Day 57: Buying Used Books
What: Buying used books
Why: Books are expensive. The Kindle, Nook, you name it, is starting to take over. Books may end up costing more to print because fewer people will be buying them since e-books are now becoming the way to read. What about those who don’t have something electronic to read a book on or those who just appreciate holding a book in their hand? Used books may not smell the same as a freshly opened new book, but they are still a reasonable option.
How:
1. Think about all the books you own. How much money have you spent on those books? How many of them have you only read once, but ended up buying it new?
2. Buying used books may not offer the same quality as a new book; although, used book websites often offer a “condition” category (such as very good, like new, etc.) where you can pay a little extra for a “like new” book, yet forego paying full price for the book. Unfortunately you have to pay shipping.
3. One of the best place to find used books? Discount bookstores or bookstores themselves. Often bookstores will have a discount section, a used section, or have great sales that even buying used, can’t beat.
4. Keep your eye out for the best places to get used books. When you buy used and cheap, you can then afford to lend it to someone else and taking the risk of not getting it back.
Confession of the Day: I used to work at a bookstore and I see the value of having a local bookstore in town. If I can buy a book in a bookstore for a reasonable price, I will. I see the value of shopping locally. I also know that sometimes buying used is the way to go as well. The book in the picture above was lended to us – I loved it so much that I wanted it for myself! I found a used copy online and was able to purchase it for just a few dollars. It was well worth the find! Living with less doesn’t always mean cutting every corner that you can. It means being conscious of where you are spending your money and not consuming everything that you see. It may even mean buying something used, such as a book.
What is your favorite book right now?
I feel exactly the same way about having a local book store. We are not buying anything new this year, but I do like to support the local book store during a normal year. I know I can get books much cheaper second hand, but I love having a local store to browse in. I get around this by asking for book vouchers from that store for Christmas and my birthday (not this year, though) and buy brand new release books there that I know I can't get second hand yet.
I am going to have to check out your adventure of not buying anything new this year! That is a great idea to ask for gift certificates from that place – even places in general that you enjoy shopping at, so that it decreases your personal spending. Awesome idea and thank you for sharing!