Something intrigued me when I was reading reviews for the Dune: Hardcover Deluxe Collectors set for the first 3 books on Amazon. There was a review that had said he ordered a second copy some months later of the exact same product listing. However, the one he received was made in India, versus the UK of the existing copy he had.
The bounding was different, and the UK version had more a "leather" feel to its cover, and was apparent the UK version was superior.
And it got me thinking, Amazon does so much mixing of lots, how can they guarantee you're getting the same ISBN and edition? As I understand, it all scans into the same pile regardless of source. And I'm highly skeptical of the Dune set selling for $80 on Amazon, and $150 on Barnes and Noble (who in contrast manage their own supply chain A to Z).
And before anyone starts going on about Amazon controlling the book market, which may be true, ThriftBooks has the same Dune Set for $94. They obviously do not have the same buying power as Amazon, yet significantly cheaper than the cover price.
It's got me thinking, are 'seconds' lots being sold off to online retailers who are okay with pushing those, versus an org like Barnes and Noble who will only sell the versions publishers are okay with.
by crek42