Author blasts Amazon UK for second hand books move
Amazon UK has stopped ordering books from publishers and suppliers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
That’s according to author, actress and film maker Carol Drinkwater. “They are offering second hand books instead. Or e-books,” she tweeted this morning.
“PLS, don't buy the 2nd hand books. if you don't read e-books, call/email an Indie bookshop or direct to publisher and order from them. Help us stay afloat.”
When asked if other book retailers were doing this, Drinkwater replied: “I don't know, but Amazon are the major player in the online book business and I along with many, many other authors and publishers are losing sales as Amazon is offering only second hand copies of my books when their stock runs out. I am not alone & Indie bookshops will suffer too.”
“I have noticed a few times recently that Amazon has only offered second hand copies of some books. I assumed these books were out of print or something. Now I will check elsewhere,” said one Twitter user.
Drinkwater’s claims were. however, rubbished by Henry Hyde, author of The Wargaming Compendium. “I have consulted several sources and there is no evidence that Amazon is deliberately pushing second hand sales over new books,” he tweeted.
Amazon recently denied reports that it was no longer accepting new deliveries to its warehouses, as major cutbacks at the UK’s two main book wholesalers hit retailers hard. It told The Guardian that it was still accepting new stock from publishers.
Books are in demand
The US e-commerce giant has been prioritising household essentials and medical supplies during the coronavirus pandemic. However, it has been relaxing the rules of late, although deliveries might take longer than usual.
A spokesperson said: "We’re focused on delivering the high priority products that people most need and want, and we are seeing strong customer demand for books, particularly children’s books and educational titles."
