Book Buying

[Icecream]

When buying books over the internet, what information from the book do you like to see? I have quite a lot of books to sell both ficton and non (some textbooks, some recipe books, manuals and other types), and I want to make sure I extract the right information.

[Kell]

I like to know at least the basic information of title, author, ISBN, publisher and date of publication as well as a brief synopsis, that way I can find out which version of a book it is even if there's no picture shown and I can get a feel for what kind of book it is before buying. A lot of people are also interested in things like signed copies or advance reader / proof copies (they're something of a collectors' item), so any relevant information like that is always nice, as well as if it's a first edition (again, there are collectors).

[Michelle]

Whereas, most of the time, I wouldn't be worried about publishers, date of publication etc. That would only interest if I was looking for a certain version.. and then I'd contact the person for that detail. :)

[Kell]

I have to point out that I'm somewhat geeky about all that kind of information. :lol:

[~V~]

i'd like to know what condition it's in. folded corners, broken spine, creasing etc

and a link to further details would be good too

[Kell]

Good point - it's always good to know the condition - I always prefer to try & get something that looks as new as possible. It's only if I'm absolutely desperate and can't get a better copy anywhere else that I'll go for one that's a bit bashed (unless it's dirt cheap), but there are others who prefer the worn look, so a description can help either way.

[Icecream]

I have all those details and the condition noted. I'm half way through the pile(s). I just didn't put the dates in out of what you've mentioned and haven't done synopsis (plural word for this??) yet either. I might go through and get the dates. They are useful for textbooks I know that. |OH wanted to know why I wrote all the ISBNs out, but I know it to be of great use to people. Thanks guys.

[Gyre]

ISBN Number, etc and the condition is what I look, also what the book is about.

In all honesty, I don't put a whole lot of thought into it, unless the book is second hand and really old, I like to know how old, if that makes sense.

[Kell]

haven't done synopsis (plural word for this??)I think it's "synopses". Anyone know differently?

[Maureen]

why I wrote all the ISBNs out, but I know it to be of great use to people. Thanks guys.

1. number is always unique - title is not.
2. it is easier to look for a book if you quote the ISBN number on some sites.

[Bunny]

I like to know the ISBN then I know which edition it is by hunting for it on other sites, and I like to know the condition of the book

[pontalba]

When searching Amazon Marketplace for example, I look to see it a hardback has a dust jacket and condition of same. I don't want to buy a hardback without a dj, so that is important to me.
Other that that, everyone else has covered everything I can think of. Sometimes a seller describes a book in a tentative sort of way that is off putting, and that'll make me pass it up. A positive attitude goes in that arena as well.

Hope your endeavor works out well! :D