When comparing Amazon.com vs AbeBooks.com, the Slant community recommends AbeBooks.com for most people. In the question“What are the best websites for buying used textbooks?” AbeBooks.com is ranked 2nd while Amazon.com is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose AbeBooks.com is:
AbeBooks compiles prices from used book stores, acting much like eBay for used books.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Reliable delivery and good Help service
Amazon is usually very good at making sure the right deliveries arrive on time, and when they don't, their Help team is easy to contact and good at providing a suitable resolution to the problem.
Pro Free shipping on some products for Prime members
If you use Amazon for other things, you might already have a Prime membership. If so, most laptop options will offer Prime delivery.
Pro Offers a large selection of laptops
Amazon typically stocks a very large range of laptops.
Pro Primarily sources used book stores
AbeBooks compiles prices from used book stores, acting much like eBay for used books.
Cons
Con Not always the cheapest option
Typically for new products, anything that is marked up as Prime will sell around the Recommended Retail Price, which may be higher or significantly higher than other retailers. This could be seen as a trade off for reliable service. Amazon do also drop prices on products relatively frequently so it's worth checking back if the current price is out of your range.
Con Deceptive, unreliable merchants
Many users have complained about information inconsistencies, shipping problems, and wrongful refusal of refunds. The percentage of orders that are actually fulfilled is estimated to be about 20%. While this isn't always the fault of AbeBooks.com, it might just be a lack of proper oversight.
Con Slow delivery is common depending on the provider
It is not uncommon for books to take 3-5 weeks to be delivered.