I want to thank my friend Robin Scott for writing a post about Frugal Media yesterday. I even asked if I 
could steal her photos for this post, and she agreed. She is friends with the owners of this terrific new store, and since I am an admitted book addict, I was compelled to go check it out since I was in the area. Yes, I really was in the area, so it didn't even require a special trip. I don't have many vices, but books are something difficult for me to resist. I had to run an errand, and I was dressed pretty casually (okay, VERY casually), but this is Austin, so who cares, right?
I was very pleased with what I found when I arrived. I was warmly greeted by two of the workers (one of whom turned out to be the co-owner, Erik Franks). I met the other owner and CEO, Rob Canuelle, and we ended up chatting for about 45 minutes or so. He has been in the Austin area since 1980, and he and Erik started Frugal Media about five years ago. They opened their retail location about 3 weeks ago, at 5400 N. Lamar (between North Loop and Houston).
Rob explained that they have brought technology to the used book business, seriously streamlining their operations to compete head-to-head with Half Price Books. Since Half 
Price Books has been the biggest game in town when it comes to re-selling used books, CDs, etc., we have frequented their stores for years. My biggest complaint with their setup is twofold:
- 1. It takes FOREVER for them to give you a quote on your merchandise when you bring in a lot of stuff
- 2. The offer is usually an absolute pittance, but you don't want to take the stuff back home, so you accept it
I mentioned to Rob that I would sincerely rather give my old (and new) books away at Goodwill or sell them at a garage sale than to take them to Half Price anymore. In fact, we stopped doing that years ago after being shamed into accepting about eight bucks for a massive stash of books and software.
NO MORE.
Rob stated that they hadn't yet lost anyone looking to sell merchandise at both Frugal Media and their competitor. Frugal is located very near Half Price Books' flagship store in central Austin, and for a reason. He stated that they are far more competitive with their offers, and that I wouldn't be disappointed.
According to the website, the concept for their business model had modest beginnings, in a dorm room at UT (much like the largest private employer in Austin now, Dell Computer).
I would love to see this business thrive, since these guys have taken an old concept and brought it into the 21st century. There are comfortable areas to sit spaced throughout the store, which has a "no frills" look. Heck, they even offered me a fresh cup of coffee "on the house". There were also some small reading closets with comfy-looking beanbag chairs in the back left of the store, and a couple of sofas/loveseats. There are also several paintings hanging around that were original pieces by Robin's husband, John.
If you are in the area (or even if you need to drive out of your way a bit), I would recommend checking out this innovative and fresh new store in the heart of things. It's worth the trip.
For the record, I managed to find a new John Irving novel, one of Dennis Miller's books, and a very interesting-looking novel called "Boomsday" by Christopher Buckley, who wrote "Thank You for Smoking". They even gave me a free tote bag and a free cookbook as well. Can't beat that!
Visit their website at www.frugalmedia.com. You can buy online, too!
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Cool concept in a bookstore Jason. I hope it does well in the area and gives the Half Price bookstore lovers another store in this category. Austin seems cutting edge in this area, like many others.
I love bookstores in general, but used book stores usually have a treasure trove! We went to one in Nashville and I found fabulous cookbooks to add to my collection for only $4 - gotta love it. I wish we had something similar here.
GARY - It was very cool indeed. I hope to take the whole family over there soon.
LIS - You and me both. Used book stores are simply awesome, in my opinion. In fact, I wouldn't mind owning my own someday, when I retire.
That's a cool room in that top photo. The green would give me an anxiety attack if I had to be in it, but I like the picture of it. LOL And congratulations. I hear you're expecting a new addition to your family.
LISA - It is a cool room/area at the back of the store. Thanks for the congrats! We are expecting our fourth baby in April. :)
Jason,
How do you do it? You are gifting us with over 40 blogs (expertly written, by the way) every month. You just had a new baby, you moderate every cool group I am a part of. Don't forget a full time Real Estate Career. I am in awe!!!!
Jason - I am so jealous! I would love such a store here - I would love to OWN such a store here. My dream/goal is to one day own a book store. I'd be in heaven on earth! Hubby has tried to implement a new rule - for every new book that comes into the house, one must go. Hasn't worked too well!
Jason, I love bookstores too -- especially used bookstores. Don & I both read (or I used to) a lot -- we can go into a bookstore or library and get lost for hours. We took a bunch, several boxes of books to half price books one day a couple of years ago and were sooo disappointed when we walked away with much less than they were worth. Since then, we donate them to charities -- Goodwill or Salvation Army. I would love to have a nice used bookstore like Frugal Media here in San Antonio -- maybe they'll open a store down here. :)
I LOVE used book stores! Then again, I love used furniture stores, used clothing stores... I'm sure you get the drift. Sounds like you stumbled upon a great treasure!
Jason - The only book stores around here are the brand name ones. I would love to see a book store like this one where I could just browse at my leisure in such a relaxed and warm atmosphere and even find a much sought after book at a discount price.
Avid reader....and seems the boks are getting more room than my husband .....
Wish I had a place like this.
Wow - I wish we had one of these here. I read a tremendous amount of books, and like you, thought trading for new books was a great idea until we traded in about 50 books and got $18. Something just didn't seem right there! The computerized system sounds GREAT!!!
Jason - I love humble beginnings and frugality. So, if I were in Austin, you betcha that I would be a patron. I use to love Half Price Books and still somewhat do, but they are getting more and more expensive these days - for used book standards.
Jason - As you know, I love Austin. I'll have to pay this place a visit next time I'm in town. BTW, congratulations, papa to be!
Jason- Leave it to Austin to come up with the best ideas!! Sounds like a wonderful concept and the interior design ROCKS! Maybe they will let you hold a First Time Buyer seminar or Investment meetings to help get their name out!:)
It sounds like they are really serving public needs. We need one here!
Jason,
What an awesome book store. Since I collect cook books, what a nice gift to receive. I guess next time I am in Texas, need to check out Austin. Only visited San Antonio and Dallas.
Jason, I am glad my wife didn't find this place while we were there! I would probably still be in the store!
Looks like a place I would love to visit. I Wish them success.
Sounds like a great book store, but quite a drive for me. I'll check out there web site though.
Hmph.....I'm with Judi, looks like something SA needs. I love reading & stopped trading them in for pennies. I started going to paperbackswap.com and trading them, much cheaper & you don't have to leave your house! Marvelous idea for a store, love the name. KM
Jason! Now THAT'S a GREAT Localism article! I love it--and what timing you have--on a day that the market was down more than ever before in history (percentage-wise)! Sounds like a place I'd enjoy!
Jason- I love reading and can spend all day in book stores. I can join you and your wife there:)
Another vice we share, brother! I guess it runs in the family. :-) I have often said that I could be perfectly content almost anywhere....as long as I have a good supply of books.
BTW...CONGRATULATIONS on the little star!! GBU!
Well, that's a really neat retailing idea. Hope it reaps much success.
I love used book stores. Thats how I try to buy all my books. Plus its green to do so. That sounds like a really cool place. We have a store called Wax Paper here.
Too bad I don't live there in Austin. I love books. I did have to downsize one time when I moved to California. I gave them all to my high school library.
Jason Great concept, I could use something like thisin my area since we usually have so many books that could be resold.
Great local piece.
Jason, great concept and I would love to find a book store like that around here, but for the time being the library works well for me and my budget. Great post.
Jason.. SOunds like a pretty cool place. I have not seen anything like this in my area
Fantastic Localism piece, we habe a couple of used book stores here by me, I will plan on stopping by
This truly is an innovative used books store! What a find! I hope that you enjoyed you day and will be able to get back there often. I wish we had something like this in the Nashua area.
And I LOVE bookstores, any bookstore, all bookstore, and now Frugal Media! Thanks for the great post, Jason.
What a great idea! I love to see some creative ideas brought to life!
Sounds like an excellent resource for your area. Thanks for sharing.
Neat concept! Nice featured post.
Hi Jason,
Not only do I love books but I love those small, quaint and local stores that have the kind of environment that makes you feel you're sitting in a room in your house. Yes, the big bookstores have every book you can imagine, with lots of bells and whistles but I just love simple and easy and it appears this stores is just that. There's something to be said about associating with a local store like this - they know you, you know them - it can be a beautiful thing. Wish we had something just like this in my area - but I'll still take the small bookstore to the big. Love that you featured this local store! ~ Anne Marie
Hi Jason, message above is from me - AM - I thought I was signed in already - lol - great post - actually I have enjoyed the last few - very nice "local" info and connections - love it!
Hey man, just had to stop back by and congratulate you on the featured post!
Jason - this looks like a fabulous store! Great pictures ... pippa
Jason, Thanks so much for taking an interest. Really enjoyed your post. It's very thorough and I'm sure FrugelMedia will be a great success.
Jason, Localism is so cool. Thanks for another great post. Sorry about your Cowboys and good luck with Roy Williams.
Hail To The Redskins.
I'm including a link to this as an example of a good blog. I just completed teaching a webinar for Virtual RE Bar Camp on How to Become an ActiveRain RainMaker. I'll be posting it shortly at www.activerain.com/results. Hope this is OK with you. :-)