Buy a book or a series of books: offers from sellers
A book or an edition: what exactly are you looking for
The same book comes out from different publishers, in hardback and paperback, with different translations and illustrations. The price and the pleasure of reading depend on the edition, so in the request it is better to write not just the author and title but also the publisher or the cover type, if they matter to you. The difference can be in format, typeface, paper quality and even chapter titles. This is especially true for children's books, gift editions and series like “Harry Potter”, where translations differ a lot.
How searching works on BlaBlaPrice
Instead of browsing catalogues and writing to bookshops, you create one request. It is checked, and you are told what to add. Shops and private sellers reply in the chat: whether they have the book, the publisher, the price, the condition, delivery. Reviews are visible beside the offers, and the best-value one is shown first. Only the one you choose sees your contacts. More on the “How it works” page.
What to put in your request
- Which book — author and title, or at least the author or genre;
- Language — English, another language, original or translation;
- Edition — publisher, hardback or paperback;
- Condition — new or second-hand, how much wear is acceptable;
- Quantity — one book, a series or a set (for example 7 volumes);
- Reader's age, if it is a children's book;
- Budget, city and your preferred way of delivery.
Example: “I need the whole Harry Potter series in English, 7 books, hardback, new or as good as new. Courier delivery to Tsuen Wan. Budget up to HK$550.”
New copy or second-hand
New books cost more, but come with a guaranteed condition. Second-hand ones can cost noticeably less, especially series and sets, but look out for marks in the text, smell, a damaged binding and missing pages. Simply ask for photos of the endpaper, the spine and a few pages. For magazines, the issue number and year matter, and so does whether inserts and posters are there. For a children's book, check the age range and the typeface size.
How to compare offers
Compare not only the price but the publisher, year of edition, condition and delivery. For a set it is better to take everything from one seller, since then you save on shipping. It is good when a seller mentions defects on their own. Look for school and college editions in textbooks and study books, and rare old books can be found among antiques and collectibles. If you want audio or films, look at discs and records.
