So, like the title says, is there any really good place I can order books from, new and used, that isn't Amazon? I really don't want to actively hand Bezos any of my money if I can help it. I used to buy a lot at Barnes & Noble, but the local B&N looks more like a Toys R Us inside than a bookstore, the selection is just absolutely pitiful. And I can't do any of those e-readers, I need a physical book in my hands. Thanks in advance.
I haven't done mail order but I stop in a few times a month.
https://www.strandbooks.com
eBay, half priced books, your local library (used book sales!)
Honestly I would start with a google maps search of "used book store". They all have new books as well.
I saw an actual Books-a-Million store recently. Didn't realize they were still around. I probably should have stopped & taken a peek, but I was working.
Was going to suggest Haslam's Used Books in St Petersburg FL, but they appear to have closed in early 2020 due to Covid & not reopened to date. It also appears that they do not have internet listings or ordering.
In reply to secretariata (Forum Supporter) :
There are a couple of B-a-M I stop in regularly. Once here in Charleston, the other in Myrtle Beach. They have a pretty good selection on their shelves. I've never ordered from the online before.
In reply to Toyman01 + Sized and :
The one in MB was the one I saw. Didn't think I should stop while working and driving a vehicle with my employer's logo in 6" letters on 3 sides...you never know what somebody is going to call to complain about.
I was thinking about this last week. I really miss those Motorbooks International catalogs. I bought a lot books from them.
In reply to secretariata (Forum Supporter) :
I can't imagine the retired MB crowd caring. When I was driving a signed truck for someone else, I still stopped there regularly.
eBay still exists?
Adrian_Thompson (Forum Supporter) said:eBay still exists?
Bigger than ever actually.
In reply to Toyman01 + Sized and :
I'm from the gubment. I'm here to help...or for you to complain about. 
If I can't find it locally, I usually mail order from Powell's out in Portland Oregon. Independent and enormous bookstore - I've always been satisfied even when buying used.
If you can visit them in-person, even better.
I've ordered from Powell's. You can order from publishers directly as well. Motorbooks is now owned by Quarto, FYI.
For example...
Not sure where you are, but I have ordered limited editions and signed copies from here: https://www.squarebooks.com/
miatafan said:Not sure where you are, but I have ordered limited editions and signed copies from here: https://www.squarebooks.com/
My hometown bookstore and well worth supporting.
Keith Tanner said:I've ordered from Powell's. You can order from publishers directly as well. Motorbooks is now owned by Quarto, FYI.
For example...
^Two thumbs up. Highly recommended.
Less smartass, more useful: https://www.quartoknows.com/Motorbooks
American Book Exchange. www.abe.com Dealt with them for years. Better than ebay or amazon.
Book Depository in the UK is pretty good but postage may be prohibitive for you.
I often buy books on Ebay. There seem to be a lot of charities that sell on there and post them for prices so cheap it's like buying at a yard sale. Shipped media mail rate you can get an out-of-print book many times for about five bucks delivered.
I checked Google and there are several independent bookstores in your area, have you checked them out?
Wally (Forum Supporter) said:I haven't done mail order but I stop in a few times a month.
https://www.strandbooks.com
Strand is an institution.
I'm a regular at my local County Library--very nice facility.
If it's something I want to own, ebay is probably my first stop.
I commend the OP on his refusal to give Beezos any more money. I'm thinking he probably has enough.
I'll put a plug for my local bookstore here in MN - https://www.magersandquinn.com/ They ship as well.
Good alternative along with all the others people have mentioned.
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