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.
They claim that Oxfam is the "Tesco of the second hand book market" and that the unfair competition from Oxfam is responsible for the close of many seconds hand book shops over the last 15 years.
Oxfam opened its first bookshop in 1987 and now has 121 bookshops in different parts of the UK. Oxfam has sold over 19 million pounds worth of books in the last year, and is currently the largest retailer of second hand books in Europe.
Dealers have argued that Oxfam is able to compete unfairly in the marketplace due to there charitable status, they get free staffing from volunteers, they do not have to pay for stock and also they get an 80% reduction on business rates due to there charitable status.
Oxfam have responded by pointing out that there are many other factors affecting the profitability of second hand book sellers, such as the fall in new book prices, and ability to buy second hand books online.
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?
They claim that Oxfam is the "Tesco of the second hand book market" and that the unfair competition from Oxfam is responsible for the close of many seconds hand book shops over the last 15 years.
Oxfam opened its first bookshop in 1987 and now has 121 bookshops in different parts of the UK. Oxfam has sold over 19 million pounds worth of books in the last year, and is currently the largest retailer of second hand books in Europe.
Dealers have argued that Oxfam is able to compete unfairly in the marketplace due to there charitable status, they get free staffing from volunteers, they do not have to pay for stock and also they get an 80% reduction on business rates due to there charitable status.
Oxfam have responded by pointing out that there are many other factors affecting the profitability of second hand book sellers, such as the fall in new book prices, and ability to buy second hand books online.
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?
About the Author:
Author Bernard Cornwell is an author historical fiction who is best known for his series of sharpe novels.
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