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I was not impressed by this store. It is huge and they have a lot of stuff but I was shocked when I was informed that the prices are not negotiable! I have never encountered another book store anywhere that wasn't willing to negotiate the price of most any book in their stock. It is a long standing tradition of the antiquarian book trade. Anyway, I still shop at John King's store occasionally but I try not to if I can help it--because half the fun in buying is the haggling!
Then you've been allowing yourself to get swindled, my friend. I too have shopped antiquarian books in many different States and (almost) every seller haggles if you just try. If a book is priced at $100, then tell the seller "I can do $90 if I pay cash" and see what happens. Trust me, haggling is a tradition of the trade.
They don't appear to be much of an antiquarian bookstore, just 'used'. Every used bookstore is bound to have some antiquarian at some point but it's almost by accident. The smaller stores with larger antiquarian inventory have been much more generous in my experience. But one near me, very very similar to John King for date of establishment, store size, variety, etc., rarely gives out discounts. The owner is somewhat infamous so I don't normally ask anyway; all the others are automatic savings.
I want to go to there!
mlp3569 8 months ago
lol i love that place
jock1454789 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I was not impressed by this store. It is huge and they have a lot of stuff but I was shocked when I was informed that the prices are not negotiable! I have never encountered another book store anywhere that wasn't willing to negotiate the price of most any book in their stock. It is a long standing tradition of the antiquarian book trade. Anyway, I still shop at John King's store occasionally but I try not to if I can help it--because half the fun in buying is the haggling!
thediener 2 years ago
I've never been to a used book store that haggles, and I've been to used book stores all around the country.
th77046 2 years ago
Then you've been allowing yourself to get swindled, my friend. I too have shopped antiquarian books in many different States and (almost) every seller haggles if you just try. If a book is priced at $100, then tell the seller "I can do $90 if I pay cash" and see what happens. Trust me, haggling is a tradition of the trade.
thediener 2 years ago
They don't appear to be much of an antiquarian bookstore, just 'used'. Every used bookstore is bound to have some antiquarian at some point but it's almost by accident. The smaller stores with larger antiquarian inventory have been much more generous in my experience. But one near me, very very similar to John King for date of establishment, store size, variety, etc., rarely gives out discounts. The owner is somewhat infamous so I don't normally ask anyway; all the others are automatic savings.
gregorcles 2 years ago
The antiquarian books are in a different building... it is tough to get in there because of all the expensive stuff... watch part 2 and you'll see
th77046 2 years ago
Amazing bookstore! Jewel of Detroit.
annaleighclark 2 years ago 4
my english class is taking a trip to this book store.
i anticipating the moment i walk in the doors!
motherdalo 2 years ago 2
if you get the chance to visit this book store pack a lunch, you will be there all day. Greatest bookstore EVER!!!!
mattt191919 3 years ago 4
so cool, i would love to go to that store...
sfchoot 3 years ago 3
went to this place today and spent $80
goddamn amazing store
Danube03 3 years ago
You can easily lose your whole day in that great store.
loungelizard5000 3 years ago 2
This place is awesome. Great everything. Tom Reed Chicago, IL
pichicago 3 years ago