For those of you who know me well, forgive me for beating this one to a pulp. For the booksellers who have recently started following my blog, and posts on the BookThink forums you can thank me later for this tip. How about after you sell your first copy?
This out-of-print cult classic, originally published by Workman Publishing in 1980, has always been in high demand. Due to the recent publication of editor Lisa Birnbach's bestselling 2010 follow-up, True Prep, this title is extremely hot and in high demand right now, so sell your copies at a premium while you can.
Fortunately, I have been stockpiling paperback copies since the late 90's (it is one of my all-time favorites, I shudder to think about how many copies I have passed out as gifts) including a signed copy and a relatively scarce copy of the 1st Printing- OK, so my price for these two are a bit optimistic, but can you blame me?
I routinely sell copies of the paperback for $40 and up. They are typically found heavily creased and well-loved, so copies in Fine or Near Fine condition can fetch a premium. Terapeak tells us that the average fetched price on Ebay over the last 90 days is around $45. I have sold plenty of copies via Amazon, ABE, Alibris and one copy via Biblio as well. I always include some humorous excerpts from the front cover in my description, and make sure to refer to its' out-of-print cult classic status and plaid binding. ("The first guide to The Tradition, Mannerisms, Etiquette, Dress Codes, The Family. How to Be REally Top Drawer. The Legacy of Good Taste, Proper Breeding and the Right Nickname.") Like much of the clothing featured in this satiric portrait of the preppy lifestyle, this book will never go out of style and should always remain in high demand as long as it remains out-of-print.
Make sure to keep your eye out for the Gift Edition (Hardcover in a Slipcase), which will easily fetch 3 figures. I also just happen to own unused copies of the Official Preppy Scrabook and the Official Preppy Jigsaw Puzzle, which I have never seen elsewhere.
The best thing about finding this book in the field? The plaid pictorial wrappers make it extremely easy to locate in a crowd. So next time you pass by the humor section at a sale without taking a glance, think again. And don't forget to read a few chapters before you sell it so that you know what to name your next child/dog, where to send them to boarding school and how to be absolutely top drawer.
For any non-booksellers who read my blog and own and/or happen to find a copy, I will always have a standing $10 order (or $15 in store credit) for any copies of this book (in Good condition or better) that you are willing to part with.
8 comments:
do you have a deal with a library? to find these books?
Not this particular book, but I do have partnerships with several local libraries to sell valuable books on their behalf.
are you a librarian?
Very enlightening and beneficial to someone whose been out of the circuit for a long time.
- Kris
Glad to hear it:)
-From a fellow Kris
Wish I still had my copy from the 80's. Who knew such a fad book would hold its value? Thanks for the update.
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Kristian, re the OPH jigsaw puzzle, I remember having a boy and a girl puzzle. I have racked my brain to remember their names, though I faintly remember his included "Elliot" and hers was "Constance". Would you consider sending up a picture of your OPH puzzle and scrapbook?
Post a Comment