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Question by luomodimusica: How can the cost of the same book be so different?
How can the book “Gist of Golf” by Harry Vardon cost 4 dollars at one place, and 200 at another? They are the same publishers, and it is the same book. I just bought it for 4 dollars from Biblio used, and Amazon has it listed for 199 used. How can this be?
Best answer:
Answer by chischischrist
different editions.
a first edition book is worth more than say a 5th.
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Several factors come into play with this kind of scenario. First, a copy may be in perfectly mint condition, which adds to its value. Second, it may be a signed copy, which will also tack a few dollars onto the price. Third, if the book is a vintage original instead of a reprint, that adds up, too. But most importantly, it depends on who’s selling the book. Maybe they think that they may (or may not) get much for the book, depending on its condition and popularity (or lack thereof.)
Buying it off the internet makes it a better read. Duh.
We live in a market economy. Adam Smith of 1780 or so imagined that there was in the market an invisible hand. The market has all information about the price of things, including the future price of things. You got experience of the market when you bought a book for $ 4. Had you not had full information about the market from the internet, you might have been willing to pay $ 200. Poor you.
Recently I got an education in the market when I went to see a film called, “The Illusionist.” I discovered that it was based on a short story in a book. When I went to book sellers services looking for the book, I found that the low-price copies were already gone. So I snapped one up for $ 27. Was it a good choice? Was I wise?
Edition and type of edition are the big major parts. There’s things like a base line price that the publisher sets forth, but if it is wanted… for example. “Interview With A Vampire,” by Anne Rice, an edition that you can get at your local Barnes and Nobles is around $ 7. Online, probably cheaper. BUT, if you are looking for a mint condition, first edition (published in 1979 I think), then you are looking at anywhere from $ 1000-$ 3000, depending on the condition of the book. It is frightful, but ture. Fortunately, they retain their value very well if kept in good condition (unlike cars), and so if they are kept for a long time, they can be appraised, and you can be given a definite amount on how much that particular volume is. Which is why, if you are interested in investing in that, it is always good to buy the first edition hardback copy of a book when it first comes out, and keep it protected (if it came in a plastic cover, leave it!) and safe. Like I said, great investment.