Suraya Karim
2 hours ago
Saw that MPH is running a Penguin Classics tote giveaway with any two of the selected titles, and it got me thinking about where everyone buys books these days. The warehouse sales still feel like the best value if you can get there early, but the queue on the first morning is a whole event by itself. The bookstore chains win on browsing and on being able to check the copy in your hands before paying, but the member cards only pay off if you buy a few books a year. Online is usually the cheapest per title, especially on campaign days, though you have to watch who the actual seller is — a remaindered copy is not always obvious from the listing photos. So how do you all do it? Do you wait for the big warehouse events and stock up for the whole year, or just pick one up whenever the mood strikes? And for gifts, do you go with a bookstore voucher or choose the title yourself?
Replies (3)
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Warehouse sale on the first morning is still unbeatable for paperbacks, but go in with a list. I walked in without one and came out with eleven books I have still not opened.
For gifts I choose the title myself now. Vouchers get spent on whatever is stacked on the front table, and half the time that is last year's bestseller that nobody actually wanted.
The pre-loved route is underrated here. Carousell and Shopee sellers clearing their shelves go for a couple of ringgit a title, and most copies I have received were in better shape than the description made out.