Just discovered something that will doubtless make Amazon’s sales plummet…or at least will stop so much of MY money going to them. It is called Paperbackswap.com and is basically a book trading service. You list books you’d like to get rid of and then get 1 credit for every book someone else requests. Each credit you earn allows you to request one book from the huge (1 million+) booklist on the site. All shipping is paid by the senders, so since it is a 1 to 1 trade, in most cases you are getting a book for $3 or less.
It is really easy to list a book– just type in the ISBN number and 3 mouseclicks later you’re done. I just listed my first 10 books last night and all but 1 is already requested today. Sometime next week I should have some actual credits to spend! OR –if after reading this you decide to give this service a try and put in me as your referring person, (owlhaven at aol dot com) I’ll earn a credit for that too! What fun!
Isn’t it wonderful? We also use Swapadvd. It has changed our lives (and spending.)
I’ve been using PBS too!
It’s funny that you should mention this… I had found paperbackswap.com a while back but it’s only able to be used within the state. Today though by chance I found http://www.swapclub.co.nz which is the same idea but for New Zealand only. It’s relatively small, but I’m sure the idea will catch on. I’ve just requested my first swap….The Secret Garden. Fun!
cool news!
I will need to check this out.
Thanks for the tip!
~Lisa
What a great idea! I will be sure to check it out Mary. I certainly need to get rid of a few books and there are a few others I have been waiting on at the library…owning them would be so much nicer!
Mary, I checked out this site and it does look fun! I posted a couple of books and have enjoyed looking through the ones available. Thanks for the info. I mentioned you so you should get another credit!
Jennine
People have been after me to join forever…
I finally did and used you as my referrer. (Is “referrer” a word?!)
You even had one of the books I want.
~Kari
There is also http://www.bookmooch.com which allows you to swap hardcovers as well…I’ve been using it for a while and it has been wonderful…same premise I think…you get points for listing books (10 will allow you to request a book) and after that for every book that is requested from your library you can request one from someone else’s library. Pretty cool
Just wanted to let you know I registered with PaperBack Swap dot com and put you down as the person who referred me…..so you know to look for that credit.
i’ve never had much luck with it…. i think my book tastes must not match whats popular enough… ive considered just buying the gift cards though to get cheap books even though nobody likes mine… lol
I put you in as a referral – you should at least get a few credits from this crowd!
I can’t wait to start finding stuff I want to read. I have Becoming Baby Wise on the way — 4th baby but she’s waaaay different than 1, 2 & 3.