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Yes, it it one book for one credit. You do get 2 credits for an audiobook. Sometimes people offer deals and you can get more than one book for  one credit, but the site rules state that you can't get more than one credit for a book. I think everyone notices something different that "sells" on here. For me it's the odd books that I think no one will want. lol the mass market paperbooks so eventually go, but not right away b/c of the FIFO (first in first out) system. You could offer them as freebies with other books or a "deal" like "2 for one on mass market paperbacks" if you want to try to unload some and get credits for them.

Most people are reasonable and respectful about mailing. You just hear about the problems b/c that's what people post about. i've had received 58 books so far and had a problem with how *1* was mailed. So, problems are not as widespread as the message boards sometimes lead you to believe.  I wrap most of my books in plastic then the paper mailer and have never had a complaint. Just use lots of tape to be sure it's sealed.

I have mailed several hardbacks and the postage is usually under $3, which for me cheaper than I could get a paperback at the local ubs. So, for me it's a deal and that's why you see hardbacks on here.

It's definitely worth posting the Mass Market PB's.  I've been here 3 months, and I've moved 178 books, and recieved about 50.  The Trade PB's do move faster, but the others also move.

As far as waterproofing - I wrap in saran wrap, then the PBS paper mailer.  I've never had a complaint that a book I've sent was damaged, although I have lost a couple in the mail.  If you use the delivery confirmation, you still get credit for it though.

If you swap enough books it really evens out between hard cover and paper backs. Think of it this way...there are plenty of hard cover books listed so you can always order one if those are your preference.

My personal preferences are mass market, then trade, then hard cover. MM are just easier for me to hold. Some trades I find are wobbly when I am reading them and I end up having to rest them on something - as I do with hard covers because the weight makes them difficult to hold for long periods of time.

Post anything and everything you want. There is someone for everything on here.

BTW, Terri....your bookshelf is set to private so it will be harder for people to find it and place orders. You can change that in your settings.

Most of the books I have sent and received have been HCs.  There is a market for them here.

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Hey Terri, welcome to PBS!

You'll find that the increments after the first pound aren't that big a deal with Media Mail, so unless it is a hugely heavy HC it isn't that expensive.  I don't think I've ever paid over $3 for mailing a HC.

It varies all the time about what kinds of books move through quickly.  I prefer trade pb myself, but if it is a book I want I'll take it in the other formats.  You'll notice quirky and unusual stuff move the fastest--especially non-fiction.

Even the saturated books that have had millions of copies sold move eventually--altho I usually have to do a deal to get rid of them--but still, it is cost effective because it is either the same or just a bit more to mail 2 or 3 books instead of just one.

You might also check out the Box of Books program as well.  It is awesome ;0)

Good luck and have fun...I'm going to go look at your bookshelf

Not too long ago I mailed a huge coffee table book.  When I took it up to the counter, I was surprised to find it was less than $3.00 in postage.  Close, but not quite.  The receiver of the book was very pleased and since I've received some awesome hardback cookbooks through PBS, as far as I'm concerned - a trade is a trade is a trade.  :) 

Welcome!

For me, book format doesn't really make a difference...if I haven't read the book and want to, MMP, trade or hardcover will do just fine! I've sent lots of each kind and received lots of each kind, so IMO it does balance out over time. I've sent some really nice hardcovers--I think the heaviest one I've sent was between 3 and 4 lbs--but also gotten some back that were equally heavy and in very excellent shape, which is good as I was looking to acquire them for my Keeper shelf. One man's junk are another's Keepers. :)

I'm fast approaching 1,000 books sent and about that many received, and have had very few problems--I hope your experiences here are the same. :) Welcome to PBS!

P.S. yes, your book list is public now....you have a wonderfully eclectic shelf and I predict you will do well. Some of the books you listed are pretty "popular" meaning there are probably many copies in the system already, so it may take awhile, but they WILL be chosen eventually as your turn in the FIFO queue comes up. Patience is definitely a virtue around here, and can be a hard commodity to come by when you're new, but stick it out!

Cheryl

For me the value is in passing on a book I no longer need to someone who wants it and getting a book I want for less than it would cost to buy it new.  Sure the HC may cost a bit more to send, but still less than buying myself a book. 

I mail out some of everything but most of mine have been regular paperbacks. I have a bunch of hardbacks I would love to get rid of so I'll have some shelf space. Most hardbacks don't cost much more than a good-size paperback in my experience.

Terri, when I first joined, my trade pbs flew off my shelf as soon as I posted them, and I thought the same as  you.  However, over time, I have sent out more mmpbs than the trades, probably because I have more of them.  I think that a lot of wish listed books are in trade, so they get snapped up quickly, but people definitely still want the mass markets.  I say post them- you never know what people will want!  I got a bunch of books over the summer for free and posted them, not really expecting any to be requested, since a lot of them were older and didn't even have ISBNs- but several have been requested already.

Btw, I have PMd you about some books on your shelf that I am interested in- see, it really does work!

Well, I think Terri and I must have read the same on-line story, which led us to this site. I've also been here for about a week. What an experience so far!  I really do wish I'd found this place earlier! I keep thinking of all the books that I've taken to the thrift stores over the last few months! :( ..... *sigh*

I have to say that I'll be mailing out my 16th? book today. I've really been suprised at what's been requested! I took the advice in the "newbie" posting and have been going around and listing ANYTHING that I have hanging around here, just gathering dust. 90% of what I've mailed so far were books that I debated even listing!

Like so many others here, I figure that the cost of mailing HC's will eventually even out. So far, the most I've paid to mail was $3.13 for an enormous teaching reference book. I'm glad someone will actually be able to use it, and I get a credit. I live in the middle of nowhere. We have 3 thrift stores and 1 UBS within 50 miles. I figure even a credit that's costing me $3.13 is cheaper than trying to find a specific book I want, used, around here! In fact, I've been telling everyone in my town, who reads, about this site! No one here had heard of it either, so hopefully I'll get some referral credits! :)

And Terri. I LIKE YOUR LIST!!! Everyone I know says that have weird reading tastes, but I have to say that 90% of what is on your shelf is stuff I've either read and loved, or stuff I want to read! However, I already have a pile of stuff I need to get to, and I'm trying to get my DH to tell me what he wants me to order for him with the credits I have.... However, once my 13 or so credits come in, I may check your list again... :)

Oh and Welcome to PBS!

Welcome to PBS!!    I started out with a lot of paperbacks, and several hardcovers.  The biggest hardcover I've sent was a Diana Gabaldon and it only cost me 2.98 to send out, plus DC.   I've found that it does even out, as everyone says:)

 I hope you're enjoying your first weeks here!! Off to check out your bookshelf!  And don't forget, if it gets too crazy, you can always put your shelf on vacation hold.   I do that when my postage budget runs out and I have to wait for a couple of weeks.