Do you have books gathering dust on a shelf or in your basement? You can turn those books into extra cash by learning how to sell used books effectively.
How much you can earn depends on the type and condition of the books. College textbooks typically pay the most—sometimes around $100 or more per textbook—while other genres like children’s books, romance, and popular fiction can also bring in steady income.
A quick way to check the value of your books is to use BookScouter: enter the ISBN and compare offers from multiple buyers to find the best price.
Over the years we’ve both bought and sold used books, and it remains one of the easiest ways to make extra money while decluttering your home.
16 Best Places To Sell Used Books
Here are the best places and platforms to sell used books, with notes on what each option offers.
1. World of Books
World of Books buys a wide range of titles—textbooks, children’s books, fiction, non-fiction—and also accepts CDs, DVDs, and video games. Enter your book’s ISBN for an instant quote, print the free shipping label, pack and send the books, and you’ll be paid by check or PayPal after they verify condition.
2. Amazon
Amazon is a leading marketplace for used books thanks to its massive audience. To sell, create an Amazon Seller account, add products by ISBN, list condition, price, and shipping options. When a sale occurs, Amazon notifies you so you can ship the book. You can also use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to have Amazon handle storage and shipping, which can save time and access Prime buyers.
3. Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble runs a textbook buyback program. Enter your textbook’s ISBN to get a quote; you must have at least $10 worth of books to participate. If you accept the offer, follow their instructions to submit the books for buyback.
4. Craigslist
Craigslist is a fast, local way to sell books without shipping. Create a listing with clear photos and accurate condition notes, arrange a safe pickup location, and accept cash at the meeting. Common safe meetup spots include libraries, police station parking lots, or busy coffee shops.
5. eBay
eBay offers broad reach and flexible pricing—list fixed-price items or run auctions that can drive up final sale prices, especially for rare books. You’ll pay a final value fee when items sell, so factor fees into your pricing.
6. Valore
Valore focuses on textbooks. Enter the ISBN for an instant quote; they cover shipping to their warehouse and pay by check or PayPal. Textbook buyback sites like Valore often pay more than campus bookstores, which have limited demand and lower offers.
7. AbeBooks
AbeBooks is ideal for selling used, rare, and collectible books as well as textbooks and paper collectibles. Create a seller account, list your titles with ISBN and condition, and ship to buyers when items sell. The platform attracts collectors and readers looking for specific editions.
8. Half Price Books
Half Price Books buys used books in person for cash or store credit. Staff evaluate condition and demand before making an offer. They also purchase music, movies, comics, and games. Bring a government-issued ID and be prepared that minors may need a parent or guardian present.
9. Powell’s Books
Powell’s, based in Portland, Oregon, buys used books both in-store and online. Online buybacks pay via PayPal; in-store sales usually pay in store credit. Enter or scan ISBNs to receive an instant quote, then ship via an approved carrier if you accept the offer.
10. Chegg
Chegg runs a textbook buyback program through partners like GoTextbooks. Enter the ISBN to see a quote, print a free shipping label, and ship the book. Payment arrives after the book is processed; textbooks should be in fair condition or better.
11. BooksRun
BooksRun buys textbooks and other books. Enter the ISBN for a quote, ship for free using a QR-based process, and receive payment by check or PayPal within days after the book is received. A mobile app simplifies the process even further.
12. BookScouter
BookScouter lets you compare buyback offers from 30+ vendors with a single ISBN lookup. It highlights the highest buyback price, tracks price changes, and can send alerts when prices rise. Use BookScouter to quickly find the best buyer for textbooks and other titles.
13. Cash4Books
Cash4Books specializes in large collections—often buying hundreds of books at estate sales or academic collections. They favor non-fiction and academic titles and are less interested in one-off sales. If you have a large inventory, Cash4Books can be a convenient option.
14. Your college bookstore (for textbooks)
Campus bookstores often buy back textbooks quickly if they’re in demand. Bring clean books with minimal highlighting and your student ID. Bookstores assess condition and upcoming course needs before making an offer—this is one of the quickest ways to sell textbooks locally.
15. Local independent bookstores
Many local bookstores buy used titles. Call ahead to ask about their buyback policies or bring your books in for appraisal. Offers vary—some pay cash while others offer store credit—and independent shops can be especially interested in rare, collectible, or well-curated selections.
16. Garage and yard sales
Garage sales are the simplest way to sell used books without shipping or fees, though prices are usually the lowest—often under $1 or even 25 cents per book. To attract buyers, advertise locally and highlight bargain pricing; this method is best for decluttering rather than maximizing profit.
If you’d rather not sell, donating to thrift stores or charities like Goodwill is a quick way to clear space and support your community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Used Books
Answers to common questions to help you sell smarter.
Where can I sell used books for the best price?
Amazon, eBay, and BookScouter are strong options for getting top prices. The best price depends on book condition, demand, and market trends—comparing offers is the quickest way to maximize returns.
How much money can you make selling books?
Earnings vary widely based on genre, audience, condition, and your marketing strategy. Textbooks and sought-after or collectible editions tend to earn the most, while mass-market paperbacks usually sell for less.
How can you increase your earnings?
Simple steps to boost profit:
- Clean and present books well before listing
- Be honest and detailed about condition and any markings
- Offer fair or free shipping to attract more buyers
- Package books carefully to avoid damage in transit
How can I find out how much my books are worth?
Use ISBN-based price comparison tools like BookScouter to quickly compare offers from multiple buyers and identify the highest payout.
What kinds of books can you sell?
Nearly any book can be sold: textbooks, hardcovers, paperbacks, comic books, popular fiction, and collectible or rare editions. Condition and demand determine how much each title will fetch.
Is Amazon a good place to sell books?
Yes—Amazon’s huge customer base makes it a reliable marketplace. While competition is high, you can reach many buyers. Choosing Fulfillment by Amazon can save time and boost visibility through Prime shipping.
Does Barnes & Noble buy used books?
Barnes & Noble focuses mainly on textbooks and requires at least $10 worth of books to participate in their buyback program.
Final Thoughts
Selling used books is an easy way to earn extra cash and clear clutter. Use comparison tools like BookScouter and check multiple buyers to secure the best offer. Whether you sell online through Amazon, eBay, BookScouter, or World of Books, or locally at bookstores and garage sales, a little preparation—cleaning books, accurately describing condition, and comparing offers—will help you get the most value.
If you have a stack of unused books, consider turning them into extra income or donating them if you’d prefer to give them away.
Have you sold used books before? What’s your favorite place to sell them?
Recommended reading:
- World of Books Review: Is It Worth It To Sell Your Used Books?
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