West Side Book Shop — Local services in Ann Arbor

Brought in a box of rare and antiquarian books several months ago to sell on a Sunday. The clerk working was not the owner but went through my books and showed interest in them; he was extremely nice and sociable. I had a very pleasant experience that Sunday afternoon. He asked to hold them over night and the owner would go through them and give me a call back by noon the next day. I did not receive a call back the next day, and when I called to inquiry about my books, I was offered $20 for the 3 that the owner was interested in. Taken aback, I passed, and when I went to pick up my books, the owner told me to my face that "there was nothing of value there." I know I am college student and look young and dumb, but this was offensive, and it was obvious to me the owner was trying to take advantage of me based off of his perceptions of me. One book I brought in was a signed, deluxe, leather bound edition of "The Battle Cry of Freedom" by James McPherson of which only 1,000 copies were ever printed, which had been appraised just the day before at Motte & Bailey for $350-$450; and the pick of the collection was a first edition, first printing of "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton which I later sold on ebay for $800. I am an avid collector of rare and antiquarian books, and I like supporting local bookstores, but needless to say, in the future I will stick to selling my books myself. I have no desire to return to this store if this is how they treat the people who help to stock their shelves and make them money. The elitist behavior mentioned in another review was definitely rampant here and very much negatively affected my experience...

This is what a bookstore should be! They have modern first editions and a good collection of very rare books.

I HIGHLY disagree that the staff is not friendly. After living in Ann Arbor and frequenting the shop, not always making a purchase during my visits, the staff developed into some of my best book collecting friends. This is a shop for devoted book collectors who know what they are looking for and enjoy the opportunity to strike-up a conversation about an author. Moreover, it takes more than one visit to a shop to develop a relationship with any good rare bookshop.

If reviewers get upset because a staff member does not say "have a nice day, thanks for coming by the shop..." then they are missing the point for reviewing.

Moreover, it is no surprise the same review goes on to say that the word on the street is that the staff is not friendly. This is by far the best shop in Ann Arbor and very involved in the ABAA, the Ann Arbor Bookfest, and the Midwest.

If you want to make a friend in a minute go across the street to one of the eateries or a bar. If you want great books, knowledgable staff who you can develop a lasting friendship with, and an amazing venue, then you cannot miss...

I’m not a local. I was so excited to see a book store I couldn’t wait to go in. As soon as I opened the door, the person working didn’t acknowledge me, say hi, or anything, he stared at my wrapped sandwich and empty small cup in my hand. I asked him if he had a certain book, still without greeting me he asked “are u going to throw that out or look for books”? I felt he was very rude. If I can’t have a wrapped sandwich and a empty cup in my hand just say no food or something. Possibly, judging me based on my race, who knows. It took me just a few quick minutes of processing his rudeness before walking out. I headed back to my car and continued my...