Show HN: I built a site that finds the cheapest place to buy a book

Post by socialismisok » Mon, Oct 10, 2022, 5:43 AM UTC

shnksi wrote: post #66

socialismisok wrote: post #64

Is "cheapest" the right objective? Because if that's the case, book piracy seems like the clear winner. But maybe we should consider "cheapest with some boundaries". For instance, we probably agree that bookstores are nice for a myriad of reasons, even if we don't frequent them. They employ people in the area, they offer curation and recommendations, they invite speakers and host events, and they help local authors g…

Thanks for your comment, all of that is certainly true. I'm thinking through a solution that would likely come in the form of certain filters on the site. I'd try to get your region as accurately as possible or ask for input, and then serve you local bookstores in your area that have their catalogues online. Something like this would help promote local stores and help you differentiate between your local bookstores.…

Post by shnksi » Mon, Oct 10, 2022, 5:46 AM UTC

socialismisok wrote: post #71

shnksi wrote: post #66

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks for your comment, all of that is certainly true. I'm thinking through a solution that would likely come in the form of certain filters on the site. I'd try to get your region as accurately as possible or ask for input, and then serve you local bookstores in your area that have their catalogues online. Something like this would help promote local stores and help you differentiate between your local bookstores.…

I like it, but most of my local shops don't have their inventory or prices online, sadly.

Post by shnksi » Mon, Oct 10, 2022, 5:50 AM UTC

Hnrobert42 wrote: post #72

Looking for the book _Foundations of Mechanical Accuracy_ I searched for “Mechanical Accuracy.” While the site did find the book, it was the fourth one listed. None of the books above had “Mechanical Accuracy” in their titles. Maybe this is your desired behavior. I found it a bit odd.

Post by socialismisok » Mon, Oct 10, 2022, 5:53 AM UTC

shnksi wrote: post #73

socialismisok wrote: post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I like it, but most of my local shops don't have their inventory or prices online, sadly.

Hmm that does make it difficult. Perhaps a solution that allows local bookstores to put their catalogues online easily, this data then feeds straight into the search product. It would be difficult and manual to make happen but it could be extremely useful.

Post by kortilla » Mon, Oct 10, 2022, 5:57 AM UTC

socialismisok wrote: post #70

kennyloginz wrote: post #65

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think you might be confusing peoples desires of a physical book, vs bookstore?

I want a book, I can choose to buy from a local shop or Amazon or print on demand shop selling a pirated copy. Those options are listed most expensive to cheapest. But a portion of the the sale goes to that business, who in turn passes it on to various places. The local bookshop uses the money to keep an asset in my local community and employs people in my local community. Amazon ships from a warehouse, and provides…