How to Sell a Used Book on the Internet

Old textbooks, out-grown children's books and last year's beach book are all probably stacked somewhere in your house. While it's unlikely that you have a rare first edition lurking around, every used book has a value, and the Internet has made it easy to make a little pocket change by selling that old book online.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find out how much the book is worth by checking online auction sites and used booksellers. Consider the condition of the book and, in the case of textbooks or older printings, look for the edition on the inside cover as this can affect price.

2. Research the cost of shipping the book once sold. Many online sites allow you to set the price of shipping, while others set a standard shipping price. Verify you will still make money once you pay the shipping before listing a book to sell.

3. Consider online book buyers who may pay less than selling it yourself but may pay for shipping and give you a bid for large collections. If selling quickly is the goal, this option is quick, easy and requires the least amount of effort on the seller's part.

4. Write a description of the book's condition and any additional information that is pertinent to getting the asking price of the book. Use a picture of the book's cover and marketing description that is included on the back of the book.

5. List your book on an online auction site or bookseller's site with a reasonable reserve. Answer all questions you may receive through the online site promptly. Clearly state the payment methods accepted, delivery cost and how long delivery should take.

6. Package the book carefully taking care to use materials that will aid in the book undamaged delivery. Ship the book in a timely manner using the method you advertised in your listing.

Tips & Warnings

• Make mailing insurance an option to those purchasing from you.
• If you are required to put a tracking number or insurance on your book by the site, make sure you include this in the shipping cost you pass along to your customer.

Resources

• A site owned by Ebay to sell used books.
• A site to sell used books.
• A site to sell used textbooks.
• Information about media mail and mailing insurance.