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Shopping -
Everything Else
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Written by Ahmed Amr
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Thursday, 07 January 2010 08:43 |
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Page 1 of 2
I love books. If you are an avid reader, you probably spend a few hundred dollars a year on books. If you have kids who share your passion for the written word - you probably spend quite a bit more. If you want to new or used books cheaply, use these 12 tips.
1. The Library
Make frequent visits to your public library and don’t forget to shop at their annual or semi-annual fund-raising events. The cheapest way to buy a book is to borrow it for free. Don't return it late though or you'll end up paying a little fortune.
2. Shop at Used Book Stores
One of my favorite haunts is Half-Price Books, a national chain of used book stores. Many cities have more than one location. Buying used books cheaply will save you a ton of money.
3. Wait for the paperback edition to be issued.
You'll save 30-40% and get a smaller form factor that takes up less space.
4. Super Clearance Centers
Find one of those super clearance, temporary location, book stores. With all the available rental space out there many vendors are able to get low cost leases and with minimal overhead offer books at a 70 to 90 percent discount.
5. Book Club
Join a book club and exchange books with other members. If you don't have a formal book club, ask friends if you can borrow from their collection in exchange for you lending from yours. You'd be surprised how much money you will save.
6. Never Pay Retail
Never buy a book that hasn’t been discounted. Just as Live Cheap's Rule #1: Never Pay Retail says, you should never pay full fare.
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