In today’s technologically advanced era, selling books online has gained immense popularity among authors, publishers, and book enthusiasts, allowing them to establish global connections with readers.
Whether you’re an independent author, the owner of a small bookstore, or someone looking to declutter your library, this guide walks you through how to sell books online.
If you want to make the most of your book-selling experience, it’s important to do your homework and evaluate rates on various platforms.
Additionally, you need to ensure that your books are in good condition and accurately described to avoid any issues with buyers. In this article, you’ll learn everything about how to sell books online.
Key Takeaways
- Selling books online opens up new possibilities. It grants sellers access to a vast global audience across different regions and countries.
- Online book selling gives sellers greater control over pricing and attracts buyers with competitive offers.
- There are different types of books that can be sold online. It includes second-hand, new and rare books, textbooks, collectible books, audiobooks, books without an ISBN, and eBooks.
- Some top online book-selling platforms are Amazon, Bookscouter, Ziffit, eBay, Powell’s Books, BookDeal, Textbooks.com, and AbeBooks.
- Selling books online involves many steps, such as offering ISBN or barcode, following condition guidelines, creating a seller account, uploading listings, considering shipping costs and labels, choosing the right fulfillment option (FBA or MFN), offering discounts, sending newsletters, and creating a bookstore app.
- Research to find out how much your book is worth. Check online marketplaces like AbeBooks, Powell’s Books, and Half Price Books to see what similar books are selling for.
- Ask your readers to leave your book reviews on online marketplaces like Amazon. Positive reviews can help attract new readers.
- Use social media channels to promote your book and connect with potential readers.
- When listing your book for sale, be honest. If it has any flaws, mention them in the listing.
Types Of Books You Can Sell Online
There are many types of books that can be sold online. Here are they:
- Second-Hand Books – They are used books for sale on various online platforms. There are virtual marketplaces where individuals can buy and sell previously owned and read books.
- New Books – These are newly published books that are available for purchase through online platforms. You can find virtual marketplaces where publishers, authors, and retailers offer their latest releases to readers worldwide.
- Rare Books – They are collectible books for sale through online platforms. It is available on virtual marketplaces where collectors, enthusiasts, and book lovers can discover and acquire rare, valuable, or hard-to-find books.
- Textbooks – Textbooks are used in academic settings, from elementary school to higher education. They are available for purchase, or you can access them online.
- Collectible Books – These books are purchased from collectors, enthusiasts, and bibliophiles due to their historical significance, unique attributes, or limited availability.
- Audiobooks – Audio recordings of books narrated by professional voice actors or authors are available for streaming or downloading online. It offers a convenient way for individuals to listen to books.
- Books Without An ISBN – Books that do not have an assigned International Standard Book Number (ISBN) can still be purchased online through various platforms.
- eBooks – eBooks are digital versions of books available for reading or downloading online. They offer a digital alternative to traditional printed books and provide readers access to various titles and genres on their digital devices.
Now, let us know how to choose a platform for selling books online.
Choosing A Platform For Online Book Selling
Selecting the correct platform can make all the difference when selling books online. Here are some of the top platforms to consider:
Amazon
Amazon is one of the most popular platforms for selling books online. You must craft a seller account and list your books to sell on Amazon. Amazon charges a commission on each sale but provides much support and resources.
Bookscouter
Bookscouter is a search engine that helps you find the best book prices. It compares prices from dozens of buyers, including Amazon, and shows you the best offers. Bookscouter doesn’t buy books but can help you find the best place to sell them.
Ziffit
Ziffit is a UK-based platform that lets you sell books, CDs, DVDs, and games. You can use its app to scan your items and get an instant quote. Ziffit pays for shipping and sends you the money via bank transfer or PayPal. It’s a convenient and easy-to-use platform, but remember, it’s only available in the UK.
eBay
eBay is another popular platform for selling books online. It’s a bit different from Amazon because it’s an auction site, so you’ll need to set a starting price and wait for buyers to bid. eBay takes a commission on each sale but provides much flexibility and control over how you sell your books.
Ultimately, the best platform depends on your goals, preferences, and location. Consider your options carefully and choose the platform that’s right for you.
Powell’s Books
Powell’s Books offers various new, used, rare, and out-of-print books spanning various genres and subjects. With multiple floors and shelves brimming with literary treasures, the store is a heaven for book enthusiasts and collectors.
Powell has a bidding process where you can add ISBNs to your books. Once you accept the bid, you can ship the books independently or utilize their prepaid mailing label. A confirmation will be sent upon their arrival, and you will receive payment in the form of Powell’s account credit or a deposit via PayPal.
BookDeal
BookDeal is an online platform that facilitates connections between individuals seeking to sell their pre-owned books and potential book buyers. It provides a convenient and user-friendly interface, granting access to a network of trusted book buyers. By utilizing BookDeal, individuals can compare offers and secure the best possible prices for their books.
When selling through BookDeal, individuals can provide the ISBN or title of their books. This information enables them to receive instant quotes from multiple book buyers. Sellers can make informed decisions and select the most favorable option by comparing offers.
Textbooks.com
Textbooks.com is an online platform that supplies textbooks and educational resources to students, educators, and book enthusiasts. It provides a wide-ranging collection of textbooks covering diverse subjects and academic levels, serving college and K-12 education.
Textbooks.com offers a convenient avenue when it comes to selling used books. Once you accept a buyback quote, the quoted price remains valid for 30 days, and the platform provides a complimentary UPS label for shipping.
Payouts for sold books are issued via a check or deposited into a PayPal account within one to four weeks after receiving the book.
AbeBooks
AbeBooks is an esteemed online marketplace dedicated to books that facilitate global transactions between individuals and independent sellers. Here, users can engage in buying and selling activities for a wide range of books, including new releases, pre-owned copies, rare editions, and out-of-print titles.
Buyers can choose between purchasing new books for a pristine reading experience or using copies often priced more affordably.
Now, it’s time to disclose the step-by-step process on how to sell books online.
Step-By-Step Complete Guide On How To Sell Books Online
Before you start selling your books online, you must ensure they are in good condition and have the necessary information to be listed. Here are some key steps to prepare your books for sale.
1. Provide ISBN And Barcode
You must provide the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or the barcode when selling books online. The ISBN is a unique identifier of a book, while the barcode is a scannable code that contains the ISBN.
If your book still needs an ISBN or barcode, you can still sell it, but it may be more challenging to list and sell. You can purchase ISBNs from Bowker or other authorized ISBN providers.
2. Follow The Condition Guidelines
When selling books online, describing the book’s condition is essential. Most online marketplaces have condition guidelines that you should follow to ensure that buyers know what they are getting. Here are some common condition guidelines:
- New – The book is in brand new condition.
- Like New – The book is in excellent condition with no visible signs of wear.
- Very Good – The book may have minor wear and tear but is still readable.
- Good – The book may have signs of wear and tear, such as creases or highlighting, but it is still in readable condition.
- Acceptable – The book may have significant wear and tear, such as missing pages or a damaged dust jacket, but it is still readable.
When describing your book’s condition, be honest and accurate. Use clear language and provide photos if possible to help buyers understand the book’s condition.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your books are ready to sell online and that buyers know what they are getting.
3. Create Your Seller Account
First, you must create a seller account on the platform of your choice. Some popular options include Amazon, AbeBooks, and Blurb.
Let’s take the example of Amazon. Amazon allows you to choose between an individual and a professional plan. The individual plan is free, but you must pay a fee for each book you sell. The professional plan costs $39.99 monthly but allows you to list unlimited books without additional fees.
If you want to create an Amazon seller account, follow the Amazon Seller Central website prompts. You’ll need to provide basic information about yourself and your business, such as your name, address, and tax ID number.
4. Upload Your Listings
Start uploading your book listings on your seller account. You may need to provide different types of information, such as the book’s ISBN, title, author, and condition.
If you’re using Amazon, you can choose between two types of fulfillment: Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) and Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA). With MFN, you can handle the shipping and customer service yourself. And with FBA, Amazon handles your shipping and customer service, but you must pay a fee.
When you’re uploading your listings, you should use high-quality photos & a detailed description of the book’s condition. You may also want to set a competitive price to attract buyers.
Listing your books online reaches a wider audience & sells more copies. Following these steps, you can create a seller account and upload your listings quickly.
5. Shipping Costs And Labels
When you’re shipping your books, consider the shipping costs and labels. Shipping costs depend on the book’s weight, destination, and carrier.
You need to print the shipping label once you have calculated the shipping costs. The shipping label contains the shipping address, tracking number, and other essential information. You can print the shipping label using a printer or a printer.
6. Fulfillment Options
There are two main fulfillment options when selling books online: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN).
FBA is a program where Amazon stores, packs, and ships your books to customers. With FBA, you can use Amazon’s vast customer base and shipping network. However, FBA includes additional fees, such as storage and fulfillment.
Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) is a program where you can store, pack, & ship your books to customers. With MFN, you can control the shipping process and save on storage and fulfillment fees. However, you must handle the shipping yourself, which can be time-consuming.
When you’re choosing between FBA and MFN, consider the cost, time, and control trade-offs. If you have a large sales volume, FBA may be the better option. However, MFN may be better if you have a smaller sales volume and want more control over the shipping process.
By considering the shipping costs and labels and choosing the right fulfillment option, you can ensure customer satisfaction and maximize your profits.
See how Wayne L. Winston is selling his books online on Amazon –
7. Discounts and Promotions
Discounts attract new customers & retain existing ones. You can offer discounts on your books for a limited time or bundle them with other products to increase their value. Here are some ideas for discounts and promotions:
- Holiday sales – Offer discounts during Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other festive occasions.
- Bundle deals – Bundle your books with other products like bookmarks, posters, or other merchandise to increase their value.
- Free shipping – Provides free shipping on orders over a certain amount to let customers buy more.
8. Newsletters
Newsletter keeps your customers engaged & informed about your new releases, promotions, and other updates. You can send weekly newsletters to your subscribers. Here are some tips for creating high-quality newsletters:
- Keep it short and simple – Keep your newsletters short and to the point and highlight the critical information about your books and promotions.
- Use eye-catching designs – Use attractive designs and images to make your newsletters visually appealing.
- Include a call-to-action – Encourage subscribers to take action by including a call-to-action in your newsletters, such as “Buy Now” or “Learn More.”
9. Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are becoming increasingly popular for buying and selling books online. Create a mobile application for your bookstore to make browsing and buying your books easier for your customers. Here are some benefits of having a mobile app:
- Convenience – Customers can browse and buy your books from anywhere, anytime.
- Personalization – You can personalize your app with features like recommendations, wish lists, and more.
- Push notifications – Remind your customers about new releases, promotions, and other updates.
By offering discounts and promotions, sending newsletters, and creating a mobile app, you can attract new customers, retain existing ones, & boost your sales.
So, these were the steps on how to sell books online. Now, let us look at some tips & techniques to increase book sales.
Tips And Strategies On How To Sell Books Online
To sell books online successfully, you must have a solid strategy. I will discuss some strategies to sell both used and new books.
Selling Used Books
Selling used books is an excellent way to make extra cash or store credit. Here are some tips to help you sell your used books:
- Check the condition – No one wants to buy a book that is falling apart or has pages missing. So, before selling your used books, ensure they are in good condition.
- Research prices – Research to find out how much your book is worth. Check online marketplaces like AbeBooks, Powell’s Books, and Half Price Books to see what similar books are selling for.
- Be honest about the condition – When listing your book for sale, be honest. If it has any flaws, mention them in the listing.
- Consider selling in bulk – If you have a collection of used books, consider selling them in bulk. This can be a great way to get rid of books quickly and make some extra cash.
Selling New Books
Selling new books can be trickier than selling used ones, but there are still ways to profit. Here are some tips to help you sell your new books:
- Find your niche – If you are a writer or publisher, finding your niche can be key to selling your books. Focus on a specific genre or topic to attract readers interested in a subject.
- Offer promotions – Offer discounts or free shipping to encourage people to buy your book.
- Get reviews – Ask your readers to leave your book reviews on online marketplaces like Amazon. Positive reviews can help attract new readers.
- Use social media – Use social media channels to market your books & connect with potential readers.
Whether you are selling used or new books, there are plenty of ways to profit. These strategies improve your chances of success and make extra cash or store credit.
Now, you’re aware of how to sell books online and tips to increase your book sales. So, let us look at the benefits of online book selling in the next section.
Benefits Of Online Book Selling
There are many advantages to sell books online. Let us look at the benefits:
- Selling books online opens up new possibilities. It grants sellers access to a vast global audience across different regions and countries.
- The convenience of online bookselling benefits both sellers and buyers, as sellers can easily manage their inventory, set prices, and fulfill orders without leaving their homes or offices.
- You can manage your inventory effortlessly through online platforms by listing books, tracking stock availability, and making updates as necessary.
- Online platforms cater to the diverse interests of various niche markets by allowing sellers to target specific book genres, categories, or audiences that align with their offerings.
- The cost-saving advantage of online bookselling shines through, as it eliminates the need for physical storefronts by reducing expenses associated with rent, utilities, and staffing.
- The potential for maximizing profits expands on selling books online. It gives sellers greater control over pricing and attracts buyers with competitive offers.
- The direct channel established by online bookselling connects sellers directly with buyers by encouraging personal connections and facilitating responsive customer service.
- You can integrate with other sales channels, including social media platforms or personal websites through online platforms. It amplifies sellers’ reach and allows them to leverage additional avenues for promoting and selling books.
Now, let us have a look at some FAQs on how to sell books online.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) On How To Sell Books Online
1. How to sell second hand books online?
You can sell second hand books online by using these platforms:
- Amazon
- BookScouter
- eBay
- Powell’s Books
2. Is it worth trying to sell books online?
Yes, selling books online presents a lucrative opportunity to generate additional income. Consider the steep prices of textbooks and academic books by recouping some expenses through their sale. Selling your used textbooks is advantageous by ensuring you maximize your returns sooner rather than later.
3. Can you sell books to Barnes and Noble’s?
Enter the ISBN on the back of the book you intend to sell into the designated field labeled Get Quote. Click the Get Quote button to view the amount to pay for your book instantly.
Final Thoughts On How To Sell Books Online
Selling books online can be lucrative if you approach it strategically. You can start by choosing an online marketplace that suits your objectives and target audience. Then, create precise descriptions with high-quality images and emphasize distinctive selling features.
Conduct market research and establish competitive prices based on condition, edition, and rarity. Enhance the visibility of your listings by optimizing them with appropriate keywords, titles, and author names to improve search rankings.
You can further expand your reach by promoting your books through social media, forums, and relevant communities. You can offer bundle deals, free shipping, personalized recommendations, or detailed information about the book’s condition to stand out.
I hope today’s article on how to sell books online sounds helpful!
