Book Exchange Shops

[damian5000]

Am no way connected with Gecko books either, but they are good shop. Now that you're in Chiang Mai you'll be able to shop at one place and always get 50% of what you paid back, I can't see there being much more of a bargain than that! Really...

Also, some bookstores will take books bought from local competition at 50% if you are a local and know you'll be returning...

Good luck in Chiang Mai man.

[bucklt]

I stopped using the 2nd hand book shops years ago because of overcharging.

Join the AUA library. 400 baht membership and every time you visit you can borrow magazines, books and DVDs for FREE.

Thanks for that great tip - much appreciated!

Joined this morning: great service from staff and very good selection of books/mags/videos/cds etc.

One of Chinag Mai's little 'secrets'......

p.s forgot to bring passport-size photo - will do so tomorrow.

Bucklt

[Loaded]

Loaded, where do I find the library? I googled their address but the map doesn't give me much detail.

Tha Pae Gate end of Ratchdamneon (Walk of the King!) Road.

[orang37]

I've patronized Gecko Books, Shaman Books, and BackStreet Books, for years here in Chiang Mai and never had any problem with returning books (as long as they were not "bargain" books) for half-price.

If I keep the book over a year, I am not surprised if they don't want to buy it back.

In all cases I have experienced staff at these shops as friendly and helpful.

Sure, I'd like more than 50% back, but I'd also like a free lunch

~o:37;

[rrose070]

Thanks! I knew that was a big library but didn't know that was the one or that they had materials in English! I'll go check it out!

[anonymouse]

I've come to this topic a little late but

Rankin, Robertson, Rendel ,Francis - quality authors

I must admit there is a hel_l of lot of bookshops in Chiang Mai but I see this as a plus, the Hay on Wye of Thailand

We really are spoilt for choice, It's pity we couldn't have some decent music shops as well.

[IanForbes]

What? You mean people here can actually read more than two or three lines on a computer screen? How novel!!

I don't recall the name of the shop, but I think it is on Ratchawithi road inside the moat. MY friend who reads a lot goes to the same book store every few days and exchanges books on a regular basis, and he gets a good price... both buying and selling. I think it helps to have a long term relationship with a book store owner and you'll get better deals.

[idrankwhat]

I bought an e-book reader and now I download all of my books free legally from Project Gutenberg.

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

Of course there are plenty of places to download current books and novels illegally which out of respect for the site and so as not to incriminate myself I will not list but they are only a google away.

[StevieH]

I don't recall the name of the shop, but I think it is on Ratchawithi road inside the moat. MY friend who reads a lot goes to the same book store every few days and exchanges books on a regular basis, and he gets a good price... both buying and selling. I think it helps to have a long term relationship with a book store owner and you'll get better deals.

think that's the one i mentioned earlier, named 'on the road' after the student-tastic kerouac blather. nice shop though, he recently got in the david peace east riding novels i've been after and they're outstanding. anyone who lived in england in the 70s and 80s should read these.

[Ricardo]

Also, if you want some idea of used book market, check the USED prices on books at amazon.com. A huge percent of them will be sold for ONE penny, that is one cent US currency plus shipping.

After shipping-costs, amazon used-books in the UK still cost me a few quid, which converts to a couple of hundred baht, these days.

I must admit there is a hel_l of lot of bookshops in Chiang Mai but I see this as a plus, the Hay on Wye of Thailand

Agreed, Chiang Mai is an excellent place for 2nd-hand 50%-on-return bookstores, which must be why there are so many of us literate types living here ?

"Chiang Mai ... Hub of 2nd-Hand Book-Stores & Readers !"

[uptheos]

I bought an e-book reader and now I download all of my books free legally from Project Gutenberg.

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

Of course there are plenty of places to download current books and novels illegally which out of respect for the site and so as not to incriminate myself I will not list but they are only a google away.

I believe with Project Gutenberg the copyright has ran out on books hasn't it? Lots of old but great books.

However, I don't think dowloaded books can match the feeling when you find that one book you've been searching after for ages and there it is..... it's in great condition and you caress it, fondle it, smell it, read the back and introduction, flick through every page to make sure it's clean and then.........put it back on the shelf coz it's 50 baht more than you feel you should pay, though it's the only one in Chiangmai!!

Next day when you realise the mistake.....it's gone.

Moral - if you find it and like it, then bloody well buy it!

[Lily76]

I own a second hand bookshop and have to deal with this every day.

I understand that people do not understand why they are being offered what they consider to be "low' prices for their books, but believe me, if they were worth more, someone would buy them for more.

The truth is that most people only sell the books that they don't want on their shelves and that we already have thousands of copies of and will never be able to sell for a normal price. I buy them very cheaply to sell as "bargain books" as this is the only way I can sell more than a few of them and most people sell them, because they just want to get rid of them and would throw them away otherwise.

I know that I pay quite well for books that are new by authors that sell well or are very popular (100-200 baht and up), but mostly all I am offered is older beach fiction that most people have read already and sells only very slowly - if at all - OR JUST PLAIN JUNK. I have to import most of the ones that people actually want and buy and importing them is expensive.

I have lots and lots of these beach books for under 100 baht (bargain books start at 10 baht) and also a lot of less popular modern literature and I buy most of them back for 50%. If that is what you want, just search the shelves because we have plenty of them

Believe me, I would be quite happy to give you a good price for books that I know I can sell for a decent price, but books go in and out of style and something that was popular 6 months ago, just isn't any more and very few customers understand any of that.

When people ask me what titles I will pay well for and I show them, they often get indignant and say that they always keep books like that. That is up to the customer, but then don't expect bookshops to pay you well for bringing in books that might really belong in your garbage.

Question:

Ok, so why is a book that I have bought from the most famous second hand bookshop in Chiang Mai at 250 baht ( bit expensive but worth the money ) after three months worth only 70 baht? And why is the same book on the shelves again after a week @ 250 baht?

I will start handing out free books!! Better than begging people to PLEASE give me more than 70 baht for this amazing book.

[uptheos]

I own a second hand bookshop and have to deal with this every day.

I understand that people do not understand why they are being offered what they consider to be "low' prices for their books, but believe me, if they were worth more, someone would buy them for more.

The truth is that most people only sell the books that they don't want on their shelves and that we already have thousands of copies of and will never be able to sell for a normal price. I buy them very cheaply to sell as "bargain books" as this is the only way I can sell more than a few of them and most people sell them, because they just want to get rid of them and would throw them away otherwise.

I know that I pay quite well for books that are new by authors that sell well or are very popular (100-200 baht and up), but mostly all I am offered is older beach fiction that most people have read already and sells only very slowly - if at all - OR JUST PLAIN JUNK. I have to import most of the ones that people actually want and buy and importing them is expensive.

I have lots and lots of these beach books for under 100 baht (bargain books start at 10 baht) and also a lot of less popular modern literature and I buy most of them back for 50%. If that is what you want, just search the shelves because we have plenty of them

Believe me, I would be quite happy to give you a good price for books that I know I can sell for a decent price, but books go in and out of style and something that was popular 6 months ago, just isn't any more and very few customers understand any of that.

When people ask me what titles I will pay well for and I show them, they often get indignant and say that they always keep books like that. That is up to the customer, but then don't expect bookshops to pay you well for bringing in books that might really belong in your garbage.

Question:

Ok, so why is a book that I have bought from the most famous second hand bookshop in Chiang Mai at 250 baht ( bit expensive but worth the money ) after three months worth only 70 baht? And why is the same book on the shelves again after a week @ 250 baht?

I will start handing out free books!! Better than begging people to PLEASE give me more than 70 baht for this amazing book.

Giving your book away to another person who will appreciate it, will make you feel good and will benefit another person.

[jayjay0]

i brought some books from gecko books (the vampire of siam trilogy ) last year , went there to put a name to ug face but he was not there . the staff were pleasent and the books very well priced for me as a tourist,and as previously posted they offer to buy them back for 50% less . will definately go back next time and i am in no way connected . these people are only trying to make a living for themselves and staff , it's hard enough in these times of economic crisis without other ex pats making it harder surely.

I am sure that I am not the biggest useer for Gecko Books,but I usualy take 10-12 books bought from them every 2 weeks,and exchange them for another dozen or so.

For my tastes in reading I can usualy get books that I will enjoy and overall they cost me 1000-1200 baht each visit.

Ive not used any of the other bookstores so I cant compare Gecko with them...and until I can no longer get books that I have not read from Gecko I have no reason to change my ways.

I have no connection with Gecko books apart from being a customer....indeed I have no wish to get to know the owner since his tastes in food...ie Burgers etc...are certainly not mine

I have and will continue to use Gecko books. As well as the one 99baht across from the Porn Ping previously mentioned. I unlike gennisis would like to meet a man who can say McDonald's and Burger King are the same. Ugh Yuk Ugh Yuk. But he does have some saving graces he didnt put the Dukes in that category.

[Johpa]

Question:

Ok, so why is a book that I have bought from the most famous second hand bookshop in Chiang Mai at 250 baht ( bit expensive but worth the money ) after three months worth only 70 baht? And why is the same book on the shelves again after a week @ 250 baht?

I will start handing out free books!! Better than begging people to PLEASE give me more than 70 baht for this amazing book.

Maybe it is because there is a cost to the time any one book may sit on a shelf. Not to mention that the "amazing" factor of any one title quickly depreciates over time. The time value of money means your "amazing" book, in the larger scheme of things, is simply not worth more than an average of 70 baat given the average amount of time any one book sits on the shelf awaiting that one other person who finds it "amazing". It is just basic retail business sense, something often found absent in the general public.

Disclaimer: I am not a book seller but do have many decades of retail experience under the belt.

[uptheos]

Question:

Ok, so why is a book that I have bought from the most famous second hand bookshop in Chiang Mai at 250 baht ( bit expensive but worth the money ) after three months worth only 70 baht? And why is the same book on the shelves again after a week @ 250 baht?

I will start handing out free books!! Better than begging people to PLEASE give me more than 70 baht for this amazing book.

Maybe it is because there is a cost to the time any one book may sit on a shelf. Not to mention that the "amazing" factor of any one title quickly depreciates over time. The time value of money means your "amazing" book, in the larger scheme of things, is simply not worth more than an average of 70 baat given the average amount of time any one book sits on the shelf awaiting that one other person who finds it "amazing". It is just basic retail business sense, something often found absent in the general public.

Disclaimer: I am not a book seller but do have many decades of retail experience under the belt.

Well said.

I use all bookshops around town, but mostly Gecko. I never exchange and usually pass any books I've bought secondhand on to others. However, there are certain books that I have that are not everyone's cup of tea, which were bought new. When I feel like having a clear out or making room, I have always found Gecko to be a willing buyer, even though UG knows they will probably sit on the shelf for a very long time, until someone with the same interest spots them (could be never). In this regard I don't expect to get a high price.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

I own a second hand bookshop and have to deal with this every day.

I understand that people do not understand why they are being offered what they consider to be "low' prices for their books, but believe me, if they were worth more, someone would buy them for more.

The truth is that most people only sell the books that they don't want on their shelves and that we already have thousands of copies of and will never be able to sell for a normal price. I buy them very cheaply to sell as "bargain books" as this is the only way I can sell more than a few of them and most people sell them, because they just want to get rid of them and would throw them away otherwise.

I know that I pay quite well for books that are new by authors that sell well or are very popular (100-200 baht and up), but mostly all I am offered is older beach fiction that most people have read already and sells only very slowly - if at all - OR JUST PLAIN JUNK. I have to import most of the ones that people actually want and buy and importing them is expensive.

I have lots and lots of these beach books for under 100 baht (bargain books start at 10 baht) and also a lot of less popular modern literature and I buy most of them back for 50%. If that is what you want, just search the shelves because we have plenty of them

Believe me, I would be quite happy to give you a good price for books that I know I can sell for a decent price, but books go in and out of style and something that was popular 6 months ago, just isn't any more and very few customers understand any of that.

When people ask me what titles I will pay well for and I show them, they often get indignant and say that they always keep books like that. That is up to the customer, but then don't expect bookshops to pay you well for bringing in books that might really belong in your garbage.

Question:

Ok, so why is a book that I have bought from the most famous second hand bookshop in Chiang Mai at 250 baht ( bit expensive but worth the money ) after three months worth only 70 baht? And why is the same book on the shelves again after a week @ 250 baht?

I will start handing out free books!! Better than begging people to PLEASE give me more than 70 baht for this amazing book.

Also, I bought noodles the other day for 25 baht, but the next day I almost didn't get anything for it! Shops do need to make a profit, otherwise they won't stay around; they're not public libraries.

Now that we revived this topic, I do have a question for U.G.: Do you have any children's books, specifically young children's books/picture books etc? Those are seriously hard to find in Chiang Mai, new or used. So I'm going the Amazon & Suitcase route, but it'd be nice to find something local as well. Good children's books can compete very well with TV, especially since most of the stuff kids are fed on TV is pretty bland or moralizing Disney BS. Many recent children's books can be pretty wacky, fun and challenging.

Edited August 5, 2010 by WinnieTheKhwai

[butterisbetter]

I own a second hand bookshop and have to deal with this every day.

I understand that people do not understand why they are being offered what they consider to be "low' prices for their books, but believe me, if they were worth more, someone would buy them for more.

The truth is that most people only sell the books that they don't want on their shelves and that we already have thousands of copies of and will never be able to sell for a normal price. I buy them very cheaply to sell as "bargain books" as this is the only way I can sell more than a few of them and most people sell them, because they just want to get rid of them and would throw them away otherwise.

I know that I pay quite well for books that are new by authors that sell well or are very popular (100-200 baht and up), but mostly all I am offered is older beach fiction that most people have read already and sells only very slowly - if at all - OR JUST PLAIN JUNK. I have to import most of the ones that people actually want and buy and importing them is expensive.

I have lots and lots of these beach books for under 100 baht (bargain books start at 10 baht) and also a lot of less popular modern literature and I buy most of them back for 50%. If that is what you want, just search the shelves because we have plenty of them

Believe me, I would be quite happy to give you a good price for books that I know I can sell for a decent price, but books go in and out of style and something that was popular 6 months ago, just isn't any more and very few customers understand any of that.

When people ask me what titles I will pay well for and I show them, they often get indignant and say that they always keep books like that. That is up to the customer, but then don't expect bookshops to pay you well for bringing in books that might really belong in your garbage.

Why so coy about the name of this amazing book?

At any rate, I've used Gecko for years, and have never had a problem with them. It might be useful to keep in mind that with the drastic drop in tourism in the wake of the bangkok events , local bookstores may be overstocked with books and not in a position to buy most of them except those that are currently in very high demand.

Question:

Ok, so why is a book that I have bought from the most famous second hand bookshop in Chiang Mai at 250 baht ( bit expensive but worth the money ) after three months worth only 70 baht? And why is the same book on the shelves again after a week @ 250 baht?

I will start handing out free books!! Better than begging people to PLEASE give me more than 70 baht for this amazing book.

[jayjay0]

Loaded, where do I find the library? I googled their address but the map doesn't give me much detail.

Tha Pae Gate end of Ratchdamneon (Walk of the King!) Road.

From Tha Pae gate walk west into the old city it is on the right side about half a kilometer down. that is my estimation. Just about across the street from it is The AUA main office. Hope this helps.

Also Rain Tree has a library not sure what is involved to use it. To get there you would walk east away from the city on Tha Pae road. Cross the bridge and they are on the left hand corner behind the police thing. I believe you have to enter from the back.

[jayjay0]

I bought an e-book reader and now I download all of my books free legally from Project Gutenberg.

http://www.gutenberg.../wiki/Main_Page

Of course there are plenty of places to download current books and novels illegally which out of respect for the site and so as not to incriminate myself I will not list but they are only a google away.

Thanks for the link.

returning to the states for a Holiday and have been considering purchasing one there.

[greyfriarsbobby]

i brought some books from gecko books (the vampire of siam trilogy ) last year , went there to put a name to ug face but he was not there . the staff were pleasent and the books very well priced for me as a tourist,and as previously posted they offer to buy them back for 50% less . will definately go back next time and i am in no way connected . these people are only trying to make a living for themselves and staff , it's hard enough in these times of economic crisis without other ex pats making it harder surely.

I am sure that I am not the biggest useer for Gecko Books,but I usualy take 10-12 books bought from them every 2 weeks,and exchange them for another dozen or so.

For my tastes in reading I can usualy get books that I will enjoy and overall they cost me 1000-1200 baht each visit.

Ive not used any of the other bookstores so I cant compare Gecko with them...and until I can no longer get books that I have not read from Gecko I have no reason to change my ways.

I have no connection with Gecko books apart from being a customer....indeed I have no wish to get to know the owner since his tastes in food...ie Burgers etc...are certainly not mine

I have and will continue to use Gecko books. As well as the one 99baht across from the Porn Ping previously mentioned. I unlike gennisis would like to meet a man who can say McDonald's and Burger King are the same. Ugh Yuk Ugh Yuk. But he does have some saving graces he didnt put the Dukes in that category.

Well I always say that McDonald's and Burger King are the same. They are both unedible, and certainly unreadable.

[anonymouse]

I own a second hand bookshop and have to deal with this every day.

I understand that people do not understand why they are being offered what they consider to be "low' prices for their books, but believe me, if they were worth more, someone would buy them for more.

The truth is that most people only sell the books that they don't want on their shelves and that we already have thousands of copies of and will never be able to sell for a normal price. I buy them very cheaply to sell as "bargain books" as this is the only way I can sell more than a few of them and most people sell them, because they just want to get rid of them and would throw them away otherwise.

I know that I pay quite well for books that are new by authors that sell well or are very popular (100-200 baht and up), but mostly all I am offered is older beach fiction that most people have read already and sells only very slowly - if at all - OR JUST PLAIN JUNK. I have to import most of the ones that people actually want and buy and importing them is expensive.

I have lots and lots of these beach books for under 100 baht (bargain books start at 10 baht) and also a lot of less popular modern literature and I buy most of them back for 50%. If that is what you want, just search the shelves because we have plenty of them

Believe me, I would be quite happy to give you a good price for books that I know I can sell for a decent price, but books go in and out of style and something that was popular 6 months ago, just isn't any more and very few customers understand any of that.

When people ask me what titles I will pay well for and I show them, they often get indignant and say that they always keep books like that. That is up to the customer, but then don't expect bookshops to pay you well for bringing in books that might really belong in your garbage.

Question:

Ok, so why is a book that I have bought from the most famous second hand bookshop in Chiang Mai at 250 baht ( bit expensive but worth the money ) after three months worth only 70 baht? And why is the same book on the shelves again after a week @ 250 baht?

I will start handing out free books!! Better than begging people to PLEASE give me more than 70 baht for this amazing book.

Maybe you should go on a speed reading course if you had taken it back within a month you would have got 50% back on it

I'm guessing that the bookshops in CM are struggling as much as the other business's in town, nobody wants a surfeit of unsellable stock in these unpredictable times. Did you try selling the book at any of the other bookstores in town?

[CMX]

Thus far (10 months, off and on), I have been given 50% on my returned books, none of which were out so much as a month, or damaged. That is, at the major sized outfit. Employees always helpful, except this one guy, a falang, always at his computer, who keeps referring me to the nice employees, my gain.

Given the space required by used bookstores and management's knowledge of local demand at the time, I find it hard to disagree with the bookseller's decisions. If he offers too little, I can pass the book along. Doubtless it is true that a volume I prize highly and cost a lot would not sell here in the bargain bin.

[grin]

I agree that for the most part that the used book shops in Chiang Mai have a fair selection and are reasonably priced. As a book reader everything is quite satisfactory. As long as the pages are not falling out I can buy the book, read it and just give it away after I have finished it.

However, as a book collector things are a bit disappointing. I do on occasion find a book that I would like to add to my collection and the book may be in good condition except that the price is written in ink on the cover or just inside the cover or even worse has a price sticker that cannot be removed without taking some of the cover off with it. I find this to be a problem in used book shops everywhere, not just here. So I am quite happy to find good collectible books here every now and then that have been wrapped in plastic and have been kept in excellent condition.

My suggestion to bookshop owners here would be to either write the price in pencil inside the cover or to use price stickers that can easily be removed. Even better would be to wrap them up and put the price sticker on the outside. Maybe that causes a problem with people changing prices. I wouldn't expect it to be a problem but you never know. I am only suggesting that this be done with books that are obviously collectible or in excellent condition when you get them and that you are selling for 300 Baht or more. No need to spend any time and energy on the cheaper books.

One problem here with the humidity here is that books that have been stored for a long time might get mildew on the edges. I was in one of the bookshops here one day and saw a very amusing thing that I have never seen before anywhere. The woman was sanding the edges of the pages with a fine grit sandpaper. I was quite impressed with how nice the books looked after had she finished sanding them down.

[getgoin]

The title of this thread is misleading. First of all there are no book exchange shops in Chiang Mai. So, yes, it is disappointing, I guess, since there are none.

There are, however, numerous second hand book stores that offer to buy used books. Again, number one, they do not offer to buy used books from people at any set price. Used books are like any commodity. The more people are willing to pay for them from the book store, well, the more used book store owners are willing to buy them for from the people that bought them. Pretty simple stuff and if you can't get your head around that then you are better off going to the library, adding the book to your collection or (pay attention budget book buyers) cruising the book racks at hotels and guest houses and doing a quick trade.

I mention this last suggestion about going inside a hotel or guest house to trade books because anyone that would take the time to post about not being able to sell a book for 30-40 Baht more should really seek these creative ways of saving a buck.

[Lily76]

Just to make things clear:

I do understand that a book will be worth less after a few months. But the lady at the bookstore shouldn't have told me that she wouldn't be able to sell it anymore, give me 70 baht, and later put it back on the shelves at the same price I bought it. I don't know much about retail business, but I run my own business and I do know that honesty and fairness to customers is very important and the key to your success. I don't have the time to buy just one book and take it back immediately. So I buy several books at once, keep them a few months at home, and sell them later again. I must admit that Gecko Books has a good selection of books, and I will keep on buying books at their shop. I might just try to support the smaller book shops by giving or trading books to them after my friends have finished reading them.

I also wouldn't compare books and noodle soups, but I do like Winnie 's sense of humour.

[ChiangMaiIB]

The title of this thread is misleading. First of all there are no book exchange shops in Chiang Mai. So, yes, it is disappointing, I guess, since there are none.

There are, however, numerous second hand book stores that offer to buy used books. Again, number one, they do not offer to buy used books from people at any set price. Used books are like any commodity. The more people are willing to pay for them from the book store, well, the more used book store owners are willing to buy them for from the people that bought them. Pretty simple stuff and if you can't get your head around that then you are better off going to the library, adding the book to your collection or (pay attention budget book buyers) cruising the book racks at hotels and guest houses and doing a quick trade.

I mention this last suggestion about going inside a hotel or guest house to trade books because anyone that would take the time to post about not being able to sell a book for 30-40 Baht more should really seek these creative ways of saving a buck.

Nice suggestions + insults --- lol

[fcgprg]

We have no complaints whatsoever .Geko books are second to none.The staff their are fantastic.If you tell them a book name or author if they have books in they will find them in minutes.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Another thing to consider is that these book shops take books back *at all*. Try that with any regular book store. In many ways Chiang Mai is very blessed with so many excellent shops, and with the competition between shops.

Edited August 6, 2010 by WinnieTheKhwai

[ThaiPauly]

The title of this thread is misleading. First of all there are no book exchange shops in Chiang Mai. So, yes, it is disappointing, I guess, since there are none.

Not surprising though...how can a "Book Exchange" shop make any money?

Maybe the topic title needs changing to reflect exactly what the thread is about?

I can change it to "second hand book stores" (I think?)

What d'ya think?