Category: | Used Book Store |
Address: | 268 S 200 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA |
Phone: | +1 801-521-3819 |
Site: | kensandersbooks.com |
Rating: | 4.3 |
Working: | 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM Closed |
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Snow Beard
Several months back I brought in 7 books to sell. During the conversation I had with Ken Sanders himself he relayed a few of my books were worth something. Two were serialized, autographed WWII books. Two others were copies with rare autographs of a fantasy author. While he proceeded with the payment I didnt think to ask him how much for each. Thinking he would be fair and honest. Before I continue let me caveat that Mr. Sanders is a professional is field. Highly respected and knowledgeable on the subject of books. Which is why I was surprised to recount the money in my car to find he gave me $35 for 7 books. Four of which he said from his own mouth were worth more than $100 each. When I went back inside he said no refunds or returns. We both got upset at each other and I left. The next day I called to explain the situation, thinking he may have been unduly distracted. Except the lady on the other end began to laugh and degrade me and accuse me of lying. DO NOT! I repeat DO NOT SELL BOOKS TO THIS ESTABLISHMENT. I even looked up the books my grandmother had me sell for her and sure enough one of the books I sold him wasnt available for less than $275 online. She was extremely disappointed as she needed the money for bills left over from my recent grandfathers passing. When she asked where the rest was I told her what happened. Needless to say it made my family very upset none of us have shopped there since.
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DigiKill
There are a lot of interesting old books here. I spent over three hours browsing the isles. A lot of the older books are dry reads consisting mostly of historical references, books on state geography, government proceedings, and LDS history. There are a few shelves devoted to antique fiction and literary classics. I did not personally find any book pre 1800. The pricing here appears random and arbitrary. I dont understand why so many books are over $100. Many books are not in my opinion rare, just old and overpriced. Several $100 books had multiple copies right next to each other. The shop keepers dont seem interested in bargaining or explaining thier prices. I cross checked a couple of newer used books with their brand new Amazon prices, and found them to be within a dollar of one another. I found one antique book priced at $2500 just laying on the floor! Why? If were that valuable youd think it would be behind glass. Its a nice store and worth a visit. Theres a sitting area to read, and they have poetry reading every once and a while. The owners are free to price as they see fit; just do your research before committing to their asking price.
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A Private User
Cool bookstore events, especially with Alex Caldiero, who I discovered while attending UVU. This is a small, independently owned bookstore, they dont have the same staffing that Barns and Nobles might have. The shop also has a lot of rare and antique books and deals with a lot of people who arent necessarily serious customers but may try to take advantage of the staff knowledge by asking about the price of a specific book to learn the value of their own property. In fairness, it isnt the bookstores job to assess your property or satisfy your curiosity. If you are a serious customer or book seller, or just a book peruser, you will be treated as well or better than any bookstore I have ever been to. If you have another agenda...you may find the staff may have less tolerance for that. I seriously question one of the previous reviewers legitimacy. Are they a big chain competitor, or were they trying to price their own property for some reason other than doing business with KSRB?
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Brad Gregory
Surprised to see any negative reviews, and I have to think its as much to do with the reviewer as with Mr. Sanders, his store or employees. Met Ken at an antique expo and realized, after the losses we suffered when our house burned up a few months ago, that his store might be a place to replenish my torched library, especially some of the more obscure items. After spending a couple of hours (but still too few) in his store today, and being treated warmly by his staff, I have to say that this is a great place to find unusual or rare books, and, if you give yourself time, things you may never have heard of! Five stars, and thanks to the staff...who were helpful as I needed, but who had also apparently deduced I had been in a bookstore or two before and so also left me alone. An enjoyable experience all around.
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Scott Nebeker
Something odd happened while I was in this building. Perhaps an "energy ribbon" has caused some sort of space-time distortion. You see, early in the afternoon a few days back, I walked-in. Then, theres this brilliantly white flash from all around me, only I was now standing outside with a bag in my hand. I look inside the bag and there were two hardback versions of books Id been looking for, Awakenings by Oliver Sacks and The Meaning of it All by Richard Feynman. Upon checking the receipt, it turns out I had purchased them at a worryingly low price. I think youll agree with me here, I was afraid to go back inside. It wasnt early afternoon anymore, it was 6pm and I had missed a meeting and was late for another. I have to go back to figure-out what the hell happened in there.
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A Private User
I have never experienced customer service worse than what I encountered recently. The male clerk was combative, confrontational and rude. I was asking for help and advice and was met with interruptions and patronizing comments. For this treatment alone (not to mention their questionable prices), I will never darken their doorway again, especially with other, greater choices nearby.
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Lynn Fikstad
The selection is quite limited. If you remember Sam Wellers used books from years ago, it is not comparable. It still draws crowds, and I think it this is all you know, its a good place to browse. Ive kind of made the move to digital, so the prices seem high to me. I went to a SLC Library used book sale the same week. The selection was far better.
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Shannon Babb
I have always been incredibly pleased with the diversity and quality of books that I can find through Ken Sanders book store. Yes, the ones I purchase are pricier then the cheap mass market paperbacks that you can find nearly everywhere now days, but these books are treasures that are more than worth the cost.
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Tyler Cheney
It can be a bit overwhelming. They have so many books to browse through. You will often find first edition versions of a book priced well over $100 right next to paperback version for $1.50. Its so big you can go lost in there. The staff are very friendly. I only wish it was a bit more organized.
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Matt Valdez
This place ought to be a must for any bibliophile passing through Salt Lake. Every time Ive visited Kens shop, Ive left carrying out a book or two. Leonard Cohen music played the whole time I was there this afternoon—in memorium of the late great Mr. Cohen.
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Tom Kimball
One of the finest new, used, and rare, bookstores in Utah. Dealing in Modern First Editions, Beat Generation, Western Americana, and Mormon books. Vintage posters, postcards, ephemera. So much fun! Free parking and close to a Traxx station.
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Wes Swank
Ken Sanders is the white bearded man who appraises books on Antiques Roadshow. He really knows what he is talking about. Tho for some specific rare books there is more than a mile long wait list.