rafiki Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imeverywoman Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 I'm a bookaholic and couldn't stand the temptation. Now, I just buy as I need. Ugh. I have hives just thinking about it. But if it's your first, just go, but go with a budget. Oh. And stick to said budget. Then, tell me how you did it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 Love um! :thumbup1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 Depends on what you let your kids read and your budget. If you let the kids read pretty much whatever they want, there are some great Christmas presents or everyday finds there. If you prefer to stay away from youth fiction, then while there are some great non-fiction books to choose from there, you will be most likely be overwhelmed with the shear volume of the fiction. Unless it is really convenient, and you have $50-100 to spend, I would skip it. If you just want something to do for an afternoon and it is close by...go, at least for the first time to see what it is all about. It is nice to be able to pick up a few books that you can't preview easily. Especially the picture/story books of about the 3-5 age range. I liked being able to read the story before I bought those. There are some odd stories in this range! I agree with setting a budget before you go. And keep track as you spend it along the way. I wouldn't take the kids unless they are great at keeping a budget, and you have nerves of steel! I have seen many a kid melting down there and the parents trying to still look for more books. Sometimes if you register online before you go, you can get a discount coupon. Just go to http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/ and follow the steps there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 the warehouse sales here have always had the nice quality games and puzzles that I like, the kind that are brain challengers, at 50% off. They make great gifts, too. :) I also picked up several very good kids spelling dictionaries--we now own three--since dyslexia runs in the family we use them a lot! hth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 I've been to a few, but the only one I really thought was worth it was the one where everything was $1. I spent about $20 and got some really great books, mostly non fiction or historical fiction, a couple of gifts and craft kits. They are set up in an organized fashion, it's not like you have to go scrambling through boxes or anything. Everything's on shelves. I'd get there when it starts though, for best selection. Oh, and they don't always have boxes, so you may want to bring your own box or bag. I've never seen enough to have to set a budget...maybe $30 or $40 was the most I ever spent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 (edited) I agree that they're worth the time if you're nearby. I found some interesting things when we went last time, including a hardcover Usborne book about goddesses for $1, an activity book about hieroglyphics with a stencil template for writing some words for a few bucks, a book about the stars and constellations that included glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars, a few of the Royal Diaries books (put aside for later), and a few other things. If my DDs were older, I would have bought even more. My friend, who was shopping with me, saw some small Klutz things and cute little gift-y things that she said would make great party favors (for slightly older kids, so I didn't look too carefully). I guess it does really depend on what you let your kids read, but we had fun, and I think it was worth the trip. Oh, ETA, I spent $50, but only because I had to spend $50 to use the $10 off $50 coupon I got for registering. I had $40 of stuff in my bag that I would have bought anyway, so I didn't have to go far to make up the rest. Edited November 17, 2008 by melissel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlockOfSillies Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 My best purchase there consisted of Peter and the Starcatchers and Peter and the Shadow Thieves, in both print and CD formats, for half price. I go without the kids, so the only person I have to control is MYSELF! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 If you go, go early. The best deals go quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 Spend way toooo much normally. I've gotten a bunch of "reference" type books that i would never have gotten anyway. They often will have a paperback version of a book normally available in HB only - then ti's 1/2 price. I haven't gotten an email about ours here - i should check when it is and take grandma ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 It really depends on the sale. They have these three times a year or so and the December one has typically been the best around here. It is in a working warehouse, so everything is on a shelf, but I still don't really get their organizational system. It is also cold in winter and hot in summer. Ours has grocery carts usually available. The first day of the sale is purchase orders only. It's often crowded, so it can take a while. The items are a mix of hardbacks and paperbacks, with a lot of little stuff like pencils, posters, etc. They also have some software---computer games---and they do have a small section of things for adults like cookbooks, etc. It's (surprise, surprise) what you would see at a school bookfair. When I started going about 4 years ago they had a large room where everything was a dollar and I was able to get a number of things for 25 cents (good sized packs of modeling clay, etc). You decided on the things in the dollar room first, then they were put in a box, taped shut and marked with the number of items before you could leave the room. The items in the room were in boxes on pallets and mostly sorted together with the same titles in the same box, but not organized in any other way. Everything else available was half off (and not everything they have will be out as part of the sale). The first time I went I spent $80 and got $400 worth of brand new books and other items. Now, they have a lot more stuff for only 30% off and very little is in that $1 category anymore. I usually still go, but between my getting pickier about what I buy and their changes in what they offer, I rarely spend more than the $50 if that. I have gotten some great deals over the years, like Smithsonian's book "Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife," a hardcover reference book full of photographs and information (624 pages) for $12. It's gorgeous. Overall, I still much prefer a good used bookstore <G>. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonesloonybin Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 I am a bookaholic and have to be really careful to not spend too much. The good stuff does go fast. I sign up to volunteer and for every hour you volunteer you get a $10 certificate. (at least this was how it was this spring) You can use this for your books...last year they let me use the $10 off $50 first and then pay with my certificates. I got about $160 worth of free books. LOVE it!! But you never know what is going to be for sale. You cannot really go in with a list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadiegirl Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 Go early and bring the troops so you can span out. The one I went to had the books dumped into big bins and so we all took separate ones and dug thru. Came out with approximately $450-500 book value for around $60. Second time around, we didn't have as much success. I think it depends on how they have them arranged and organized because that time it was difficult to dig thru. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 Go early and bring the troops so you can span out. The one I went to had the books dumped into big bins and so we all took separate ones and dug thru. Came out with approximately $450-500 book value for around $60. Second time around, we didn't have as much success. I think it depends on how they have them arranged and organized because that time it was difficult to dig thru. Each one must do things differently, because I've not encountered dumping in big bins at any of ours here over the last 4 years (and I think I've been to all of them because it's close :001_smile:). The most jumbled it's been has been to have a mix of titles in a box that's maybe 2 feet square. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam L in Mid Tenn Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 not to miss..... wish i had one close by...:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmomtutu Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 Love um! :thumbup1: :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda in TX Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 Have you ever been to one? Are they organized or do you have to root? Did you find them a good spend? Anything one should know prior to going? What's your budget for this type of thing? It's pretty close to my house, so it's very convenient for me to go. Ours has always been organized. It's kind of split by reading level, but you do find some books in odd places at times. Books are all on shelves, but they are flat, so you still have to look. It's not hard, though. Scholastic book are typically cheaper than you can buy at the bookstore, and then you get a discount on top of that. It's typically a good deal. Make sure you register online. It's faster and you usually get a $10 off certificate. I try to spend about $50. It's hard, though. I usually find a few school books, but I also get "fun" books for the kids. I love the one in December because I can count it as Christmas shopping and spend more. :) I would definitely say "go". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 By the way, thanks for this thread, Michele. You reminded me to check my local schedule, and sure enough, there's one coming up in early December. Woohoo! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 By the way, thanks for this thread, Michele. You reminded me to check my local schedule, and sure enough, there's one coming up in early December. Woohoo! :D Same here. Well, "local" being in another state, lol. I even signed up to volunteer, and dh is going to go in to work late so we can be there first thing in the morning to divide and conquer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornerstone Classical Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 (edited) Watch out for crazed bookaholics cause they'll run all over you with their baby stroller:D! Edited November 17, 2008 by Cornerstone Classical Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 What out for crazed bookaholics cause they'll run all over you with their baby stroller:D! I apologize in advance. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonesloonybin Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 Crazed bookaholic here. :D ..but sans baby stroller. We get a babysitter and go without the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Laurie Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 I go twice a year- May and December. Our's is always well organized and has tons of good stuff. We've found a lot of nice hardcover reference books and non-fiction books that have tied into our history and science studies well. The only drawback we've found is that my husband always goes with me since he's a bibliophile too, and we spend a ton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW in IL Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 I've gone a few times but always found that the stuff at the sale was almost all for the younger crowd... I'd say preschool to age 8. Now I wish I could remember what state we lived in when I went. Also, when I went it looked like the books had already been picked over and the best ones were gone. When I asked about that, I was told that public school teachers and parents/students with invites got to go to the sale earlier. That kind of upset me. I haven't been to one of the Scholastic sales in at least 5 years, so it may be different. One of my friends went to one a couple of years ago and encrouaged me to go to "get stuff to sell" when I was actively selling on eBay, but I have problems letting go of any books that we might be able to use for school. And I really mean if there's the slightest chance. Even if DS is too old for a book or we've read it a dozen times already... maybe there's a way we can read it once more if we cover that subject again. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 Old thread, but I really wanted to post my success! I hit the Parsippany, NJ remote warehouse sale yesterday. Got my $10 coupon for registering online and $40 credit for volunteering to help set up. The $1 section wasn't impressive. I grabbed 2 or 3 books from there. But I went hog wild on the rest of the place! Lots of non-fiction/reference books including softcover Eyewitness books, books on government, nature, poetry and poets, grammar, art and space. Also grabbed a fiber optics kit, 2 video games, and a bunch of neat pencils and pens for school supplies. I also got the complete Narnia set and a bunch of easy/mid readers. All in all, nearly $600 in merchandise for $200. Some of the other volunteers are on the schedule for all 4 days, which will earn them $160 in credit plus $40 off for online registration, but we could only arrange to have dh home with the kids for 1 day. And I wouldn't have been able to guarantee the selection on later days. So yeah, for me, this particular sale was *definitely worthwhile. Big thanks to the OP for starting this thread, causing me to search for the nearest sale! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 Oh man, Carrie! I had decided not to go because I just don't have the time and shouldn't spend the money...but ours is still going on...and DH is home with the kids today...and my fast cart pass is printing right now... :auto: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardening momma Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I went to one and only spent about $5-10. Each book I bought was $1-2. I'm very picky on the books I buy and how much I spend on them, so overspending wasn't really an issue. Well, it would have been if they had more books that interested me. I did get some for when my dc are older, but still was very picky. There's another sale this week at the warehouse in my area, so I might try to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardening momma Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 Also, when I went it looked like the books had already been picked over and the best ones were gone. When I asked about that, I was told that public school teachers and parents/students with invites got to go to the sale earlier. That kind of upset me. When you go to the Scholastic site, you can register either as an educator/homeschooler or as chairpeople/volunteers. I know a mom down the street who told me about the upcoming warehouse sale, and said "you'll have to register as a volunteer...that's what I had to do" because the registration page says Warehouse Sales are exclusive to Book Fair Chairpeople & Volunteers, Registered Homeschoolers, and School Personnel; Principals, Administrators, Faculty, Teachers, Librarians, Media Specialists and other positions directly affiliated with a school. However, homeschoolers are included in the educator category. If you had registered as a homeschooler, you would probably have gotten the "invite" that the others got. I have an email sitting in my inbox about the sale that started this week. The date matches up with the date posted on the website, so I don't know what "early" is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawneinfl Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I went once and spent way too much money. I thought I was getting great "deals" but once I had everything home I went through buyer's regret. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeanne in MN Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 Everyone has talked about these for years and have listed the sales by state. I've gone to one in Sioux Falls, SD twice and they were a joke compared to what you all talk about here. They are no different than the Scholastic book sales held at local schools. There's no warehouse, they were both held in a space as big as my 1200 sq. ft. home, if even. There were some 75% off books, a lot of 50% and such. Not worth my time. I spent $8 last time I went. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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