If you’ve ever looked at your bookshelf and wondered what to do with books you no longer need, you might have considered selling them back to Amazon. But does Amazon actually buy back books? The short answer is no, but with some workarounds. Here’s everything you need to know about Amazon’s book buyback process and alternative options to make the most of your unwanted books.
Amazon’s Textbook Buyback Program (Now Retired)
Amazon used to have a formal textbook buyback program (which it started way back in 2011) where you could sell back used textbooks in exchange for Amazon gift cards. However, this program was discontinued in 2020. So, if you’re specifically looking to sell textbooks, Amazon no longer has a dedicated program for that purpose. Sorry! Textbook Buyback is in the Amazon Graveyard, which we keep track of right here.
Can You Still Sell Books on Amazon?
Yes! While Amazon no longer runs a buyback program, you can still sell books directly on their platform. Here’s how:
1. Sell Books on Amazon as an Individual Seller
We actually have a whole article about selling books on Amazon right here. The gist is this:
You can list your books for sale on Amazon’s Marketplace as an individual seller. Here’s how:
- Create an Amazon Seller account if you don’t have one already. There’s only a fee if you go over a certain number of transactions (or want to be a professional seller, which you probably do not). Otherwise they take the fees out of whatever you sell. https://seller.amazon.com
- Go to the product page of the book you want to sell.
- Click the “Sell on Amazon” button.
- Set your price and choose your shipping options.
Keep in mind:
- Amazon charges selling fees (usually a percentage of the sale price).
- You’ll need to ship the book yourself once it sells.
2. Sell Books on eBay
Another surprisingly decent alternative to Amazon’s marketplace is to sell books on eBay. Yes, eBay is old school, but they have a really huge digital footprint, which basically means your listing will get found (and hopefully bought) very quickly. That’s something!
Here’s how to do that:
- Create an eBay account. Your (or your parents) probably have an old one from the 1990s.
- Research Pricing: Check similar listings and sold prices on eBay to set a competitive price.
- Create a Detailed Listing: Use clear titles, honest descriptions (include condition and defects), and quality photos.
- Choose Affordable Shipping: Use options like Media Mail (U.S.) and package books securely to avoid damage.
- Promote Your Listings: Share on social media and consider offering free shipping or discounts to attract buyers.
3. Partner with a Third-Party Book Reseller
Some third-party services, like SellBackYourBook.com or BookScouter, work in conjunction with Amazon to help you sell books. These platforms allow you to compare buyback prices from multiple vendors, making it easy to find the best deal.
Tips for Selling Books Successfully
To maximize the value of your books, follow these tips:
- Check Condition: Books in excellent condition fetch higher prices. Make sure there are no torn pages, stains, or excessive wear.
- Research Market Value: Use tools like BookScouter to compare prices across platforms before listing your book.
- Bundle Sets: If you have a series, sell it as a bundle to increase its appeal to buyers.
- Take Good Photos: When listing books on Amazon or other platforms, clear and well-lit photos can make a big difference.
TL;DR
While Amazon no longer has a dedicated book buyback program, it still offers avenues to sell books through its Marketplace. Additionally, third-party platforms and local options provide alternatives for selling or donating books. Whether you’re looking to clear shelf space, make a little cash, or support a good cause, there are plenty of ways to give your books a new life.
