This post stems from the many conversations I’ve had with bookstore owners, who are some of the most gracious people I have met. As a result, I have learned the ins and outs of the book-selling business and want to relay the reality of what it takes to keep bookstores alive.

I started this blog to encourage people to visit their local bookstores, to buy from independent and locally owned stores rather than online (Amazon). I have always loved bookstore culture but in the past few months I have gained an even deeper appreciation for the business.

Book-selling is a difficult business and is not as profitable as other local businesses may be. And this is why the conversation around books- where, how, and why you purchase them is all the more important.

It is vital to understand that indie and independent bookstores spend most of their time and energy curating their selections. They are passionate about books and want to put in front of you what they have read or at least what has been recommended by experts. It is not the same as the little “recommended” pop-ups on Amazon.

THE CARDINAL SIN:

So the cardinal sin of book shopping is when you come into an indie bookstore, a locally owned store, and use their expertise, taking advantage of all the curation that goes into it and instead of buying what you like there, you buy it for cheaper online later.

It actually has a name: “showrooming”

You may be guilty of this, I know I am!

Of course you can’t buy everything you would like all at once, and buying online later may seem like a smart decision for your wallet, but it is actually hurting the store and your community. Check out this post on how buying locally impacts your community.

If you go buy elsewhere or on amazon, there will be nothing but the big stores left.

It is a matter of choice, and our choices matter.

What you are getting when you spend $15 on a book in a bookstore is so much more than other choices. Words matter. Words last. Take into consideration all of the aspects of your decision before you buy cheap & fast online. Read here for tips on how to buy books on a budget.

And to avoid a shopping spree on Amazon, plan ahead, make decisions earlier, and shop local.

YOU are what keep bookstores alive. And customers are not only customers, but friends, part of a world-wide community of book-lovers.

Join the culture, support the community, and buy from your independent bookstores!