Like many of you, my books were piling up, but instead of just donating them all, I decided to see which ones could actually fund my next book-buying spree (the cycle continues 😉).
After testing a bunch of sites and apps, I was genuinely surprised by how much extra cash I made. It was easier than I thought! So, I put together my full list of the best places to turn your old pages into profit.
Here’s the real deal on where to sell your used books:
1. Amazon
Amazon is one of the first places people think of for selling used books. It is super easy to list your books there!
You can create an individual seller account for free. Just look up the book you want to sell, click “Sell on Amazon,” and set your price.
Amazon does of course take a fee from your sale, but it is a great option if you have popular titles.
2. eBay
eBay is perfect if you have rare, collectible, or specialty books. You can create an auction where people bid on your book, or you can set a “Buy It Now” price.
Be sure to include lots of pictures and detailed descriptions to attract the largest number of buyers.
3. BookScouter
BookScouter is an amazing tool that compares offers from different book-buying websites to show you who will pay the most.
All you do is enter the ISBN number from your book, and BookScouter does the rest of the hard work for you. This saves you a ton of time.
4. Powell's Books
Powell's Books is a popular bookstore based in Portland, Oregon, but you can sell to them online also.
They pay for shipping if they accept your books. Plus, you can choose cash or a store credit option that gives you a little more money.
5. Half Price Books
Half Price Books buys almost any book, no matter the condition. You do need to bring your books to a store location, so this is best if you have one nearby.
They will make you an offer after looking through what you bring.
I've personally visited one of their locations and their selection is vast and practically overflowing, so there's a good chance they will take what you have and give you something.
6. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a fast and free way to sell your used books locally.
You can list individual books or make “bundles” of several books at once!
It's also a good idea to join local buy/sell groups in your area to reach even more people.
7. Decluttr
Decluttr is a website and app where you can sell books, CDs, DVDs, and even tech gadgets.
All you do is scan the barcode, get your instant offer, and ship your books for free.
They pay through PayPal, direct deposit, or check if you prefer that.
8. ThriftBooks
ThriftBooks has a “Sell Us Your Books” program that is super simple to use.
Just enter your ISBNs, see if they are buying, and ship your books to them.
If they accept your books, they will send you payment.
9. PangoBooks
PangoBooks is a newer app that is kind of like a little book community.
You create a profile, list your books for sale, and ship them when they sell.
It's friendly, easy to use, and you get to interact with other book lovers!
10. Alibris
Alibris lets you open a seller account and list your books. This works best if you have a lot of books to sell because they charge a small monthly fee.
If you are serious about cleaning out your collection, it might be worth it.
11. Local Used Bookstores
Never underestimate your local bookstores! Many small shops love buying used books.
Some pay in cash and some offer store credit.
A personal connection with a bookstore owner can be a wonderful bonus!
Tips to Help You Sell Your Used Books Faster
Know What Books Sell
Not every book is going to be a huge moneymaker. Popular titles, textbooks, first editions, and recent bestsellers usually sell the fastest.
Older novels, outdated textbooks, and heavily worn books may be harder for you to sell.
Be Honest About the Condition
When you list your books, describe them honestly.
Mention any highlights, underlining, worn covers, or torn pages. Buyers appreciate honesty, and it helps avoid problems later if you ship someone something that isn't in the condition they expected.
Take Good Pictures
If you are selling online, clear photos can make a big difference.
Show the front and back covers, any damage, and maybe even a sample of some of the pages. Good pictures help buyers feel confident.
Ship Quickly and Safely
Once your book sells, ship it out quickly. Use a padded envelope or a box and be sure to protect the book from damage.
Buyers love fast shipping and careful packaging. These things will help to ensure you get positive feedback (giving future buyers more confidence in your listings).
Bundle Books Together
Sometimes it is easier to sell books in sets.
For example, if you have a whole series like “Harry Potter” or “The Hunger Games,” you can sell them as a bundle! This often brings in more money than selling one at a time.
Use ISBNs When Listing
If you're not familiar, an ISBN is a book's special number, usually found above the bar code.
When you use the ISBN to list your book, it makes it way easier for buyers to find it.
Set Fair Prices For Your Used Books
Do a little research to see what other sellers are charging. You want your price to be competitive.
If you price too high, your book may sit unsold for a long time. If you price fairly, you will likely sell faster!
Be Patient
Selling books can sometimes take a little time, especially if the book is rare or specialized. Stay positive and keep your listings up.
Other Fun Ways to Use Your Old Books
If you find that some books are just not selling, you still have good options for getting rid of them.
Donate them! Libraries, shelters, and hospitals often accept book donations.
Give them to Little Free Libraries. These are small, free book boxes found in neighborhoods.
Host a book swap party. Invite friends to bring books and trade with each other.
Selling your used books is a fantastic way to earn some money and clear out space in your home. There are many wonderful options listed above for you to try if you need to get rid of some!
Want to Earn Money Without Having to Ship Anything?
If the idea of packing and mailing books sounds like too much work, there is another fun way to make extra cash! Gold City Ventures offers a free workshop that shows you how to start selling printables on Etsy.
Printables are digital items like scavenger hunts, checklists, and party games that people can download instantly.
You create the designs once, upload them to your Etsy shop, and make money every time someone buys — no shipping or trips to the post office needed!
The best part is you do NOT need any special skills or fancy tech knowledge to get started. Even total beginners have gone on to earn hundreds (and even thousands) of dollars each month!
The best part? This isn't just about the money. It’s about giving your old stories a new life with someone who will love them as much as you did. It feels good to declutter mindfully.
What about you? Have you sold books online before? Any hidden gem sites I missed? Drop your best tips in the comments!
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P.P.S. Love pondering life's big, beautiful questions? That’s my jam. I write weekly about finding meaning in the mundane and exploring the universe's deepest stories. If that sounds like your vibe, follow along here for the journey:
✨http://buymeacoffee.com/kabir1989
Good luck!
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