Friday, January 3, 2014

Price of Ebooks, How High is Too High?

One of my favorite authors has a new book coming out and when I went to buy it on Kindle, I looked at the price and about fell over.  The ebook was over $10.

This presented a dilemma to me.  I really, really want to read her new book. But, on the other hand, that's a lot for an ebook. It's almost the same price to buy the print book. (And I saw that Amazon has a new program for some of their books, that when you buy the print you get the ebook for a discounted price, which is awesome, but sadly not offered on this particular title.)

So, I wavered.  Ten dollars. Or wait and hope it would be discounted at some future date. Or available at the library.  Sigh. 

For me, I have no problem paying $5 or $6 for my favorite authors' books---especially a new release.  But over $10 seemed a bit too much and, you guessed it, I didn't buy it. 

Here's my question to you:  how much is too much for an ebook? What are you comfortable paying?

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm comfortable paying $2.99 or less for an ebook, and will never even consider paying more than $4.99 for an ebook, no matter how much I love the author or the book. I just can't make myself do it! I'm too cheap, and it's hard for me to fork out too much for something I can't sit on a bookshelf. What kills me is when I see on amazon the ebook is listed for $8.99 and the paperback is listed at $8.89. You're telling me I literally can buy a print copy for less than a digital copy? Ridiculous. I do love amazon's price matching program they have on some books now, with book audio and ebooks. Sometimes that will factor in to whether or not I'll pay a certain price.

Debra Erfert said...

Yes, paying over ten bucks for an ebook goes against my principles. I will wait and buy that book you're referring to later when the price comes down--and it will come down.

Debra Erfert said...

Oh, congratulations on making Jennie's top favorites of 2013. That's totally awesome!!!!

Tamera Westhoff said...

I agree that $10 is way too high! I won't pay more than $3, because I just can't afford many books! So I just put them on my wish list and check once a week for price drops!

Tamera Westhoff said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Yes, Tamera. I have a 3-page wish list I check daily for price drops too. :)

Lisa said...

I'm old school and still prefer to collect paperbacks and turn pages. It's tough to cuddle up with an ebook but I agree $10 does seem a little steep. Lisa

Debra Erfert said...

Lisa, I cuddle up around my iPhone in bed, and the little bit of (back)light doesn't disturb my husband at all. I've finished many chapters that way. I turn pages with a touch of my thumb-- a motion that causes little, if any, movement. And I always have my books wherever I go. At first, I didn't think I'd love my Kindle app so much. It is so different from a real book, but I do. :)

kaida said...

That does seem a bit steep. If I am going to pay 10.00 or more I will just buy the print version. At least I have something to show for my money. I love reading and read every day whether it is on my electronic device or from an actual printed book. That price just seems too high and I would have a hard time doing it. I'd look at the library, or wait for a price drop.

John Lillie said...

I would wait for the discounted version. But I am very cheap and get many ebooks from Overdrive from my library.

John Lillie said...

I would wait for the discounted version. But I am very cheap and get many ebooks from Overdrive from my library.

Unknown said...

Thanks for all your thoughts. I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks that's too steep! As soon as I see the discounted prices (if ever) I'll have to let you all know. Thanks again for chiming in.

Debra, thanks! I was thrilled to make that list. :)

Unknown said...

I guess I'm the oddball. I'd pay more for the convenience of a kindle book than I would for print. I've paid over $10 lots of times. Doesn't mean I wouldn't prefer to pay less. :)

Unknown said...

Unknown, I love the convenience of ebooks as well, but to pay nearly as much as the print copy seems wrong somehow, especially as was mentioned above, there's no overhead costs, etc., for an ebook, like there is for a print book. It SHOULD be cheaper in my mind, at least half the price of a print book, if not more. But, there are certain traditional publishers who don't see it my way. I'll just have to be content with my library or waiting for a sale.

Thanks for chiming in! :)