have the option of ordering a book for you that is not in the bookstore? There's a book I'm looking for, and I'm sure it is still in print...I was wondering if anyone knew if they do any special orders. I'm not interested to go online to order it. Serious replies only. Thank you.
2007-02-05 12:43:42 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
The following advice applies to B&N because I used to work there and is based on the assuption that this is a hard to find book.
Get as much info on the book as you can, title, author, ISBN (international standard barcode number), publisher, date of publication, alternate titles, name of translator if it's a foriegn book. Go to the music dept. it's not as busy as the main info desk and the employees won't be as rushed. Begin search by ISBN, if out of print try by title alone, if copies by multiple authors shows up narrow by author. If it's not in stock ask them to special order or check other stores. (if they wont check with the compition then they have poor customer service. If the book is out of print ask them to check for used copies. If thier are none then start chcking the internet if you havn't already done so. It also helps to know the store employees. A person who has been working there for years and loves books will do everything they can to help you. A person who is just working as a summer job will probably just look the book up and then blow you off.
2007-02-05 13:36:46 · answer #1 · answered by Coyote81 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although I mainly shop at Borders, I'm fairly positive that any book that is still in print can be specially ordered by either of these book stores. The easiest way to find out, of course, is to call either store and ask them if that is a service that they provide. I know that Borders does, because several years ago I needed a book as a gift and they ordered it into the store for me. I don't remember if there was an additional cost due to the fact that it wasn't a book normally carried, but that's another question that you could ask.
2007-02-05 20:55:13 · answer #2 · answered by Kathie S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, they do.
And there is a hidden advantage to having your local B&N or Borders order the book. If enough people start ordering books like that, or by that author, the bookstore may start stocking them again. That will never happen by ordering on Amazon. So if there's an author you really like and your bookstore isn't carrying their work, ordering them from the bookstore actually helps your favorite author as well as yourself.
Good luck!
2007-02-05 21:23:22 · answer #3 · answered by AnswerGirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they do. There may be some books that they won't order -- if it is from a small press, or University Press, that they don't carry -- but otherwise they will. Border's I know will even order it for and not make you buy it if it isnt what you need after you see it (though they prefer you to buy it.) I had my local Border's pick up a book they don;t carry for me a couple of weeks ago.
2007-02-05 20:53:53 · answer #4 · answered by C_Bar 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most book stores will be happy to order it for you, bit if its out of print you might have trouble. I know you don't want to order online, but amazon.com is really the best place to get those hard to find books.
Good luck..
I actually found this old movie with Treat Williams that I couldnt find anywhere else!!
2007-02-05 20:52:29 · answer #5 · answered by Zelda 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they might if you ask, but I think small bookstores would do that for you definitely because they might like the book or maybe they thing it's a good book and they should have it, but yea maybe...
2007-02-05 20:47:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah, of course. If it is still in print but they don't have it in stock, the store should either be able to order it for you or direct you to a store that does have it in stock.can order it for you.
2007-02-05 20:48:22 · answer #7 · answered by locomonohijo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, in fact I have ordered some of my class books from there like special editions of Jane Eyre, and they were able to gurantee free shipping, which they did give me, low prices, it only cost 12.59, no tax!, just ask them! Also, go to http://www.barnesandnoble.com/main.html/books/So&%/_/
http://www.home.borders.com/booksnauthors/specialorders
*hope it helps!*
2007-02-05 22:06:43 · answer #8 · answered by harrypotterschick07 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they should do it although sometimes they don't like to depending on a publishing company's restrictions. smaller book stores might be more prone to do it than the gargantuan ones.
2007-02-05 20:48:42 · answer #9 · answered by thechewtoyboy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-02-05 20:46:14 · answer #10 · answered by Sophist 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋