The three major online bookstores- Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Books.com have announced a number of price cuts over the past three months. Books.com began this round of price cutting in May when it announced that all New York Times best sellers would be available at 40 percent off, and all other titles at 15 percent. Furthermore, upon purchase of a $29.95 annual membership, all hardcovers became available at 40 percent off, and all paperbacks at 30 percent off. Delivery, from a stock of 500,000 titles, is within three to five business days.
Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com both reduced their prices the following month. Each offers all hardcovers at 30 percent off and all paperbacks at 20 percent. No membership is required. There are 400,000 titles in stock at the former and 800,000 at the latter. Delivery from stock is within five business days. In the fall, BarnesandNoble.com will begin to offer next-day delivery on more than half of its titles.
