I've been on here for a few months, but I'm still fairly new. A few of my books have been swapped but not many. my credit well has dried up (so to speak) I've just about put up every book I own, and I can't offord to actually buy credits, is their anyone willing to give up a credit? I don't expect much from this (it's like stealing your book money! lol) but I thought I'd ask, thanks to all

If you need credits, there are several ways to get them.

First, buy them from the kiosk. (Not an option for you right now.) Another option for buying credits is to check the Book Bazaar. Many people sell off credits at a discount rate over there.

If you can't afford to pay postage right now, you may want to consider putting your shelf on hold for a couple of weeks until you can afford to mail some books. Then offer a 2-for-1 deal on the Bazaar, or even just mention that you're newer and need orders to get some credits. (A lot of us are suckers for the "I'm new! Check out my shelf!" posts!) Oftentimes, it doesn't cost any more to send two books instead of one, so an offer is a pretty good way to go, and you'll get more traffic on your bookshelf.

You can increase the number of books (and your ability to offer deals on the bazaar) by going to thrift stores, garage sales, and Friends of the Library sales. Stock up on these very inexpensive books and you'll get more orders.

I hope this helps!

well thanks, I'm not sure what "bazaar" is though and I've more than milked the friends fountain but I haven't tried thrifts and such, I'll look into that hopefully ppl will become more interested in my shelf

Shay,

If you go to the main Forum page and look down a few topics, you'll see Book Bazaar.  That's where people make their 2-for-1, etc. deals. 

Some people are more likely to order from someone who has posted a profile, so you might want to post yours'. 

Jane gave you some great ideas.  You can often find .25 paperbacks at library sales or thrift stores.

Good luck!

Marsha's right, from time to time you'll see a thread about folks being leary to order from someone who doesn't have a profile.  Just a thought.  You needn't divulge your shoe size or your phone number, but something fun, so we know more about you.  again, just a thought.

If you've found this forum, then look down a short distance to the bazaar.  Read thru the threads and get some ideas,  perhaps offer your own deal.  .

Shay, I just ordered from your shelf.  :->

I just ordered one too. 

Hi - Everyone has had pretty good ideas.

I volunteer at a Friends of the Library and we "give away" our books dirt cheap! If you're a member it's .25 for paperbacks and .50 for hardbacks. Garage sales are even cheaper. Check with your library to find out where the nearest one is to you.

I would also second putting your shelf on hold until you've got a little extra cash. It only costs .50 to $1 less to mail a book than to buy a credit so it stands to reason if cash is tight and you can't buy credits then you probably can't mail out either. I put a limit per month on what I'll spend on postage - I've never put my shelf on hold but I wouldn't hesitate to do so to prevent people from ordering on those tight months.

Also, check out the forums, do some posting and let people get to know you. The foot traffic will come!

Another thought is to join swap-a-dvd or swap-a-cd, since you can transfer credits back and forth between the sites.  :)  If you have a stock of DVDs you don't watch anymore, those might go more quickly and earn you credits you can move over here?

I also 2nd the thrift stores--ours had a big sale recently 50c on paperbacks and $1 on hardbacks and I came home with a box full!!  Some went right away, some are still on my virtual shelf, and some are on my real shelf that I want to read myself before swapping!!  ;)

You should also create a public profile - that way more people can view your shelf which means more book orders!!

Ditto - create a profile

Thanks for everyone who, gave suggestions, I never paid attention to the profile but I could do a quick entry

thanks all