I brought in some books. I asked if the guy at the counter if he could take a look at them. He came back with a snotty "take a look??" And I said "yes, for me to sell". He looked at them and then accused me of trying to sell "review copies" (???) I guess because they were in pristine condition?? They were bought - at a bookstore - in Calgary It seems he has a very active imagination and likes to spin judgemental narratives about people. Very very weird vibes and extremely off putting. I asked about trade in value and he sneered again and said he could "get rid of them for me" as if they were trash. A truly miserable resentful goblin I encountered - I will never go there again. I don't care if you don't want my books but you can keep your misguided judgements to yourself and offer a simple "no thanks" minus the ridiculous attitude and arrogance. read more

This place is cool. We got street parking right out front and immediately upon walking in I found four books in the new arrivals section. I only bought used books (7 books for $83 CAD/$65 USD) but they were in great condition for pretty good prices. People are absolutely right about the curation of the books in the store. I was so impressed by the selection and found a few books I've been wanting for a long time. The cashier was kind and friendly. I highly recommend stopping by. read more

I love this book store, as a broke teen. But, have had a nasty experience brining in water damaged books. Thought it would be worth a try to see if I could sell them. The employee which I am no longer sure of who, was a complete asshole. Condescending jerk. He told me to "Take your shitty books and hit the road!" Complete asshole. Don't try to sell books here not worth your time. Not all employees are bad, there are just some awful miserable people who make other people suffer because they are miserable. read more

Cute little book store near Cambie and Broadway. The prices are reasonable. I liked that it has a retro vibe to it. I ended up getting 2 poetry books for under $20! What a stellar deal. Not to mention the guys working there were very friendly and helpful Would definitely come back for more great finds! read more

I was happy to see this this store in Vancouver. I decided on my next trip I would return and check it out. I didn't look it up because I was sure I would like it. I was interested in purchasing some older books. Even if they did not have what I wanted, I was open to finding something else. The problem was that when I got there, this store appeared to have what I call the, "too cool for you" vibe. Now, I know this is Vancouver, NOT the middle of nowhere. But,....this is a USED bookstore, not Gucci. Heck, it's not even a bike shop. ;) They did not say a word to me either time I was in the store, nor did anyone appear approachable as I wandered through the well-organized aisles. Frankly, I felt like just my presence was enough to annoy the woman working there. It was something about the look on her face. As I was leaving, I saw the section title called, "Beat Writing & Poetry Counterculture". That just made me smile because, well, of course they have that section. I wondered what would happen if a group of real hippies (heirs of the Beats), walked in that store. I suspected just one woman in a tank top, with pit hair and no bra, might inflict some psychological damage, just because they seemed SO DARN SERIOUS in there. As I took a photo of the section title, I felt someone's eyes glaring at the back of my head. By then, I was just so over the place that I didn't care. To quote Megan A's review, I left thinking," Blech". Tired, and out of data to look up other stores, I ordered four Jack Christie books and the four older cookbooks online from the hotel. I decided to wait on Dorothy Parker because my unread stack is way too tall right now anyway. I gave the place the benefit of the doubt with three-star this review, because it was a Sunday afternoon. I am hoping it was just a bad day at the end of a busy weekend. I tend to think it would be difficult to stay in business projecting an insular attitude, long-term, in a city. I suppose appearing silently dismissive is less offensive than overcharging me, which is my bête noir. I cannot imagine that talking to me would have gone very well either, all things considered. I guess I would give this the place another try.......someday. read more

See all

I like the store, they have a good selection of new and used books. Most of them are at a good price (for new books Indigo and amazon have better prices, but I'm willing to pay a little more to support local businesses).. The reason for only 3 stars is because they're unfriendly and rude. You feel like an inconvenience for even being in the store. I asked a few simple questions about how the store operates (if they accept trade-ins or if they buy books etc) and was brushed off with a curt reply. No answer about whether this was even something they do or not. I wasn't asking for them to give me any sort of confirmation or guarantee that they'd accept my books, I simply wanted to know if they do trades or store credit etc. I'm willing to go back because of their selection, but it won't be my go-to bookstore. read more

I love shopping at Pulp Fiction. I like to browse the aisles, but even more than that, I love the knowledgeable staff and their friendly service. Plus, I can email them the name of a book and they can order it so I know it's in stock before I drop in. read more

There are 3 locations. After circling the block 4 times, I phoned the Commercial St location and they told me straight out they don't take textbooks but they will look at the novels. Still, they recommended going to Main St. I had around 30 brand new books. So I went to the Main St location, and out of everything they want 2 of the books. I repeatedly said I don't know how it works, but the 2 ladies could not give clear steps or explanation and I stood there dumb-founded, looking foolish. When I asked if I should come back the mean lady got short with me as if I was being impatient when really I didn't know what the protocol was and didn't know if I shou stay or go. The nicer lady just repeated again the explation of payment which didn't make sense the first time. My plan: never to return. My recommendation: POST ON VARAGE OR CRAIG's LIST. You will make the same or more $ and NO HEADACHE. Omg, that was the worst experience. read more

Alright, I've had it with this place. I have now come by on several occassions to try to sell some books and there is always some reason they aren't accepting books at that time. It's too late in the day, they have enough stock, it's the day before the day before Christmas (a normal working day). Each time the owner has looked at me like I'm crazy for coming by. Enough. If you're going to buy used books, try to have some coherent rules about when you'll accept them. read more

Flat out shysters, they are. They pay 25% of what they will sell for IN TRADE. That is around 12% of list price. And in TRADE from their relatively paltry selection of books.(Certainly a poor selection of ART/film/music books.) And if I find out the books they rejected showing up at one of their other locations(and I'm looking) I will be dealing with this Brayshaw character, accordingly. This a good way to endear yourself to long time customers. No respect; no regard. read more

I should begin this review by saying that I'm an American who has lived, ambivalently, in Vancouver for a little over a decade, and I've realized that this bookstore represents a lot of what I don't like about this city. I've sold and bought books here before, and every time I've come away thinking that these booksellers are just a little too cheap and too dull to deserve their status as a local institution -- but if you follow the owner on twitter, you can see that he's genuinely invested in running a local business in this city, and well, there you have it. Vancouver is, among other things, often a little cheap and a little dull and a little stubbornly earnest in a particularly Gen X way that I absolutely cannot get any purchase on and which is if anything proud to be called those things by an American. I will probably keep living here and shopping here and not liking it. read more

I have been in Pulp Fiction's Main Street location exactly twice now and I will *never* go back. Not to trade and not to buy. Both times I found staff rude, shitty about the books that I brought in (they claim to look for diversity and "smart" literature but refused a stack of McSweeney's publications and instead chose a tired Joan Didion which tells me that their readers aren't half as "smart" as Pulp Fiction claims they are on the website). Their trade credit is poor when stacked up against the prices they sell their books for (maybe McLeod doesn't offer as great a credit, but his books aren't nearly as expensive). There are better second-hand bookstores around and as far as my money's worth, I save my books for those odd trips out to Chilliwack. The Bookman offers far better trade value, almost as good a selection, and a much nicer and more professional staff. I don't know how Pulp Fiction got so popular, except that Vancouver seems to be the land of "I'm so hip I don't have to be nice to you," and perhaps that's just the Main Street standard. Blech. read more

Everything I said still stands, however, on my last visit I have to admit, I was a little put off. When I walked in, I said that I had never sold a book before and that I had a bag full of books that I wanted to part ways with. I was told that they don't buy books after 5 and that they state this in all of their written and online materials (oops, I didn't check their website!). So yelpers - here's another place to read this, Pulpfiction Books DOES NOT BUY BOOKS AFTER 5. (You've been warned!) But, I guess I didn't fully explain myself, because from what I can gather from their website, they do take trades anytime... and since I shrugged and said, "Well, I guess I'll just be buying books today then" I would have thought they would have mentioned their trade in policy, considering I told them I had never brought books in before... Alas, I walked out with 6 more books to add to my pile of 12. At least I saved 20%, which is the discount you receive when you buy 6+ books. Moral of the story: do your research before you go and when you get there, don't expect the "always happy to see you" Chapters attitude. read more

Very disappointing experience. The man that helped me was extremely pretentious and condescending. I was unable to wear a mask due to a recent oral surgery I had and I felt extremely judged for not being able to wear a mask. Overall just an icky experience. Odd how left wing hipsters seem to be so prejudicial and arrogant whilst being so "woke." I suppose they ARE the arbiters of what is right and wrong in the world. Anyway, I would avoid this place like that plague. read more

As a former bookstore employee, I love a good bookstore. And these days, they're far and few between. Even harder to find an independent! So I'm really happy to see Pulpfiction still in business. Each time I've been in, the staff have been friendly and answered questions. On my last visit, I had a nice chat about my book for my book club as he had read it the year before. It's that personal touch that makes the difference. The store is laid out in an interesting way that makes you feel like you're going on a treasure hunt. It's laid out in proper sections, but you still have to hunt around to find the right section you want. I completely bypassed the front section which had the book I was looking for. Is it a bargain? No, but that's not why you're coming here. Support local businesses and more importantly, support local bookstores! read more

Book stores make me feel happy, relaxed and inspired, Pulp Fiction does all that and adds in a great soundtrack and solid book recommendations. read more

I ordered a book with them over the phone and they are extremely nice and patient. Prices are even better than other bookstores like chapters. I would higly recommend this place! Cant find it in their stores ask them to send it to you! read more

This place is fussy about the quality of books that they sell, meaning you are buying books at used prices with the quality of every book being near-brand-new. No scruffy paperbacks with the pages falling out and the spine destroyed here. They also rarely buy (and thus sell) crappy fluff. A lot of people have said that the service is not up to snuff, and that the staff are snobby. In my experience, the staff will treat you the way you treat them. I am almost always greeted by someone, and then if I chose to wander around alone, pay for my book in near-silence, and leave, they don't bother engaging me in conversation. However, if I have questions, if they've read the book I'm buying, if I'm looking for something specific, or if I need a suggestion, I have found all the staff members to be friendly, knowledgeable, and very easy to have a casual conversation with. When I was a "regular" (in there at least once a week), they became even friendlier with me, although as of late, I am broke and live further away, so I'm sad to say I've become a bit more anonymous in there. Oh, and I applied for a job posting once, and didn't receive so much as a call back. Out of spite, I would love to take away a star. I won't though. I'll just say instead: WAY TO GO, JERKS. I would have been the best little book hawker you've ever seen. If you ever change your mind... CALL ME. read more

Haiku Review: You won't find bargains - Just the book you're looking for, Plus five more great ones read more

I walked in, went straight to the counter and said, "I want a book that's set in medieval times". The woman didn't even blink. She simply told me an author and the general area where to find the book, and then smiled with a "what else can you throw at me??" look. ;) Very impressive. Only downfall - for a used book place, the prices are a bit high (my book was $20 and not in the best shape). read more

YAY INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES!!!! Pulpfiction is my favourite local bookstore. They stock both new and used, and if they don't have it they will often order it in for you. They do buy gently used books and will pay more if you take store credit, but will also do cash. I love that they get to know their regulars, will put books on hold for you, and help you find things in store when you get overwhelmed. One of my friends when her orders come in they even tweet her to tell her they've arrive (but with me they just call me). You can tell that the staff like working there and care about books--they will happily talk about books with you, including what you're buying or what they're currently shelving. Great people! Great business! Great store! read more

Oh. You have a store of carefully selected used books that I may browse for hours until my arms are sore from the stack I've collected that I now need to purchase? And you have an equally amazing selection of recently published books that I've been wishing for and dreaming about like a ditzy schoolgirl? And when I don't see that brand spanking new book of my dreams you will order it for me and it will arrive in a timely fashion and when it does I will receive a delightful phone call informing me of this? And you will talk to me about books and almost anything, really, and act like normal people who don't want to upsell me some Twilight tie-in merch? How civilized. As a result of these awesome qualities I've purchased seven new books there in the past three weeks, including the new DFW, Tina Fey's Bossypants, Jim Shepard's You Think That's Bad and a perfect condition used hardcover of the now Pulitzer Prize-winning A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. Chris and the rest of his peeps know what they're doing. I love Pulp Fiction. If you love books and are not shopping there, you probably don't really love books at all. Just sayin'. read more

I may be biased because I adore bookstores but damn I love this place! Nicely spaced rows of neatly stacked delights nestle together behind a clean and modern entryway. The entrance area is filled with crisp, beautiful new books of all kinds - from comics (Captain Marvel!!) to adult colouring books to novels, they've got a bit of everything. Venturing deeper there are old, leatherbound gems lined up just before rows and rows of magical treasures of all varieties - you name it, it's there. One real highlight of this place is the amazing staff who have seemingly encyclopedic memories for what they have in stock. The desk is almost always buried under a giant heap of books but the folks under that mound are delightful! I had some time to kill before meeting a friend and was looking for a book but could only remember the title and not the author. I assumed the guys behind the counter would google it, or look it up in their system, but as soon as I told them the title the guy screwed up his face before beelining for the right shelf and pulling it off. AMAZING! In short, this is a great store filled with great books and great staff! read more

Reasons Pulpfiction rules: 1. You can get lost in the back room for hours. 2. The fiction selection is vast, especially if your taste runs to trashy or genre-themed paperbacks. 3. There's always an interesting conversation to be overheard - especially when the clerks are trying to reject what some crazy person is trying to sell them. 4. The bargain table often contains some gems. 5. The new books are usually ones that you won't find in Big Bookstores, and the staff picks are chosen by some of the most discerning readers I know. 6. If you're very nice, they'll let you look at the esoteric old books hidden by the counter, such as "marriage help" manuals from the fifties and sixties. 7. They remember who I am, and sometimes take requests. Tip: Use of the store as a phone booth is frowned upon. You've been warned. read more

One year, I did all of my Christmas shopping at Pulp Fiction. I say that to indicate that all of their books are in great condition and they have an excellent selection of the writers I want to read and buy for other people. I even found one of my schoolbooks here once, and saved a mint off of the school bookstore prices. Because this is a primarily used book store, you won't always be able to find every title by every writer, but if you go back often enough, usually eventually you will find what you're looking for. Pulp Fiction has also recently started to shelve new paperback copies of really popular sci-fi and fantasy, because people rarely sell those back to the store. I know this is true because I have collected several whole series of trade paperbacks from Pulp Fiction. Prices are totally reasonable. $5 paperbacks without dogears or tears? I'm not going to complain about that. read more

I love this place and every time wish I had more time to spend browsing. I usually pop in when I have 10min to spare before meeting up with someone for coffee or an appointment. I think to myself "hmmm, i'll just take a look" yet always end up leaving with at least a few buys. This time it was a used (barely) copy of Michael Bittman's How to Cook Everything. FOR $16!!!!! OMG OMG OMG!! Most exciting find of the year to date by far! I also picked up a new version of The Golden Spruce and when he couldn't find a copy of an older book, he said he would be able to get a %30 reduced copy for me by tuesday. Yes please! I also love how they have their "best finds" in the front of the store...those books that you would think are only available in the big box bookstores but are here for about half the price. Knowledgeable, friendly and just all around super awesome, i just kinda love this place. Why bother with Chapters/Indigo when the odds of finding what you are looking for at a greatly reduced price (and while supporting local small business) is available!!? Check it out...you won't be sorry. read more

I have been frequenting Pulp for about 8 years - I remember when they had the tiny shop a few doors down - and they have never failed to make me happy. No other used bookstore in Vancouver manages to have shelf after shelf of books that I want to read, chaotically organized and yet somehow completely navigable. I cut my teeth on their "beat" section, and I can count on their staff picks to always point me in a new direction. The prices are great as well - I never walk outta there with less than a few. Book nerds rule. :) read more

I'm a big fan of Chris and Pulp Fiction. As a used book store, it's great with its selection. In terms of buying new books, I have stopped relying on the big chains and websites and ordering my books from Chris. The discounts are just as good, and he has the books just as quickly. Terrific gem of a place; having new and used books as he does, reminds me a lot of Powell's. read more

With this and RX Comics next door, I've all my second hand book needs close at hand, never need leave the area ;) The layout here is great, host to many books without that claustrophobic feel many second hand bookstores have. Clear layout of where to find books, friendly staff (sometimes a rarity in these places I find). I'm here for the comics and manga though! This store got me onto Vagabond with a nice half price volume, which now has me completely addicted. Help me, as I've been eying up a Dragonball Z volume...! I do wonder if there are more books hidden in storage, waiting for space to clear... Never sold anything here, most likely never will, but a great shop! read more

This place is amazing! It's really big, really organized, and has a great selection! I went in the other day after eying this place for several months (but never having the time to go in when I happened to be in the area). I was looking for one book specifically though I knew it was an almost worthless gamble whether some random feminist literature book from the 90's would be in stock... and, of course, there it was, just sitting on the shelf waiting for me to buy it. sigh. I'll be back, Pulpfiction Books! read more

This is one of my favourite bookstores in town. They have the most rare books that you can't get anywhere, and their new selections are always so cool. I generally end up leaving this store with several books in hand. They're also great for bringing in your used books (if you want credit to get more books, which is usually the case for me). The people that work there are also really cool and savvy about all their books, and will give you great advice for what book to choose, or give you great recommendations. Their prices are also very fair, much better than going to a corporate bookstore like Chapters. Plus it's great to support such an awesome local business! read more

Covered in dust and bathed in bad lighting is one of the most intense literary collections. Whether your tastes run to the classics or the best-seller list-endorsed, Pulpfiction runs the gamut. (In other words, you're just as likely to find your favourite trashy Harlequin to a Camus classic. First editions are likely to be stocked alongside throwaway-style paperbacks.) Staffed here some of the most knowledgeable and discerning readers so it's easy to feel intimidated when all you have is a bachelor's in English lit (me). read more

Last year I was moving from a house to a condo and had to downsize my library. I took my books to pulpfiction. I had never been treated so poorly. My only guess is that they get a lot of poor people selling their books there and the staff has developed a superiority complex. I was told to "just stand there and wait." So rude, condescending and mean. You need to learn to respect people regardless of what you assume about them. I don't do business with jerks. You won't have me as a customer. read more

I love reading. I buy books less often than I used to (normally go to the library these days). However now and then I read a review and have to buy that book. Went into here the other day and yes they had the book I wanted. However, I found the owner SO rude and SO patronizing that I did not want to buy from him. As others have pointed out here (and elsewhere), he is not a nice person. Google Pulp Fiction books and indigenous for a story about an aggressive situation a member of his staff was recently involved in. read more

Selling books is always a fraught experience. If a consignment store turns down your jacket, you can easily tell yourself that they're just unaware of how cool it is. When a book store turns down your favourite books, it's clear they are rejecting your education, tastes AND intellectual capacity. So far, I've been lucky with Pulpfiction: so much so, that I've got to doubt the doubters here. Every time I've sold here, they've been fully knowledgeable about the treasures I've brought them, often pointing out gems that I'd underestimated; their price has always been more than fair. In fact, the only bad experience I've had in selling books to Pulp happened today. Within minutes of coming through the door, I saw three - three! - books that I'd sold to Pulp - that I have bitterly missed - searched for in my shelves! I had a three book limit as I came in; I'd feel stupid buying back books I'd already sold. So I ditched my limit, bought three new - and the most out-of-print beauty of my lost three. Hopefully over the coming weeks, I can ransom back some of the others. Which will depend on what I find in their expanded graphic novel section. Does anyone have some good book shelves for sale? read more

I was looking forward to seeing this bookstore but when I arrived to the store, I did not feel welcomed by the two people working there that day. No smiles, no 'welcome', no thank you or 'have a nice day' after we left. No customer service kindness in my opinion. We chose this bookstore with the intent of 'selling' some of my books (knowing that they may not be accepted) and maybe look around but I couldn't wait to get out of there. I simply felt as though I wasted my time and this person's time as my books were quickly assessed and dismissed, being told about their website and 'rules'. As a first time customer, a kind reminder is all I needed. My son agreed with my perception so it's not me being 'too sensitive'. To the point, our overall experience at this bookstore was cold and condescending. I usually don't write reviews, but in this case, I felt compelled to speak up. It's simply my experience and perhaps not a reflection of the wonderful people that do work there. Customer service is important for any business and customers notice. read more

Pulpfiction Books has a selection above and beyond NY Times best sellers and prices below chapters. They buy books, sell used books, trade, and have a copy of just about anything fictional or non fictional you're looking for. AND if they don't they can contact you when they eventually do. They have huge shelves full of classics, biographies, and "Beat" writing for all the counter-culturalists wanting that authentic 60's Karoac or Bukowski print. The well read staff don't pretend to have read something when they haven't. Instead, they will make you a solid recommendation for a few novels you've missed. And that's why you would want to come to this store; to find a book you never expected to read, and then come to love. read more

Fantastic, exceptional service! In ordering hard-to-find books for me from the internet, the staff at Pulp Fiction was scrupulously honest, taking time to explain the process and advising caution about buying more than one book from one source until the quality had been evaluated. I also like the Staff Picks and the many unusual books and graphic novels. read more

Right around the corner from my home, when i need to buy a book this is where i go to first. They have always carried the books i have been looking for, so i always leave happy. Staff has been helpful when i have been looking for certain books. I prefer going to the library these days.. but if i need a book for travelling this is where i go! read more

A bookie's heaven! A few months back, I called in to inquire whether or not they had Persepolis and Maus Vol. I & II (highly recommend these graphic novels) in stock. They didn't at the time, but they were very good about placing an order in for me, and within 2 days I received a call from Pulp Fiction staffers, saying the books were ready to be picked up at my convenience. I recently returned only to be even more pleased with the helpful staff and the vast and almost overwhelming book selection of both new and used book and at an affordable price. Keep on Keepin' on Pulp Fiction! read more