Usually I try to get all the books of my favorite authors...
and then books that others suggest....I look up the enjoy and read online sineppts of the book...if i like what I have read...then I run over to BAM...Books A Million

But I am also a member of BlackExpressions book club...great deal on books...they have great specials also..

I am a cheat because I don't really buy books for personal use anymore. I work as a book buyer, so I often get advanced copies of books and get to read those. Plus I can take any book I want from our stock to review it, or to read it.

How I buy books for sale though is kind of different.
1) My boss tells me to! :p
2) I go through the catalogs and other promotional material I am given.
3) I see a niche and order for it.
4) Someone suggests it.

Usually it is very hit or miss with my store. Some books I cannot BELIEVE people haven't purchased, and other it amazing me when can't keep it in stock. I am considered a book snob though.

Good question
 

-I am very picky when it comes to purchasing a book. I enjoy purchasing books that I know that I will continue to read more than once. I'm more likely to purchase a book by one of my favorite authors then a random book. I'm not part of a book club but I do browse the new nonfiction/fiction section.

-At the same time I prefer to borrow books first. If I like the author or the genre then I consider purchasing the book.

Umm...

I want YOUR job, lol!