Face it, being an otaku ain't cheap and in these tough economic times, our favorite hobby is in danger. In a hobby that is very much based on consumerism (which is buying tons of stuff), it's only wise to be mindful of our purchases or you just might end up dead broke and put yourself in your very own economic crisis.
Your good friends here at Japanator just want to help you out, our fellow otaku, in being better at managing your money whenever you purchase another copy of anime and manga. I want to share just a few tips that I've learned through the years of being a cheap bastard and still being an otaku. I once knew an otaku who actually spent too much money on manga that they ran out of money right before a convention and was unable to go.
I'm here to keep you from being that broke otaku who missed the anime convention ball and totally didn't get those pictures with those hot cosplay girls. Hit the jump to find out my secrets!
1.) Coupons
You've got the money to spend to pick up the latest volume of your favorite manga. You love getting your money's worth but what if you can get some of that money back? Retailers such as Borders/Waldenbooks allow you to sign up for their Borders Rewards cards in-store and they will send you a weekly coupon via e-mail that will net you a discount in-store or online.
2.) Online retailers
Websites such as Amazon.com and Deepdiscount.com are my favorite whenever it comes to purchasing manga online. With their low prices for most manga titles and even tax-free purchases for most states in the United States, it's definitely a great alternative than driving all the way to your local bookstore.
What makes the these websites more tempting is the free shipping that comes with every purchase at DeepDiscount and for every order that's over $25 at Amazon.com.
3.) Borrow/Trade with friends
If you're lucky enough to know people who share your love for manga and anime, you have potential access to tons of stuff and it won't cost you a thing! Well, maybe just being able to earn the trust of someone to handle their copy of the latest Gantz or 20th Century Boys.
Just remember to return the item you borrowed in the condition you got it or you might lose a friend (to mooch off of).
4.) Used Bookstores
Used bookstores are a haven for not only used manga but also anime DVDs. Though not every used bookstore carries manga or even DVDs, but bigger chains like Half Price Books carries manga and a wide array of DVDs and sell at half the MSRP. Most of the manga I've purchased at Half-price Books are in good condition and I recommend you to stop by one of their stores just to check it out.
You can also use this chance to read up on more than just manga as that they often have specials on interesting books that may or may not have to do with Japanese Pop culture.
5.) The Public Library
Surprisingly, one of the best ways to be able to read manga for free. More and more libraries are starting to stock manga and at the price of $0.00, you can read all the manga you want. Though probably the hardest place to acquire manga if you're the type that's ashamed of your love of all things otaku.
I understand all too well of the stigma of being seen with them "japanese-comics-with-tentacles" but who gives a crap about what other people think. You just read what you want to read, we live in a free country and no ones stopping us.
6.) Save up
There's nothing like going to a store and buying the latest volume of your favorite manga with your own hard-earned money. It's simple, gather up your loose change and when you have a cupful, go to a machine like a Coinstar to get your paper money.
7.) Haggling
I'm all too familar with this scene at anime convention dealer's rooms, from over-enthusiastic fanboys trying to wow vendors with their knowledge, to cute cosplay girls flirting their skirts off, all just to save a couple of bucks off the price of that $60 collectible figure pack.Haggling does take some guts but for the novice, all it takes is to be polite to the vendor. These vendors most likely share your love of anime and manga and aren't really in it for the profit so be sure to respect your fellow otaku and not drive them out of business.
8.) Sales & Special Offers
Sometimes, stores will have sales and special offers that they will be limited to store only. From time to time, Borders has a special offer when you buy 4 manga, you get the fifth one for free! Not a bad deal really, but if you have a friend who just wants to pick up a copy of a manga or two, you can share the purchase and negotiate whoever gets the free copy. Always keep watching Japanator in the future for special offers and deals. One last tip I would like to throw in is that you read our reviews of the latest anime and manga here on Japanator. I hope Japanator has prevented you from being driven into financial ruin! I bid you all good luck.
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