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DJ value alone vs with the book

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 11:05 pm
by Bounce0320
No doubt this has been asked but, how would one judge a fair price for a dust jacket alone vs buying the book with said DJ? Let me give an example. I recently upgraded my copy of The Shining (and am very pleased I might add!). The bookstore owner told me that he does have a Pristine, as new Shining 1st edition (per price) cover that he was going to place on the book that I did purchase though he said it would increase the price by $150. I opted to take the book as it was and said I would be back to look at (and likely buy) the other DJ as well. My question then, what is fair for the jacket alone? Still $150?
The DJ currently on the book is in VG+ shape I would say (no tears, very very minimal wear on spine edges, great color for its age) but the "new" one would sure look great! Advice is appreciated.

Re: DJ value alone vs with the book

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 7:54 am
by jhanic
I'd offer the seller $100 for the pristine dust jacket. The jacket does influence the value of the book considerably.

John

Re: DJ value alone vs with the book

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 9:50 am
by Bounce0320
Thank you John!

Re: DJ value alone vs with the book

Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:09 am
by TheCollector
John's right (when is he not ;) ) In general a DJ will be anywhere from 70-95% of a books value. Seems strange maybe, after all the book is what you read but it's because the DJ is so easily damaged whereas a book can stay pristine much more easily.

One item to note on this shining DJ, or anytime you think of making a swap please make sure you are actually putting on the same edition DJ.

For example, you'll often find book club DJ's in excellent condition but if you remove a 1st edition DJ in poor condition and replace with a mint condition BC DJ you're lowering the value of the book not increasing it.

Condition is very important...having the right item is even MORE important.

Re: DJ value alone vs with the book

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 3:56 am
by Bounce0320
I appreciate the words of caution though I completely trust this bookstore owner and feel he is quite knowledged in his field. He even advised that putting a pristine DJ on a book in less than Fine condition just wouldnt be right either. (that's why the book I just bought was a good choice as it is in excellent shape). I will be sure to verify the correct price is on the "new" DJ though before I buy it (I assume this really is the only way to assure it is a 1st jacket).

Re: DJ value alone vs with the book

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 8:29 am
by TheCollector
Yes it looks like your local bookdealer is steering your correctly I was speaking just in general terms regarding the DJ's...in case anyone got any ideas from reading this thread :)

Yes you'll want to look at the price of the DJ to determine the edition.