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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.