The Missing Clue - April 2017 - Whodunit Frequently Asked Questions

Jack and Michael needed a break this month to work on some other projects (something about a textbook…) so we gave them this newsletter off and decided to answer some of the questions we’re often asked about goings on about the store.

Are you buying used books?

Yes! Except when we’re not! And only by appointment! Clear as mud, right? We’re trying to be more mindful of the space available to us and thus be more selective in the books we bring in, even as used. So that means we’re being a lot pickier about what we buy. If we’re sitting on copies of the book already, for example, we may have to say no. Still, always check in with us first. The easiest thing to do is send Michael (our Chief Book Buyer) an email (mystery@whodunitcanada.com) and give us some information about what you’re looking to sell. You needn’t type out a list of books, but the authors and formats (mass market or trade paperback) is useful. You can also call Michael at the store (204.284.9100) and talk about what you’ve got and he’ll set up an appointment from there.

Why don’t you buy used hardcovers?

We don’t buy used hardcovers because you don’t buy used hardcovers. We have shelves of used hardcovers, most in beautiful condition and affordably priced and they just don’t make their way off the shelves. Next time you’re looking for something specific, especially if it’s hard to find, check out the hardcover shelf (in the back corridor) or ask us to look in the computer to see if the book you’re looking for is available in hardcover.

Is Jack in?

As much as Jack is trying to keep to a regular schedule at the store, the intricacies of HandiTransit and wheelchair living mean that his plans change,  sometimes at the last minute. If you particularly want to chat with Jack, give the store a call first to find out if he’ll be in. We know he gives the best recommendations and many of you have come to trust him, so we’re never offended if you’re looking for him specifically. (Plus he’s so lovably grumpy!)

Can you order me a book? Even if it’s not a mystery?

Not only can we, we would LOVE to. We can order just about any book commercially available that’s still in print. You can either order by phone, email, in store, or through our Webstore (http://bookmanager.com/117455x/?q=h). We never require you to pay up front, even on the Webstore, although we will make sure you know the price and the timeline for the order coming in before you pull the trigger. Then we’ll call or email you, depending on your preference, when your order arrives. If you’re looking to ship a book somewhere, particularly through the webstore, we’ll get back to you with the postal costs.

I thought you were a mystery bookstore. Why do I see so many picture books and science fiction/fantasy?

The best thing about owning your own bookstore is that you can sell whatever you want. We want to sell you books that we love and that we think you’ll love too, so that increasingly means picture books for kids (approved by Jack and Wendy’s own grandchildren) and the science fiction and fantasy titles that we’re all enjoying. More often than not there will be a criminous or mysterious element, but sometimes we just can’t help ourselves (have you met King Baby?).

The Missing Clue - February 2017 - February 2017 Used Book Sale

Don’t forget! Friday, February 17th to Sunday, February 19th, all used books will be 50% off. Please note, any used books being held behind the counter on those days will be charged at full price with no discount offered. If we’re holding something for you (new or used) that you no longer require, please let us know so we can send it back into the wilds of the store.

The Missing Clue - October 2016 - Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes by Michael

As many of you know, and have already noticed, over the course of the summer we have been making changes to the layout to better reflect the changes to the way our books now arrive (ie. fewer mass market paperbacks and hardcovers, many more books in the medium, trade paperback size). The latest of these changes is the long discussed re-sizing of the shelves. This action has actually caused a much larger change than anticipated, because it meant that for the first time, all of the mass-market paperbacks fit onto only one walls worth of shelves in the store. In turn, this meant that we could move the other subsections "Historical", "Scandanavian" and "Crossover" onto the other wall, and out of the various corners and cubbies that they once were kept. Although we expect that, like with any changes, it will take some time for you, our customers, to get used to things being in new places, we do hope that it will make things easier to find, and give you all a chance to see some old things with fresh eyes.

I would also like to thank everyone who has started using the web store. We have had a visible uptick in online orders, as well as searches. For those of you who still haven't visited it, (still at the slightly ungainly www.book manager.com/117455x) it is a resource to allow you not only to see what we have in store and reserve it, but to order new books regardless of subject or genre. We do appreciate that not everything people read are mysteries, and while we are unable to service those genres in store, we are more than happy to bring in the books you want that are available for us to order. We will give stamps regardless of genre! For those of you who visit us from out of town, we really recommend taking advantage of this service to reserve the books you want before your trip.
As before, we are also still happy to take your orders and reservations by phone or email.

EDITOR’S NOTE: That was a subtle dig up there from a younger brother to his older sister for not doing a thing she said she’d do. I’m on it, I promise!