Collecting Delaware Books
Publishing price guides is almost as hazardous as using them. There are so many variables that can not be included in the listings. An individual selling a book should expect to get about the middle of the auction price range.
Auction prices reported above are from local sales during the past three years. Generally, auction prices are about half of retail prices. At an auction, everything is sold "as is," and it is up to you to determine the edition and condition. Part of the lower price is your reward for long hours, cold floors, and a lot of uncertainty.
Sometimes auction prices will exceed retail prices. This happens when two bidders get "auction fever" or need the same book to complete their collections.
Retail prices are representative of those being asked or advertised by local book dealers. The higher prices charged are partly a result of the dealers' inventory, rent, insurance, vehicle, and payroll expenses. The dealer charges you for the convenience and assistance supplied and usually guarantees your purchase to be as represented.
Collecting Delaware Books has made its records of Delaware book auction prices available in a Windows computer database. See Delaware Books Prices Realized.