Second Hand Books Shops Not Feeling Charitable Towards Oxfam
Oxfam is under fire from second hand book dealers. It is rare that organisations feel the need criticise such a well loved charity as Oxfam. But things have got so bad for second hand book dealers that they are willing to speak out and claim that Oxfams charity bookshops are putting them out of business.
Book dealers claim that Oxfam is the “Tesco of the second hand book market” and that the unfair competition from Oxfam is responsible for the closure of many seconds hand book shops in recent years.
Since opening its first second hand book shop in 1987 Oxfam now has 121 second hand bookshops in different parts of the country, selling over 19 million pounds worth of books lat year, and is considered the largest retailer of second hand books in Europe.
The basis of the book dealer’s argument is that Oxfam is able to compete unfairly in the marketplace, they get staffing for free on the most part, they do not have to pay for stock and they get an 80% reduction in business rates.
Oxfam have responded by stating that in an open market there are many other factors currently affecting the viability of second hand book sellers, such as lower new book prices, and the ability to purchase second hand books online. To single out Oxfam for blame and the decline of the industry is unfair.
It is unclear what action the second hand book industry wishes to be taken, Do they want Oxfam banned from selling books, do they object to a charity receiving charity status? Do they wish for free product and staffing to be awarded to themselves by general populace so they can personal profit?
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