How to Price Books to Sell on Amazon
Selling your used books on Amazon can be a profitable endeavor if you know your way around the process. The popularity of Amazon as a source for purchasing online books ensures that your product has maximum access to customers. The drawback, however, is that there are likely dozens of other sellers just like you who may be offering the same book. After examining the process, you'll be able to tell if Amazon is a suitable platform for your products and determine a competitive price for each of your books.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Assess the condition of your book. For example, note if the book is brand new, if the cover has any damage or scratches, or if any pen marks, notes or highlighted passages are evident. The more wear and tear your book has, the lower its price will be.
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2
Look up your book on Amazon and see what the going price is for used copies. Read the details on the condition of each copy to find the closest comparison to your product.
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3
Begin with a price no lower than $2.00 to make even a small profit. If the lowest priced comparable copy is higher than this, aim to price yours one to five cents cheaper.
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4
Estimate the cost of shipping the book. This is the cost of the envelope plus the cost of shipping. Envelope prices will vary depending on the size and shape of your book. United States Postal Service media mail shipping for a book under 1 lb. costs $2.41, at the time of publication.
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5
Subtract $3.99 from your estimated shipping costs. Amazon provides you with a credit of $3.99 for the shipping costs of books. If your estimated costs are lower than this, you can add the difference to your profits. If your shipping cost is higher, the difference accounts as an additional fee.
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6
Calculate the profit for selling your book for your determined price. Your referral fee will be 15 percent of this price. For example, a book priced at $2.00 will have a $0.30 referral fee. You will also pay a closing fee of $1.35. At $2.00, you would only make a profit of $0.35 for your book. Add or subtract the appropriate amount to compensate for shipping costs as determined in the previous step to get your final profit. If the calculated profit is too low for your troubles, price the book higher.
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Tips & Warnings
If you find lots of listings for your book at less than $2.00, you may have serious trouble selling it for a profit on Amazon. Try a local used book store or garage sale instead.
You have the highest chance of selling your book if you're the lowest price. Check back often to ensure your price stays competitive and adjust it as often as needed.
Dishonest representation of the condition of your book can result in poor customer ratings and even refund requests. Always be honest about any damage to your product. Customer ratings have a direct impact on your sales; if potential customers can't trust you, they will not purchase your books.
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