While browsing through flea market and forum for sale threads, i noticed our 2nd hand books are quite pricey. Granted usually they are in 9/10 condition..but the price is most often RM20 or RM25 vs a new book of RM30~RM40.

Where as when i was in overseas from Aussie/Nz to England, i noticed they sell 2nd hand books at usually $1 ~ $4 depending on condition. And mind you, new books sold are priced as ours here. Only the currency that's different...except for England. Like in Aussie/NZ, new book costs AUD/NZD$ 32.90.

So am wondering, why cant malaysians sell their 2nd hand books at similar range? RM5 each?

I brought back more than a dozen books from each countries everytime i went backpacking. And nearly half of them i sold them off in Flea Market for RM2~5. Some are pretty new without those crease backbone or dog-ears. So yea, they were snapped up pretty fast....

Apart from why, have you guys come across any other ppl selling 2nd book that cheap? with the book in good or readable condition?

Hi Mech Warrior 6,

Nice to meet you.

A short and simple answer would be as follows:

1. Malaysians are not avid readers of books except for those involving fiction such as romance novels.
2. Malaysians tend not to treasure old 2nd hand books, so some may unfortunately end up in the trash bins.

3. Because of reasons 1&2, there are very limited 2nd hand bookstores which concentrate on either
(a) Volume
These stores focus mainly on rentals of romance, comics and light reading that Malaysians like to read. Their 2nd hand book prices are not cheap because they want the readers to return the books so they can rent it out again. However, the more battered copies will eventually be sold for cheaper prices.

(b) Niche
Other bookstores focus on those books that are out-of-print and rare. These tend to be old British novels that are highly valued and non-fiction books such as those on Asian history, economics and other specialized subjects. Since most of these books are out-of-print, they tend to be of high value since you can't get them anywhere else. Some of these books are selling at prices higher than their original price even though they're like 10-20 years old.

Long story short, your experience overseas is due to a higher % of population that likes reading and treasures old book. This allows the economies of scale to work, so even though these used booksellers are selling them at cheap prices, they make up on it via volume. Most 2nd hand bookstores in Malaysia are barely surviving and the current biz model doesn't allow for cheap books. Of course, I am as sad as you are... And the fact that our National Library is at such a remote location, just makes me even

haha..thanks for sharing ur thoughts bro. but then yea, i think most probably would be like what you say, we dont have as many ppl that read books vs the likes of England or Aussie.

so nowadays i end up with ebook, except for those author that i really like, i would spend $ to support them by purchasing physical ones.

anyhow, do u know if our gahment impose tax on books? and how much? for those local book store.
as well as those individual purchase at amazon or ebay? never purchase books online before but on few other collectible items, i know customs impose a tax of 15% +- depending on type. Coz am thinking of purchase a couple books from amazon these few days.

I don't think our government imposes tax on books. In fact, to encourage reading, you get tax deductions up to a certain limit on books. Not too sure about buying on-line though.

1. The Big Bad Wolf booksale is out on Dec7 to 23, so go there if you want to just shop around. They have a good selection of excess print books at very good prices for brand new books.
http://www.facebook.com/events/290460934399305/

2. I use the fellow Lowyatnet member to buy books from the US occasionally via bulk shipping. Unfortunately, even with bulk, prices are still quit high. For instance, a US$1 book hardcover will cost about RM50 after sending it over to Malaysia due to shipping costs. I guess, for softcover, it might be cheaper to approx RM20-30, but it's still expensive. Check your PM for details.

Nice to meet a fellow book lover

ooh..no no, not referring to tax from our LHDN. that one do give RM1k rebate though...use it a couple times but remember to keep receipts. they DO ask for it. Kena once but luckily got credit card stamenents..

am referring to like when u buy books from singapore or US, do they charge custom duty tax?

Tat's true. shipping is a killer since most books arent light in weight. hahaa. anyhow, usually i would go and let Borders or MPH to help me order. That way if the book comes in torn or with problem, they are there to sort it out for me. Price wise, like u say, not much difference.

and thanks for the 1st link..FB blocked in office. gonna check it out later.

and oh one more thing, try ebook..it's cheap..and convinient. downloaded dozens of books that i wouldnt go out and buy myself....would give each of the author a try once i finish my No Easy Day - given by fellow k-tard also.

1. Aiyoyo... company blocking facebook...
Ok, here's a website link instead
http://bigbadwolfbooks.com/

2. Don't think custom will charge if below certain value but not too sure....

3. E-book... yah... cheap but I'm an oldfag
Prefer to hold the book in hand to read... reading using tablet a bit tiring on my eyes.

I have lots of second hand book for sales. Price from RM 7-10. Let me know if you are interested.

Nice..booklovers.
Secondhand books really are quite expensive here in Malaysia, even at the flea market@amcorp malls. The only place i found it to be cheap is at payless books, but they closed down recently.
So, i guess the only place to get cheap books now is at Big Bad Wolf book sale. (won a preview pass woohoo)

Thanks bro! Jst saw this thread..hahaa..
checking out big bad wold books...


ooh..if u happen to have anything related to fantasy or non-fiction, mind PM me the titles? Thanks!

Hi Mech Warrior,
There's a book exchange community here in USJ. They meet every forthnight, quite regularly and very nice folks I've gone a couple of times as my books needed a new home (no space at my rented place). Here's their fb page:

https://www.facebook.com/sjusjbep

thanks for the headsup! but unfortunately, i am not in USJ or anywhere near there. am staying at northern region. Still, it's good to know of such place. thanks for sharing again!