Searching for used books on Google? Here are the first page results (non-sponsored listings):
(1) ABEBooks
(2) Bookfinder
(3) Alibris
(4) Powell’s
(5) Amazon
(6) Bibliofind
(7) Fetchbook
(8) Used book search
(9) Addall - used
(10) Used Book Central
I’ve had a few people contact me regarding the Independent Online Booksellers Association. I think most of this comes from a recent posting on the Alibris discussion board entitled “Maintain Your Independence with IOBA…” In the past, I’ve enjoyed a few interesting conversations, if less than fruitful, with the IOBA president about some exciting initiatives for online booksellers including an annual trade show. Given its mission and history, it is definitely an important and successful organization… with one exception: online bookseller advocacy.
Online booksellers are growing in numbers. Because of that, it is becoming easier for listings services like Amazon, Alibris, et al to get away with egregious seller policies like the current shipping reimbursement on both sites. My question is where is IOBA in all of this? Are they educating members? Are they lobbying the sites? Are they gathering petitions? Are they proposing alternatives? Are they more than member benefits and another place to sell your books?
With Google lurking somewhere in the shadows, AuctionBytes recently released the results of its Online Payment Survey (raw results). Nearly half of the respondents said they believed a greater choice in online payment services was necessary. No one knows for sure what Google will be doing, but Paypal execs are trying to ease investor fears that it will directly compete with its services.
