Posts from EstateBooks

It has been a while since I last posted here. For you July 4th may be about family, vacation travel, or just a day off from work. Perhaps we should contemplate the unique thoughts and circumstances that led to the great experiment that became the United States of America. It is also the last full weekend before the July 14th postal rate increases take effect. Media mail, our standard shipping option, will increase by 50 cents for books up to one pound which includes most paperbacks,.... read more

Later this month (Janurary 22nd to be exact) the 2023 postal rates will come into effect. As is the case many years, there will be an increase in media mail prices, which effect the standard shipping rates paid to ship out books. For example, the rate for a book up to one pound, which includes most softcovers, will increase from $3.49 to $3.65. While the stated shipping rate on Alibris won't change, the prices charged need to cover site fees, postage, envelopes, and so on. This means.... read more

Late in the year is a busy season for retailers, both as people give gifts to friends and relatives, and those with time-off are able to persue liesure activities. The cold weather in many parts of the country may inspire many to sit by a warm fire with a good book. If you have been a customer of Estate Books, let me first give you my sincere thanks. I also encourage you to shop now for holiday purchases. The store will be in vacation mode from the end of day on 12/5 until 12/20. While.... read more

We've all felt the increase in consumer prices impacting everyday items such as food and fuel. While the US Post Office is still the most economical way to ship books, the postal rate increase scheduled for July 10th will pass some of the increased costs onto shippers, and ultimatley anyone purchasing books online. If you have been thinking of purchasing a few books, now is a great time to buy ahead of the upcoming rate increase. We have endavored to keep costs low given the books in.... read more

It is amazing to me that another holiday season is upon us. We live in crazy times of rising prices and logistical challenges. Officially, the Post Office recommends shipping most Media Mail (standard) parcels by December 15th for delivery by Christmas. Priority Mail (expidited) should ship by December 18th, and Priority Mail Express (overnight rates) by the 23rd. Media Mail to Alaska should be by December 2nd. International shipments should be made by November 29th, including Priority.... read more

With unprecidented deficit spending and central bank liquididty injections worldwide, it should come as little suprise consumer prices are rising quickly. As of June the CPI is up 5.4% over the last year. Publishers are spending more on paper and ink. As resellers, we need to spend more on packaging. The post office is implementing a 12% rate hike on media mail in August. There is little choice but to pass these costs on to consumers. What does this mean for you as a customer? First,.... read more

The holiday shopping season often creates anxiety about obtaining gift items with sufficent time to share with loved ones during get-togethers. The postal service recommends Media Mail (our standard option) be shipped by December 15th in order to arrive before the 25th. Our expidited options, First Class Mail (generally for softcovers) or Priority Mail should be shipped by the 18th or 19th respectivley. We plan to ship expidited items the same day if ordered before 4PM CT on the 18th.... read more

You may have seen media reports about the difficulties the USPS is facing recently due to the impact of the Corona Virus. The volume of marketing mail, and hence postal revenues, have fallen. However, package volumes have increased substantially. Many postal employees have been working double shifts, but are still behind schedule.  Most book sellers rely on Media Mail for standard shipping. This is a discounted service which normally ships via truck (or boat for our friends in.... read more

Often customers will either pay a preimum for "new" books or just grab whatever copy is offered at the lowest price irrespective of condition. However when examining books, there will often be barely perceptiable flaws such as a scratch on the rear or a chip on the corner of a cover. This is particularly true of paperback books as they might get bumped on a shelf in a store or while being shipped halfway around the country. On Alibris they are often listed as being in ".... read more

Certainly everyone has been impacted one way or another by the coronavirus. With many people confined to their homes, reading a good book can be a way to pass the time and keep a positive mental attitude. As such, we will endavor to keep filling orders as long as lawfully permitted. My father would be pleased that people are conforted, at least in a small way, from his collection.  I've also uploaded all pre-ISBN books to the site. This can be a challenge, as it isn't always clear.... read more

The last year has been intense, writing inventory software and then inspecting, cleaning, and recording over 18,000 books. To support competitive pricing, everything from postal rates to shipping supplies has to be considered in detail.  The reward is being able to share knowledge, inspire the imagination, and help people relax after a long day. It is a pleasure to be able to share the collection with you, and hope to have time to do more reading myself!  read more