If you have books piling up around your house, you are not alone!
It can be tough to figure out what to do with them, but selling your used books is a smart way to make some extra cash and clear up space.
Today, I'm sharing a full list of great places where you can sell your used books, along with some easy tips to help you have the best experience possible.
Yes, the first few are no-brainers, but they cannot be overlooked!
Where to Sell Your Used Books
1. Shopify
If you're ready to move beyond marketplaces and want to create your own space to sell used books, Shopify makes it easy, even if you’re not tech-savvy. You don’t need any coding experience or fancy design skills to set up a clean, professional-looking store.
Getting started is cheap! it costs less than most people spend on lunch, and everything you need is included. You can customize your shop, add your books, and start selling in just a few clicks.
It’s a great option if you want more control over your listings, pricing, and customer experience. Start your Shopify store here and build something that’s fully yours.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!
11. 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.
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!
If you have more stuff to sell, you'll want to check out my huge list of other sites to sell anything and everything online.
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 14 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.