Agony Column Podcast News Report: A Conversation With Scott Hamman and Tammie Stallings of Handee Books : Internet Only, Actually Real
Today I talk with Scott Hamman and Tammie Stallings of Handee Books. Take a look at their web page and drool with envy at their selection. I have had the privilege of actually going to their store, which is now totally virtual. I have to say that almost never have I seen so many books that I wanted to buy. It was positively frightening. I managed to get out of there with my finances intact, but only just barely. You'll definitely want to hear what these booksellers and bibliophiles have to say; and all you have to do is listen to the MP3. I refuse to take any responsibility for what happens afterward
-Rick Kleffel, Agony Column

Accurate description of condition; friendly communication; fast, careful shipping. Highly recommended.
-T.Moore, Ohio

Picked up your securely wrapped pristine copy of signed David Hajdu's Ten-Cent Plague at Post Office yesterday.  Loverly copy. Appreciate your professionalism. Congratulations to you on celebrating Handee Books' first decade! Looking forward to doing business with you again.
-W.Loewenthal, New York

I am very pleased with my experience, even including a coupon and bookmark! The packaging was the best. The book was in condition described. Would definitely use Handee Books, LLC again.
-S.Dingman, New York

I recently received my book order from your firm, Encyclopedia of Walt Disney's Animated Characters, and just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the book, its beautiful condition, and the wonderful job done on the packing! Certainly hope to do business with you again.
-D.Toms, Florida

Quick note to confirm safe arrival here today (1/23) of The Return of Sherlock Holmes - impressively prompt, as arrived at same time as shipment for me from New York which was ordered in middle of December! The Holmes, I should say, was impressively well packaged - nice attention to care, and very much appreciated.
-G.Davidson, United Kingdom

Many thanks for the Bernard Newdigate book, which arrived safe & sound. Having also looked at your excellent website, I thought I'd draw your notice to mine, at http://www.electioeditions.com
-Alan Loney, Electio Editions, Australia

Just a quick thank you for the fast service and wonderful book, Art, Life, and Nature in Japan! It's in gorgeous condition and was well packaged, which isn't always the case with online orders. They just don't make them like this anymore.
-M.Mikesell, Washington

Thank you for extra fast shipping & book nicely packed, and last, but not least, thank you for stocking the book!!
-D.Kajer, Wisconsin

The book arrived and our customer is delighted. We really do appreciate your sound packaging.  We have more than once had smarmy packaging and thought you should know that your detail to doing it well is noticed. I have added you to our "good guys to buy from list" - hope we can do business again sometime.
-S.Gallagher, Colorado

A good place to find rare and scarce books. Very satisfied. Thanks a lot.
-B.Dossey, Texas

Would gladly purchase from Handee Books again. Books are exactly as decribed and reasonably priced.
-J.Belcher, Ohio

Talk about fast service. The item (Peter and the Secret of Rundoon by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson) was exactly as described and I am overwhelmed by the service, price and product. I do not normally give perfect scores to anyone for any category, but I have to admit, there were no mistakes, nothing to criticize, and gosh darn it, you guys were superb and you deserve the score. Thank you!
-K.O'Nell, California

Many thanks for sending this little book!  For me it's a treasure....
-G.MacKenzie, New York

I wanted you to know that my signed (Pat Montandon) book arrived safely. It's a beautiful copy and will make a wonderful addition to my collection. Thanks so much!
-C.Seefer, California

Just to let you know the book safely received & I'm very pleased with it. Many thanks.
-T.Bates, United Kingdom

You are a credit and a pleasure to have in the vanishing bibliophile demimonde. Thank you for the book I just purchased (About Grace by Anthony Doerr). May you live successfully in books forever!
-W.Meisle, Pennsylvania

Ten years! Wow. It looks like your strictly online business must be going well. Many congratulations, though I miss being able to stop by the old store. In any case, again, congratulations on ten years. May there be ten and twenty and ... more successful years. Cheers.
-J.Hogle, California

A quick note to thank you very much for this book (The Best of James Herriot) - beautifully packed, and safely received this morning! Best wishes.
-C.Edwards, United Kingdom

Item (Emphyrio by Jack Vance) as described, fast shipping, well-packaged: an excellent seller!
-G.Walker, Missouri

The book arrived this morning. It is in excellent condition. Thank you for such a good deal and excellent service. Best wishes
-D.Doig, United Kingdom

Hi, i recently ordered two Roger Rabbit books from you to come to me in the UK and I just wanted to say thank you for the incredibly fast service. The only drawback was the postman waking me up early this morning which I can deal with ;) Thank you VERY much for the care taken in packing and posting these as they are presents for someone for Christmas.
-D.Kirkby, United Kingdom

I wanted to let you know that the book arrived today in excellent condition. Oh My! What a book! Terry Brooks is my absolute favorite. Again, thank you so much for a wonderful book!
-D.Raniere, Canada

Excellent (Michael Moorcock) books, shipped promptly, and greatly helpful customer service. Highly recommended!
-M.Keefe, Pennsylvania

I received my book (The Long Sleep by Dean Koontz, writing as John Hill) in fabulous condition and wanted to thank you so much. Fantastic service, great communication, everything you promise. A real pleasure. A+A+A+"
-M.Leach, Michigan

I was extremely pleased with your service and have already recomended you to several other people. Please keep doing what you are doing.
-JD.Fay, Texas

Wow - that was quick! I received the book, Murder Can Be Fun by John Marr, in perfect condition yesterday. Thoroughly wrapped and packaged. Thank you very much! :)
-R.Bredl, Germany

Extremely courteous, understanding bookseller. makes every effort to accomodate client. speedy, efficient service. A pleasure to buy from.
-R.Gordon, New York

I received the Tales of Three Planets by Edgar Rice Burroughs in excellent condition and securely packaged. Thanks for making this book available.  It was a pleasure doing business with you.
-A.Vazquez, New York

Speedy Delivery. Quality Product. Honestly, what more could you ask for? Buy from Handee Books. You won't be disappointed.
-E.Heiden, California

Thanks for packaging the magazine so securely.  It arrived in perfect condition.  Thanks for the services you give to your customer.
-M.Kadlec, Illinois

Land of Dreams by James P Blaylock arrived in pristine condition yesterday. Thank you for the speedy service.
-P.Crawford, Australia

I received the book (The Big Question by Chuck Barris) today and it arrived it great shape. I look forward to doing business with you again in the near future.
-P.Cenotti, Nevada

A+. The condition was even better than described and (The Phantom Movie) magazine was packaged with the upmost care. Probably the best ordering experience I've had thus far. Would recommend Handee Books to readers and collectors alike. Thank you.
-J.Moran, Florida

Book (Michael Tolliver Lives by Armistead Maupin) arrived today in perfect as described condition. Thanks for an excellent transaction. Maupin is one of my favorite authors and this autographed copy of his latest book will be placed in my collection. Best.
-D.Baker, South Carolina

I was thrilled when I opened this book (The White Raven by Diana L. Paxson) to find that it was in wonderful condition - exactly as described and even better preserved. The packing was excellent and shipping painless.
-M.St.Pierre, Canada

I received my books in record time — was pleasantly surprised when they arrived yesterday already! Books (Origins of Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Limited Collector's Edition C-49, Oct.-Nov. 1976 - Mordru the Merciless! by Shooter, Jim, Curt Swan and Mike Grell) are in great shape and were packed really well -- thanks for the great service!
-B.Plant, Indiana

Thanks for great service, prompt emails and good packing. Cheers.
-V.Babu, United Kingdom

Thanks for the book (Diggers - Second Book of the Bromeliad by Terry Pratchett)! In gorgeous condition, and great packaging.
-R.Bronsink, Washington

Accurate listing (Argosy bound volumes), speedy communication and processing -- top-notch all the way.
-C.Eckhaus, California

I received the copy of Do It! by Jerry Rubin last week, and could not have been more satisfied with either the product or the service.
-D.Wright, Texas

I think these two books (Wizard of the Pigeons and Silver Lady and the Fortyish Man by Megan Lindholm who also writes as Robin Hobb) were packed more carefully and securely than any other book I have received from an ABE seller, and I've ordered quite a lot. The parcel arrived very quickly, faster than I had expected, and the books are in flawless
condition. Many thanks.
-C.Smith, Australia

Thank you for your assurance that the book will be very carefully packaged. I had browsed your web site before placing my order, and immediately got the feeling that you are in this business first for the love of books, then for the earnings. It is nice to know that there are sellers like you who are totally dedicated to their business primarily for the love of books. Thank you for your care and attention.
-S.Barma, Oregon

Thanks so much for the postal upgrade. The book (Confidentially Yours by Charles Williams) made it here in two days, and in the condition described in your posting. Ya'll are aces. I'll visit your web site and hope to buy from you again.
-F.Loose, Georgia

Just a note to let you know that the book (Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She?) arrived yesterday. The book was exactly as described, it was carefully protected for shipment, and I am delighted with it! Thank you very much.
-C.Poh, Ohio

Book arrived safe and sound. Thanks a bunch. I read this book (The Amateurs by David Halberstam) when it first came out and really liked it. I passed my copy on and for a long time I have been looking to pick up a nice edition of this particular book. Thanks so much. It is a really clean copy and I am really happy with it.
-K.Palevsky, Arizona

Rex Stout Mystery Magazine arrived today, in fantastic condition. Thanks for packing well and shipping quickly.
-T.Koski, Washington

This book (Logan's Search) has proved somewhat elusive, so I am very glad to have finally tracked it down - it was part of my daughter's Christmas present! Thank you very much for the excellent service and shipping upgrade - it was much appreciated, especially by Liz!
-M.Dorman, United Kingdom

I just wanted to let you know that the books arrived yesterday and both my husband and I are very pleased with the books we got. I was also pleased with the way the books were packed for shipping. They got here without a single scratch or bump! I will be going through your inventory soon to see if there are any other books that I just can't live without <g>.
-V.Lavender, Florida

Thank you very much! I've been looking for this everywhere and now I can happily add this book (The Letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1845-1846) into my collection. Thanks again!
-M.Tam, Canada

Book (The Golden Man by Philip K Dick) arrived today 8am gmt 17th (shipped January 13th). Book great and packed to perfection, thanks. Four days in total, our second class mail to an address round the block takes longer! Great service. Best wishes to you all.
-N.Penny, United Kingdom

I got this book (Izapa Sculpture Part 1: Album by Garth Norman) today. Thank you for your excellent service.
-A.Koelbl, Germany

Great correspondence. Very well packaged. Tracking # was good to have.
-R.Bajaj, Virginia

I'm very impressed with the extra care you took with protecting the book (Star Wars - The Mos Eisley Cantina Pop-Up Book) from damage during shipping. Very fast and friendly service. Many thanks.
-A.MacNaughtan, Canada

Extremely pleased with the order (Arte Noir by Steranko). Very professional, very responsive service. Could not be happier!
-D.Jones, California

Thanks so much for this order (Phantom Lady by Woolrich and Two for Texas by Burke), which arrived here in good shape with yesterday's mail (Nov 27, 2006).  I very much appreciate your help and consideration in these sales, and I will look forward to our doing business together again.
-J.Brown, Georgia

Thanks so much. Your lovely book set (The Carl Barks Library of Walt Disney's Donald Duck 8 - Walt Disney's Comics and Stories 95 - 166) arrived safely today (Nov. 28 2006). Would be happy to shop with you again! Thanks.
-D.Grant, Canada

I received Soldier of Gideon - Casca 20 today (Nov. 27, 2006). It looks great! Thank you very much!!!
-C.Smith, Texas

Thank you for this super fast delivery..book arrived today and I'm pleased with it - very nice copy of a hard-to-find book. Regards.
-C.Shemanski, North Carolina

Just wanted to let you know I receivedThe Rhemes New Testament by Turners today, in great condition. Thank you; I am very pleased with my purchase.
-B.Johnson, Oregon

I've received your (Nov. 4, 2006) shipment today (Nov. 9, 2006). For your Air Mail at (reduced) surface rate that you have used, it was the fastest delivery that I've received from the states - impressive anyway! I would like to thank you very much for processing my order so quickly. Package was perfect and its content has pleased me more than what I've expected. The item is exactly has described. You can be assured that I'll be buying some more books or magazines from you. Many thanks to you, Tammie, and to Scott. Long life and prosperity to Handee Books, LLC. Please accept my very best regards.
-J.Deineko, Australia

I received the book by Ed McBain "Duet" on Mon, 10/30. It was as you described, really store shelf quality. Thank-you. Just wanted to let you know and hopefully we will be able to do business again.
-R.Coates, Pennsylvania

I just wanted to let you know that my book arrived today. It is in great condition and was very well packaged. Thanks so much for the super fast shipping!
-V.Ogino, Canada

I just wanted to let you know the book arrived yesterday, safe and sound, with no shipping "scrunchies" whatsoever. I am quite pleased. Thank you for your excellent service.
-T.McGinn, California

The book is exactly as described and exactly what I wanted - it's rare, and was not easy to find. It's a treasure, and I'm delighted with Handee Books.
-J.Jacobson, Florida

Just wanted to thank you for the complimentary [shipping] upgrade - that was very courteous and thoughtful of you. I will remember that, of course!! The books are in perfect condition - what a pleasant transaction!! I wanted to thank you for everything.
-A.Rich, Rhode Island

I received my Diana Gadaldon Voyager signed preview book today!! It is fabulous. Thank you for shipping it so promptly. I really appreciate your professionalism. I have bookmarked your homepage for future book purchases. Thank you again.
-A.Anderson, Virginia

I just received my first book from you yesterday.  I was surprised to receive it so quickly.  I loved the way it was wrapped and shipped to me.  While opening the packaging, I felt like I was getting a book from an old friend.  I plan to check your web site for future book purchases and I look forward to getting other fun packages from you.
-K.Burke, California

I ordered a copy of Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon earlier this month [16th]. I would just like to let you know that the book arrived safely yesterday [22nd], and it's quality was as good as I had been expecting, given your description on biblio.com. Thank you for taking the trouble to pack it so carefully, and for your prompt and considerate service.
-J.Burchell, Australia

Thanks very much for the complimentary upgrade and the very swift shipping! I'll be back!
Cheers.
-M.Lewis, United Kingdom

Hello there! Just wanted to thank you very much for the speedy delivery of my copy of F. B. Long's Dreamer on the Nightside. It arrived this morning, and is an exquisite copy. I really appreciate both the condition, price and packing of the book, as well. I look forward to doing more business with you in the future. Thank you again, and best wishes.
-J.Worthington, Texas
   
I could not resist to make a second order from You! The first delivery was excellent and professional!
-T.Hurme, Germany

My "Book of Kells" arrived safely in Melbourne today. Thank you so much for packing it so carefully. Have a great 2006,
-W.Raverty, Australia

I've just found "Melnikov" on my desk.
A lovely book.
Thanks a lot for the prompt service and the careful packing.
It's a pleasure doing business with you.
-J.Menten, Belgium

Tammie, Just to let you know the book safely arrived today (Thursday 1 December).
Can I take this opportunity to thank you for such a fantastic service. The book is in wonderful condition, exactly (if not better) than described and the speed of the shipping across the Atlantic was tremendous. In a time where large corporations such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble 'muscle out' many smaller businesses, it is refreshing to know that there are still good old fashioned book stores out there with people who have names and who take the time to ensure customer satisfaction. I will have absolutely no qualms about using you again for future purchases and I will be actively recommending you to friends. Thanks once again for a truly fantastic effort and I wish you, your colleagues and their families a Merry Christmas and a great 2006. Take care!
-I.MacDonald, United Kingdom

The book arrived today and it is absolutely exquisite. I am so happy to have it in our library. Thanks so very much.
-S.Parker, Connecticut

Prompt acknowledgement of purchase, notification of mailing, and timely receipt of book in good condition. Thanks!!
-L.Martin, California

It’s a real pleasure to see that someone knows how to pack a paperback. Five stars, pal.
-J.Moura, California

The book was exactly as described, packed with care, and arrived quickly. Great transaction!
-S.Bennett, Nevada

Hello, just to tell you I received the item. The comix is in good condition and I thank you for your rapidity. I Hope we will deal again. Sincerely yours.
-B.Machetto, France

Speed -- good packaging -- who could ask for more!
-G.Kazdin, Massachusetts

Hi, I received the book in good shape! Great packaging. Extra thanks for that. Till next time.
-E.Schutte, Netherlands

Package arrived before I even expected, was very well packed and exactly as advertised.
-C.Laffoon, California

Dear Scott, Many thanks for the wonderful book which arrived safely yesterday. I am extremely pleased with it and thank you for your kind attention and excellent service. Best Wishes.
-R.Gay, United Kingdom

Book arrived on time and as advertized, packed very well.
-M.Hayward, Washington

Just to let you know Gods in Darkness arrived safely today, 5 days since posting, the quickest I have ever received a book from the U.S.The packing is superb and the book is a beauty,exactly as described. Thank you so much. I will be looking for my future wants from Handee Books.
-M.Henderson, United Kingdom

Just to say that I am delighted with the book. It arrived safely today...so beautifully packaged. I look forward to dealing further with you. Thank you again.
T.Fishburn, Australia

I received my book yesterday and it is just wonderful. It is everything you said it was. In fact my husband and I are so pleased with it we would like to order two more copies of "The Vampire Stories of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro." We plan to give them as gifts to fellow Yarbro fans. Thank you so much.
-E.Lifson, Illinois

I just wanted to drop a line to say hello. I used to go to your store all the time as soon as you opened. I think the majority of the books I own are from you, in fact. I hadn’t been in for a while because I moved to San Francisco and when I returned, the store was gone. It was so sad because the store meant a lot to me, if not for Handee Books I honestly could never have been able to afford to read nearly as much as I had. Well, this morning I found your website and I think it’s great that you are still around! I hope to purchase many more books from you in the future. Best regards.
-J.Zamora, California

I’m glad to hear I’m going to receive the book by Airmail (rather than by Surface) without any additional charge; that’s surely a sign of the care you put in your work. You have a new faithful customer who hopes to buy other books from you as soon as possible. Best regards
-G.Dello Buono, Italy

I just got the books at work this morning! Thank you so much, you guys did a fantastic job of packaging them! Thanks again!
-D.Godzik, Illinois

Greetings, just wish to say thank you for your careful packaging of my purchase.
-S.Hall, California

The books arrived today and are in beautiful condition, thank you! I had forgotten your warning of the shredded packing paper, but the mess wasn’t too bad. I had just shredded ten years worth of tax records, so I know messy! Thanks again.
-J.Hood, Oregon

I wanted to send you this courtesy email to let you know I received the book safe and sound yesterday. The fast and secure shipping was greatly appreciated. I will keep your business card for future purchasing opportunities. Thank you!
-J.Jarrell, Texas

Many thanks to you. Today I received this safely. Thank you.
-T.Kyobahsi, Tokyo

Book arrived superbly pampered in its cradle, in good health. Thank you.
-J.Dirckx, California

I received the order. Everything is just as stated and better than I expected! I will definitely keep you in mind for future purchases!
-J.Morgan, California

I wanted to send a quick email thanking you for the books. All three books arrived quickly, packaged securely, and in excellent condition. I'll be sure to check your inventory first when searching for other additions to my bookshelf. Thank you so much for your excellent service!
-K.Laberge, Illinois

Just a note to let you know I received my 3 Marlowe books in timely fashion and all are as good or better than described. I'm very pleased. Great additions to my Marlowe collection.
-W.Ramsey, Florida

Just wanted to let you know that I received the comic yesterday. I really appreciated the packing job you did, and the comic is in excellent condition. It has been a pleasure doing business with you, thank you so much =)
-C.Watts, Canada

Book arrived safe and sound. Thank you for a fine condition book, prompt service, and excellent value.
-B.Rea, California

Received the book and am very happy with it. Appreciate the attention in packaging as well.
-C.Balius, Louisiana

Many thanks, book arrived quickly and in great condition.
-J.Johnson, United Kingdom

Just wanted to let you know the book arrived in excellent condition yesterday. Many thanks for this lovely copy.
-S.Speiden, Virginia

Today I received your book. I am very very happy about the book and especially about your fair description. It was a big pleasure to communicate with you. Thanks for your trustworthiness.
-E.Heuser, Germany

Book arrived yesterday, in splendid condition. Thanks for the swift shipping. Handsome book, much appreciated.
-M.Browning, Florida

I just wanted to let you know that the book arrived today safe and sound! I would like to say a big thank you for all your help and advice-and for a wonderful book which is everything you said it would be! Many thanks again and kind regards.
-A.Thompson, United Kingdom