In this digital age - where it can be easier to order groceries online rather than travel to the store - it's not a big surprise to think that bookshops may eventually become extinct. These days, I wait to spend my money in person rather than online. Well, for some things, not all.
This way, I get to ensure the quality of the books I'm buying before parting with my money. It's very rare to receive a damaged book through the post, but accidents can happen. But not only am I able to check for wear and tear in store, I can also sample the work before buying - an option not always available when shopping online.
That being said, I have found that Amazon does have a much wider, more readily available, range. Not surprising, seeing as how big the company is. This does lead to frustration when I walk into a shop and can't find something, but can find it with a quick search when I get home. This is only added to when Amazon offers such good prices (five quid for a paperback? Don't mind if I do!) that only end up being doubled when it comes to shipping costs. Unless you spend over a certain amount, of course. And then there's the waiting... Not something I'm good at.
Do you support Amazon over bookshops?
Great post! This is actually something I get quite conflicted over. As much as I want to support independent book stores, I usually always buy my books from Amazon because of the cheap prices and easy shipping. Especially since I'm a broke college student without an income. In the future, I would love to spend more money on bookstores though. I would hate to be one of the people contributing to the extinction of bookshops.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I'm like. Amazon is just so easy compared! But then instantly getting the book from a store is so satisfying, especially if you're impatient!
DeleteI think there's room for both! I can't stand it when people say 'Amazon isn't actually cheaper,' b/c sometimes it is - it really depends on the book, shopping around is nothing to be ashamed of. That said, it's worth reminding yourself to buy books from bookshops every now and then. (Plus I find that The Works has soooo many awesome bargains!)
ReplyDeleteYes! I like to look in stores first and then if I can't find it I'll order it online when I get home - whether that be from Amazon or Waterstones. I love the points systems places like Waterstones have too, unlike Amazon. Makes me more likely to support them in order to earn money off and use points instead of cash.
DeleteThe Works reward system gives 5% back - so I tend to make use of that ;)
DeleteI had amazon prime for a while which was great, because of the two day free shipping. During that time I didn't really buy from actual bookshops, but then when my membership expired and I didn't renew I started looking at what my local indie bookstore had, and kind of went from there. It helps cut down on the amount of books that I buy, because a lot of times I end up wanting more books than I can actually read. I don't mind paying full price at indie bookstores, because I know it's helping keep them afloat. I can't say that I haven't bought books off Amazon recently, but having to spend a certain amount to get free shipping sometimes isn't worth it for me so it's really rare when I do buy from Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI've found that, too. I tend to stick to the buy one get one half price deals in store as well which helps save money, and means I'm not buying more than I can currently handle. But then, when I know I have the money to spend and there are books that I want I can't help myself, regardless of where I'm shopping!
DeleteI do a mixture of both! I love shopping at second-hand bookstores - there's so much variety, and you also get the sense that they've been read/appreciated before. But at the same time, Amazon is definitely a lot more cheaper at times, which my poor uni student wallet definitely appreciates!
ReplyDeleteI'm quite picky about second hand books, but have been buying more to save money! I don't like the fact that they've been read before, as they feel dirty in my hands and I find it very difficult to hold them long enough to read, and I also like my books to be in pristine condition. Challenging myself by buying nearly all my Stephen King books second hand, though! Just got to read them all now haha :P
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