It may be impolitic to admit it, but I have positive associations with Amazon. This goes back to before they started using smily boxes. Before Amazon, getting books often involved mail orders and checks and several weeks before delivery. Now Bookshop.org does a similar service, and with more of a conscience, but Amazon showed everybody how. I do have a complaint, however, with the internet giant. They allow used book sellers to be the top place when ordering a book, since they sometimes have a lower-than-retail price. I used to sell used books on Amazon, back when I had no full-time job. I took great care to list books according to the accepted standards of book conditions. I know I’ve written about this before, but two recent used book orders simply didn’t measure up. So, herewith, a tutorial:
“Like new” means in mint condition. You should not be able to tell the book was read. Look for soft rather than sharp edges on the pages, slight curling of the cover (especially paperbacks) from repeated opening. Hey sellers, if you have any of this, the proper category is either “fine” or “very good”—not “like new.” I’m not really a collector (in that way), but if I order a book “like new” I expect that I won’t be able to tell it’s ever been read. Normally I opt for “very good.” This brings it down to a less expensive bracket and it implies things are in pretty good shape. If your book has extensive writing or highlighting in it, it is not “very good,” but “good.” If it does have minor markings you are required to list them. I recently bought a “very good” book in which practically the whole first chapter was highlighted. This isn’t easily missed, and it’s certainly not “very good.”
I get it, classifying books takes some discrimination. The categories are there, however, to protect the buyer. People do all sorts of weird stuff to their books. The used book seller, on Amazon, is morally obligated to tell us about what’s going on. And Amazon, please make clear when a book is “new” or not! I recently bought a book that was listed as new but it had clearly been read at least once. Be honest, people. Book folk, in general, are good folk. Reading is so important for a civil society. Books are collectible items. If you’re thinking of going into the biz, please remember that I’ve found books for a buck at library book sales in better condition than many “very good” books I found used online. Just be honest—you’ll still sell the book, even if for a few pennies less.
