Ouch. Yeah, I think they eliminated surface mail to Germany too. I heard that.

I might have bought 65+ books this year, but not every year. I figured I'll stock up once and that will last me 5+ years.

Karen's books is definitely the best in both service, and also their packing.

Rails 'n Shafts is the worst. They mostly did a really nice job on one order and were friendly at first. Their web site is poor and missing a lot of information, so I made a number of inquiries for additional orders (e.g. "Do you really have xxxx book? Is it in new condition?", etc). Then one of the books they sent me had clear moisture or water damage (an old Morning Sun title).

So the guy from Rails 'n Shafts told me that my business was too time consuming for them and I should buy my books elsewhere. Apparently, inquiring about purchasing their products is too much of an inconvenience for them (especially since their web site is so poor and difficult to figure out what is what, and how much. I never have to ask Karen's books these questions.)

I obliged them and took my business elsewhere. I was about to place a $1000 order for 20 Morning Sun books with Rails 'n Shafts and instead placed it with Karen's books, after I got his arrogant e-mail. Needless to say I made sure that R'n'S knew that too. Karen's books seems to want my business and they'll have it.

I really am impressed with them. Plus, Bill is fun to occasionally chat with.