If you’re a book lover looking to declutter your shelves or an entrepreneur seeking a new income stream, selling books online is a great option. With the rise of e-commerce, how to sell books online has become an increasingly popular query. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to sell your books online effectively and profitably.
The online book market has seen significant growth in recent years. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global e-commerce book market size was valued at USD 18.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2021 to 2028. This presents a fantastic opportunity for individuals wondering how to sell books online.
Whether you’re a casual seller with a few titles or a serious bookseller looking to scale your business, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools to succeed in selling books online.
Table of Contents
What Types of Books Can You Sell?
When it comes to how to sell books, the good news is that there’s a market for almost every type of book. Here are some popular categories:
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Fiction: Novels, short stories, and poetry across various genres like romance, mystery, sci-fi, and more.
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Non-fiction: Biographies, memoirs, self-help, history, science, and other informative books.
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Textbooks: Academic books for students from primary school to university level.
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Rare and collectable books: First editions, signed copies, out-of-print titles, and other valuable books.
The condition of your books also plays a role in their saleability and price. Books in new or like-new condition typically command higher prices, while used books in good condition can still find buyers at lower price points. Even old or outdated textbooks can attract students looking for affordable options.
Best Websites to Sell Books Online
Amazon
Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer and a major player in the book market. If you’re wondering how to sell books to a wide audience, Amazon is a top choice. There are two main ways to sell on Amazon:
Amazon FBA vs. FBM
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): With FBA, you send your book inventory to Amazon’s warehouses. They handle storage, packing, shipping, and customer service for your orders. This is a convenient option if you don’t want to deal with logistics, but it comes with associated fees.
- Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM): With FBM, you manage your own inventory and handle packing and shipping when an order comes in. This allows for more control over your business and potentially higher profits, but it requires more effort on your part.
Individual vs. Professional
Amazon offers two seller plans:
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Individual: This plan is best for sellers listing fewer than 40 books per month. You pay a $0.99 fee per item sold, in addition to other selling fees. This option is ideal for occasional sellers who want to avoid a monthly subscription.
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Professional: This plan is ideal for high-volume sellers. You pay a flat $39.99 monthly subscription fee plus other selling fees, but you avoid the $0.99 per item fee. This plan provides access to advanced features and tools that can help you manage and grow your business effectively.
BookDeal
BookDeal is a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of how do I sell my books online. Here’s how it works:
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Enter the ISBN of your book and receive an offer price.
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If you accept the offer, complete the sale and choose your payment method (PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo).
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Print the provided shipping label, pack your book, and ship it.
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Receive payment within 3-5 days of BookDeal receiving your shipment.
BookDeal is an excellent choice for casual sellers. Offers free shipping for sellers looking for a straightforward way to sell books online without the complexities of other platforms.
Powell’s Books
Powell’s Books is a renowned independent bookstore chain that buys used books through its online platform. To sell your books on Powell’s:
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Enter your book ISBNs on their selling page to receive a price quote.
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If you accept the offer, you can choose between self-shipping your books or using Powell’s prepaid shipping label.
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Once Powell’s receives your books, you can receive payment via PayPal or store credit. Note that if you opt for store credit, you will receive 50% more than the cash offer.
While Powell’s has a smaller reach compared to Amazon, it remains a reputable option for selling books online.
BookScouter
BookScouter is a price comparison tool that helps you find the best offers for your books from over 30 book-buying vendors. Using BookScouter is simple:
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Enter your book’s ISBN, and view offers from various vendors.
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Choose the best offer and complete the sale on the vendor’s website.
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Ship your book for free and receive payment within the specified timeframe, typically via PayPal or direct deposit.
BookScouter is particularly useful for selling books online, especially textbooks, as it allows you to compare prices and maximise your earnings.
Textbooks
Textbooks.com specialises in buying and selling used textbooks. If you have old textbooks to sell, their process is straightforward:
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Enter your book’s ISBN on their selling page and accept their buyback quote.
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Use the provided UPS label to ship your books for free.
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Receive payment via check or PayPal, typically within 1-4 weeks.
Textbooks.com is a reliable option for students and individuals looking to sell books online, particularly textbooks.
eBay
eBay is a well-known online marketplace that can be useful for selling books online, especially rare or collectible titles. Some key points about selling on eBay:
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eBay’s auction format can lead to higher selling prices for in-demand books.
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Sellers get 50 free listings per month, after which there are fees for each additional listing.
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You’re responsible for handling shipping and customer service; however, eBay provides tools to assist with these tasks.
Chegg
Chegg is a popular platform for college students looking to save money on textbooks. While it originally bought used textbooks directly, Chegg has shifted to a third-party marketplace model. Now, when you enter your book’s ISBN on their site, you are referred to partner sites like GoTextbooks to complete the sale.
AbeBooks
AbeBooks, owned by Amazon, is an online marketplace specialising in used, rare, and out-of-print books. While it offers a wide selection, there are better platforms for textbooks.
To sell on AbeBooks, you must create a seller account and manually list your books with photos and descriptions. You set your own prices and shipping rates. When a book sells, you’ll be notified by email and are expected to ship within 2 business days. Payments are made monthly via check or direct deposit, minus an 8% commission fee.
Although the selling process is more involved than on some other platforms, it can be worthwhile for those offering rare or collectible items.
Steps to Start Selling Books Online
a. Research and Sourcing
The first step in how to sell books online is to gather inventory. This can include books from your personal collection, sourced from wholesalers, or acquired directly from publishers.
b. Creating Listings
Once you have your inventory, it’s time to create listings on your chosen platform(s). Here are some tips:
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Write clear, concise titles and descriptions that accurately represent your books.
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Use relevant keywords and categories to help buyers find your listings.
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Price your books competitively based on their condition and the current market.
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Take high-quality photos that showcase your books’ condition and any unique features.
c. Setting Up Payment and Shipping
To complete sales, you’ll need to set up payment and shipping options. Most platforms support popular payment gateways like PayPal. For shipping, consider factors like:
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Shipping costs and who will cover them (you or the buyer)
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Packaging materials to ensure books arrive in good condition
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Shipping providers and their rates, reliability, and tracking options
Tips for Selling Books Online
Here are some practical tips to help you succeed in how you sell books online:
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Be honest about your book’s condition: Accurately describe any wear, damage, or markings.
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Price competitively: Research what similar books in similar condition are selling for and price accordingly.
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Provide clear photos: Well-lit, high-quality images of the front, back, and spine of your books can boost buyer confidence.
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Offer combined shipping: If a buyer purchases multiple books from you, consider offering discounted or free shipping to incentivise the sale.
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Respond promptly to inquiries: Timely, friendly communication can lead to positive reviews and repeat customers.
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Package books carefully: Use appropriate materials like bubble wrap and sturdy boxes to ensure your books arrive in the expected condition.
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Promote Your Listings on Social Media: Utilise platforms like Instagram to expand your reach and attract potential buyers.
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Explore How to Sell Online Without a Website: Utilise marketplaces and social commerce to sell books even if you don’t have your own website.
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Consider Selling Courses Online: If you have expertise in a subject, creating and selling online courses can complement your book sales.
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Stay organised: Keep detailed records of your inventory, sales, and shipments to streamline your business and make tax time easier.
Conclusion
Selling books online can be a rewarding way to declutter your shelves, share your love of reading, and earn extra income. By understanding the best platforms for selling books online, creating compelling listings, and following best practices, you can successfully navigate the world of online bookselling.
Remember, whether you’re selling a few titles or managing a large inventory, there are options suitable for every level of seller. Experiment with different platforms, strategies, and methods, such as selling online without a website, to find what works best for you.
Start your online bookselling journey today and connect your beloved books with eager readers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best website to sell books?
The best website to sell books online depends on your needs. Amazon offers a huge potential audience, while platforms like BookDeal and Powell’s Books provide a more streamlined selling process.
2. How can I sell my book immediately?
For a quick sale, consider options like BookDeal that offer instant quotes and fast payment. Pricing your book competitively can also help it sell faster.
3. Is it good to sell books online?
Yes, selling books online can be a great way to earn extra cash, declutter your space, and find new homes for your books. Online platforms allow you to reach a wide audience of potential buyers.
4. Can you make money by selling books online?
Yes, you can make money by selling books online. The amount you earn will depend on factors like the types of books you’re selling, their condition, and your pricing strategy.
5. Is selling books online a good way to make extra money?
Selling books online can be a good side hustle or even a full-time business. Many sellers start by decluttering their personal collections and then scale up by sourcing books from wholesalers or publishers.
6. Where else can I sell my used books?
In addition to online platforms, you can sell used books at local independent bookstores, library sales, yard sales, or consignment shops. However, selling books online typically offers a larger potential audience and more convenience.
