I didn't have a post planned for today, but I wanted to get something useful up this morning so I came up with a nice little list of where to sell used books online. This has been on my mind after writing a reviews on a couple of book buyback sites.
We all have books after all, and now that e-readers are so popular, I know that many of you are probably looking to clear out some book clutter.
Where to Sell Used Books Online
These two are admittedly obvious choices, but the list wouldn't be complete without them. Almost anyone can sign up and create a seller account and sell practically anything, including used books, on the websites below.
Selling Textbooks
- Book Scouter (price comparison site)
- Cash 4 Books
- Big Words
- eCampus
- Powell's
- Chegg
- Alibris
- Textbookz
Most of these sites work the same way. You enter the ISBN number on the back of your books (usually located around the UPC label) and wait for a quote. Sometimes you'll get the quote instantly and with other sites you might have to wait on an email. Then, you'll print out a shipping label (pretty much all these sites cover shipping costs for you), put your books in a package, and place the shipping label on the package and send your books off.
Once your books are received and inspected, you will receive payment. Some of the sites listed above use Paypal while others pay with a check, and then some may have options for both payment methods.
Selling Fiction Books
You'll find there isn't as much demand for fiction books on most of the online book buyback sites, and that's unfortunate since most people are looking to get rid of fiction. Still, there are a few options:
- Amazon Trade-In – This won't get you cash for your used books, but it will get you Amazon codes.
- Amazon
- eBay
- Powell's
- AbeBooks
Another idea for finding where to sell used books online includes local Facebook yard sales groups, or even an actual yard sale/garage sale at your home, or possibly set up a booth at a flea market.
If you really want to get into selling books for cash in a serious way, there is an excellent guide here you can download free on Kylie Ofiu's site (author of 365 Ways to Make Money). It's possible to make a substantial amount of money selling books on a regular basis if you know how to go about it.
Do you have any sites to add?
This post was originally published on August 24, 2011. Updated and re-published on September 28, 2016.
Just came across your site and love it! One question. What does one do when they have those misfit books (usually romance and mystery) that none of these sites want. I have many that are in excellent condition and sure would love to generate extra cash with them. Hoping you may have some advice or one of your readers. Much thanks! Sandy
And here I am responding two years later! I apologize. But if you see this, the only suggestions I really have is trying to unload them on eBay or Amazon and see how it goes.
I love this! Thank you so much. I have so many books I would like to get rid of. This is a great way to go about it.
Awesome! I’m going to use this list to get rid of the hundreds of books I have around my house.
This is great, Anna! I just came home with a whole backseat of books my daughter “forgot” to sell back to the bookstore at the end of last semester.
Thia is an awesome list Anna! I’ve bookmarked this for future reference 🙂
Anna, one of my readers just put out a free guide for selling books online. I will send it over your way for a look.
Thank you! That guide is really useful. I have linked it in the above post.
I have a whole page in a notebook of mine full of sites like these. They are definitely my back up plan for I don’t sell all my books. Nice list though, I see a couple that I am really fond of!