For the consummate collector or the book dealer, scouting is a never ending job and can mean sucsess or failuer to the dealer. To be the best you must allways be looking , because books are everywhere! I hope this guide helps you in your search.  If it does please let us know at the bottom.

    Here are a few tips I have learned over the years;

  Garage sales;  Garage sales don't really turn up much, 90% of books found tend to be in less then perfect shape to say the least, and for the most part they are usually book club or some digest or other. But there is allways a chance, slim but a chance you'll find something good.

 Estate sales;  This is where it's at! Estate sales tend to have better merchandise. Unlike garage sales you find things here people might not be getting rid of normally, and less people attent these. Also opertunities do arise to buy entire lots.

 Auctions;  These are great but can often be at the higher end in price, depending on interest in the item in question, but there can be bargins.  Being at the auction when possable,  is better then absentee bidding, because usually the person there is treated as more important , i.e. if there is a tie the person there gets it .

 Storage fascilities;  These places often sell the stuff of  the tenantswho fail to pay the bill. You never know what you'll find. They often throw unsold books and other things to the dumpster due to lack of interest!

 Antique stores;  Believe it or not, for the most part these places suck for books. Most of the time you find busted and bruised copies that are over priced.  They seem to think because it's old it's worth alot. But as with garage sales, you never know.

 Goodwill;  Goodwill can be great if you get there first!

 Salvation Army;  My personal favorite of the charity stores. Some times great finds and they are usually cheaper then Goodwill!

 Thrift Stores; Same as Goodwill and Salvation Army.

 Libraries;  Most have regular sales. But looking for the non library copies can be depressing. Also find the local friends of the library.

 Used bookstores; The larger usually the better, more treasures tend to slip though the cracks.  small town stores can go either way.