BetterWorldBooks is, far and away, my favorite online retailer. I love these guys. Whenever I can, I buy my casebooks and supplements from them, and all of my non-lawschool books come from them. They ship super quickly and have great prices, but the best part is that a portion of the proceeds go to fund libraries and literacy initiatives worldwide. Plus, they reuse/recycle books and their packaging is all 100% recycled post-consumer product. Also? They ship free. YEAH, IT’S LIKE THAT.
Also, they’re partnered with organizations like Books For Africa and Invisible Children, which is lovely. They were founded in 2002 by three kids from Notre Dame, and are based in Mishawaka, Indiana. Also, their (free worldwide) shipments are carbon balanced with Green-e Climate certified offsets from 3Degrees. They collect books from campuses, libraries, and more across the country, and buy them from readers as well. They sell them online and donate them to sister programs across the world.
I particularly love their Bargain Bin. Right now, if you buy 4 books, they are $3 each, with each additional book an additional $3. And even their Bargain Bin section is just jam-packed with titles, and it would probably take days to wade through it all.
But you know what I really, really love about BWB? The dorky little emails I get whenever I buy books. They’re so hilarious and cute and cheesy and lovely. They’re just dorky and lame, and I love them because I am also dorky and lame.
Here’s the email I got just now after I spent about $57 rooting through the Bargain Bin:
Hello Huma,
(Your book(s) asked to write you a personal note – it seemed unusual, but who are we to say no?)
Holy canasta! It’s me… it’s me! I can’t believe it is actually me! You could have picked any of over 2 million books but you picked me! I’ve got to get packed! How is the weather where you live? Will I need a dust jacket? I can’t believe I’m leaving Mishawaka, Indiana already – the friendly people, the Hummer plant, the Linebacker Lounge – so many memories. I don’t have much time to say goodbye to everyone, but it’s time to see the world!
I can’t wait to meet you! You sound like such a well read person. Although, I have to say, it sure has taken you a while! I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but how would you like to spend five months sandwiched between Jane Eyre (drama queen) and Fundamentals of Thermodynamics (pyromaniac)? At least Jane was an upgrade from that stupid book on brewing beer. How many times did the ol’ brewmaster have one too many and topple off our shelf at 2am?
I know the trip to meet you will be long and fraught with peril, but after the close calls I’ve had, I’m ready for anything (besides, some of my best friends are suspense novels). Just five months ago, I thought I was a goner. My owner was moving and couldn’t take me with her. I was sure I was landfill bait until I ended up in a Better World Books book drive bin. Thanks to your socially conscious book shopping, I’ve found a new home. Even better, your book buying dollars are helping kids read from Brazil to Botswana.
But hey, enough about me, I’ve been asked to brief you on a few things:
We sent your order to the following address:
[redacted]
We provide quick shipping service to all our customers. You chose Standard shipping. It should arrive in 7 to 14 business days.
The delivery confirmation number is [redacted]
If you have any questions or concerns, please email my friends in Customer Care at help@betterworldbooks.com. If you could please include your order number (redacted) that would be very helpful.
Eagerly awaiting our meeting,
Tell me that’s not adorable. :)
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