Tuesday, February 13, 2007

The Future of Bookstores

My husband and I decided to forgo the usual Valentine's Day gifts and instead buy a book of photographs. Our corner big name store is a small one with little choice so we made a trip across town (45 minute drive) to the biggest one in the area and found a wonderful selection of books. We picked one out, a classic book figuring that we should start this new collection with the classics. It was $75, an amount we figured was equal to the cost of the cards and flowers and candy we usually bought. But the cover was dogearred so we went over to the Customer Service to see if there was another in stock. Putting down her cellphone reluctantly, the clerk said there was nothing in stock, but she could order a copy. We then asked "well, if she was doing that, could she have it delivered to the bookstores down at our corner." She said no. And no again. And no, a third time. We went home and orderd it on Amazon. The cost including handling was just over $50. Now why should I use the chain if they will not provide better service or the better price? You tell me.
The only reason I can think of is this--I couldn't have looked at the books on Amazon.
If those two "B" stores want to stay in business, why don't they provide better service?

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