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In an earlier post, Michael Lieberman writes of book buyer satisfaction surveys here: http:// ww.bookpatrol.net/2008/03/vendor-satisfaction-and-online.html and bemoans the fact that booksellers have no similar surveys. However,
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In today’s current market, the book business has tilted in favor of book buyers. As such, web venues are principally interested in keeping purchasers of books gratified. Hence, questionnaires on the book business are geared toward buyer satisfaction. How many sellers are available for each book or each buyer? For any bookseller who leaves the arena, there are countless others — many neophytes — who race to fill the void.
Further, many existing sellers provide minimalist descriptions. Here are six descriptions of the same book I encountered while doing research. I have omitted any identifier information regarding book or companies.
1. Hardcover Like New May be shiny, in some instances dust jackets are not included, no missing pages, no damage to binding, may have a remainder mark.
2. Hardcover Spend Less. Read More. Millions of satisfied customers and climbing.
3. Book in almost Brand New condition. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Shipped to over one million happy customers! Your purchase benefits world literacy!
4. Great Buy!!!*** Never Used*** Might Have a Publisher”s Mark~We have over 2,500,000 Books Sold!!! Over 535,000 Feedbacks Posted!!!
5. Hardcover Fine NEVER READ PUBLISHER”S OVERSTOCK! !
6. USED HARDCOVER
The descriptions speak for themselves; I have nothing to add by way of commentary.
There will be no bookseller questionnaires until the market shifts and sellers take their clientele and themselves seriously.
As a bookseller, I’m not holding my breath. Breathe.