When book sellers go the extra mile

Minutes before starting this post, I clicked on pause upon deciding that the YouTube video I was watching would have to be for later. It was a Q&A between gardening expert Laura of Garden Answer and the lady who presumably shaped her interest in plants and from whom she learned all she knows about plant care--her mom. 

During the time that I was taking care of various plants years ago, Laura's videos were a frequent go-to for inspiration. In the video I was watching a while ago, Laura's mom, Susan (who owns a garden center), mentioned holding a Customer Appreciation Sale from time to time. Well, what do you know? I just happened to have been thinking of writing something that would highlight my appreciation as a customer. I have recently decided to put the brakes on purchasing vintage Nancy Drew as well as Hardy Boys books, but this does not mean forgetting just how fortunate I have been in my dealings with online book sellers. 

Aren't these simply charming? Handwritten notes and cute drawings add to the delight of receiving parcels and to the online shopping experience

It was in February this year that I decided to revisit the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, therefore snapping up a copy of #56 (The Thirteenth Pearl, which I had not read as a child). My last purchase--some two weeks ago--was of one that I had assumed I would never get to acquire: the original-text version of #1, The Secret of the Old Clock. 

In the months between these two acquisitions was the interesting and sometimes frustrating hunt for (my) fervently sought-after titles, primarily the original-text edition of volumes 1 to 34. I did end up with a good number of books that weren't on my list to begin with, mainly due to the "extras" that came with book bundles; in one case, (which explains the presence of The Triple Hoax and The Greek Symbol Mystery on my shelf), curiosity simply got the better of me. 

Careful packaging combined with a subdued aesthetic 

As for Bayport's two boy detectives, it was nostalgia upon setting eyes on the cover of  While the Clock Ticked--in pristine condition, might I add--that made the "add to cart" button seem so enticing. And, it was mighty difficult to resist when an Applewood facsimile edition of The Secret of the Old Mill popped up, for sale at an unbelievable cost (the seller probably got it for free, hence the bargain price)!

Fortunately, I was much more easily content with a mere handful of Hardy Boys titles than I was with mysteries involving River Heights' teen sleuth; besides, the few other original-text editions I came across carried with them skyrocketing price tags, so refraining from making another purchase was easy. 

An unexpected bundle with cute freebies thrown in made my finding an Applewood edition of The Secret of the Old Mill (bottom of the pile) even sweeter

What do you appreciate most when your orders arrive? I like it when the parcel is accompanied by a handwritten note. No matter how short it is, the fact that the other person exerted  additional effort by scribbling something to the customer counts for something. 

It doesn't even have to be a note (or handwritten, for that matter) to get my appreciation. Cute packaging, nifty stationery, stamped prints, cut-out labels, simple drawings as well as little freebies like stickers, bookmarks and what have you... all these make the online shopping experience pleasant and most welcome. 

Of course, this goes without saying that secure packaging, reasonable delivery time, swift communication prior to the goods being shipped out, and quality merchandise (or at least in the same condition as advertised) are basic to any satisfactory commercial transaction. 

That's my Penguin Random House edition of The Secret of Shadow Ranch in there, which I love even more, thanks to the thoughtful packaging 

It suffices to say that I have been fortunate in my dealings with online book sellers--no  experience whatsoever that has had me going "Answer my messages, you scammer!" or any of that sort, thank God. All disastrous situations along the lines of swindling which I have encountered stay within the mysteries that Nancy Drew and Frank and Joe Hardy work relentlessly to solve. 

Meanwhile, there are still a good number of books on my shelf to plunge into for more adventures with the teen detectives. And I have the notes, bookmarks and other little items to remind me of book sellers who have gone the extra mile in sending such wonderful reads my way. 

Merchandise in mint condition packed securely (and with little freebies thrown in)--shipped after easy, hassle-free communication. Wonderful shopping experience :)