A Consumer's How To #43: Buying & Selling Online

A Consumer's How To #43: Buying & Selling Online

Ebay I have used Ebay of several occassions. I use PayPal for payment. There was only one problem, which was quickly resolved. It helped that I documented all attempts of contact with the seller. Ebay is nice for used items, or new, that you can't find locally.

Half.com is good for textbooks. That is what I used it for.

Craigslist is great for local selling and shopping. There are no fees for using this site. I have both bought and sold items on Craigslist. I usually meet people away from the house, but have had people come to my house to buy/pick up and I have gone to others to do the same. Safety can be a factor, so use common sense.

Amazon is my friend. I will admit to Prime membership. I have bought both new and used. Customer service has been quick to help with any problems.

Etsy This is the first I have heard of this site. Not my cup of tea, but I will be telling a few friends.


I use PayPal for several things. Ebay, taxes - yes some can be paid via PayPal, and occasional shopping sites. I like PayPal because of its ease of use. PayPay already has my billing and shipping info and I don't need to type it in again and again. It is convenient for websites that I may want to use for shopping, but don't want to have to set up an account. I have not used it
for selling and accepting payments, but I can see the advantage of using it to do so.

Books, Readers and Beyond: #53 Finding Books Online

iHCPL the Next Generation #53

Exercise #1 Find the three booksellers that are closest to my branch. Some may not consider these traditional booksellers, but they are the three closest & have web presences as shown.

Inside our Library:
Friends of Freeman Bookstore 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, Tx 77062 just inside of entrance
http://www.amazon.com/shops/freemanfriends and
http://shops.half.ebay.com/libvol

.89 miles away:
Bedrock City Comic Company (281) 557-2748 106 W Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX http://www.bedrockcity.com/ Searchable.

1.16 miles away:
Half Price Books, Records & Magazines (281) 335-1283 961 Nasa Pky, Houston, TX http://www.halfpricebooks.com/ Give you locations & info, but directs to Amazon for books.


Exercise #2
I searched Amazon for Cussler's Raise the Titanic. It is available in paperback: new@ $9.99 or used@ $2 & up. Even with free shipping for new, I'd probably go for the used @ $5.98, shipping included. It is also available on audio cassette for $120. The Kindle edition is $7.99.

I used eBook Searchr to find other eBook versions. Wattpad has a version that can be read on a cell phone and there are some other free and commercial sites, but I'd have to check the legalities of each. Unfortunately, my local Library systen doesn't have it as an eBook or eAudio.


Exercise #3
I have downloaded and read entire eBooks using the Harris County Public Library's Digital Media Catalog. I do this when a hard copy is not available. It is easy to do. The instructions are available and clear. And eBooks are searchable.

But, I still prefer the feel of a print book. I can still read them without power using booklights or candles. AND They are much easier to read in bed.