Whether Alibris doesn't fit your budget, lacks features you need, or you simply want to explore options — here are 10 lifestyle & perks alternatives worth considering for your small business.
Quick Comparison
| Store | Rating | Coupons | Top Strengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alibris
Current
|
4.7/5 | 3 | Product Condition 8/10 Pricing & Value 8/10 | View |
Betterworldbooks
|
3.3/5 | 6 | View | |
Abebooks
|
1.6/5 | 6 | View | |
Bookoutlet
|
2.2/5 | 6 | Pricing & Value 9/10 | View |
Beckett
|
3.5/5 | 5 | View | |
Bookdepository
|
— | 5 | View | |
Zondervanacademic
|
3.2/5 | 5 | View | |
Musicnotes
|
4.0/5 | 5 | Ease of Use 8/10 Music Selection & Variety 9/10 | View |
Discountednewspapers
|
2.3/5 | 5 | View | |
Redshelf
|
2.2/5 | 4 | View | |
Kindle
|
— | 4 | View |
Detailed Comparison
Betterworldbooks
Betterworldbooks offers discounted new and used books with a focus on ethical practices, but customer experiences are mixed. While some reviewers praise the company's selection, pricing, and mission, others report issues with book condition, shipping, and customer service.
Strengths
- Reasonable prices and discounts on books
- Wide selection of books, including rare and out-of-print titles
- Ethical and socially responsible business practices
Weaknesses
- Books often arrive in worse condition than described
- Slow and unreliable shipping
- Poor customer service and unresponsive support team
Abebooks
Abebooks, a marketplace for buying and selling books, receives mixed to negative reviews, with customers frequently citing issues with shipping, order fulfillment, and customer service. While some users find rare and affordable books, the overall experience is marred by inconsistencies in seller practices and a lack of direct support from Abebooks.
Strengths
- Wide selection of rare and out-of-print books
- Potential for finding good deals and low prices
- Some sellers provide excellent service and accurate descriptions
Weaknesses
- Frequent shipping delays and unreliable delivery
- High international postage charges
- Inconsistent book condition and misrepresentation by sellers
Bookoutlet
BookOutlet offers deeply discounted books, but customer reviews reveal significant issues with packaging and shipping that often lead to damaged products. While many appreciate the low prices and wide selection, inconsistent customer service and slow delivery times are recurring complaints.
Strengths
- Extremely low prices and discounts
- Wide selection of books across various genres
- Books are often in new condition (aside from damages)
Weaknesses
- Poor packaging leads to damaged books
- Slow shipping times
- Inconsistent customer service
Zondervanacademic
Zondervan Academic faces criticism regarding order fulfillment and customer service responsiveness. Customers report issues with out-of-stock items and difficulties canceling orders, leading to frustration.
Weaknesses
- Difficulty Canceling Orders
- Out-of-Stock Issues
Musicnotes
Musicnotes is a popular online sheet music retailer with a vast library and various arrangements. Customers generally praise the site's ease of use and selection, but some report issues with printing and subscription clarity.
Strengths
- Vast selection of sheet music across genres and skill levels
- User-friendly website and app for easy navigation and purchasing
- Availability of music in different keys and arrangements
Weaknesses
- Limited printing options and restrictions on PDF downloads
- Confusing subscription system and potential for unexpected charges
- Occasional issues with inaccurate chords or missing versions
Discountednewspapers
Discountednewspapers faces significant customer complaints regarding undelivered subscriptions and poor customer service. While one reviewer reports a positive experience, the overwhelming sentiment suggests potential issues with order fulfillment and communication.
Strengths
- Potential for discounted rates
- Successful subscription delivery (in one case)
Weaknesses
- Subscriptions not fulfilled after payment
- Poor customer service and lack of support
- Difficulty contacting the company
Redshelf
Redshelf faces criticism for its eReader platform and customer service, leading to a low Trustpilot score. Users report issues with accessing and using digital textbooks, raising concerns about the platform's reliability and value.
Strengths
- Quick response and resolution for billing issues
Weaknesses
- Poor eReader functionality with loading and formatting issues
- Unresponsive and unhelpful customer service
- Misleading claims about ebook ownership and access