Questions we answer so you don't have to ask.

Do you rent audiobooks?

Yes we do! For 50 cents a day (or $2.50 per week), we make commuting much more bearable. We carry both cassette and CD format. To start an account, we just need an ID and a credit card. We also sell audiobooks and trade for them.

What is a remainder?

Remaindered books are discounted new books. Books that either went into paperback, were publishers' overstock or, in some cases, are slightly damaged. Either way, we get 'em cheap...you get 'em supercheap.

What kind of books do you buy?

None of our stores are specialty stores, so we do look at all kinds of books. However, keep in mind that due to limited space, we are picky. We tend to shy away from serial Westerns, romance novels, textbooks, hardback mystery books, books in poor condition or books with writing/highlighting in them. However, it's hard to be definitive about this. Sometimes we might offer very low cash or trade even for some of these books, you never know.

What do I need to buy books?

For cash buys, you will need a valid photo ID such as a Passport or State-issued Driver's License/Identification Card.

How much do you pay for books?

When you come in with your books, we will ask you if you want cash or store credit (or a combination of both). If you choose cash only, please understand that we tend to be much pickier in selecting books for cash and that there are many books that we consider "store credit only" books (see next question for further information). Many people ask for a combination of both cash and store credit. Although it varies from buy to buy, we usually offer around 20% of what the book would sell for new in cash and around 30% of what the book would sell for new in trade. So, for instance, we would offer you around $3.00 in cash and $5.00 in trade for a book that retails for $15.00 new. Again, this is not set in stone.

What is a "cash book" and what is a "store credit book"?

This is a subjective classification that varies from store to store. Determining a cash book vs. a store credit book is based on our knowledge of what we know sells and what we currently have in stock. This is something that constantly changes — books that are hot-sellers one month are not necessarily hot-sellers the next month. Books we consider definite cash books are ones that we tend to only have in stock as new (current editions of Lonely Planet travel guides, for example) or books that are highly unusual or are just right for our clientele. Mass market paperbacks — mysteries especially — are prime examples of a "store credit only" book.

What hours do you buy?

Ideally, our buying hours are any hour that we're open. However, it is always a good idea to call the store first to make sure we have a buyer in — occasionally, a newer employee who isn't trained to buy yet might be working alone. Saturday afternoons tend to be very busy for us and are not the best time to bring books in. Also, we ask people not to bring in books in the last hour we are open if they can help it.

Can I drop books I want to sell off and pick them up tomorrow?

No. We are three small stores and don't have room to store book buys. We have no problem with you dropping off books and then going for coffee — it rarely takes us more than a half-hour to do a buy (unless we're really busy or you have twenty plus boxes of books).

What can I use store credit for?

Store credit can be used for anything in the store, including new books and music. We will give you a trade slip indicating the amount of your credit. We do not keep records of these trade slips, so don't lose them!

I have a trade slip from Dog Eared. Can I use it at Phoenix or Red Hill?

Trade slips can be used at all three stores.

Will you come to my house to look at books? Do you do estate buys?

If you are selling an entire collection or library, we will happily come to your house. We ask that you phone one of our stores, describe the types and approximate amount of books you have. We will then have one of our buyers call you back to set up an appointment.

I wrote a book, zine, comic, etc. How can I get you to carry it?

Leave a copy of your book with one of our employees and either our owner or one of our managers will review it and get back to you about whether we think one (or all) of our stores can sell it. For zines and comics, we suggest you try Dog Eared Books only.

Are you hiring? How do I get a job here?

Our turnover rate is pretty slow, but we are hiring from time to time. If we're not actively hiring, you are always welcome to leave a resume. Please tell us if you are interested in part-time or full-time work. All applicants are asked to take our infamous "Book Test" which gives us a general idea of your familiarity with books and music. We prefer (but don't necessarily require) at least a year of previous bookstore experience.

Do you sell new books? Used books?

Each store is a little different, but a good guess is that each of our stores carries around 85% used and remaindered books and 15% new books.

Do you need a bag with that?

Oh wait, that's the question WE always ask, not you!

When is James working?

It's a safe bet that James is working Thursday through Sunday after 3pm.

What's up with your lease?

As many of you know, Phoenix almost lost its lease a few years back. Thanks in part to a thick pile of signatures from loyal customers, the threat subsided — somewhat. We continue to exist on a month-to-month lease — which isn't an ideal position for a business to be in, but we manage to thrive nonetheless. Phoenix is forever grateful to the customers and small merchants of Noe Valley for their undying support. We love you too!