[LIBRARYDIR] [EXTERNAL]Re: Question about Sources for Books (i.e. Reliance on Amazon)

[Henkle, Jeannie]

>From one of our staff (LAPP4) who processes purchases:

"From time to time I run cost comparisons between amazon and other vendors. Each time I've found that amazon is the least expensive vendor. We don't use prime because we only pay shipping on orders from Amazon's used book vendors (free prime shipping doesn't apply to these vendors). So basically, we would be spending $120 per year on prime for no reason as we rarely need 2 day shipping either. If the material we need is not available from amazon, or the price is much lower at another vendor, I'll make the purchase through the other vendor.

I prefer Amazon to other vendors not only because of their lower prices but also because I've always had pleasant customer service experiences. If an item was missed in a shipment they promptly send a replacement. Returns and exchanges are always quick and easy as well."

Thanks for initiating this conversation, Greg!

Jeannie Henkle, MLIS
Teaching & Learning Success Center Coordinator
Wenatchee Valley College

From: LIBRARYDIR <librarydir-bounces at lists.ctc.edu> On Behalf Of Kanne, Lynn via LIBRARYDIR
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Subject: [EXTERNAL]Re: [LIBRARYDIR] Question about Sources for Books (i.e. Reliance on Amazon)

After years of Amazon, we switched to purchasing primarily from Eliot Bay Books. Pricing is comparable to Amazon and delivery from down the street is easy for us. We still use Amazon for certain purchases and also Coutts for standing orders.

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Subject: Re: [LIBRARYDIR] Question about Sources for Books (i.e. Reliance on Amazon)

Hi Greg,

We used Ingram for many years and switched over to GOBI three years ago. But, given our reduced book budget, Amazon is the most affordable and our business office prefers we use Amazon. I prefer to use a different vendor than Amazon for a variety of reasons and will spare all of you an afternoon Amazon rant.

Curious as to what other libraries are doing and whether they have a choice in vendors.

Thanks,
Julie

Julie Nurse
Library Director
Centralia College
600 Centralia College Blvd.
Centralia, WA  98531
(360)623-8567
julie.nurse at centralia.edu<mailto:julie.nurse at centralia.edu>
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Cc: Bem, Greg <Greg.Bem at lwtech.edu<mailto:Greg.Bem at lwtech.edu>>
Subject: [LIBRARYDIR] Question about Sources for Books (i.e. Reliance on Amazon)

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Hello all,

We're currently reviewing our reliance on Amazon as a source for buying books and movies.

We currently use Amazon for 100% of our physical books and movies, and have done this for years.

The open PO approach has made the workflow very easy. The Prime Membership ($120/year + tax) has allowed 2 day shipping on most things we're buying. (We don't use the Prime membership for any other reason than free shipping.)

In 2012, before my time at the college, a "Market Basket" analysis was done, required by the purchasing manager at LWTech, to determine the lowest-cost vendor for providing books and movies. Amazon won over the other two companies analyzed (Barnes and Noble, and Powell's in Portland, both which do online sales). I am unclear what the current standing is on vendor selection process and the "lowest cost" vendor that the Market Basket analysis helped determine. In other words, I'm not sure what we're legally bound to in terms of vendor selection: if we can choose between sources for books and movies, do we have to go with Amazon because they're the cheapest?

I'm curious if you're all also inclined to use Amazon because of the costs and shipping, or other reasons entirely. Or do you use other vendors? Or a combination? I'd love to hear your stories, and your opinions on the dominant force (for some of us) that is Amazon.

Can put this in a Google Form if that would be helpful.

Thanks,

Greg

Greg Bem, MLIS
Professor and Library Coordinator
Library Learning Commons
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Pronouns: he/him/his

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