Pulpfiction Books

497 reviews

2422 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2, Canada

pulpfictionbooksvancouver.com

+16048764311

About

Pulpfiction Books is a Book store located at 2422 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2, Canada. It has received 497 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-7PM
Tuesday10AM-7PM
Wednesday11AM-7PM
Thursday10AM-7PM
Friday10AM-7PM
Saturday10AM-7PM
Sunday10AM-7PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Pulpfiction Books: 2422 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2, Canada

  • Pulpfiction Books has 4.4 stars from 497 reviews

  • Book store

  • "I've always noticed a coldness and lack of willingness of staff here to help out if you're looking for a particular book"

    "My favourite bookstore in Vancouver"

    "My wife was treated awfully this afternoon (Nov 30)"

    "It was bad enough (but perhaps not surprising, given reports of similar abuse) that the owner of the store was rude and curtly dismissed the books I'd brought in to trade"

    "This store, in all of its locations, represents easily the most potent danger in the city to my wallet"

Reviews

  • Jannah Wilson

I've always noticed a coldness and lack of willingness of staff here to help out if you're looking for a particular book. I have also had a few decent experiences here with lovely staff in the past as well. I keep going back because I'm always trying to support local, small businesses over the large corporations, especially bookstores. What I've just experienced, though, has convinced me to stop going out of my way to shop here again. I went to go pick up a book I had put on hold and after realizing that I accidentally called the kits store by accident for the hold, I had a few recent popular books with me in a bag that I wanted to give away to them but the owner said very rudely that he had no interest in any of the books. One was on the Giller short list this year and one was one of the most popular books ever written that I bought from them 2 weeks ago which was the last one on the shelf at that time. They were both in perfect condition. I WAS NOT trying to sell any of the books but rather wanted to give them away in order to give them every step up I could against the big guys. I now have no interest in returning to this store and suggest that if the owner or staff do ever read this, that they start showing their customers some decent customer service, otherwise their dissolution will be at their own hands and not at the hands of the internet age.

  • Jordie Yow

My favourite bookstore in Vancouver. Well curated, great used selection, good variety of new books sprinkled into their shelves as well. I always go in there when I'm passing through and have time and usually find one of two books to add to my collection. You can order books if you're looking for something specific and get a discount (this beats ordering from Amazon if you've got the time). Staff are knowledgable and talkative and can make recommendations. I will warn if you're looking to sell used books they are picky, which is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, if you're trying to sell the books need to be pristine for them to buy them so it's hard to find a home for books if you actually read it. On the other hand, when you buy a used book for them they're basically like buying new books so you can feel good about what you found and not worry about little bits of damage that might ruin the reading experience. The one thing I always find weird about the store is that they have this archaic inventory system that involves the staff writing down every purchase by hand with pen and paper. I guess it's kinda charming that they refuse to move to a computer based system, but I imagine it makes life difficult for them and probably doesn't help when there's a line.

  • Ian Weniger

My wife was treated awfully this afternoon (Nov 30). She was trying to sell some books and the clerk was very brusque. She was very polite. She then turned to look at some books that were on a glass counter top within reach of any customer. Once again she was brusquely asked not to touch. She turned to leave, but first - again politely - mentioned to the proprietor that his manner was very unpleasant. He coldly, and with blank dead eyes, explained his reasoning - not a smile to be found - and then just repeated "bye bye" several times in order to force her from the store. Really sad. My wife is very small and very polite and has grey hair - not quite a senior yet, but certainly not threatening or rude in any way. We live in the neighbourhood, are both teachers, and buy a good number of books every year for gifts, the classroom and home with our own children. We love shopping in this neighbourhood to stay local and away from the big box stores. We've never been treated badly at People's Co-op, Book Warehouse, or at Chapters, so maybe I'll just shop more frequently there. And we'll tell our friends to do the same as well.

  • Blair Montgomery

It was bad enough (but perhaps not surprising, given reports of similar abuse) that the owner of the store was rude and curtly dismissed the books I'd brought in to trade. This is his modus operandi and has been for at least a decade. What was new was his refusal to sell me the book I'd come into town to buy because I'd asked him if he'd accept a slight discount to the price marked in pencil. He went on to berate me for doing so and when I offered to pay the full price, he said, "This book is no longer for sale. We're done." and he repeated this several times, even as I apologized for daring to offer a lower price. He got extremely personal regarding my character and said I needed to reflect on my poor attitude. In the end, he would not sell me the book and I left empty-handed. I would warn anyone contemplating entering this store to be prepared for abuse whether buying or selling a book.

  • Sam Borthwick

This store, in all of its locations, represents easily the most potent danger in the city to my wallet. The inveterate bookworm in me has yet to leave this store without at least one fresh purchase and the reasons for that are myriad. First, the selection is staggering, especially at the Main St location, with rare, original, and mint editions sitting comfortably side by side on the towering shelves. Second, the prices are exceptionally good, especially if you, like me, have no qualms about buying second-hand books. Thirdly, you will always find something profoundly fascinating in the staff-curated shelves, and the cashier will nearly always have an insight or suggestion based on what you have selected, offered in a friendly, non-condescending manner that nonetheless conveys their enthusiasm for the medium.

  • Marcus Mrau (Hard Travelin Marc)

I’ve been shopping here for 8 years, and I always considered this an awesome and welcoming place, a week ago I would have told you Pulp Fiction is the best used bookstore in Van. I seriously don’t know what the deal was but a new(?) female employee with pink hair was absolutely atrocious, I couldn’t believe how rude and nasty she was. Yikes! I dunno how the heck this snarky lady landed a job here, but the owner should definitely reconsider! I dunno what else to say but will be looking for a new shop :( Would advise people wanting to shop here that despite a 1 star review you’ll probably enjoy it… unless the pink hair lady is working. If she is behind the counter I’d advise turning around and trying another time.

  • Yazan Hagbakri

I genuinely loved dropping by this shop and seeing their newer stuff and I’m disappointed in myself for taking this long to notice but the staff are genuinely horrible. Like not one nice person working in that store for the most part, I could name them and go into details as to why I think that but I don’t think it worth it. McLeod Books is an amazing place in comparison, don’t go to Pulp Fiction please. It might be fine on the off chance that they are nice to you but when they are having a bad day, you are gonna regret going into that shop.

  • Ekaterina Dedyulya

I guess it was the owner.. came to sell my books but his attitude made me walk away. Rude and unprofessional! Although they have a great selection of books and lovely people working there, manager (owner?) Is a terrible person who has zero abilities in communication. He tried to buy my books for almost zero value (note: I brought really nice perfect condition books), and when I tried to discuss the price , he openly offended me. Disgusting customer service, unprofessional owner; never coming back to this location.

  • Erin H

Very rude staff(especially the older man at the register with glasses is extremely rude)! I have been to many bookstores but never experienced such rude and unprofessional service. I called in advance before coming into sell a few books of mine. They asked me to leave after I told them I was in a rush. I was hoping to arrange for another time but these staff was just too rude. I will never visit again. And not recommending it to anyone. There are so many other places that will treat you with respect!

  • Megan

Such an awesome place! There are different books every time, so it's hard not to buy something every time I go, hehe. The staff are also very knowledgeable, and not rude at all! People must have a strange idea of what "rude" is. Quirky? Sure. Rude? No! The other great thing is that they will order any book they don't have in stock for you, at a discounted price. But you do need to make sure you order in advance if you want it by a certain date. If you love books, you must visit!

  • Adam Nikiforuk

Normally a great book store. However, today I was denied service for no decent reason. Tried to pay for a used book with cash and debit, was told by the bald, bespectacled clerk that he didn't feel like giving change for a $20 and that debit wasn't an option. Both of those statements are rubbish, as they've accepted my debit before and what business won't take a $20?. I'd love to love this place, but I'd rather buy an e-reader than give that guy any money.

  • mike

My favourite bookstore in town by far, with a huge number of titles and a friendly, helpful staff. There is a great collection of new and used books, with the used books turning over quicky and often due to the volume they receive, so there's usually new treasures to find. The front room can often be crowded, as shelving and people lock in mortal combat for available space, but the stacks are great and one can spend forever here looking.

  • Paul Falardeau

I used to work at a small used bookstore and -- to my standards, at least -- this one is a hit. Great used selection, well-organized but cozy and friendly, informed staff. Also a well curated selection of new books that displays a forward thinking vibe and vision for a positive Vancouver community. Hearken back to the old-school idea of bookstore as a creative, academic and ideological heartbeat in its community.

  • carla slane

Older man at the register with glasses is extremely rude. Offered me about 5% of what I paid (which is fine, I then decided I would rather just donate the books to charity so I told him I would just take them back) he couldn't have ripped the receipt out of the book quick enough and then muttered something under his breath as I walked out. Plenty of other book stores in the city with extremely helpful staff.

  • Zachary McCrea

Editing because I brought in some books to see if they were interested in a trade in. While I like to support my local bookstore as opposed to Amazon, hearing snide comments from staff regarding the books I brought in while shopping is a guaranteed way to lose my business. That being said the young woman working the register was kind and courteous as usual and prices are good with good selection.

  • Jayson Postle

Good selection but abruptly and unprovoked rude service by the two older men. Came in with my partner and we received completely different treatments. I was treated satisfactorily while my partner and another woman in line were given completely different and condescending treatment. Wildly unfortunate since the commercial drive location has great staff. What gives?

  • Jean Scribner

My experience of this store has been very positive. I have received excellent customer service to the point that I would much rather order books through the store than go through Amazon. It is usually cheaper too. For example, a book I was interested in sells for $21.95 but they sell it for $16. JP is helpful, courteous, and very knowledgeable.

  • Nicole Chan

Came here earlier today to drop off some used books and see if pulp fiction might be interested in any. The guy behind the counter with glasses was an experience, and from other reviews on here it seems like this was not an isolated incident. Bookstore itself has a fantastic selection, but the customer service is hit or miss.

  • Gurpreet Singh D

A well stocked, wonderful new and used bookstore with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Just providing a vague description of a book cover triggered the author and title of the book I had trouble recalling by the proprietor! A great collection of graphic novels as well. Solid treasure hunts to be had while browsing!

  • Cathy Puskas

I love this shop! You never know what you're going to find. They have new and used books, all in good condition. The staff are very helpful and you can tell that they love books and their jobs. The prices are good, but I find it's a dangerous shop since I always end up coming out with more than I intended to buy.

  • Charlotte Forbes

I was there today and the seller was extremely nice and helpful. They've got a really nice selection too! (well, at least in the business section..) Everything is arranged in alphabetical order and the books are in good shape for used. Had a great experience there and will be returning.

  • David “not B” A

One of the best (maybe it IS the best) bookstores in Vancouver, for both used and new books. They heavily discount new books, they can get just about anything, and they turn most orders around very quickly. Don't spend your money with Amazon - support local businesses, like this one!

  • T. Hall

My favorite bookstore! Killer selection, great location... My favorite part is going to the lovely book dealer and describing in less than 5 words what I wanna read and discovering new books, authors, genres! Countless times and every time a wonderful book! Thank folks! You rock :D

  • Tiffany Lastoria

Wall to ceiling shelves, knowledgeable staff and the largest collection of old pulpy sci-novels I've ever seen. Too many to fit the shelves sometimes. I have never been recommended a book I didn't like from the staff. Prices are very reasonable and I've found many treasures here.

  • Mansi Tandon

I hope and wish these guys are around for the next generations - it's such a treat to have a used book store you can wander in the neighborhood. I love going in there and checking out books in my genres of interest and otherwise. Staff is very resourceful, pleasant and kind.

  • I R

Overall a great selection of books, and the staff are usually very helpful and friendly. However, the prices are a bit high for used books. I guess it's understandable as they are located in a pricey area, but I would definitely buy more books there if it was cheaper.

  • Corey Zinger

Great bookshop, the front portion is all new release books and magazines, and the back portion are all used/old books. I’m surprised that I walked out of there without a book in hand too. Then again I wasn’t looking for anything in particular.

  • Jared Krause

This bookstore is awesome. I went back a number of times during my stay in Vancouver. They have a great selection of a ton of different genres at great prices. This might be one of my favourite bookstores anywhere. Really highly recommended.

  • Soefae Chen

One of my favourite second hand book stores because of their knowledgable employees and clean interior. I have bought many books there, from used classics to new releases, all for very impressive prices. I recommend this store to everyone :)

  • H N

Wow. Walking in here made me feel like a kid in a toy store. Pulp Fiction has a huge selection of fiction and books on social/cultural issues... Most books are either new or lightly used, and the prices are almost always under cover price.

  • D W

Great selection of new and used books, well organized, knowledgeable staff. Could get lost in there for hours (in a good way), and if there's something specific you're looking for, if they don't have it, they can probably get it for you.

  • Brennan C

Went to sell a few books today for the first time. The man behind the counter was extremely rude and unhelpful. I was so shocked by our interaction and to be honest never want to come back after feeling so disrespected. I see many other

  • Artel Salon

I was really disappointed with my experience here. I came in to sell some books back and was told to wait 6 minutes because I was third in line. So I waited patiently in the front of the store for close to half an hour while I heard the

  • Gaia

A lovely book house with so many eye catching titles! It was my first time in there, I was looking for a specific book but didnt know where to begin, but i wasn't in a hurry so I decided to peruse for a bit, and I quickly came across so

  • SK K

extremely rude service when trying to sell used books here. the moment you try to sell, the owner will start to act like an abusive customer and treat you as if you were a street beggar. never visiting this capitalist hideout again.

  • Princess Peach

Great little store! I found a rare book that I had been searching for a while! Also saw the owner on the news talking about how he makes it a priority to pay his employees fairly and he seems like a genuinely good person.

  • Peter Toth

One of the best used book stores in the city. It's organized, it's well located and they have a good selection of books. Plus they can order whatever you might need at a reasonable price. Best part, the staff are amazing.

  • AND

Excellent selection, great prices and friendly staff. And if they don’t have something in stock and you want to order it new, they knock a few bucks off the cover price. My number one choice for used books in Vancouver!

  • Ken Saraf

I want to support local independent bookstores but part of their charm is the ability to interact with the stuff and get some recommendations. I found the staff in the store not too helpful - to put it gently...

  • Sarah

Super cool place! Can tell they put effort into the atmosphere (chill, take your time looking around) and it has that nice bookstore smell. The staff there are also super helpful and nice.

  • Amanda Y

This is one of my favourite book stores ever. Sad to hear their Kits location is closing. All the staff here are always kind and helpful. My partner and I love coming here most weekends.

  • jasonbenj

Good selection but they are terrible buyers. Tried an experiment where I bought books from them and kept the receipts as bookmarks. Even with all that they weren't buying. Snicker.

  • daisies234

Packed full of books new and used, there are so many treasures here and I appreciate the significant Indigenous lit section where many stores have only a few books

  • Svea Poulsen (Sveava)

Great selection for used and new books! The staff is always so friendly and helpful. Pricing is reasonable too. Also a good stop when you're hunting for books.

  • masonismase

Just a horrible guy working behind the counter. No social skills whatsoever. He has that hippie arrogance you don’t want to interact with. Puke …

  • Karley Terekhina

The most Amazing book store. They have the best selection. Roaming the stacks is such a fun relaxing treasure hunt. The staff are fantastic.

  • Nigel Cherian

Good selection but negative points for attempting a trade in or credit. He didn't even both look at the book I brought before dismissing it.

  • Allison Collingwood

Great used book store with a fairly wide selection. Large sci-fi section, as well as classics. Fair amount of aged/vintage books also.

  • Christina Chan

They will order any book you request and have it there within days. Awesome staff, wide selection, and a diverse graphic book section.

  • Morgan Hall

Love the used / new hybrid model. They always seem to have some nice used Bukowski in stock whenever I stop in.

  • J Prothero

I live too far away to shop there on a regular basis, but anytime I get to Vancouver I try to stop by.

  • cody khalil

4.5/5 st☆rs. This is the best location imo. A little small. But anything bigger and it loses its charm

  • Maria N

So many books and so little time! Whichever book you may be looking for, Pulp Fiction has you covered!

  • David Kruyt

Very well curated collection of books with great attention to detail and order in the display.

  • Royan Lee

This is the best used book store I’ve ever been to. Our family had so much fun visiting!

  • Akira Mikoshiba

Love this shop. Come about once a month to pick up about 6 books. Nice collection.

  • Reza Ceasar

Cozy and quiet place with affordable books proces. What else do you want?

  • Pooja R

Really good collection. Our bookclub loved it here! ❤️

  • Olesia Trubnikova

Nice cozy book store with a wide selection

  • damon surgenor

My favourite used book shop in Vancouver.

Similar places

Indigo - Granville

3135 reviews

2505 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3G7, Canada

Indigo

2351 reviews

1033 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A9, Canada

Banyen Books & Sound

1035 reviews

3608 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 1P1, Canada

Book Warehouse

663 reviews

632 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G1, Canada

Kidsbooks

551 reviews

2557 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9, Canada

Little Sister's Book & Art Emporium

530 reviews

1238 Davie St #1, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N3, Canada

Massy Books

458 reviews

229 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z6, Canada

Book Warehouse Main St.

212 reviews

4118 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P6, Canada

Spartacus Books

171 reviews

1983 Commercial Dr #101, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A8, Canada

Iron Dog Books

157 reviews

2671 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z5, Canada