellers, perhaps because I'm in Australia. I won't return every damaged book as I get tired of having to repackage it, but when a book is mis-described then I will.

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

I completely agree with you, the worst one I dealt with was Thrift Books, first time was just asking when I will get my tracking for the book. They kept saying that it was coming and called it a complaint. I thought to myself believe me my tone would be different in a complaint, I am completely polite when I complain, but my tone is not the same as when I am just asking for information like in this case. About three purchases later, it began. They kept doing what I call the bait and switch, it says sellers picture and the description is the edition that I want and they send me the wrong one. The first time it was resolved. But after three times of getting the wrong book, and their lousy attitude they were out. On the opposite side is Blackwells, they are efficient, you always get the correct edition and their CS is very good. Plus free shipping to the US. I was nodding through out your rant, I so agree with you,

[@gerridauer9092]

I’m surprised. I’ve ordered many times from Thrift books and had good experiences. The books were as described and came relatively quickly. I did have a time when the description said good and I didn’t feel that it should have been classified as such.

[@NerdyKathi]

I've had some good experiences with Thrift through ebay, but it can be hit and miss. Ah bait and switch is the perfect description! I hate that they think it's okay. Thank you for sharing Sherri.

[@NerdyKathi]

They might be improving? Or you get lucky. They haven't been consistent for me.

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

@@gerridauer9092 I understand, i have friends, that can't understand it, everything went well with them, and other friends who had the experience as I did. I think it is the roll of the dice.

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

@@NerdyKathi Bait and switch is a conman term, (I like a few tv shows and movies with conman,) and I think it fits perfectly too. I do too, they said that it was the same book just a different cover and date of publishing then they listed, I mean to me, if you're dealing with any vintage stuff, that is a bad attitude. You're welcome, thank you for the great post.

[@call_me_pebble]

Thank you for voicing an ongoing struggle and concern of mine! I'm in the funny minority of people who adore mass market paperback books and finding editions that match others in my collection can be a nightmare. MMPB can be very tricky, because they often have 'fake' bubble stickers and other ads on the covers that I try to avoid, but online booksellers pay them no mind. I've had several similar experiences to yours, where I order one thing and get something entirely different (I've even been sent hardbacks when I've paid for mmpb!). It is extremely frustrating. I understand that some booksellers may not have the time/resources needed to photograph every book they are trying to sell, but as you pointed out.. don't post a photo at all then! It's just plain deceitful. I remember ranting to a friend about this a long time ago who took the 'I don't care what my books look like, as long as I can read them' stance, which is absolutely fine. But booksellers shouldn't assume everyone falls into that category. Your analogy regarding the red/black t-shirt is a perfect metaphor for this issue. I've been burnt too many time that I almost never buy books online anymore. I'm fortunate to have a chain of very nice used bookstores in my city that maintain an online inventory I can browse. They are usually good about posting what edition the book is, but rather than buy it online, I'll go directly to the shop because you never know. Obviously this isn't a luxury that everyone can rely on, and booksellers would do well to acknowledge that! P.S. I'm still new to your channel and have loved listening to you talk about books! I'm only a casual Star Wars fan (like the original trilogy of films and that's about it, can't really stand most of the newer stuff), but your endorsement of the Heir to the Empire series piqued my interest so I snagged a set at my local shop yesterday, hehe.

[@NerdyKathi]

You are welcome and thank you for sharing your experience. 😊 It would of course be better to buy them in person but it's not always possible. Oh I do hope you enjoy Heir to the Empire!

[@michellegleave2550]

Kathi, I’m not a world of books fan since I paid twenty dollars for a book in “very good” condition and when it arrived it was mouldy, it actually was dusty all over and had dirt in between the pages and the dust jacket was extremely water damaged. I sent them photos and got a refund without having to send the book back. When I found a copy of it in a thrift store, I replaced my copy, and put it in the bin! It wasn’t even good enough to donate. 100% agree with you. Happy Reading.

[@NerdyKathi]

WOB have gotten even worse and I will no longer buy from them either. I just don't understand why they refuse to do the right thing.

[@Paromita_M]

Very important video. I buy a lot of books online and definitely faced the height issue. So frustrating. Sticker one also as I as being sent a different edition. Returns can be a hassle depending on the seller. Once again, thanks for making this video.

[@NerdyKathi]

Stickers are the bane of every book lover and yes, sometimes the hassle of returning books is not worthwhile. Thank you!

[@gardenplots283]

From experience with a previous job in order fulfillment I know that sometimes businesses have a description for a product then later get stock from another vendor somewhere else that isn't the same as the old item but don't bother to change the original information. Sometimes for years. They know most people won't go to the trouble to return the item and try to get a refund so it is often cheaper to take a chance on dealing with a small number of returns and complaints than to pay someone to keep the photos and descriptions up to date.

[@NerdyKathi]

That's a very good point about new stock not matching the description, and whilst it may not be worth their while to change descriptions, it should be standard practice.

[@kurjan1]

I live on the Gold Coast, Queesland. I only buy from small independent book sellers mostly in the UK with one in New York. Because I collect first editions I am beyond fastidious. I ask lots of questions and ask for lots of clear photos; particularly of the covers, dust jacket flaps and the copyright page. The book sellers I deal with know me now and know what I like and my collecting expectations. I love having that personal connection and relationship. The only new books I buy are from Folio Society, Goldsboro, The Broken Binding and fine binding companies such as Suntup Press etc. They are excellent to deal with, their customer service is faultless and the most important thing, their packaging is excellent. I have never had a damaged book arrive.

[@NerdyKathi]

When it comes to first editions which are usually expensive I would expect a lot more from the seller. Good to know you've had positive experiences with Folio and others. Thank you for sharing.

[@joyceredman2136]

I love watching your videos that cover some of your book collection, what some publishers sell in book editions and now this one to beware of buying books on-line. These are so good for people to hear about. Keep up the good work!

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you very much Joyce. 😊

[@damianp564]

I agree with all these issues. As a seller of books and other media on ebay I go out of my way to describe and show the condition and edition of the item I am selling. Problem is, most people want that kind of service for the same price offered by large booksellers that only use stock images and blanket descriptions. It takes a lot of time to photograph and describe a book properly, especially a collectible edition. It takes very little time to list by stock image/content and quantity. Without additional compensation for time and experience there's just no way to compete.

[@NerdyKathi]

You make a very valid point that smaller businesses are required to do more but it would also make buyers more inclined to buy from them than large sellers who are too lazy to accurately describe an item. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@vintagesue]

Oh Kathi I have had the same type of problems! I have a disability too, thus rely on buying books online. Another issue I’ve had is preordering new release books from Booktopia. They give you the release date when I ordered but the book didn’t arrive until 2-3 months after the release date! This has happened twice with Booktopia. Never will I preorder again. It would’ve been quicker to order the book direct from England!!! I believe Blackwells in Oxford are very good, with free delivery to Australia, but I’ve yet to order from them. Have you tried City Basement Books in Melbourne? They will send you photos of the actual book before you purchase if requested. I have found them to be extremely helpful. Lovely old fashioned personal service. Just recently found you on here Kathi, so glad I did! 📚

[@NerdyKathi]

Welcome! 😊 I'd always prefer to order locally but yes they can take awhile to deliver pre-orders especially. I've had very good experiences with Booktopia myself though. I haven't tried Blackwells or City Basement Books, thank you for the suggestions.

[@vintagesue]

@@NerdyKathi Hi Kathi, did you hear the news today? Booktopia has gone into voluntary administration. I had a book on order with them and hadn’t heard from them after I emailed them twice. I had a feeling something was wrong. Thankfully I contacted PayPal today and they immediately refunded my amount. Thought I’d let you know in case you have anything ordered from them.

[@melissahouse1296]

Loved this Nerdy Kath & as a fellow Aussie who also gets everything online (managing a disability of sorts & consequently don't drive/ live fairly remote)- i've experienced every single one of these issues😏🙄Very rarely use wob now & yes A&R + Booktopia overall 👍 Great video 👏😊

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you Melissa and g'day fellow Aussie! I'm not surprised you've had similar experiences, if you are looking for 2nd hand books try The Book Grocer.

[@mariayepez493]

I agree with everything you said. I've also had an issue where I will pay more for an "excellent" edition and get something far from it. I am now either buying from Pango books or from small sellers on Ebay...or saving up for new editions from Blackwell's.

[@NerdyKathi]

The condition of a book is so subjective, and small sellers are usually great. Alas we don't have Pango here.

[@robsavage3217]

World of Books is particularly deceptive. The photos that look like the genuine copies listed are actually images lifted from other sellers' sites. More broadly, I rarely buy anything that has a stock photo unless I'm looking for a "reading only" copy and I don't care about the condition. My one exception is Rarewaves, which often has new books listed on eBay for great prices and they generally arrive to my home in Canada in excellent condition.

[@NerdyKathi]

WOB are disgraceful. I've had a very bad experience with them since this video. Alas sometimes I have no choice but to buy based on a stock photo. Thank you for the heads up regarding Rarewaves.

[@sherreads1081]

All good points! My book buying has gone down significantly, but the last paperback I got was disappointing. I usually order at least very good condition and avoid exlibrary. Several months ago I got a trade paperback that had water damage and was very worn. I wrote the seller and cited my thoughts which included my assessment that this copy wouldn't even pass as a " reading copy." They sent me a better copy. I wanted a Folio Society copy of an Agatha Christie with a specific cover. Didn't get it, but I kept the copy because it was like new and the price was reasonable. Lots of food for thought here. TFS

[@NerdyKathi]

It seems everyone has had some negative experiences buying books online.

[@erikahajdu3525]

I'm in the UK and my favourite online used book seller is WOB, I have read aswell on their website that the covers of the books can vary from the picture, but they have always sent me the one on the picture, so I can't complain. I purchased from Ebay from Awesomebooks (which I don't like anymore as the condition of the books are very-very used, even if advertised as "very good" condition....) and they sent me the wrong cover, but refunded me straight away, when I complained. With WOB you get the condition, what it says next to the book - Like new, Very good, Good or Well-read - in my experience. It is true, these sellers say "they are too busy" to send pictures of the books you are interested in, because I asked them aswell and that was the response I got.

[@NerdyKathi]

I think WOB are better when you buy through their website, but I've had too many books turn up that differed from the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[@QuirkyGirl10]

We need more booksellers who respect books and understand book lovers. The problem is that a lot of booksellers are volume sellers and get their books from vendors who then ship the orders to the customers. The books don’t pass through the hands of the actual sellers you buy from. However one good thing about buying on eBay or Amazon is that they are very good about customer satisfaction, and you can open up a case if the seller is uncooperative and get your money back right away. (Many times you won’t even need to, though). I now gravitate towards booksellers who actually post the photo of the actual book I will be getting. So far I’ve found Pango Books, which sells mostly used through 3rd party sellers, to be pretty good about showing pictures of the actual book you’re buying. Blackwells from the UK, which sells new, is also good about sending you the actual book pictured.

[@NerdyKathi]

Like anything, if they want my money then they should be as accurate as possible. I always try to buy from sellers who use photos of the actual books but it's not always possible. Alas Pango Books isn't available here nor I think is Blackwells.

[@Madam_Vader_Reads]

You know how irritated I have been when receiving a BOTM book with their advertisement brand all over it.

[@NerdyKathi]

Ah that's a great point though I don't think I've ended up with any so far.

[@davefuentes3542]

I recently paid big money (at least for me) for what the ebay seller listed as a "1st Edition." When it arrived it was a small Book Club edition. After ignoring me for 2 weeks I filed a formal complaint and got my money back. It ended well but was a frustrating situation overall.

[@NerdyKathi]

Yes I don't believe book club editions are "1st editions", it seems some sellers don't really know what they have.

[@juliemartin6101]

I've found a few on-line resellers that I use, because I find their descriptions are so accurate and their service is good. When I order from one of my preferred resellers, I know what to expect. I buy some books that I want to keep at a vacation place (like a cabin) - ex-library books are very good there. They are hardback so they hold up and I don't care whether or not the book might be marked up. They are there just to read (sometimes out on the porch or patio where they might get rained on). Who the reseller is is critical with these. Just for fun: I have ended up with ex-library books from some remote libraries that are "unusual". Like one that was old enough that it still had the library check-out card in it. Or a copy of Neville Shute's Alice Springs from a library in Sydney. How it got to California????

[@NerdyKathi]

That sounds like a good place for ex-library books and sometimes, especially with older books, that's all you can find. It's one reason I love second hand books, you may find they have travelled the world.

[@mtnshelby7059]

Ive also noticed they can be loose with the descriptions. Buyers are owed accurate descriptions.

[@NerdyKathi]

Totally agree!

[@barbaralin3053]

i have no choice except buying from internet because i live in Taiwan where there aren't many novels in English. Besides, i have to wait for 2 to 3 months for them after purchase, because most post carriers don't read English addresses so i have to use a Taiwanese on-line bookshop service to purchase the books. I envy you people living in the English speaking countries. Good points about my local bookshop service is that they are faithful about book sizes and covers. However, the thing I care most is the font size and spacing, which i could not find out before touching the books.

[@NerdyKathi]

That must be very frustrating. What about ebooks? You should be able to get those quicker, though I know it's not the same as a physical book.

[@barbaralin3053]

@@NerdyKathi No, I never buy e-books. I'd rather wait. Also, i prefer paperbacks to hardcover because i like to hold them easily.

[@StingyGeek]

Misdescription - not 'lazy'. Deliberate. There's a profit incentive.

[@NerdyKathi]

I was trying to be neutral but I agree sometimes it is deliberate.

[@rebeccabsomanybooks3558]

I was so infuriated once when ordering a classic and it was shown to be leather bound but i received a cheap paperback. I left negative feedback to warn others of this unscrupulous seller.

[@NerdyKathi]

Wow that is incredible, that they thought they could get away with it.