Street Book Vendors
BY CLAUDIA CARLIN & FANG CUI
Feb. 8, 2002
Like Sunday painters, a Sunday book peddler’s
activities depend on the weather. One of Jim Pine’s oldest customers,
Bob Livingston, sets up "his shop” with a metal table on the
Columbus Avenue sidewalk, a block from the Green Flea market. But far
from competing with his colleague, Livingston says he is one of Pine’s
oldest customers. "Those of us who deal in quality books are a fraternity,"
says Livingston. "We trust one another."
While the two men are in their 50's, their approach to business is different. Livingston picks books mostly to match the collecting habits of specific customers. He looks “to buy low and sell high.” Jim Pine prefers a smaller markup on a larger volume of merchandise.
Both men started out selling used books in the neighborhood some eight years ago. Livingston, a retired teacher, on the street, and Pine inside IS 44 cafeteria. “When the sun shines, even when it’s freezing, customers linger. Today, it’s kinda gray, so I’ll look to buy rather than sell."
Livingston holds out a burnished paperback copy of Hemingway's "To Have and Have Not," he just bought from Pine for a mere buck, opens it to show the publishing year, 1954, and flips through the pages. "It's in perfect condition. I think I can sell it for $6 or $8." Several weeks ago, he picked up a signed sporting volume remaindered by a local bookstore, and resold it to a rare book dealer he knows for $1,000.
A little-known provision of the First Amendment allows street book peddlers to be exempt from obtaining a license from city authorities. Moreover, they can set up their wares in any part of town. As confirmed by the New York Bureau of Consumer Affairs, no zoning restrictions apply.
| However, like most street peddlers, Livingston declines to discuss his finances in further detail. But he says he knows colleagues who can take in close to $700 in a single day, especially when the weather cooperates and keeps the customers outdoors, passing by his stand. | "I had too many books. My wife forced the issue. She said 'either sell or stop buying.' It now becomes my avocation, besides I love the thrill of the chase.” |
Next: Learning the Ropes of Street Peddling
Peddling Books in Green Flea Market
Street Vendors--Different Breed, Same Product
Learning the Ropes of Books Peddling
 PHOTO BY CLAUDIA CARLIN Livingston buys books at the Green Flea Market to resell later outdoors. |