One day I am soooo not going to say whatever is on my mind. That day wasn’t today…
Conversation two women were having when I opened the door at my fave ubs
“Really it has gotten out of control, it’s why I love you guys. I am never buying never books again. NEVER. It has gotten out of control. I can even rent new hardcovers here. It makes rotten books easier to deal with and really I just don’t have the space. I used to keep all my books, well and my friends we would trade and borrow back and forth.”
(2 person) “I did too before I worked here but really who can afford to spend the money on new books these days or spend what they are charging. And we don’t advertise at all, it is all word of mouth. We have been here for (over 25 years) because of our customers.”
“Right, I told all my friends about you. I mean you spend the money to move your books so many times before you get it that you will never read them again. And something like this just makes sense. I never buy new books and never will again. $7 only to find out the book is terrible? No Way.”
Now this is going to shock you but yes… this is the part where I said something
“It is understandable to not want to waste your money. No one wants to but you should buy the authors you do want to support otherwise they won’t be writing any books for you to be buying – new or used – anymore. It is something to think about because if you stop buying new altogether it looks like those authors, any authors aren’t selling or are selling less. And the bottom line means higher prices for readers, us, and less contracts for the people’s who put a ton of hard work and time into something that we enjoy. Of course that is just my opinion but it is something to think about and I am in a used book store too. I would never say I would STOP buying new and if I could I would buy a lot more.”
This is the point where the woman working the counter who did know me, laughed and didn’t throw me out. And did agree (or didn’t want me to go on cuz you might have noticed I can a bit ::innocent blink::) and said that it was something she didn’t think about.
I did go on a bit (after her customer had left and HONESTLY I was nice, I WAS) about how ubs were great grand and wonderful – because I do think they are – but if THEY want to stay in business the business of books, never buying new again is a really bad message to send.
Or am I wrong? How would you have handled it if you had opened a door to hear ‘I am never buying a new book again!”
Oh and for those of you playing the home game, I bought:
Come Near Me by Kasey Michaels (I NEED Escapade)
Indiscreet by Kasey Michaels
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
Winter Roses (I can’t find the copy I have)
Callaghan’s Bride by Diana Palmer (it was .80 and I am sick)
Meet Me at Midnight by Suzanne Enoch (.80 see above)
Well, if no one buys new books, then the used book stores are going to have a really outdated stock pretty soon 😀
I love UBSs, especially if I want to try new authors and I can’t find their backlist, if I’m running low on cash, and because so many offer credit when you bring in books. I think they are an awesome way to try out an author that you aren’t sure about.
But, definitely — if everyone refused to buy new, we’d all be screwed. Readers, authors, book store owners (chain, indie, or UBS).
Geez. If you never want to buy new again, at least have the decency to support your local library. Just sayin.
And what Meljean said. Most of my UBS buying these days is limited to out-of-print books. I would say I’m at the point where I’m now buying 90% new. Ahhh, the joys of growing up and having disposable income.
It is possible she had just finished a HORRID book or something as well but I think the thing that caught me most off guard was how yeah! right on! the bookclerk was – yes it was a ubs but educate don’t just egg on.
And really that was just a piece because it was pretty much more of the same over and over for eh, 10 or so mins of the evils of THE MAN.
Yes books cost too much. Yes some books can be crap. Yes they keep going up. Yes series keep not getting finished, oh wait that is my bitch 🙂
And not buy books is an answer and does send a message but NOT buying any new books by any new authors is THAT the answer or message we want to send? I mean I didn’t look, I could kick myself now, so I have no clue if she was an avon reader or not but online romance readers most likely have enough to keep us in books for a while.
BUT even we would run out after a while. No really we would, or would all have to move in with KristieJ.
It can be hard to fork over money for a book you don’t know if you’ll like or want to read again–especially at hardbound or trade paperback prices. So I can see the woman’s point.
But, I like to buy books, new and used. I also like to use the library for riskier reads. And, I am more likely to buy the newer authors and borrow the established authors. Newer authors need all the sales they can get so that they, too, can join the ranks of the established.
I’m lucky to live near Powell’s. They have both new and used books, and they always have more interesting stock than the other big bookstores. Before I moved to the Portland area, I used to drive 100 miles a couple times a year just to go there.
I’m so glad you spoke up. I don’t know if I would have – given that they were strangers – but I certainly concur. I’m all for saving money, but I like to buy retail when I can. Why? Because somebody has to buy retail. Somebody has to support the costs associated with producing a product. (not just books, but all products)
Like everyone else, I’m feeling the economic pinch and it’s taken a large bite out of my book buying budget. However, I am working the heck out of my local library, and finally getting through my TBR, and will also visit the local UBS from time to time. Add to that, I just signed up for Paperback Swap today (and already ‘sold’ three books, whee!!).
I bought a new book last month. There once was a time I would have bought 4 or 5 books in a month, but I just can’t afford it now. I wanted to buy from someone I don’t know and hadn’t heard any buzz about–just make a purchase based on the cover and back blurb. I wound up buying Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank.
Maybe I’ll go buy new again tomorrow. After all, somebody has to do it.
Good for you for speaking up! What caught my eye about this post was that you bought Winter Roses. That is my favorite romance novel! I have two copies, just in case. I don’t think any of her books are in print anymore 🙁
Very good! I’m sure you were all things polite. :o) And you bought Breaking Point – yay! Poor Max…not everyone liked his book but I thought it was fine.
Good on you, Syb.
Of course it’s hard with the rough economy & all, & I think everyone’s had to cut back in many ways.
But to stop buying new altogether is to put everyone out of business. Just sayin’.
I agree with you, totally. I frequent used bookstores and libraries too, but when I find an author whose book i really love, I bought the books even when I have already read them.
Having been with Syb in said ubs, I can say that she is the most helpful person and wants others to read every book in the place. And she is always nice, in publice places at least. 😉
I like to buy new for the reason that I want to support my favorite authors and give them the sales number. It comes down to a choice really, and I want to keep those authors writing new and wonderful books.
I don’t buy new that often but when I’ve gotten fond of an author, I do make an effort to buy their latest book new. Even if the book itself isn’t great, I don’t feel like I wasted money because of all the other books of theirs that I’ve enjoyed and got cheaply.
OMG too funny! It was the same place. HA! I called you while I was there didn’t I.
And it wasn’t my fault that other chick didn’t know where the Feehan books were no really, I iz helpful I can’t help it. All those books need homes!
We can’t all buy new hell I knew I spent 500 or so a month on new books a few years ago and now can feel guilt for spending 15.