The e-book revolution is supposedly upon us. But here's the current reality, which reveals a major disconnect:
Point:
I wish to put my eyes on a copy of The Big Lie in anticipation of its author's upcoming appearance at Camp David (DND Saratoga Weekend) in August (a gathering of the east coast M&A industry's movers and shakers).
My Choices:
1. The Kindle version (e-book, delivered thru the air) is listed at $14.66, marketed as a significant savings from the new/hardcover price.
2. A Used/Like New hardcover copy of the same is available for $1.99. After S&H, it can arrive at my door for a total cost of $5.98.
Conclusion:
Once a significant inventory of bought-read-used hard copy versions of the book are on the market, the e-book versions are at a tremendous cost disadvantage.
The e-books' current opportunity exists only during the early months of Current Releases (prior to the inventory of used copies hitting).
The e-book's future (or better: hoped-for) opportunity is when hard copy versions disappear completely. But that's a big IF; a big gamble.
We shall see ...
Either way, I'd hate to have my family fortunes tied up in a storefront book shop enterprise.
RM
1 comment:
You have to weigh the cost vs. the immediate delivery benefit.
You're right, though. For most, the substantial price difference makes all the difference unless someone desires a just-published yesterday title.
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