Many of the used books available on Amazon cost only 1 cent. I just bought one and paid $9.79 for international shipping, which isnt excessive for a shipping cost, so where are they making the money?
2006-06-20 19:06:17 · 7 answers · asked by ♣ 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
I have purchased quite a few used books on Amazon for very cheap prices, and the shipping price I paid was always $1 or more above the true shipping cost; I've always assumed that they make their money on the shipping charge.
2006-06-20 19:12:30 · answer #1 · answered by Garth 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All the other answers are missing one important view. What is the lifetime value of a satisfied customer? If I sell you a book on a subject you like (and for little or no profit) I have gained you as a potential customer for a host of related products in years to come. If you are satisfied with your 1 purchase I have a better chance of up-selling you (with a better profit margin) at a later date. Too many people look at a sale as an isolated event; once completed they forget about follow up potential. This is what limits so many people when they try to make money on the Internet.
2016-05-20 08:04:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shipping cost.
They ship thousands at a time. How much do you think is thousands of $9.79 ? Compared to the shipping fee
2006-06-20 19:10:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't know anyone would do so. Now that is ridiculos. Maybe they are saving pennies.
2006-06-20 19:09:22 · answer #4 · answered by brothermustafaa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they just wanna get rid of em!!! So they're giving them away!!!
2006-06-20 19:10:33 · answer #5 · answered by mzstorm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
let me give u an example: why would u sell ur hoe for a penny?
its because ur done with it, ur bored of it, it got old.
2006-06-20 19:10:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Beats me, but hey....you won't catch me complaining about it.
2006-06-20 19:09:54 · answer #7 · answered by freyas_kin28 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋