Are there some old books that used to be on active duty and now are just sitting still in a case? Well, selling books is a brilliant idea to assist in alleviating space, congestion and simultaneously making some money. It does not matter if you have regular paperback novels, old-school academic textbooks, or antique rare books; there are quite a number of ways and places where one can sell used books, be it on the internet or within the community. Today, we will look at just that: how and where to sell used books, secondhand books, textbooks with useful material, and more. And of course, instructions on how to sell them for the highest possible price.

Where Can I Sell Used Books?

In case you are asking yourself, “Where do I sell my second-hand book?” – well, the right answer is: it all depends on the means by which you want to sell your used books. One may opt to sell one’s old book through the internet or in local shops. Some of the most common examples are given below.

    1. Online Platforms
      Selling books nowadays can be done even while in the comfort of your house, thanks to the existence of online sites. These sites help link the seller with more potential buyers, thereby increasing the speed of selling the books.
    • BookBuyExpress.ca: One of the best sites for selling books in Canada is Book Buy Express, as it’s a great site for selling used books and textbooks. Just type the ISBN of the book you wish to sell, get a quote, and send your books at no charge. After your books have been shipped and checked, the money is released to your account. It’s fast, simple, and without any burden.
    • eBay: You can sell your books on eBay using a fixed price and also put them on auction. This is a great way to market even the rarest of books and textbooks without going overboard. A well-researched and composed book description will be prepared, and the package is mailed to the buyer once the book is sold.
    • Amazon: Amazon has a program in which one can sell books but, more so, textbooks through its trade-in program. You will not be able to sell the books for cash; however, you can trade them in for Amazon gift vouchers which is nice option if you happen to be an avid Amazon customer.
  2. Local Used Bookstores
    Many neighborhood secondhand book stores purchase used books from the public and certain individuals. That is, in case you are asking yourself the question, “Where can I sell books around me?” This solution is helpful. This is how it works.

    • Bring in Your Books: In Toronto, for example, stores like ‘BMV Books’ as well as other independent bookstores will often purchase books, particularly if the books are in good condition and are currently in demand. However, it is best to call them first to know their book purchase policy and if they have any books in stock.
    • Cash or Store Credit: Some stores pay cash while others issue store credits. In case you are planning to buy more books, store credit makes more sense.
  3. College and University Buyback Programs
    Selling used books can also be done to college or university campus bookstores, which usually have a buyback policy in place. This kind of scheme allows students to take back the books they brought to the store and receive cash. In fact,  the end of the semester is the best time to sell school textbooks as most would definitely be on the market looking to purchase those books.
  4. Facebook Marketplace and Local Classifieds
    Facebook Marketplace and other local sites such as Kijiji are other useful tools that allow you to sell your books to people without having to pay for shipping or handling. These types of sites allow you to create an ad, list the item for a price, and agree to meet the buyer in person within the area. This is ideal for such sales within a short time frame and especially where the seller wants to incur no shipping costs.
  5. Library Book Sales
    One of the services some libraries provide is book sales, or, at the very least, they will accept used book donations. While they may not always pay cash, some libraries will issue you a tax-deductible receipt for the book or books you donate. Library book sales, on the other hand, provide an opportunity for effortless charity, in that you get to clear your house of books but ensure that they are put into good use by someone else.

Where Can You Sell Old Books?

Certain types of old books, most notably, vintage and collectible books, can be quite beneficial. When you consider which old books have the highest potential selling prices and the factors aim to discourage you from selling, these are some specialized ones:

  • Antique Book Dealers: If you own antique books, locate an antique book dealer near you or on the internet. These people deal with procuring old and rare books and are likely to pay better than an ordinary second-hand bookstore would.
  • AbeBooks: AbeBooks is another excellent resource for anyone who has old books that are valuable and wishes to sell them. AbeBooks has booksellers specializing in antique, rare, and out-of-print titles; hence, it connects the seller of the book with a market that comprises only those who are in need of that specific book.

Where to Sell Textbooks

Textbooks can be quite expensive, but on the bright side, they tend to still be worth something. If you have been asking yourself, “Where to sell college textbooks?” below are the most preferred options:

  1. BookBuyExpress.ca
    For students in the Great White North, Book Buy Express is a wonderful place for the selling of provided college textbooks. You simply input the ISBN number found at the back of your course book, and a quote instantly pops up. The site has no-charge delivery, which is ideal for students who need a straightforward and quick way to sell their textbooks.
  2. Campus Bookstores
    Several college bookstores provide a textbook buyback option at the conclusion of every term. This is certainly one of the easiest and most practical methods to sell used school textbooks as the shop will likely require the exact copies crowning future classes.
  3. Facebook Marketplace
    If you are selling college textbooks in your area and using the Facebook Marketplace, you can avoid the drama of shipping. You could simply put up the textbook with a brief description and find a local buyer. Convenient, especially when selling several textbooks to other students.
  4. Amazon Trade-In Program
    Through their Trade-In program, Amazon lets you exchange used textbooks and other books for gift cards on Amazon’s website. Gift cards can be used in future purchases, making it ideal for avid Amazon users.

Tips for Selling Used Books

  1. Keep Books in Good Condition
    Books that have little to no wear and tear always attract more buyers compared to those that are badly torn. Therefore, ensure your books have no damages such as tattered pages, writing, highlighting, or any other kind of defacing. In the event that your book is poorly maintained, it’s better to come clean about the status to avoid discontent from the buyers.
  2. Sell at the Right Time
    If you’re planning on putting accompanied textbooks up for sale, the most appropriate time would be at the onset of a new academic year. That’s because this is the peak demand for textbooks, and it is therefore easy to make sales at a higher price.
  3. Use the ISBN for Easy Listings
    Always remember to include the ISBN number when selling books online as an aid to help the buyer locate your listing very fast. The given number also makes sure that the buyer gets the exact version of the book required.
  4. Compare Offers
    It is wise to say that one should shop around for different prices at sellers of such items prior to making any sales. This is because some will pay more for specific textbooks, or will pay more for a collection of books as opposed to individual ones.

Conclusion

When it comes to selling back unwanted or surplus books, there are multiple avenues available whether the buyer wants to sell back crime fiction, academic texts, or very old books. Websites like BookBuyExpress help in selling books online, whereas local bookshops and Facebook Marketplace help in selling books offline. It is also wise to inquire into the many other methods through which the books could be sold in order to ensure they are of most worth.