Aussie Bookworms Guide to Online Shopping!

Australia's voracious readers know that finding a good book is just the beginning; it’s getting your hands on it for a great price that’s the true quest. With the vast expanse of the Australian continent, and sometimes limited local bookshop options, turning to online stores can be a godsend. But the hunt for a good bargain in the vast ocean of the internet can be daunting.

To all my fellow Aussie book lovers out there, strap in as we explore the best ways to seek out, compare, and save on your next literary treasure online. Here’s a concise guide to embracing smart shopping from the comfort of your own home!

Know Your Online Bookstores

Australia has a plethora of online book retailers. Some of the big players include:

Booktopia: Australia’s own homegrown giant offers a comprehensive range of titles with reasonable shipping rates and frequent sales.
Dymocks: An established brick-and-mortar store that provides a seamless online shopping experience.
Fishpond: With a large catalog and often free shipping, this store sources books from all over the world.
AbeBooks and Book Depository: International sellers with a massive inventory and free shipping to Australia, though delivery times can be longer.

Comparing Prices

Before pulling out your wallet, take a moment to compare. Prices can vary widely between stores, and finding the best deal can sometimes be a few clicks away:

Booko is an incredible site specifically designed for Australians to compare book prices across various online retailers. It includes shipping costs in the comparison, ensuring you see the true cost upfront.
Google Shopping is also a handy tool to check prices at a glance, but make sure to confirm the final price on the store’s page.

Sign Up for Newsletters and Alerts

Many sites offer a sign-up bonus or exclusive discounts to newsletter subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite bookshops to stay informed about sales or special promotions.

Readings is another local store known for its curated recommendations and occasional discounts to newsletter subscribers.

Join Loyalty Programs

If you frequently purchase from a particular store, see if they offer a loyalty program. Points can add up to significant savings over time.

Angus & Robertson offers a loyalty program where you accumulate points that can be used for discounts on future purchases.

Look for Promo Codes

Before checking out, do a quick search for promo codes. Websites such as RetailMeNot or OzBargain might have codes that could slash your total.

Utilize Cashback Offers

Cashback apps and websites such as Cashrewards and ShopBack partner with book retailers to offer cash back on purchases made through their links.

Embrace Pre-loved Books

Sustainability and savings go hand-in-hand when you opt for used books:

Websites like World of Books and local sites like Better World Books offer used books at a fraction of the cost, and they often include free shipping.

Download eBooks

If physical space is a concern or you want your books delivered instantly, consider eBooks. Not only can they be cheaper, but you can also find free classics in the public domain.

Amazon Kindle Store offers a multitude of eBooks often discounted from their print counterparts, and with Kindle Daily Deals, the savings can be even more substantial.
Project Gutenberg Australia provides over 3,000 free titles, focusing on Australian literature and exploration.

Conclusion

The digital age has revolutionized the book shopping experience, offering convenience, variety, and affordability. By using these top tips, you can ensure your bookshelf is stocked without breaking the bank. So, get your bookmarks ready, and let your savings tell their own story. Happy reading, Aussie bookworms!