Nothing is more disappointing than heading to your local bookstore and realizing they don’t have a copy of your desired book. Fortunately, the internet has made it possible for book lovers of all ages to find their next great read in record time, regardless of where they live. Here are some of the best online booksellers, and consider signing up for them today.
First, what is an online bookstore?
An online bookstore is an e-commerce platform with various books in various formats. Depending on what is available, some of these books can range from hardcovers, paperbacks, eBooks, and even audiobooks.
Some online bookstores have cloud reading platforms like Amazon’s Kindle, Rakuten’s Kobo, and Barnes & Noble’s NOOK. These cloud reading platforms require specific reading devices to sync with one’s online account, while also including added perks and benefits for users.
What Are Some of the Best Online Booksellers?
If you’re considering buying a book for yourself or someone else online, here are some excellent online booksellers available today.
1. Amazon Books
Regarding options and stock availability, it’s safe to say that Amazon is the largest online bookstore in the world. However, before becoming the world’s largest online retailer, it sold books exclusively, delivered to limited areas around the country before it grew.
In terms of shipping, Amazon delivers to various countries worldwide. Costs of goods and shipping vary between countries, which may be subject to conversion and added taxes.
Aside from getting paperbacks and hardcover books, Amazon also sells eBooks which become readily accessible to the company’s reading device, Kindle. The company also has Audible, which sells and produces spoken audio content, including radio and TV programs.
Amazon is an excellent option for people who want a wide selection of books without worrying about running out of stock. While there are instances that copies may run out due to high demand, you may also check out other options online.
Amazon also offers publishing and self-publishing services, making it an excellent choice for aspiring writers who desire to share their stories with everyone.
2. Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Booksellers is a retailer with the most prominent outlets in the United States. Some of these outlets have café serving Starbucks coffee and other consumables, making it a fun experience for shoppers. Various stores across the country sell books, magazines, DVDs, graphic novels, Nook e-readers (an exclusive device for reading Barnes & Noble eBooks), and tablets. Like Amazon, they also offer publishing and self-publishing services.
If you’re living in the United States, it may be more accessible to check your nearest Barnes & Noble outlet. Nevertheless, they do offer international shipping for a few select countries. Click this link to determine if your country is eligible for international shipping.
3. AbeBooks
AbeBooks is unique because they sell books, fine art, and collectibles—making it a fantastic shop for collectors of rare books and art lovers.
AbeBooks also differs from other online booksellers because they have no set book prices. AbeBooks is an online bazaar where thousands of independent sellers worldwide list their items for sale. This setup means that each seller is responsible for listing their items, setting their prices, and determining their shipping rates. If you are okay with buying used books and older editions, then AbeBooks can ensure you have more options beyond the expected.
You can click this link for more shipping rates and speed information. AbeBooks is currently working on making items more accessible for readers that require special needs.
4. BetterWorldBooks
BetterWorldBooks is like AbeBooks because they sell both new and used books. The bookseller dispatches from both the United Kingdom and the United States, making it seamless for them to cover worldwide shipping.
BetterWorldBooks also run with a social purpose, where some of their profits are invested in helping establish literacy programs to help improve people’s lives. They also partner with various librarians to help rescue discarded books from being tossed into landfills while also helping raise money for libraries.
5. Waterstones
Waterstones is a book chain store established in the United Kingdom. Locals from the United Kingdom will recognize that despite being a national retailer, there is a degree of independent autonomy run by various Waterstone branch managers, making each shop unique from another.
Aside from books, they also sell games and stationery & gifts. Some outlets also have coffee shops with various tea, coffee, and food options.
If you live in the UK, here’s a link to check out their delivery options. International shoppers can check out shipping rates here.
Which one is best for me?
With so many shops readily available, there are a lot of options for shoppers worldwide. However, depending on what you want to buy other than books, it’s best to choose a shop with a good reputation, reliable shipping service, and a helpful customer service hotline.
Shoppers from other countries should also consider if couriers from these shops have accessible routes to their area. Despite many shops adopting the Internet as part of their business, always exercise caution before buying something online, especially in shops with a bidding or auction system.
Takeaway: Online booksellers have made it easy for book lovers worldwide to buy, borrow, and collect books in various formats. Some retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble have cloud reading platforms with exclusive devices like a Kindle or a Nook.
Some companies also offer audiobooks, making it easy for people to listen to content while on the go. Aside from books in various formats, online bookshops also sell items like collectibles, games, and movies—making it useful for people to shop for gifts.
Regarding buying books online, shoppers should always exercise caution before placing an order or entering sensitive information like their addresses and credit card information. To reduce the risk of possible scams, only buy from reliable retailers with a dedicated customer service hotline so that you can track your order in real-time and note any potential issues with your item. Stay safe and happy reading!