How difficult is it to find a out of print deck??

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 Jun 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Momof6	08 Jun 2002
I read on one of the review sites I frequent the the Tarot for Cats (it is the cute one with kitty cats...*not* the cat people tarot) is out of print. I live soooo rural that the nearest bookstore is a 2 hour one-way drive. The nearest methphysical bookstore is 6 or 8 hours drive one way. (depending on if you go to Denver or Omaha) Where online can I stalk for this deck? How much more do you end up paying for a out of print deck? I don't even know how much this deck was to start with. But I really really really want it. That deck would be much loved in this family. (by my children and myself) Do decks come back into print? Any suggestions at all and if anyone sees one around, please let me know? Hugs, Momof6

Lee	08 Jun 2002
Hi, Momof6 -- The answer depends very much on the individual deck. Some decks are simply not to be found. Others are out of print but can still be found on some store shelves. Others still can be found if you are willing to pay big bucks. I'm not sure exactly which of these categories Tarot for Cats falls in. I know it's becoming tough to find. First, I'd try listing it in the Trading forum right here in the Aeclectic Tarot Forums as a deck you're looking for. You might try searching for it in google.com, and just go to all the stores which list it, and e-mail each store and ask if they still have it. This can be a frustrating experience, because often these online stores don't update their inventory lists and so will list things which they haven't had in years. You can also try E-Bay. You have to be careful, though, because items can be overpriced, and you really don't know whether the seller is being truthful about the condition. Before bidding on something on E-Bay, I would a) check the seller's ratings (available if you click on the seller's name) to make sure they have a good reputation, and b) do enough research to be sure you're not getting scammed on the price. There's a thread in the Talking Tarot section, I believe, with much helpful info about dealing with E-Bay. Finally, you can go to tarotgarden.com. They have a free search service where they will try to locate hard-to-find decks for you. Hope this helps -- Lee

Jeannette	08 Jun 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Momof6 Do decks come back into print? Any suggestions at all and if anyone sees one around, please let me know? Decks do occasionally come back into print, but there's absolutely no way of telling which ones will manage to find revival on the publication market. Two recent good examples of popular out-of-print decks that managed to clear the hurdles involved in republication are Clive Barrett's "Ancient Egyptian" Tarot (which was finally re-released last month) and Gray & Stewart's "Merlin Tarot" (slated to hit the market again next month). But in both cases, there was advance confirmation that both of these reprints were in the works. There's been not even a peep about a republication of the Dennis & West "Cat" set, although that alone would not prove that such a thing isn't being planned or discussed, I suppose. Quote: Originally posted by Lee I'm not sure exactly which of these categories Tarot for Cats falls in. I know it's becoming tough to find. "Tough to find" is probably a good way to describe it. The "Tarot for Cats" enjoys a high degree of popularity among OOP decks, so demand generally tends to outstrip supply by a bit. But at least in North America, where it was mass-marketed for some time and hasn't been OOP for all *that* long, it's certainly not impossible to locate. We try to keep at least one copy of this item in stock at Tarot Garden when possible, and we're usually able to eventually locate a replacement copy when our "back room copy" sells. (We actually do have one copy in stock at present.) The "Tarot for Cats" is a lovely deck, but the book is what makes this set a gem -- the text is ROFL funny! -- Jeannette http://www.tarotgarden.com (P.S. -- Lee, thanks for mentioning our "search service"... we *really* appreciate it when folks help us to get the word out about our site and what we do, so that we have can have more opportunitites to be of service to the tarot enthusiast community!)

truthsayer	08 Jun 2002
i have tarot for cats and it is a gem. i found my copy some years ago in the clearance rack at barnes & noble for $6. oh! how i wish i'd bought every copy they had! i think i've heard more ppl want this one than any other OOP deck. if you cruise ebay regularly, you can find one there. i've seen a copy as recently as last week selling for $8 which isn't too bad. i have seen it go as high as $30. the thing you have to keep in mind about ebay is that auctions are very exciting and competitive. ppl will get into bid wars to get a deck and that makes it really peak out in costs. take your time and you'll get one even if it takes a year or so. i've been looking for a copy of my first deck-the hoi polloi for about 2 years. i finally did find my old copy but it's not complete. i won a bid at ebay for the HP around a year ago for $40 but the deck wasn't complete so i got my money back. last week i won a complete deck for $16 + 2 for shipping. talk about delighted! i'm really looking forward to getting it. :) i'll keep the old one as a "monument" to my humble tarot beginnings and use the other.

Momof6	08 Jun 2002
Thanks for the reply, I found a copy (it must come in a book/deck set??) at a online bookstore called Blackwells. They don't have on in their store in the states but have one in their UK store. $14.95 which is what the list price is. It will take until the first of August to get it. I'll keep a look out for one on ebay also. I saw them on Amazon used for ridicilous amounts!! I want it, but would never pay $50-$100 or more for it. I'll keep on checking ebay. If not, I'll get a copy in August. Hugs, Momof6

truthsayer	08 Jun 2002
i'm glad you found a copy for 14.95. that's a good price. yes, i saw the amazon used prices. i couldn't believe it! this is just a 22 card deck and book set!

Momof6	08 Jun 2002
I really appreciate the responses. Jeannette, I PM'ed you regarding the deck and also emailed the shop. I'd love to get this deck. I think the children would love it also! Hugs, Momof6

Jewel	10 Jun 2002
The trading forums here on Aeclectic are wonderful in this regard, that is how I obtained my copy, and it is absolutly priceless and will always be treasured in my home. I have found that since I have been coming to Aeclectic OOP decks are much easier to find as everyone here feels your pain and really tries to help you locate the deck you want.

The How difficult is it to find a out of print deck?? thread was originally posted on 08 Jun 2002 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.