October 14, 2010
Amazon’s ultimate weapon to kill bookstores
by Dennis Johnson
A screen shot of the Amazon mobile app, taking aim at the culture AND the economy
As if it weren’t already easy enough, Amazon has just made it easier for its faithful followers to rip off brick and mortar bookstores by coming up with a free app called Amazon Mobile 1.2.8, which allows iPhone owners to use the phone to scan bar codes of books (or any product) in stores, then buy them on the spot — from Amazon.
According to a report from CNet News,
As with bar code scanners in other mobile apps, Amazon Mobile uses your iPhone’s camera to take in a product’s zebra-striped bar code. Amazon’s servers then find a match, and after you select the item, you can sign in to your account to purchase the product on the spot.
As on the regular Amazon Web site, you’ve got gift options and a choice of multiple shipping addresses. Just like before, you can also add the product to your wish list or cart for later purchasing.
Or you could, you know, buy it at the store you’re in and not rip off their services and protect the local economy while you’re at it. Just an idea.
Dennis Johnson is the founder of MobyLives, and the co-founder and co-publisher of Melville House.
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78 Comments
Wonder when people will realise that treating their local bookstore as a showroom for amazon means there won’t be any “showrooms” left… maybe they’ll miss us when we’re gone and amazon don’t have to keep their prices down because there’s no more competition?
Wonder when people will realise that treating their local bookstore as a showroom for amazon means there won’t be any “showrooms” left… maybe they’ll miss us when we’re gone and amazon don’t have to keep their prices down because there’s no more competition?
Agree entirely with supporting your local bookstore – after all would it look good empty and boarded up? When they’ve all closed is too late to cry foul.
Agree entirely with supporting your local bookstore – after all would it look good empty and boarded up? When they’ve all closed is too late to cry foul.
On the other hand: I might be in a library or browsing a friend’s books and that system allows me in one step to buy without having to remember all the details much later.
It’s a cultural shift that is happening across the whole retail sector, not just book stores. The online and ‘brick and mortar’ economies can co-exist. It’s up to the physical stores to offer added value, such as knowledgeable and useful staff, and decent stock.
If I see an online review of a book that I really want to get, you don’t really expect me to go to the bookstore to get it, do you? I’m in front of the computer already. The book store cannot possibly compete on that front.
However, when I’m looking for books on a specific subject, I do go to the bookstore and browse the relevant section, where I can physically see the books. I can ask for recommendations, too. The online store cannot compete with that, unless the book store shelves are rather empty or the staff is condescending and unhelpful.
On the other hand: I might be in a library or browsing a friend’s books and that system allows me in one step to buy without having to remember all the details much later.
It’s a cultural shift that is happening across the whole retail sector, not just book stores. The online and ‘brick and mortar’ economies can co-exist. It’s up to the physical stores to offer added value, such as knowledgeable and useful staff, and decent stock.
If I see an online review of a book that I really want to get, you don’t really expect me to go to the bookstore to get it, do you? I’m in front of the computer already. The book store cannot possibly compete on that front.
However, when I’m looking for books on a specific subject, I do go to the bookstore and browse the relevant section, where I can physically see the books. I can ask for recommendations, too. The online store cannot compete with that, unless the book store shelves are rather empty or the staff is condescending and unhelpful.
The way in which I can see myself using something like that is when buying a gift for someone who does not live nearby. I’d buy it using the app and have it shipped to the recipient.
But for personal use, I’d do as Martin suggested above:
“On the other hand: I might be in a library or browsing a friend’s books and that system allows me in one step to buy without having to remember all the details much later.”
The way in which I can see myself using something like that is when buying a gift for someone who does not live nearby. I’d buy it using the app and have it shipped to the recipient.
But for personal use, I’d do as Martin suggested above:
“On the other hand: I might be in a library or browsing a friend’s books and that system allows me in one step to buy without having to remember all the details much later.”
Brick & mortar stores could fight back with the implementation of Espresso print-on-demand machines. Why wait 5-7 business days for the book you want RIGHT NOW from Amazon when you could have a fresh, hot copy in about ten minutes right there in the store? Plus, during that ten minute wait, customers would likely keep browsing books and maybe pick another one or two out. Everybody wins but Amazon, and that’s a good thing.
Brick & mortar stores could fight back with the implementation of Espresso print-on-demand machines. Why wait 5-7 business days for the book you want RIGHT NOW from Amazon when you could have a fresh, hot copy in about ten minutes right there in the store? Plus, during that ten minute wait, customers would likely keep browsing books and maybe pick another one or two out. Everybody wins but Amazon, and that’s a good thing.
What’s a “local bookstore” anymore? All we have around here are B&N and Borders and a couple of used bookstores–not counting “adult” ones.
What’s a “local bookstore” anymore? All we have around here are B&N and Borders and a couple of used bookstores–not counting “adult” ones.
“If I see an online review of a book that I really want to get, you don’t really expect me to go to the bookstore to get it, do you? I’m in front of the computer already. The book store cannot possibly compete on that front.”
Actually, Martin, if the bookstore is a member of Indiebound, yes, it can.
“If I see an online review of a book that I really want to get, you don’t really expect me to go to the bookstore to get it, do you? I’m in front of the computer already. The book store cannot possibly compete on that front.”
Actually, Martin, if the bookstore is a member of Indiebound, yes, it can.
“It’s up to the physical stores to offer added value, such as knowledgeable and useful staff, and decent stock.”
“The online store cannot compete with that, unless the book store shelves are rather empty or the staff is condescending and unhelpful.”
I completely agree. Unfortunately, many stores can no longer afford this. I work for a chain booksore and we’re making less and less money in the store, so our hours have been drastically cut, our stock is shrinking, and customer service isn’t a focus because we simply do not have enough people. I think the major bookstores are going to have to shift to having smaller stores, because at this point with the economy and the shift to e-books, large stores just can’t be sustained anymore.
“It’s up to the physical stores to offer added value, such as knowledgeable and useful staff, and decent stock.”
“The online store cannot compete with that, unless the book store shelves are rather empty or the staff is condescending and unhelpful.”
I completely agree. Unfortunately, many stores can no longer afford this. I work for a chain booksore and we’re making less and less money in the store, so our hours have been drastically cut, our stock is shrinking, and customer service isn’t a focus because we simply do not have enough people. I think the major bookstores are going to have to shift to having smaller stores, because at this point with the economy and the shift to e-books, large stores just can’t be sustained anymore.
Ouch! Whatever happened to asking your friend for a piece of paper and pen so you can note those titles?!
Ouch! Whatever happened to asking your friend for a piece of paper and pen so you can note those titles?!
This is just one approach, but regarding the previous comment — personally, if I see an online review of a book I really want to get and I need it right away, I’ll order it online from my local bookstore, because the profit margins in book retail are razor-thin and I don’t want my local bookstore to disappear.
I think that some independent bookstores could do a better job of highlighting the fact that you can buy books from them online. Most independent bookstores have online ordering capabilities through their websites at this point. I think (and I’m not suggesting this of Martin, just a general observation) that too many people still see “support your local bookstore” and “buy online” as mutually exclusive propositions.
This is just one approach, but regarding the previous comment — personally, if I see an online review of a book I really want to get and I need it right away, I’ll order it online from my local bookstore, because the profit margins in book retail are razor-thin and I don’t want my local bookstore to disappear.
I think that some independent bookstores could do a better job of highlighting the fact that you can buy books from them online. Most independent bookstores have online ordering capabilities through their websites at this point. I think (and I’m not suggesting this of Martin, just a general observation) that too many people still see “support your local bookstore” and “buy online” as mutually exclusive propositions.
That app is to help people. Amazon doesn’t have it to screw over bookstores – it’s for all items, not just books. If bookstores take it personally, for whatever reason, they shouldn’t just sell their merchandise on Amazon. I don’t see the big deal.
That app is to help people. Amazon doesn’t have it to screw over bookstores – it’s for all items, not just books. If bookstores take it personally, for whatever reason, they shouldn’t just sell their merchandise on Amazon. I don’t see the big deal.
Should* not shouldn’t. Sorry. Auto-correct…
Should* not shouldn’t. Sorry. Auto-correct…
I absolutelt read a review & add the book to a list of things to look for when I’m in a local bookstore. When I’m in a bookstore & find something that’s great but out my current budget or not what I went in for, I add it to the list. Sometimes, I order books online – to be picked up at my local indie (which means by the time I pay for what I ordered plus what I found browsing, they make out quite well).
Also, since I keep my list on the back of a bookmark & I always carry a book with me, I always have the list on hand.
I’m not afraid of technology – I’m typing this on my smartphone – I just don’t want big greed to push out my favorite little guys.
I absolutelt read a review & add the book to a list of things to look for when I’m in a local bookstore. When I’m in a bookstore & find something that’s great but out my current budget or not what I went in for, I add it to the list. Sometimes, I order books online – to be picked up at my local indie (which means by the time I pay for what I ordered plus what I found browsing, they make out quite well).
Also, since I keep my list on the back of a bookmark & I always carry a book with me, I always have the list on hand.
I’m not afraid of technology – I’m typing this on my smartphone – I just don’t want big greed to push out my favorite little guys.
So, can we develop tools for indie stores along the lines of Book Burro (http://www.bookburro.org), so users can order from their local stores direct from an Amazon product listing?
Where are the IndieBound folks on this? What is stopping indies – and their local reading communities – from being as ubiquitous & convenient as Amazon?
So, can we develop tools for indie stores along the lines of Book Burro (http://www.bookburro.org), so users can order from their local stores direct from an Amazon product listing?
Where are the IndieBound folks on this? What is stopping indies – and their local reading communities – from being as ubiquitous & convenient as Amazon?
I am old fashioned. My purchases are all done in the old-fashioned way… face to face, cash in hand… Actually I have bought things online twice but they were things I could not get elsewhere…
I am old fashioned. My purchases are all done in the old-fashioned way… face to face, cash in hand… Actually I have bought things online twice but they were things I could not get elsewhere…
You know, though, I find this app really helpful for reviews.
If I’m at the local Barnes & Noble, I can pop open the app and check the reviews of a book before buying it. The book might look interesting, but if the Amazon reviews are all people going ‘ugh, the blurb was misleading and the book was TERRIBLE,’ then I’m probably not going to pick it up.
If I’m at Best Buy looking for a replacement headset or mouse or something, and I spot one on the shelves, I can open the Amazon app and enter the info, and quickly get a list of reviews. If something looks neat on the shelf but has a lot of 1-star reviews, I’m not going to buy it. (And if it’s a good product, but Best Buy is asking $110 where Amazon’s asking $75, then yes, I admit, I probably will buy it from Amazon. If Best Buy’s asking $80 and Amazon’s asking $75, I’ll buy it from Best Buy; instant gratification is worth $5 to me, but not worth $35.)
You know, though, I find this app really helpful for reviews.
If I’m at the local Barnes & Noble, I can pop open the app and check the reviews of a book before buying it. The book might look interesting, but if the Amazon reviews are all people going ‘ugh, the blurb was misleading and the book was TERRIBLE,’ then I’m probably not going to pick it up.
If I’m at Best Buy looking for a replacement headset or mouse or something, and I spot one on the shelves, I can open the Amazon app and enter the info, and quickly get a list of reviews. If something looks neat on the shelf but has a lot of 1-star reviews, I’m not going to buy it. (And if it’s a good product, but Best Buy is asking $110 where Amazon’s asking $75, then yes, I admit, I probably will buy it from Amazon. If Best Buy’s asking $80 and Amazon’s asking $75, I’ll buy it from Best Buy; instant gratification is worth $5 to me, but not worth $35.)
I fail to see how finding the best price is “ripping off” the bookstore. I also fail to care about chain bookstores. What that leaves, then, is local bookstores, right? I’m lucky, I live in Boston where there are many, and I do patronize them, particularly those that are environmentally friendly and sell used books. That said, most of suburban America has two options: Barnes & Noble/Borders or the Internet. Frankly, I don’t feel bad about “ripping off” a big box store. Why should I? How is it any better than Amazon.com?
I fail to see how finding the best price is “ripping off” the bookstore. I also fail to care about chain bookstores. What that leaves, then, is local bookstores, right? I’m lucky, I live in Boston where there are many, and I do patronize them, particularly those that are environmentally friendly and sell used books. That said, most of suburban America has two options: Barnes & Noble/Borders or the Internet. Frankly, I don’t feel bad about “ripping off” a big box store. Why should I? How is it any better than Amazon.com?
I agree with Martin Dupras. I don’t like the fact that bookstores are disappearing either, but the ease of ordering books and the choice on Amazon are things we have to reckon with. I think that a small local bookstore that offers a niche, a comfortable area to hang out at, and a quality cup of coffee will survive.
Christa
I agree with Martin Dupras. I don’t like the fact that bookstores are disappearing either, but the ease of ordering books and the choice on Amazon are things we have to reckon with. I think that a small local bookstore that offers a niche, a comfortable area to hang out at, and a quality cup of coffee will survive.
Christa
Also (forgot to add), this is an amazing tool for other situations…when I’m at my friend’s house and he has an interesting book I’d like to buy (I can scan it instead of trying to remember the title after a few glasses of wine!), or when I’m in a library (sure, I can borrow it, but what if I want to own it?)
Your post implies that bookstores are the only time we encounter books that our not ours. That’s simply ludicrious.
Also (forgot to add), this is an amazing tool for other situations…when I’m at my friend’s house and he has an interesting book I’d like to buy (I can scan it instead of trying to remember the title after a few glasses of wine!), or when I’m in a library (sure, I can borrow it, but what if I want to own it?)
Your post implies that bookstores are the only time we encounter books that our not ours. That’s simply ludicrious.
First off, more places sell books than just indie bookstores. Please don’t make this into some “Amazon is trying to kill the indies!!!” thing because they are not. They developed an app that allows people to buy products on Amazon from their iPhone. That is all. There is no campaign by Amazon to kill off independent bookstores and suggesting otherwise is irresponsible. This app will work whether someone is in an indie bookstore, at Target, in a library, or at a friend’s house looking at a book on the shelf. Lots of online retailers have these kinds of apps, and now Amazon does too. I am really surprised the author is surprised at this.
Secondly, this is the new world we are all living in. People have a choice about where to buy things. They don’t have to buy from an indie bookstore if they don’t want to. If indie bookstores are smart, they will find a way to creatively compete with this. Not spend time posting hysterical screeds about it on the Internet. I love indie bookstores and try to shop at them frequently. However, I also buy from Amazon when it’s more convenient, and I am getting a little tired of indie bookstores screaming all the time about how Big Brother is out to take them down. That is NOT what is happening! The entire model of retail has changed and the indie bookstores have not kept up with the times. People are not really that interested any more in going in a store that has a limited selection, chosen by people who may or may not share their interests, and paying list price for a widely-distributed product when they know they can get the product cheaper elsewhere. Price comparison shopping has been going on since humans were living in caves. This is just a new facet of it. Evolution applies to businesses too: adapt or die. If you haven’t figured out where technology is taking retail – which is online and mobile – you’re refusing to learn.
First off, more places sell books than just indie bookstores. Please don’t make this into some “Amazon is trying to kill the indies!!!” thing because they are not. They developed an app that allows people to buy products on Amazon from their iPhone. That is all. There is no campaign by Amazon to kill off independent bookstores and suggesting otherwise is irresponsible. This app will work whether someone is in an indie bookstore, at Target, in a library, or at a friend’s house looking at a book on the shelf. Lots of online retailers have these kinds of apps, and now Amazon does too. I am really surprised the author is surprised at this.
Secondly, this is the new world we are all living in. People have a choice about where to buy things. They don’t have to buy from an indie bookstore if they don’t want to. If indie bookstores are smart, they will find a way to creatively compete with this. Not spend time posting hysterical screeds about it on the Internet. I love indie bookstores and try to shop at them frequently. However, I also buy from Amazon when it’s more convenient, and I am getting a little tired of indie bookstores screaming all the time about how Big Brother is out to take them down. That is NOT what is happening! The entire model of retail has changed and the indie bookstores have not kept up with the times. People are not really that interested any more in going in a store that has a limited selection, chosen by people who may or may not share their interests, and paying list price for a widely-distributed product when they know they can get the product cheaper elsewhere. Price comparison shopping has been going on since humans were living in caves. This is just a new facet of it. Evolution applies to businesses too: adapt or die. If you haven’t figured out where technology is taking retail – which is online and mobile – you’re refusing to learn.
Sorry, Amazon & my Kindle are faster & cheaper than my local bookstore.
Sorry, Amazon & my Kindle are faster & cheaper than my local bookstore.
i will often use amazon as a reference to see information on a book, then call my local bookstore, Changing Hands, to see if it’s in stock or order it. amazon is just a site. Changing Hands is a destination that connects me to my community. i have loved it since i first found it 16 years ago, and hope it sticks around for a LONG time. long live the independent bookstore!
(btw, i don’t work there, they didn’t ask me to write this and i am not getting any payment of any sort for my comments.)
i will often use amazon as a reference to see information on a book, then call my local bookstore, Changing Hands, to see if it’s in stock or order it. amazon is just a site. Changing Hands is a destination that connects me to my community. i have loved it since i first found it 16 years ago, and hope it sticks around for a LONG time. long live the independent bookstore!
(btw, i don’t work there, they didn’t ask me to write this and i am not getting any payment of any sort for my comments.)
Hm. It may work and it may not. Just how many people have the patience to walk into a bookstore, find that much wanted book, have it in their hot little hands and then wait a week or longer for it to show up at their door? Not me.
Hm. It may work and it may not. Just how many people have the patience to walk into a bookstore, find that much wanted book, have it in their hot little hands and then wait a week or longer for it to show up at their door? Not me.
I buy more books off Amazon than at any local bookstore – but that’s because I can’t get the books that I want at my local bookstore and if I ask them to order it in it generally takes months and is up to a half again more expensive than importing direct myself from Amazon. this is not just happening with books either, other specialty products (in my case like horse riding boots) are much cheaper and faster to order direct online then get a local shop to get in for you. And I can’t see this ever changing because no local store is going to be able to stock the range to cover everyone’s needs, much like the public libraries – that’s why we have interlibrary loan.
I buy more books off Amazon than at any local bookstore – but that’s because I can’t get the books that I want at my local bookstore and if I ask them to order it in it generally takes months and is up to a half again more expensive than importing direct myself from Amazon. this is not just happening with books either, other specialty products (in my case like horse riding boots) are much cheaper and faster to order direct online then get a local shop to get in for you. And I can’t see this ever changing because no local store is going to be able to stock the range to cover everyone’s needs, much like the public libraries – that’s why we have interlibrary loan.
You don’t even need the bar code. All you need to do is snap a picture of the book cover, upload it to amazon via the mobile app and viola! instant purchase. -scary is what it is.
Go shop your local bookstore! They need your business!
You don’t even need the bar code. All you need to do is snap a picture of the book cover, upload it to amazon via the mobile app and viola! instant purchase. -scary is what it is.
Go shop your local bookstore! They need your business!
As a writer I think its important for people to be able to buy books wherever it is convenient for them. However, I prefer going to the physical stores just because I like to browse the books, see what else I might come across that I wouldn’t find on Amazon (or any of the brick-and-mortar stores’ online stores).
I agree that doing this is sort of twisted and, in reality, a little stupid in my mind. If you’re there to scan the book why wait for amazon to send it? In the time it would take them to send me the book I would likely be halfway through with it.
Now if a person wants to do this at a library I think that its acceptable. There a person can browse books and buy them from amazon without really cheating anyone but themselves (again it may just be more convenient to go to the nearby bookstore and pick it up on your way home, but that’s their decision, not mine.)
As a writer I think its important for people to be able to buy books wherever it is convenient for them. However, I prefer going to the physical stores just because I like to browse the books, see what else I might come across that I wouldn’t find on Amazon (or any of the brick-and-mortar stores’ online stores).
I agree that doing this is sort of twisted and, in reality, a little stupid in my mind. If you’re there to scan the book why wait for amazon to send it? In the time it would take them to send me the book I would likely be halfway through with it.
Now if a person wants to do this at a library I think that its acceptable. There a person can browse books and buy them from amazon without really cheating anyone but themselves (again it may just be more convenient to go to the nearby bookstore and pick it up on your way home, but that’s their decision, not mine.)
I bet Amazon won’t be able to deliver it to you by the time you get home. A book in the hand in the book shop ready to go is worth how much extra?
I bet Amazon won’t be able to deliver it to you by the time you get home. A book in the hand in the book shop ready to go is worth how much extra?
Right, that’s why whenever I run out of ketchup, I immediately go online and order a bottle of ketchup to be shipped to me. Because it’s just TOO MUCH TROUBLE to keep a list of things I want to pick up over the next day or two while I’m out doing errands. And because I REALLY WANT that bottle of ketchup in a hurry, and it’ll be shipped to me from someplace 1000 miles away faster than I could get it any other way.
And because all my local grocer is going to do with the money is spend it all over again in our community, whereas if I give my money to a bunch of corporate suits who rightfully see me and my community as nothing more than things to exploit for their own profit, it’ll end up in some executive’s six-figure paycheck where it will actually be doing some good toward making my world a better place.
Right, that’s why whenever I run out of ketchup, I immediately go online and order a bottle of ketchup to be shipped to me. Because it’s just TOO MUCH TROUBLE to keep a list of things I want to pick up over the next day or two while I’m out doing errands. And because I REALLY WANT that bottle of ketchup in a hurry, and it’ll be shipped to me from someplace 1000 miles away faster than I could get it any other way.
And because all my local grocer is going to do with the money is spend it all over again in our community, whereas if I give my money to a bunch of corporate suits who rightfully see me and my community as nothing more than things to exploit for their own profit, it’ll end up in some executive’s six-figure paycheck where it will actually be doing some good toward making my world a better place.
I’m sitting in a bookstore as I write this, but I’m writing it on a computer, not a piece of paper, and I’m submitting it over the Internet, not through the mail. Things change, shopping changes. I am entirely old school, but there is a new school in town, and people are going to shop for bargains any way they can. It just makes economic sense.
I’m sitting in a bookstore as I write this, but I’m writing it on a computer, not a piece of paper, and I’m submitting it over the Internet, not through the mail. Things change, shopping changes. I am entirely old school, but there is a new school in town, and people are going to shop for bargains any way they can. It just makes economic sense.
As far as I’m concerned, Amazon is not the “evil empire.” They do a good business because they offer great services. I am an independent author who publishes on Amazon. Amazon does a good job supporting authors. I still like small independent bookstores and if there was one in my area, I would support it. But independent bookstores have to offer something that online stores and chain stores don’t, for instance, a quiet corner to read and write, perhaps good coffee, and readings by local authors and poets. Some do that and I think they will survive.
Christa
As far as I’m concerned, Amazon is not the “evil empire.” They do a good business because they offer great services. I am an independent author who publishes on Amazon. Amazon does a good job supporting authors. I still like small independent bookstores and if there was one in my area, I would support it. But independent bookstores have to offer something that online stores and chain stores don’t, for instance, a quiet corner to read and write, perhaps good coffee, and readings by local authors and poets. Some do that and I think they will survive.
Christa
Speaking as a bookseller at an indie bookstore, let me just say, first, Mykill, Changing Hands is one of my favorite places in the world, and in the chain-store landscape of suburban AZ, it’s absolutely heavenly (and no, I don’t work there–I work at one in Boston. P.S. Hi, Bostonians!)
Also, speaking as someone who works in retail, let me say that I understand money is dear. I’m not starving, but five bucks is still something to consider from my point of view.
But even so, I think it’s worth considering where your money goes. I’m not going to rail against Amazon here, because there’s enough people who do that. But when you spend at your local independent, you’re supporting their author events, which are probably your best chance to ever see the authors you love. Also, if your bookstore is anything like mine, you’re supporting the community charities that bookstore supports, the small publishing houses that store features (how many times have you seen a title from Other Press, Graywolf, or Melville House on the front page of Amazon?), and the literary community in your town.
Plus, and this is just plain selfishness on my part, I love the jobs brick and mortar bookstores create. I don’t “read all day” as customers often think I do. I work hard. But I get to be surrounded by books, and I get to help other booklovers find books they’ll love. I get to talk about books, and I get to meet phenomenal authors. I make a living. Not much more. But I’m happy.
Amazon, on the other hand, creates jobs that treat books the same way they treat pickled herring or beach towels or any other commodity. And I guess that’s alright. But damn, if it doesn’t make me sad.
I’ve never seen my job as selling books. I work in a service industry. I want to make it so when someone walks in, they’re happy not just with the book they got, but with the experience of buying it, from the atmosphere to the recommendations, to the selection, to the events, to the gift-wrapping, and even to the chat.
And I think that if you see those services as valuable, it makes sense to shell out a couple bucks for them. I don’t drink coffee, but if I did, I’d rather buy a well-made mocha from an independent cafe than a quick-pour from Duncan Donuts. I always rent movies from my local indie rental rather than Netflix because I like that when I ask the guy behind the counter how “Wolfman Strikes Back” is, he’s honest with me.
Lastly, to those folks who do come out to your indies and buy there, and I know there are a lot of you, because you’ve kept us in business, let me just say thanks. I like that you like what we do. I hope you keep liking it, and we are able to keep doing it, no matter what creepy apps are made.
Speaking as a bookseller at an indie bookstore, let me just say, first, Mykill, Changing Hands is one of my favorite places in the world, and in the chain-store landscape of suburban AZ, it’s absolutely heavenly (and no, I don’t work there–I work at one in Boston. P.S. Hi, Bostonians!)
Also, speaking as someone who works in retail, let me say that I understand money is dear. I’m not starving, but five bucks is still something to consider from my point of view.
But even so, I think it’s worth considering where your money goes. I’m not going to rail against Amazon here, because there’s enough people who do that. But when you spend at your local independent, you’re supporting their author events, which are probably your best chance to ever see the authors you love. Also, if your bookstore is anything like mine, you’re supporting the community charities that bookstore supports, the small publishing houses that store features (how many times have you seen a title from Other Press, Graywolf, or Melville House on the front page of Amazon?), and the literary community in your town.
Plus, and this is just plain selfishness on my part, I love the jobs brick and mortar bookstores create. I don’t “read all day” as customers often think I do. I work hard. But I get to be surrounded by books, and I get to help other booklovers find books they’ll love. I get to talk about books, and I get to meet phenomenal authors. I make a living. Not much more. But I’m happy.
Amazon, on the other hand, creates jobs that treat books the same way they treat pickled herring or beach towels or any other commodity. And I guess that’s alright. But damn, if it doesn’t make me sad.
I’ve never seen my job as selling books. I work in a service industry. I want to make it so when someone walks in, they’re happy not just with the book they got, but with the experience of buying it, from the atmosphere to the recommendations, to the selection, to the events, to the gift-wrapping, and even to the chat.
And I think that if you see those services as valuable, it makes sense to shell out a couple bucks for them. I don’t drink coffee, but if I did, I’d rather buy a well-made mocha from an independent cafe than a quick-pour from Duncan Donuts. I always rent movies from my local indie rental rather than Netflix because I like that when I ask the guy behind the counter how “Wolfman Strikes Back” is, he’s honest with me.
Lastly, to those folks who do come out to your indies and buy there, and I know there are a lot of you, because you’ve kept us in business, let me just say thanks. I like that you like what we do. I hope you keep liking it, and we are able to keep doing it, no matter what creepy apps are made.
I always prefer to buy books at indie bookstores but I find the Amazon app very handy because it’s the easiest way to get detailed book info and reviews and to keep a wishlist, all of which I like to refer to when I’m at a local store. The barcode scanning will make it even more useful. I wish Indie Bound had an app that was just as helpful, or even a mobile-formatted website, but they’re not there yet. So for some people at least, I think the Amazon app complements their indie bookstore support, rather than hurting it.
I always prefer to buy books at indie bookstores but I find the Amazon app very handy because it’s the easiest way to get detailed book info and reviews and to keep a wishlist, all of which I like to refer to when I’m at a local store. The barcode scanning will make it even more useful. I wish Indie Bound had an app that was just as helpful, or even a mobile-formatted website, but they’re not there yet. So for some people at least, I think the Amazon app complements their indie bookstore support, rather than hurting it.
When Kevin, the previous commentator, notes that the Amazon app is “the easiest way to get detailed book info and reviews,” he (perhaps unwittingly) gets at the main issue. Many bookstores have staff who simply don’t know books. Last Christmas I bought Lorrie Moore’s latest at our local Indie store, even though the owner—when asked about it—said she hadn’t heard of it; and yet, as it turned out, the book was prominently displayed in the New Arrivals section. Indie stores will never compete with Amazon on price. They need to compete on something Amazon doesn’t provide: personal service. And that means fielding staff who are not only knowledgeable but passionate about books.
When Kevin, the previous commentator, notes that the Amazon app is “the easiest way to get detailed book info and reviews,” he (perhaps unwittingly) gets at the main issue. Many bookstores have staff who simply don’t know books. Last Christmas I bought Lorrie Moore’s latest at our local Indie store, even though the owner—when asked about it—said she hadn’t heard of it; and yet, as it turned out, the book was prominently displayed in the New Arrivals section. Indie stores will never compete with Amazon on price. They need to compete on something Amazon doesn’t provide: personal service. And that means fielding staff who are not only knowledgeable but passionate about books.
I probably wouldn’t use this at my neighborhood, locally-owned, independently-owned and operated bookstore.
I would, however, feel no guilt using it at a Barnes & Noble, Borders, Wal-Mart or any of the megachains.
I probably wouldn’t use this at my neighborhood, locally-owned, independently-owned and operated bookstore.
I would, however, feel no guilt using it at a Barnes & Noble, Borders, Wal-Mart or any of the megachains.
Most people who are “passionate” and “knowledgeable” about books are usually employed in much better paying jobs than at the local bookstore. If they were to be paid commensurately, the price of the books would need to reflect this. Customers can also can be rogues who ‘pick the brains’ of the passionate and knowledgeable only to buy online!
Most people who are “passionate” and “knowledgeable” about books are usually employed in much better paying jobs than at the local bookstore. If they were to be paid commensurately, the price of the books would need to reflect this. Customers can also can be rogues who ‘pick the brains’ of the passionate and knowledgeable only to buy online!
I actually buy most of my books at deep discount used bookstores ($1-$3 per book), library sales and remaindered stores. Good for the stores and libraries, terrible for the publishers.
Seems to me that publishers who are against Amazon would also necessarily be against used bookstores. Yet, I find my local used bookstore (and library!) to be a treasure too.
Either way, this app is not terribly useful for me, but I have a heck of a larger library than I otherwise would, and I feel pretty good about that. Seems to me that this is our economy.
I actually buy most of my books at deep discount used bookstores ($1-$3 per book), library sales and remaindered stores. Good for the stores and libraries, terrible for the publishers.
Seems to me that publishers who are against Amazon would also necessarily be against used bookstores. Yet, I find my local used bookstore (and library!) to be a treasure too.
Either way, this app is not terribly useful for me, but I have a heck of a larger library than I otherwise would, and I feel pretty good about that. Seems to me that this is our economy.
People have to remember, Amazon carry a lot of items from independent sellers. I am an independent children’s bookseller and toys shop and have an online site. Amazon wanted to add my toys but not my books. Amazon is trying to monopolize the online shopping no matter what cost to others online or brick and mortar. I don’t have anything against Amazon, but it’s up to people to shop local.
I believe in the local retail shops because it helps the community.
People have to remember, Amazon carry a lot of items from independent sellers. I am an independent children’s bookseller and toys shop and have an online site. Amazon wanted to add my toys but not my books. Amazon is trying to monopolize the online shopping no matter what cost to others online or brick and mortar. I don’t have anything against Amazon, but it’s up to people to shop local.
I believe in the local retail shops because it helps the community.
And remember people the tax man is soon to come. So your online shopping is going to get a more expensive.
And remember people the tax man is soon to come. So your online shopping is going to get a more expensive.
I own a small book store. Every time I think we might survive, something like this happens. Great to read as I’m trying to have a Christmas that will allow us to exist for the rest of the year.
It doesn’t help my store that they can (a) find out how much cheaper it is at Amazon and (b) stand in my store and order a book from the competition. So basically, they’re just using my store for browsing purposes.