What does “collectible” mean, as opposed to “new” or “used” in the books listed?
a collectible item is special in some way, at least in part specific to the publisher. Perhaps it’s one of a limited edition run, or there are X number of copies signed by the author, or x number of copies in a special binding. New books generally refer to books sold through the publisher or bookdealer–you’re the first owner. Used books are being sold by an individual or used book dealer, second hand, and condition is important as a factor in determining their value. Collectible may be new or used, and the listing should also add that as a discription–since part of the “collectible” element is also CONDITION. Sources: Many years in book and writing-related fields, including libraries, antiquarian bookstores and publishing companies.
There are some words that sellers have glommed on to because they’re supposed to help make the sale (it’s interesting to see how many items on eBay are currently labelled ‘vintage’) but the serious answer is that this item is likely to increase in value. The best example I can think of is a genuinely limited edition – for example, the publisher has only published 1000 copies of this interesting book – but you have to be careful because there are two or three well-known businesses that advertise ‘limited editions’ of their souvenir spoons or Princess Diana dolls, and what they mean by ‘limited’ is ‘limited to the number of people who buy them.’ Genuinely limited editions can increase in value – I have a facsimile of Dr. Johnson’s notebooks of Prayers and Meditations, and that’s worth much more than I paid for it even allowing for inflation. Other items that could properly be described as ‘collectible’ are usually very old and have long gone out of production – Matchbox toys, for example
“Collectible” is a difficult term, because when you come right down to it, you can collect ANYTHING, right? But in this context, it means that this is a book that would be desirable to book collectors, that is, a first edition of a sought-after book in collector’s condition–i.e, as close to fine as possible, and with the dust jacket if the book was issued with one, and in that case, with the dust jacket in excellent condition. (In book collecting, as in all other kinds of collecting, condition is a very important factor in determining value.) If you just want the text, “collectible” to you might mean “expensive.” You can always get a paperback ex-library copy cheaper. On the other hand, many people who do not consider themselves collectors like to have a nice library, with attractive books on their shelves rather than tatty copies. So, “collectible” MIGHT also be an assurance that you are getting a nice copy, though much depends upon how common the book is. In some cases, you may have
