Friday, July 5, 2013

Book Depository: an affordable way to get books in Brazil


Those of you who are faithful readers here know that I am cheap.  I've never enjoyed shopping, but I find it much more enjoyable when I can beat capitalism by paying as little as possible for the goods that I need.  This has proven to be a significant challenge in Brazil.  Inflation is a big reality (especially in the past year), and Brazilian sales can't even shake a stick at end of season, clearance coupon sales found in other parts of the world.  And then there is just the reality that most things are just more expensive here.

Since we've changed schools, we been receiving more birthday invitations to what I would consider "high end" birthday parties.  Maple Bear tends to attract a certain population, and that population likes to celebrate in a certain way.  Gone are the days of the homemade birthday presents that were made at the old artsy-fartsy school.  Along with birthday party invitations, comes the need to buy birthday presents.  The birthday presents that I wisely bought at Christmas on clearance have LONG run out, and for the past few months I've been resorting to buying presents at the local book store or mall.  And paying W A Y too much.  

But then someone posted a link on the BH Gringo Network for the Book Depository.  The thing that got me was that they have things on sale, and FREE SHIPPING WORLD WIDE!  Within minutes I had put USD$70 of books that could be given as presents (Klutz books, sticker books, board books).  I ordered on June 5th, and on July 3rd I had received ALL of the 8 books I ordered.  They pretty much ship everything individually, and it is mailed Media, so it takes longer.  So it came out to USD$8.75 per book, or about R$20.  Not only is the price right, but I got some unique, good gifts, as opposed to cheaply made yet expensive imports.  Hooray!

4 comments:

  1. Shell, you are NOT CHEAP!!! YOU are a savvy, wise consumer!!

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  2. "I've never enjoyed shopping, but I find it much more enjoyable when I can beat capitalism by paying as little as possible for the goods that I need."

    I don't think you beat capitalism by doing this, instead you made it work better. And that is good because capitalism is good, and all the better when scrutinized by demanding consumers with cost-benefit in mind (which in turn improves productivity).
    Taxes are outrageous in Brazil, regardless I think a better educated mass of consumers would work miracles in bringing down prices in the country.

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    1. Yes, it's true. I remembered struggling to figure out how to communicate what I wanted there, and it didn't quite come out right. But you are right: what's needed is an educated mass of consumers, and a mass of consumers that believes that if they complain or use their economic power it will make a difference

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