Aug 3 2008
Amazon to Acquire Largest Online Used Booksale Network
In an effort to be the one bookstore to rule them all, Amazon has acquired AbeBooks.com. AbeBooks sells 110 million titles of used, rare, and out of print books. It’s unknown at the time what changes will occur for AbeBooks.com and how it’s acquisition by Amazon will affect the consumer.
Via CNET.
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Aug 03, 2008 @ 14:53:33
That’s very disappointing news. I’ve been a huge fan of ABE for years, and I’m sorry to hear that continuing to send business their way will line Amazon’s pockets.
Aug 03, 2008 @ 18:39:22
Alibris, here I come. (Um, who owns Alibris?)
Aug 03, 2008 @ 19:13:38
Amazon didn’t change audible at all– unless they are responsible for the improved interface, which I applaud.
Alibris AFAIK is still a private company. They tried an IPO a few years back but didn’t get enough interest so they withdrew it.
Aug 03, 2008 @ 20:47:47
Thanks DS. I just have issues with Amazon and so prefer to go with something ‘free-standing’.
Aug 03, 2008 @ 22:37:40
I usually buy from Alibris myself and found it pretty reliable.
Aug 04, 2008 @ 10:09:42
Have any of you ever used www dot bookfinder dot com? You don’t actually buy from them, but they search online and compare the prices for books from 100s (if not more) online vendors. It’s really neat.
Aug 04, 2008 @ 21:31:53
I will just stick to half.com, I know it is ebay owned, but the price usually beats Alibris by a wide margin. I didn’t shop Abebooks because of pricing. I knew it would happen eventually because Amazon needs to compete with Ebay. Alibris will probably be snapped up by someone else.
Aug 05, 2008 @ 03:52:23
I’m sorry to hear about Abe as I started using them to get away from Amazon. Thanks to Veinglory and DS – I hadn’t heard of Albris but I will be using them in the future. Michelle, I hadn’t used bookfinder but I’m going to give it a try, it sounds a great idea – thank you for mentioning it.
Aug 05, 2008 @ 08:38:48
I like to limit how many/which companies have my purchasing info –which is why I don’t tend to use ‘finder. I find a company and tend to stick with it.
Aug 05, 2008 @ 11:35:55
I am so disappointed to hear of Amazon’s buying AbeBooks. Just another nail in the coffin of independent book sellers. You can try BetterWorld books. They have a huge selection, have free shipping (built into the price of the book) and fund world-wide literacy.