Cost of an Ebook

Is anyone else as confused about the pricing of ebooks as I am?? Recently I bought the ebook of Cassandra Clare's City of Ashes and it was the first time I noticed I was charged full tax on an ebook. I thought this was a bit off, but then I went and looked at the prices for each, and the physical books is less expensive. This to me, is completely ridiculous. Ebooks should be much less expensive than physical books. They do not have to be printed, they do not have to be shipped, they don't have to be stocked, and they don't require an employee to be present to sell them. I am totally in agreement that the author should still be paid for their intellectual property, I'm not disputing that, however how is it possibly justified that an ebook can be more expensive and have more sales tax, when there is so much less costs involved?? Am I missing something here?? Because I seriously feel like I got ripped off. Its things like this that contribute to why piracy is such a problem for books.

Physical Book From Chapters (I am a member, so I would pay $12.63 + 5% sales tax = $13.26)

                       BOOK: City of Ashes

By Cassandra Clare

Trade Paperback

In Stock

• Online price $13.29
• Member price $12.63

Same book, in electronic format from Kobo is $12.99 + 13% sales tax = $14.68

City of Ashes

• By: Cassandra Clare
• $12.99
• BUY NOW
• SEND AS GIFT

Book Shopping at Thrift Stores

This week I had visited a few thrift stores looking for a certain size table that I had wanted solely for putting my Christmas Village on. I didn't want to pay a lot for it, because I don't want to keep it out all year long. Anyway, while I was at them, I couldn't help but check out the book section. I was SO impressed with the books, there were so many books there that are on my TBR list! And, some really new books too. I noticed a copy of The Hunger Games there.

Anyway, I wanted to mention this, because awhile ago I had been complaining about the price of books on here, and they are very cheap at thrift stores!! I will be going back about once a week!!

The Price of Books

Does anyone else find books to be expensive?? Now, I understand that the authors need to get paid, and the editors, and the publishers, and the agents, etc. etc. so books need to cost enough for all of this, but really?? I have a hard time paying full price for a book. I am a sales table surfer, and if I really want something I will borrow it from the library or from a friend.

I went to the bookstore for the first time in quite awhile today, and bought two books. One was on sale from 24.99 to 6.99 (Stephen King's Under the Dome). That is a huge discount (and the store wasn't going out of business!). In addition to the price of them to begin with, it really pisses me off that books are cheaper in the US, and that they feel the need to rub it in by putting both prices on the book! I know a lot of things are more expensive in Canada, but I would have thought since our dollar is so much stronger this would change. I know the gap has shrank, but it's still pretty stupid.

Well, that's my rant for the day. I'm going to go read now!