Save Bookshops

[cookiemonster]

The French are leading the way. Amazon has it uses but it's killing small, independent bookshops.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...s-france-moves-to-protect-sellers-from-amazon

This is fantastic but I don't see the Gov doing anything like it.

 

[Deleted member 49]

Better to use independent shops....but try this to avoid Amazon.
https://ethicalrevolution.co.uk/amazon-alternatives/

 

[newfhouse]

We always use https://uk.bookshop.org/ in preference, but it’s good to see some legislative pressure can help too.

 

[cookiemonster]

Better to use independent shops....but try this to avoid Amazon.
https://ethicalrevolution.co.uk/amazon-alternatives/

I try and use Portobello Bookshop but I have to take into account shipping charges from Edinburgh to Asia. If I can get several books, it works out well but just the one, the postage can be way more than the book.

 

[cookiemonster]

We always use https://uk.bookshop.org/ in preference, but it’s good to see some legislative pressure can help too.

These guys don't do international postage.

 

[AuroraSaab]

I've been trying to buy used books rather than new but, surprise, surprise, Amazon bought out Abe Books, thus gobbling up a large chunk of the used book market as well.

I always try to buy outside Amazon but if you want something that's a bit niche or unpopular it's often hard to find elsewhere. It really is time to address how they dominate the market.

 

[BoldonLad]

I've been trying to buy used books rather than new but, surprise, surprise, Amazon bought out Abe Books, thus gobbling up a large chunk of the used book market as well.

I always try to buy outside Amazon but if you want something that's a bit niche or unpopular it's often hard to find elsewhere. It really is time to address how they dominate the market.

I have used an online outfit called World of Books, for secondhand books. No idea who they belong to, but, their service is pretty slick, prices reasonable, quality good, and range quite extensive.

 

[spen666]

So you want people to use bookshops rather than being able to choose what is more convenient to them.


The problem if bookshops are going out of business is that they haven't adapted to serve customer needs.

Businesses need to provide what customers want, not customers accept 2nd best to save a business that won't adapt.

 

[spen666]

I've been trying to buy used books rather than new but, surprise, surprise, Amazon bought out Abe Books, thus gobbling up a large chunk of the used book market as well.

I always try to buy outside Amazon but if you want something that's a bit niche or unpopular it's often hard to find elsewhere. It really is time to address how they dominate the market.

They dominate the market by providing what people want

 

[Bromptonaut]

So you want people to use bookshops rather than being able to choose what is more convenient to them.


The problem if bookshops are going out of business is that they haven't adapted to serve customer needs.

Businesses need to provide what customers want, not customers accept 2nd best to save a business that won't adapt.

That would be a fair point if the playing field were level.

 

[Deleted member 49]

They dominate the market by providing what people want

They dominate by greed.

 

[cookiemonster]

So you want people to use bookshops rather than being able to choose what is more convenient to them.


The problem if bookshops are going out of business is that they haven't adapted to serve customer needs.

Businesses need to provide what customers want, not customers accept 2nd best to save a business that won't adapt.

Remind me how much tax and rates Amazon paid last year?

Or the year before?

Or the year before that?

That's the problem and it's nothing to do with anything being 2nd best.

 

[cookiemonster]

They dominate by greed.

And not paying tax.

 

[Deleted member 49]

And not paying tax.

Same thing ?

 

[Hitchington]

So you want people to use bookshops rather than being able to choose what is more convenient to them.


The problem if bookshops are going out of business is that they haven't adapted to serve customer needs.

Businesses need to provide what customers want, not customers accept 2nd best to save a business that won't adapt.

Or you could look at it this way: -

Rather than using a multinational monopoly who don't pay taxes and the soon to be trillionaire owner cares little about the working conditions of the warehouse workers, try supporting a local bookshop which contributes to the local economy (which includes keeping high streets alive).

Most bookshops will be able to order any book you want and if you visit regularly you can build up a rapport with the book shop owner/worker.

Lots of bookshops now have cafes in the them, so you can "try before you buy" over a steaming cup of cappuccino, macchiato, Assam tea or special brew.

If we want to keep our high streets alive and keep our local economies vibrant then it's up to us to adapt and to stop going to the most convenient and cheapest option.

We'll all benefit in the long term.