As an English graduate, I found myself amassing a large collection of classic literature. The resale value in school bookstores was disappointingly low compared to the initial purchasing price. However, keeping these books untouched seemed unwise as well, so I often contemplated whether it was better to at least retrieve some cash from selling them.
Previously, I believed my only resale options were via the school bookstore or half.com. Listing books on these platforms was not just time-consuming, but also not very profitable. With stiff competition, I was selling my books at such reduced prices that the shipping cost was more than the price at which the books were purchased.
I was on the verge of consigning my boxes of books to the recycling bin until I discovered sited where I could sell my books online almost immediately. These online platforms offered a predetermined price for gently used books, credited the amount to your Paypal account within days once they received the books.
For someone with vast collections of books to sell, this was an ideal solution. Here are some advantages of these book-buying websites:
No listing needed: Traditional selling methods often require listing each book individually with descriptions of book conditions—an extremely lengthy process for those with numerous books to sell. However, with book-buying websites, entering the ISBN number automatically identifies your book.
No hidden charges: Websites like Amazon, Half.com, and eBay include certain charges as part of the sale, diminishing your profit. But on book-buying sites, you receive exactly what’s promised for your books. Occasionally, you may find coupons for an additional 10% markup, providing more earnings.
Immediate selling: On other sites, you’d have to wait for the books to be purchased before shipping. Sometimes the listing might even expire before a book is sold, requiring you to relist your books. Book-buying sites, however, instantly tell you if they’d purchase your book.
Quick payment: These platforms process payment within one to three business days after receiving your books.
Where can you sell your books online?
Several book-buying websites exist, such as Cash4Books, TextBooksRUs, and SellBackYourBook. It’s common for a single site not to accept all your books. You can utilize BookScouter.com to compare offers from different websites.
However, keep in mind that some sites apply a minimum requirement—you need to have books worth $10 or $15 before you’re able to ship them. If you possess a large number of books to sell, this is typically not a concern.
My own experience with these platforms has been overwhelmingly positive. After tolerating my books occupying space in my garage, selling them was a straightforward and pleasing process.
