If you want to buy books online, Amazon is the biggest name in the industry. But it is far from perfect. Other online bookstores are often cheaper and have more expertise in niche genres.
So, to give you more options when you’re looking to buy books, we have compiled a list of the best Amazon alternatives…
1. Powell’s Books
Based in Portland, Oregon, this bookseller has both a physical presence in various locations around the city, as well as a website that caters to those of us who don’t live in Portland.
The website is easy to use and well-organized. You can find both new and used books there, as well as various pieces of software, CDs, and DVDs. To help you choose wisely, under “Staff Picks” you can find various recommendations to help you decide which books to read next, including some picks of the month, and bucketlist books. Powell’s also provides a way for you to sell your own books online and in-store.
Powell’s is especially notable for regularly offering unique editions of books signed by authors. However, be sure to keep an eye on shipping costs. They are more expensive than some of their competitors.
The company’s return policy is also surprisingly strict; you cannot get a refund on orders for books in quantities of 10 or more (of the same title), nor on opened games, DVDs, or books that come with electronic media.
2. Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million (BAM) started life way back in 1917 in Alabama. It is now the second-largest book retailer in the United States. It has physical stores, and in recent years, has also become an online bookseller.
BAM offers a diverse inventory that includes new, used, and bargain books—often with attractive price tags. You’ll also find toys, games, and magazines listed on the website, as well as ebooks.
The biggest downside of BAM is the lack of support for selling your own books. If you’re the type of person who likes to trade titles with other readers, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
3. Alibris
This online bookstore operates only through third-party booksellers. That means that when you buy a book from Alibris, you’re buying it from an independent bookstore. This makes the platform perfect for those who are looking for used, rare, or collectible titles such as first editions, antiquarian titles, and signed copies.
The website frequently offers various discounts on books in the form of coupons, student discounts, and even a whole section of $0.99 titles. Alibris also offers free shipping on all items.
In addition to fiction and non-fiction, you will also find textbooks, cookbooks, books about hobbies, and kids’ books.
Unfortunately, you are once again faced with a complicated returns policy. Because you are buying from different independent sellers, the policy differs on a seller-by-seller basis. Make sure you understand the policy for your seller before committing to a purchase.
4. Peachpit
Peachpit is a Pearson brand that specializes in selling books, ebooks, and other educational materials to those in creative professions. You’ll find a wide range of photography-related titles, everything you need to get started with Adobe Photoshop, academic resources for web design and development, and video-making guides.
This bookstore doesn’t just focus on printed books but offers online courses and digital materials for on-the-go learners. The website even hosts a blog where you can find the community members’ insights about using software, gadgets, and embracing a digital lifestyle.
The drawback is the cost. Some of the titles feel a little pricey. However, Peachpit offers a system of discounts, including deals of the week, and promotional “bundles” to help you save money.
5. Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble is one of the largest online book retailers, with more than 5 million titles to choose from and hundreds of physical bookstores. It’s also one of the best online bookstores that isn’t Amazon.
You should check out Barnes and Noble if you’re looking to buy a lot of items at once without overpaying for shipping; it’s free once you meet the minimum order threshold of $35. And if you’re not satisfied you have 14 days to return your books.
6. Valore Books
Valore Books is an online bookstore that specializes in textbooks. It presents a great opportunity to save money on textbooks by purchasing used copies and/or older editions.
The website also offers book rentals at an even lower cost, as well as buybacks. The two features simultaneously allow you to save money and for the company to grow its inventory of rentable books for other users.
You won’t find any non-textbooks for sale. If you want to read fiction, give this store a pass.
7. BetterWorldBooks
BetterWorldBooks isn’t just a bookstore, but also a charity with a mission to change the world by improving literacy worldwide. Aside from buying and selling books, the company accepts book donations so it can either reuse them in global literacy initiatives or recycle them.
There’s plenty of choice in both new and used books categories, searchable by genre. You’ll find many of the best new books to read as well as the classics here. The company also offers free shipping and a flexible return policy (though keep in mind that refunds might take up to 60 days to clear into your account).
What Are the Best Online Bookstores?
Although all of the online bookstores mentioned above have their advantages, Amazon is still one of the best-known names in the industry. Its website is extremely user-friendly, it ships internationally, it has an extensive selection of books of all types, and it makes it easy to find a particular book in no time.
At the same time, more and more people are trying to avoid using Amazon, switching to using smaller, potentially more ethical, companies. We’re not going to tell you which approach is the right one, just make sure you find an online bookstore that meets your needs.
If you’re in search of recommendations, ebooks, and more, these must-have apps for book lovers will serve you well. Also, learn about why ebooks are more expensive than paperbacks.
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