111op

Hi, I misplaced a copy of a Fodor's guide that's since gone out of print (at least according to Amazon). I've e-mailed Fodor's (but using their online interface) -- is there a direct e-mail that I can use?

Funny thing is that I didn't think much of it until I lost it and now of course I'm dying to replace it. Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

OReilly

I have had some success ordering out of print books from Amazon.co.uk and Barnes & Noble through their "buy used or new" service. Amazon.com also has this offering - check the right side of the screen and look for the "buy new or used" button.

grimmy

You may want to try www.alibris.com.
They specialize in out of print books. I just did a search for Fodors there and several came up.

111op

Thanks grimmy. Alibris lists the title as available. Are they reliable? Should I trust them with my CC number, etc.?

Thanks again!

grimmy

I've never personally purchased anything through them. A family member has placed 2 orders without problems.

111op

I'm going to go with them. I did a search and found this:

http://ecommerce.internet.com/news/i...067701,00.html

It may be worth a read. They seem trustworthy.

I hope it's really available though -- when I clicked again, it said that the book was no longer available (maybe because I had already selected it in a different window and there's only one copy).

Keeping fingers crossed. Thanks grimmy!

111op

By the way, thanks OR, too, for taking the time to make a suggestion.

tudorprincess

111op- I've ordered from Alibris before and the transaction went through fine.

111op

Thanks tudor. I'll try to remember to report back if the order arrives.

They seem to update availability instantly, which is neat. I'd be really happy if they can replace the lost copy (I searched for it in my apartment for a couple of hours last night).

jsmith

I've had success using these three sites:

www.abebooks.com

www.alldirect.com

www.addall.com

111op

I thought that I'd write back to say that Fodor's doesn't provide out-of-print titles (based on their response to my e-mail to them), but the copy I ordered from alibris arrived yesterday. That was great. Thanks!

cigalechanta

I use Alibris all the time and are one of the best sources for hard-to-find books.

Fodorite018

Two other options are ebay and if you have one near you, a Half Price Books, which sells used books.

QC

I'm surprised no one mentioned the most obvious answer.

eBay. Almost always guaranteed to be cheaper than Alibris or an Out Of Print service.

111op

I've never used Ebay (gasp). But for what it's worth, I just looked, and the title I wanted is not there. It's a surprisingly hard to get title -- there're no longer any copies on alibris either. And when I tried looking for it a week earlier, all I could really only find was that one copy (on alibris).

JP

Did you check half.com? It's a site (now owned by eBay) that specializes in marked down books, and they have a ton of them. It's nicer to deal with than eBay, since prices are set (no auctions) and shipping costs are standard and usually lower than those you'll see on eBay. I've bought a number of books from them over the last few years.

111op

Hi JP, I checked out of curiosity, but half.com doesn't have the title I want (listed as out of stock).

Glad that I asked this -- now I'll know what to do when I need to find an out-of-print book in the future.

klondike

Dont forget to check on halfbay as well as ebay. I've had luck there sometimes.