bookpiggy.com - book reviews by a book lover

Bookstore vs. Buying online

Where do YOU buy your books?

I think there are pros and cons to buying from both ‘real’ stores and online stores, and I tend to choose one over the other depending on my mood. But really, there are a few key factors that should come into play when you decide where to get your reads.

Number 1: Do you like to caress your book before buying?
If the feel and smell of a new book are things you need to know before bringing a book home with you, you’re better off buying in-store. Case in point: every time my father touches a new book, be it his own or anyone else’s, he immediately opens it widely, cracks the binding and sticks his (not so small) nose into the middle for a snort; obviously, he prefers bookstores.

Number 2: Do you even know what book you want?
The main reason I go to a store is to loiter around picking out books that I want to read. This usually starts off with me being attracted by a pretty cover, then reading a few pages to see if it seems like something I might like. You pretty much have to know exactly what you want before making an online purchase, unless you actually use those handy ’suggestions’ the website makes about ten other books that are similar to the one you’re currently viewing.

Number 3: Is getting a package in the mail the highlight of your day?
I absolutely LOVE getting packages. In my condo building it works like this: Firstly, you get a call from the concierge with the exciting news that there is a package waiting for you at the desk. Then you put on some decent clothes and go downstairs, where you very importantly sign for it, then march it back up the elevator, while your fellow condo-dwellers stare at your package in envy. Once safely inside, you tear open the box and cradle your new purchase. So, suffice it to say, if you know what you want and you enjoy packages as much as I do, sometimes buying online is a good way to go.

Number 4: How much?
If you’re a really good shopper, you check the price of your item at a few different places before buying. I admit that I only do this rarely, usually when I’m looking at something more expensive like a medical textbook. But like I said, smart shoppers do this routinely. And with the free shipping offered by many online sites with a minimum purchase ($39 for amazon.ca and $25 for amazon.com … so unfair) it may end up being cheaper to ship to your house than to actually go to a store!

The bottom line is that it’s fun to buy books, no matter where you make your purchase, so mix it up.