Granted Amazon is the Godzilla of the new book business and much of their energy has been channeled in redefining the new book business. And one must take their hats off to them for what they have accomplished. Of course, I am all for the independent bookseller and the independent spirit but one must always be open to change. Too many new booksellers spent their energy running for the hills, and not enough energy in attempting to transform their business
But the real growth area in books is on the used, rare and out-of-print side of the equation. A side that neither Amazon or for that matter Alibris or ABE have successfully mastered. Of course, both Alibris and ABE started out under that umbrella but both have succeded in alienating most of the true used, rare and out-of-print booksellers.
-traditional used, rare and out-of print bookseller – at least 1/2 our inventory is pre isbn