Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Works For Me Wednesday: Backwards Edition

Pin It Now! Yea, I get to ask for advice this time!

Q: I would like advice on the best way to sell books. I want to clean out our book closet. I have a variety that I would like to sell--home school, baby and pregnancy, Christian Fiction, just to name a few.

I have had some recent success selling some vitamins on ebay but don't really know how well books will sell.

*Would selling on Amazon be a better option?

*Would I have a better chance of selling if I sold several books in one lot?


I know I could donate or freecycle, but I really don't want to. I donate a lot of stuff to charity,but I would like to make some extra money on the books since all are in great condition. Being a stay-at-home, home school mom I just don't have very many opportunities to make extra cash. Sure would be nice to have some, so if you can give me some advice on this I would greatly appreciate it!!!


Visit Rocksinmydryer to offer more great advice.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

I have had a lot of luck selling on amazon marketplace. They pay for the shipping on the books and it is easy to list the books and see what the going rate is. It's also easy to transfer the money into your bank account.

S.B.
http://bethriftylikeus.blogspot.com

ohAmanda said...

If you like to read, paperbackswap.com might be a good option. You list your books, others ask for them, then you send them for free. But they give you credits, so you can pick any book out of the system you want. I love it!

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

I've also used Amazon with success - remember you can ship using Media Mail and it is cheaper. I've also started using Paperbackswap.com - basically you post the books you want to get rid of and people respond which ones they want - you get points based on how many you've listed and get to choose other books to have sent to you. Really easy to set up an account and start posting/receiving books.

Anonymous said...

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Don't sell my books!

Niki Jolene said...

Half.com

It's the only way to sell..it is a division of ebay! But there is no auctioning.

tootie said...

I agree with Niki - I like half.com. I sold some of my old school books on there.

The best part is that you set the price, and you'll get an e-mail notice once it sells.

It's pretty easy, and half.com will put your money directly in your checking account.

vanessa said...

I love e-bay!!! It is best if you set up a paypal account. On e-bay if you sell in lots you get more bids and a higher paying price. I must admit after you sell a few things you will want to sell more. I have made a good bit of money off e-bay. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

I always sell my books with great success on half.com. They always sell within a few days, and they sell for a great price. Plus, it will show you the going rate that other people are selling that particular book for, so you'll know how to price it.

Unless it's a rare, first edition, or signed book, eBay is not the best way to go.

Name: Jenni said...

Another vote for half.com! I've had a lot of luck on there. They help with setting a price based on the condition of the book (which they also help you determine).

Good luck!

Michele @ Frugal Granola said...

I've had good luck selling books at local bookstores. (I've never tried selling books online.)

Sister Honey Bunch/Judi maloney said...

Dude, share the books you're selling here. I love to buy used books!

T-Bone said...

i would sell amazon.com half is good, but personally if i am looking for a book, I go to amazon first. and I read a LOT of books.

Unknown said...

This is a very funny topic since I literally just got off the phone with my friend that is doign thsi very same thing.

She has both an Ebay and Amazon account. She was just telling me that she has decided that Ebay is a waste of her time compared to Amazon. She loves how fast and friendly and how quick things sell on Amozon. Ebay is not as friendly, or sell as fast.

My own experience has been that when I am searching for a book online I am ALWAYS taken to Amazon...so I would got there myself. The reason why i am so interested in this is because I am about to do the EXACT SAME THING! So I look forward to seeing what you choose. :)

Andrea said...

I give another vote to half.com. I've sold a lot of my used textbooks on there and never had a problem.

HONEY said...

My hubby & I are basically book freaks! We are reading machines. We each have 2-3 books going at any one time. It's Amazon all the way. If I want to browse a bookstore & pick up something right away, we hit the Barnes & Nobles, otherwise our books come from Amazon. I have been very pleased with the selection of used books & the quick shipping. Go with something that is proven & that works!

Ally said...

It was very interesting reading everyone's opinions... what will you do in the end??

megret7 said...

When I clean out books, I put them in stacks to give away to friends who would enjoy them in their respective stages of life (that I'm done with). What I think might sell, I search for on ebay to see if anything comes up and, if it does, I watch the items to see final selling price. If I can't make 20-25% of what I paid for it, it's not worth the hassle to list....I just put them in a yard sale stack.

AJ said...

This has nothing to do with the subject of this blog but I saw this and thought you might want to read it, if you haven't already - regarding a threat to homeschooling! http://www.onenewsnow.com/Legal/Default.aspx?id=69177

Karen said...

I use Amazon because my items tend to sell faster and at a better price, the listing lasts about two months, and there is no fee if it doesn't sell. You can also sign up there to be an associate and create a widget or link to your listing (or any others) and place them on your blog to help advertise. If people buy anything on the site after clicking your link, you will get a small commission, which adds up over time:)

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