Frequently Asked Questions
Why are your Collections priced in USD?
As specialists in collectible books and prints, we cater to an international market where pricing in USD is the industry standard for rare and fine books, ensuring consistency for collectors worldwide.
In-Store: Only books in our Rare Section are priced in USD; all other books are priced in ZAR. Prices and descriptions can be found inside each book.
Online: Our website allows prices to be viewed in multiple currencies, with exchange rates updated daily for accuracy.
Do you buy rare books?
Yes, we are particularly interested in rare and collectible books, prints and ephemera.
If you’re looking to sell to us, please reach out via email, or visit our shop and one of our specialists will happily assist.
We recommend making an appointment before bringing any items to us for appraisal.
Do you only buy books in South Africa?
No, we operate on a global scale. We are part of a larger group of companies based in South Africa that regularly import products from around the world. We are able to consolidate orders specifically from the USA (in New Jersey) and UK (Staffordshire and London) and can often make a plan in other countries as well.
Can you help me source a specific book?
Absolutely! We can assist in sourcing books you are looking for.
After discussing your desired title and budget, we can research market prices and use our extensive network to locate the item for you.
We often provide discounts for clients who commit to a purchase upfront.
You’re also welcome to sign up to our newsletter on our website. By filling in your interests and preferences, we can add them to our database and notify you when we find items that match your specifications.
Can I return an item?
We aim to provide accurate descriptions and high-quality photographs to ensure informed purchasing decisions. However, if you're not satisfied with your item, returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. If an error was made on our part, we will cover the return shipping costs. If you change your mind, you can return the item at your own expense, provided it is in the same condition it was received. Any damage may result in a deduction from the refund. Refunds are limited to the original price paid.
Can I visit your library or showroom?
We have two locations you can visit: our premium retail store located in The Old Constantia Village, Cape Town, and our private home library, which houses a curated selection of our online stock. The store is open seven days a week, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays, and 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sundays. For a private viewing at our home library, please contact us at info@rarecollections.co.za to schedule an appointment.
Are rare books a good investment?
While rare books can be a good investment, it is essential to approach collecting with care. Historically, rare books have held their value well and certain titles may appreciate significantly over time. The dividends paid from a rare book collection are often the enjoyment of owning and learning about a part of our material culture.
However, no book or author can guarantee continuous growth and as with any investment there are best practices, risks and pitfalls associated with buying rare books as assets - growth can be hard to predict as cultural values, tastes and preferences shift over time.
We therefore recommend against purchasing solely for investment purposes and advise potential investors to educate themselves as best they can, preferably under the guidance of an experienced, competent and trustworthy rare book dealer.
For South African collectors, rare books offer a potential hedge against currency fluctuations, as they are typically valued in USD and, at present, do not attract capital gains tax.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do. A significant portion of our clientele is based outside of South Africa, and we regularly ship rare and collectible books to international destinations.
Do you work with interior designers and other professionals?
Yes, we work closely with interior designers and other professionals, leveraging our broader group of companies, such as our sister company The Wine Room, which also shares space in our showroom in Constantia, Cape Town.
The Wine Room (www.thewineroom.co.za) specialises in designing bespoke wine cellars, cigar lounges, and library spaces. Rare Collections partners with them to supply the books and decorative items needed to complete and personalise library designs.
If you are interested in collaborating, please contact us at info@rarecollections.co.za or The Wine Room at sales@thewineroom.co.za to discuss our professional rates and service agreements. Our combined expert teams are fully prepared to assist you with every aspect of your project.
You are also welcome to visit our shop to speak with one of our specialists or advisors, who will be happy to assist and answer any questions.
Can I make an offer on a book? Do you provide discounts for regular clients?
Yes, you can make an offer on any of our items, and we are open to negotiation, though we may decline an offer depending on market value. We value our regular clients and offer first access to new stock, as well as personalized discounts, depending on the relationship.
Are you affiliated with any professional associations?
Yes, Rare Collections is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABA), The Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA), and the Southern African Bookdealers' Association (SABA). These memberships reflect our commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and practices in the rare bookselling trade.
What Factors Determine the Price of Collectible Books?
Pricing collectible books involves a variety of factors, unique to each item. Below are some of the primary considerations.
Generally, price is positively affected if an item is scarce and only appears on the market infrequently. However, scarcity alone doesn’t guarantee a high price; there must also be an equal (or outsized) demand, determined by a variety of factors, including:
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Relevance, Importance, and Popularity of the Author
Works by important or relevant authors, artists, or photographers are typically more sought after than those by lesser known or poorly regarded ones. There are exceptions to this, for example when the significance of an author’s work is only discovered after their death.
This is the history of ownership of a book, reflected in inscriptions, bookplates, marginalia and other ownership marks. Books are said to have good or interesting provenance if they had interesting or important previous owners, and especially so if there are important connections between those owners and the author.
First editions, special, limited, or deluxe editions are generally more desirable than later editions. There are exceptions, for example when a later edition contains additional material or illustrations
Collectors generally value items in as close to their original condition as possible. Signs of use, wear and damage such as foxing, torn pages, or discolored covers can reduce value.
Realized prices from past sales and current asking prices are good indicators of an item’s market value.
Questions to Consider When Buying a Rare Book:
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Why this book? What is it about this particular work that interests you?
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Why this edition? Is this edition or format uniquely appealing to your interests?
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Why this copy? How does this specific copy compare in condition, affordability, and desirability to others on the market?
A competent dealer can help answer these questions, offering guidance and - when needed - alternative options that may better suit your interests.
Seeking out dealers who belong to professional associations that enforce strict codes of conduct can provide assurance of ethical and transparent practices.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
On our website and social media platforms, we feature books spanning several centuries and works by publishers over extended periods. We recognize that some of these materials may contain text, illustrations, or content that is outdated or, in some cases, offensive by today’s standards.
Our primary objective is to visually catalog books and publishers for their historical significance. While discussions about the content can be important and valuable, this platform is not intended for those debates. We focus on the preservation and study of these works, not the commentary surrounding them.
Personally, I (Christo Snyman) find previously banned books particularly fascinating, as they often carried important - though controversial - messages for their time. We will cover these works in due course.
Though we strongly oppose censorship, and we are aware of the irony in this policy, we reserve the right to remove or close comments if conversations veer toward heated debate. We appreciate your understanding and ask that you respect the purpose of these pages and our decision to enforce this policy when necessary.
Thank you.
