Second hand book dealers have surprised many people by taking a pop at Oxfam. It is rare that anyone is bold enough to take a pop at such an established charity as Oxfam. However things have got so bad for the second hand book industry they are willing to speak out and claim that Oxfam is putting them out of business.
Booksellers claim that Oxfam is the "Tesco of the second hand book market" and that unfair competition from Oxfam is responsible for the closure of many seconds hand book shops recently.
Oxfam opened its first seconds hand book shop in 1987 and now has 121 second hand bookshops in different parts of the country. Has sold over 19 million pounds worth of books last year, and is currently the largest retailer of second hand books in Europe.
Dealers have argued that Oxfam is able to compete unfairly in the marketplace due to there charitable status, they get free staffing from volunteers, they do not have to pay for stock and also they get an 80% reduction on business rates due to there charitable status.
Oxfam have responded by stating that in an open market there are many other factors currently affecting the viability of second hand book sellers, such as lower new book prices, and the ability to purchase second hand books online. To single out Oxfam for blame and the decline of the industry is unfair.
It is unclear what action the second hand book industry wishes to be taken, Do they want Oxfam banned from selling books, do they object to a charity receiving charity status? Do they wish for free product and staffing to be awarded to themselves by general populace so they can personal profit?
Booksellers claim that Oxfam is the "Tesco of the second hand book market" and that unfair competition from Oxfam is responsible for the closure of many seconds hand book shops recently.
Oxfam opened its first seconds hand book shop in 1987 and now has 121 second hand bookshops in different parts of the country. Has sold over 19 million pounds worth of books last year, and is currently the largest retailer of second hand books in Europe.
Dealers have argued that Oxfam is able to compete unfairly in the marketplace due to there charitable status, they get free staffing from volunteers, they do not have to pay for stock and also they get an 80% reduction on business rates due to there charitable status.
Oxfam have responded by stating that in an open market there are many other factors currently affecting the viability of second hand book sellers, such as lower new book prices, and the ability to purchase second hand books online. To single out Oxfam for blame and the decline of the industry is unfair.
It is unclear what action the second hand book industry wishes to be taken, Do they want Oxfam banned from selling books, do they object to a charity receiving charity status? Do they wish for free product and staffing to be awarded to themselves by general populace so they can personal profit?
About the Author:
Author Bernard Cornwell is an author historical fiction who is best known for his series of sharpe novels.
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