This question comes up rather often and there are quite a few excellent places to purchase collected editions online. Most of the retailers in this list are rarther niche and specialize in selling comics, so there’s a good chance you’ve not heard of them.
The first two options in this list are owned by the same company, however they offer slightly different services.
DCBS #
DCBS is an excellent option with some of the best prices out there. Their service allows you to preorder far in advance, however your order should guarantee you receive a book. These orders have a cut off date which can be seen at the bottom of the site. If you order before that date, then your order should be included in the quantities that the printers receive. That’s the main draw to their service, if you know exactly what you’re after (and it’s an upcoming item), then this is the service for you. That said, they don’t offer returns on these products.
Pros:
- Prices are often 40 to 50% off cover
- Packaging ensures your books arrive without damage
- Very likely to receive your order
- Customer service is easy to work with
Cons:
- Customer service can be a bit slow
- No returns
Instocktrades #
In stock trades is good if you’re looking for currently in print books. Prices are often 40% off cover and you receive free shipping with a $50 or higher order. However, their selection can be a mixed bag, which may force you to purchase from a different retailer to get every book in a series. The lack of preorders can also be an issue, because some popular books will sell out very quickly. They also do not accept returns.
Pros:
- Prices are often 30 to 40% off cover
- Packaging ensures your books arrive without damage
- Customer service is easy to work with
- Free shipping
Cons:
- Shipping speed can be slow
- Customer service can be a bit slow
- Preorders are not offered
- Selection may be a bit sparse for some books, especially popular new releases
- No returns
Cheap Graphic Novels #
Cheap Graphic Novels prices are a bit higher compared to instocktrades, but does check a few different boxes. Prices are usually not as good as the above two, but you’ll still typically receive at least 30% off of cover price. They also offer excellent packaging and their shipping is a flat rate no matter how much you order. This service does offer a better selection, because of their “Special order” service. Special orders are for items that are not currently in stock, but can be ordered from the distributor. Orders that contain a special order item do take a bit longer to fulfill.
They also offer a preorder service.
Pros:
- Prices are often 30% to 40% off cover
- Packaging ensures your books arrive without damage
- Customer service is easy to work with
- Flat rate shipping
- Larger selection
Cons:
- Shipping speed can be slow
- No returns
Organic Priced Books #
Organic Priced Books is relatively new. They typically offer about 30% off and offer preorders as well as currently instock items. I have only placed a few orders with them so far and the item did arrive with decent packaging, but not as good as the previous offerings.
Barnes and Nobel #
When it comes to B&N shipping can be a bit of a mixed bag. Items may or may not arrive damaged, so you do take that risk. However, returns are straightforward and for some items you can check it in the store before you buy it. B&N prices are almost always cover price, but it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a hard to find book. Those high prices mean B&N usually sells out later than other retailers.
Pros:
- Easy returns
Cons:
- High prices
Target #
Target can be a good choice when they run their buy 2 get 1 sale. For preorders, their prices are typically list price, however once the item is available their prices are much more reasonable. Usually the books are sent without any packaging, but not always. You can expect most of your books to arrive damaged, but returns are as easy as going into the local store. Not a bad choice if other retailers are out of stock or if you want to gamble that your books survive the journey.
Pros:
- Fast shipping
- Easy returns; shipped or local
- Buy two get one sales covering all titles
Cons:
- High prices
- Books almost always arrive damaged
Amazon #
Amazon is by far the worst retailer on the list. Their prices are high and the items are shipped without packaging, thus almost always arrive damaged. This retailer is a last resort, good if you don’t have any other options.
Pros:
- Fast shipping
- Easy returns
Cons:
- High prices
- Books almost always arrive damaged
Summary #
In summary I find myself checking Instocktrades first, then Cheap Graphic Novels, and then Organic Priced Books. The other retailers are last resots and I hope I don’t have to use them. EBay can also be a decent place to look, but be sure to check reviews of the seller - often users will post a review that includes details of how good the packaging is.