Later this month (Janurary 22nd to be exact) the 2023 postal rates
will come into effect. As is the case many years, there will be an
increase in media mail prices, which effect the standard shipping
rates paid to ship out books. For example, the rate for a book up to
one pound, which includes most softcovers, will increase from $3.49 to
$3.65. While the stated shipping rate on Alibris won't change, the
prices charged need to cover site fees, postage, envelopes, and so on.
This means the costs for the lowest price books will increase by
sixteen cents, and heavier books (such as dictionaries or atlases) by
a proprtional amount.
More expensive books are priced competitvley, and faster shipping
options can still be supported. This also does not directly impact
international shipping on Alibris through freight forwarding. Some
competitors may ship through other means which are less impacted.
What does this mean for you? Well, if you are thinking of getting a
heavy book as a gift such as a sports encyclopedia, cartoon
collection, dictionary, or almanac it may be best to order it this
week. If you want to load up on the most discounted books, now is a
time to do so. Books keep well, and are a great value in addition to
being the best way to share stories.
