I love Amazon. I seem to always have a package coming from Amazon.
A few years ago I decided to thin out my library as I have so many books. Some of them I still had from college and from teaching and decided someone else could better use them.
My first lesson was always have a confirmation of delivery. The seller is “always” the liar in Amazon’s template. I sent a $110 book with $6 or so postage to a person who complained they never received it, so I got a bad review and she or he got a free book. That was about five years ago. I felt if they need to lie to get a free book, then they needed it more than I did. Not to worry. I sold a few more books then decided it was too much work. I got to know our local postmasters well, as I was going there about every other day.
About six months ago, I decided to list books once again and listed some 400 plus books and they started selling. This time there was tracking for each one and a confirmation. Well, the buyers have gotten more savvy and according to Amazon, they are always right.
This time I lost an $80 book, as the person claimed it was the wrong edition, even though I clearly had posted the one listed. They got to keep that one for free. Next the post office accidentally sent two books to the same address (shown on my receipt) so lost another book. Never did figure out what happened to that book. Third person received a book from my PhD classes for a mere $124.00 and they said it was missing pages. Funny, they were all there when I sent it and when I personally used it. Amazon awarded them the book and the money. Another student sent a nasty note that they had received the wrong edition, saying they were way behind in class due to my mistake and in this case I did accidentally send an edition that was one earlier. The note said they were failing the class due to my stupidity. I let it go, knowing their stupidity was far more charming, after teaching design for eight years, and authoring a successful design book, I know there is not that much difference in editions. I am sad for their view of the world.
Yes, I am no longer selling on Amazon. Too many complaints from buyers. So if you are selling your books on Amazon: Seller Beware! The buyer is always telling the truth according to Amazon.
Just a commentary for today. Any ideas where to sell these books? I think Powell’s in Oregon buys, so will look into that, but would love other ideas.