Ways to Save Your Wallet | Book Edition
Updated: Mar 12, 2021
We all know that saving money can be a bit of a challenge at times, and that is coming from an impulsive buyer, who likes eclectic buys and a taste for the bougie. But, although I love books, I have to pace myself and really think about where I buy my books from. I'm about to share the places I go to purchase my books, that don't even require you to leave your couch. You're Welcome!
We are going to go over the perks of these 5 sites:
Thriftbooks
This is a great place to find specific editions of books at a reasonable price and with the best shipping prices I've seen for books by far (Free Shipping for orders of at least $10). The Free Shipping minimum works out well with the deals you will find on this site. If you need books for college and/or classics for fun, you can get them as low as $2. I know crazy! Plus, you help the environment and your bank account by purchasing used books.
Pros: Great deals and user-friendly search engine to help you find the edition of books you are looking for!
Cons: Once you see a book you want, buy it! It might not be there later on because they are used and may only have one copy.
Half-Price Books
Great place to find recent releases for way cheaper. They have an easy-to-use website and have a wide selection of books that you can choose from.
Pros: You can find nearly-new used editions of books on an easy-to-use website.
Cons: Books might be slightly more expensive than you anticipate and a limited amount of editions are possible.
AbeBooks
This is very similar to Thriftbooks, just a bit less of a user-friendly site. I do have to say though if you are looking for something Thriftbooks doesn't have, there's a really good chance this site has it. Want an example? I was looking for a specific edition of Gabriel García Márquez's book, The General and His Labyrinth, and Abebooks had it! I was so excited and currently have it happily sitting on my TBR shelf. Just saying, you should give them a try!
Pros: It's very likely you will find what you are looking for here.
Cons: Shipping takes a long time, but it's usually reasonably priced.
Book of the Month Club
I love this subscription service!!! Why do you ask? Because it always gives me five curated reads that always contains at least one fantastic read and if it doesn't? Their add-ons are just as amazing and are only an additional $10 per book on top of the $15/month subscription. This is great if you are looking for new releases at a stellar price point, plus you get access to certain books as early releases. I save money while adding books to my collection, that I love and look great (because they're all hardcovers) on my bookshelves! What's not to love?
Pros: You get access to the newest books at the fraction of the cost!
Cons: You can only pick from BOTM's catalog and don't have access to every book in print, but there is a lot of variety!
Etsy
A surprising choice, I know. BUT, let me tell you, it's a great place to find an older edition of a book at a better price! Especially if you're willing to dig! Thrift hunters out there rejoice! I found you a new hobby. Personally, I found a 1960s edition of 1984 by George Orwell for about $10, which may seem steep, but considering how difficult it is to find a non-mass paperback copy of this book, I'll take the price. I found it on this Etsy shop called LevelLander, a Minnesota-based shop that prides itself on digging up things that you never knew you needed, I was impressed with the amount of selection on the shop and many books were available.
Here are some other shops to start your hunting:
With that said, here are the pros and cons:
Pros: It's like a treasure hunt! You can definitely find gems here at a reasonable price.
Cons: You won't always find the edition and if you do it won't always be a thrifty price. But, if you are looking for something extra special, this is the place for you.
I hope these 5 alternatives to Amazon help you on your library building journey! I know they have for me, a little bit too well.
Keep it Authentic
-Amy ♥️