Selling used books has been a part of my life for years. I started small, trying to make room on my shelves, but quickly realized that it could become a great way to make some extra cash. Over time, I’ve experimented with various platforms to find out which ones offer the best experience and value. Here’s what I’ve learned about the best places to sell used books online.

1. Amazon – The Giant in the Room

Amazon is one of the first places I turned to when I began selling used books. With its vast customer base, it’s a marketplace that guarantees exposure to a large audience. Here’s why Amazon works so well for me:

• Ease of Listing: Creating a listing on Amazon is straightforward. You simply search for the book’s ISBN, and most of the information is automatically filled in. I then add details about the book's condition, upload photos, and set my price.
• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): One of the best things I discovered was the FBA option. I ship a batch of my used books to Amazon's warehouse, and they handle storage, packaging, and shipping for me. This is a great option if you have a large volume of books to sell and don’t want the hassle of dealing with shipping each one individually.
• Fees: Yes, Amazon charges fees, and they can seem high. But in my experience, the sheer volume of potential buyers more than makes up for it. I factor these fees into my pricing to ensure I still make a profit.

2. eBay – Perfect for Unique or Collectible Books

For more niche books, rare finds, or collectibles, eBay has been my go-to. The auction-style listings allow for more competitive pricing, and I’ve had some of my most interesting sales here.

• Auctions or Fixed Price: I like the flexibility of eBay. Sometimes, I’ll list a book at a fixed price if I know its value, but I often use auctions for rare items. The bidding process can sometimes result in a final sale price that far exceeds my expectations.
• Detailed Listings: eBay encourages detailed listings, which is beneficial for both sellers and buyers. I take the time to write a thorough description and include multiple photos of my books, especially if they have unique features like a signed copy or a first edition.
• Shipping Options: Unlike Amazon, eBay requires you to handle your own shipping. This means a bit more work, but it also gives me control over how much I charge for shipping and how the books are packaged.

3. BookScouter – For Quick and Easy Sales

When I need to offload a large number of books quickly, BookScouter is my tool of choice. It allows me to compare prices from various buyback vendors to find the best deal.

• Simple Process: All I have to do is enter the book’s ISBN, and BookScouter shows me offers from dozens of vendors. I select the one that offers the best price and ship my books to them using a prepaid shipping label.
• Instant Payments: Unlike other platforms where I might have to wait for an auction to end or for a buyer to come along, BookScouter offers quick payouts. This is particularly helpful when I want to declutter quickly or need some fast cash.

4. Local Bookstores and Used Bookshops

While online marketplaces offer convenience and a broad audience, I’ve also found success selling my used books locally. Many used bookstores are happy to buy books for cash or offer store credit, which is a great option if you want to support your local businesses.

• Call Ahead: I always call the bookstore beforehand to see if they’re currently accepting used books and what types they’re interested in. Some stores specialize in certain genres, so it’s a good idea to know what they want before lugging a stack of books over.
• Quick Transactions: The best part about selling locally is that transactions are immediate. I bring in my books, the store staff evaluates them, and I walk out with cash or store credit the same day.

5. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist – The Local Option

For heavier books, like textbooks, or for bulk sales, I’ve found that selling on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can be effective. These platforms allow me to connect with local buyers and avoid shipping hassles.

• Bulk Sales: When I need to sell multiple books at once, I list them as a lot on these platforms. This has been particularly useful for sets or series, as well as textbooks that students are always looking for.
• In-Person Meetups: While this requires a bit more coordination, it’s nice to avoid shipping fees and get paid in cash on the spot. I always choose a public location for meetups to ensure safety.

6. Specialized Book Sites – AbeBooks, Alibris, and Powell’s

For my more valuable or rare books, I turn to specialized book-selling sites like AbeBooks, Alibris, and Powell’s. These sites attract serious book collectors and people looking for specific editions.

• High-Value Books: I usually reserve these platforms for books that I know are valuable, like first editions, signed copies, or out-of-print works. While listing fees can be higher than on general marketplaces, the audience is much more targeted.
• Detailed Listings: These platforms cater to book enthusiasts who appreciate detailed descriptions and background information on the book. I take my time to write thoughtful listings and include high-quality photos.

Tips for Maximizing Profits

• Check Prices Regularly: Book prices fluctuate, especially for textbooks. I keep an eye on current market trends and adjust my prices accordingly.
• Offer Discounts for Bulk Buys: When listing multiple books, I often offer a discount if someone buys more than one. It’s a great way to move inventory quickly.
• Stay Honest About Condition: Accurately describing the condition of your books builds trust with buyers and helps prevent disputes. I always mention any marks, creases, or damages in my listings.

Final Thoughts: What Works Best for Me

Finding best place to sell used books largely depends on the type of books you have and how quickly you want to sell them. For me, Amazon and eBay have been the most consistent in terms of sales, but I also appreciate the simplicity of BookScouter for bulk sell-offs. Experimenting with different platforms and seeing what works best for your collection is key. With a little patience and some trial and error, you’ll find the right place to sell your used books and maximize your profits