Step 1: Prepare Your Books for Selling
Assess Book Condition and Value
Before listing, meticulously inspect each book. Amazon uses a specific grading scale: New, Used – Like New, Used – Very Good, Used – Good, Used – Acceptable, and Collectible. For “Used – Like New,” the book should have no visible flaws. “Used – Very Good” allows for minor wear, such as a small crease on the cover. “Used – Good” permits more noticeable wear but no missing pages or significant damage. “Used – Acceptable” means the book is complete and readable but may have significant wear, highlighting, or dog-eared pages. Do not list books with missing pages, water damage, or excessive mold. Cross-reference your book’s ISBN (International Standard Book Number, usually on the back cover or copyright page) with Amazon’s current listings to gauge its market value and demand. Check the “Used” section for similar conditions to price competitively.
Gather Necessary Supplies
You’ll need a few items to streamline your selling process. Essential supplies include a digital camera (a smartphone camera is usually sufficient) for taking clear photos, a clean, well-lit area for photography, bubble wrap or packing paper, sturdy shipping boxes or padded mailers, clear packing tape, a reliable scale for weighing packages (a kitchen scale works for most books), and a printer for shipping labels. Having these ready before you start listing will save significant time.
Step 2: Create Your Amazon Seller Account
Choose Your Selling Plan
Amazon offers two primary selling plans: Individual and Professional. The Individual plan is suitable if you plan to sell fewer than 40 items per month, as it charges a $0.99 fee per item sold (plus referral fees). The Professional plan costs $39.99 per month but waives the per-item fee, making it more cost-effective for high-volume sellers. Consider your projected sales volume carefully. You can always upgrade from an Individual to a Professional plan later if your sales increase.
Set Up Your Seller Profile
Navigate to sellercentral.amazon.com and click “Sign up.” You’ll need to provide your legal name, address, phone number, a valid credit card (for Amazon to charge fees), and tax information (e.g., Social Security Number or EIN for US sellers). Amazon will verify your identity. During setup, you’ll also create your “Display Name,” which is how buyers will see your store. Ensure it’s professional and easy to remember.
Step 3: List Your Books on Amazon
Find Existing Product Pages
The easiest way to list a book is to find its existing product page. In your Seller Central account, go to “Inventory” > “Add a Product.” Enter the book’s ISBN, ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), or title into the search bar. If the book exists, select “Sell yours.” You’ll then be prompted to enter your condition (e.g., “Used – Very Good”), your price, and the quantity you have available. Provide a concise, accurate “Condition Note” detailing any specific wear or features not covered by the standard condition grade (e.g., “Minor shelf wear on dust jacket; no highlighting”).
Create New Product Listings (if necessary)
If your book does not have an existing product page on Amazon (rare, but possible for very old, obscure, or self-published titles), you’ll need to create a new listing. From “Add a Product,” click “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon.” You’ll then manually input all product details: title, author, publisher, publication date, ISBN, binding type (paperback, hardcover), number of pages, and a detailed product description. You’ll also need to upload high-quality images of the front cover, back cover, and any significant flaws. This process is more time-consuming and should only be done if no existing page can be found.
Step 4: Ship Your Books to Buyers
Package Your Books Securely
Proper packaging is crucial to prevent damage during transit. Wrap books individually in bubble wrap or several layers of packing paper. For multiple books, ensure they are snugly packed to prevent shifting. Use sturdy cardboard boxes or padded mailers appropriate for the book’s size and weight. Fill any empty space with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air pillows to prevent movement. Securely seal all seams of the package with strong packing tape.
Print Shipping Labels and Ship
Once an order is placed, Amazon will notify you. In Seller Central, go to “Orders” > “Manage Orders.” Locate the order and click “Buy shipping.” Amazon’s integrated shipping service allows you to purchase and print shipping labels directly, often at discounted rates. Weigh your packaged book carefully and input the exact dimensions and weight into the system to get an accurate shipping quote. Select your preferred carrier (e.g., USPS Media Mail for cost-effective book shipping within the US, though it’s slower) and print the label. Affix the label clearly to the package, ensuring no barcodes are obscured. Drop off the package at the designated carrier location or arrange for a pickup.
FAQs
Q1: Can I sell books without an ISBN?
A1: Yes, very old books published before ISBNs were common (pre-1970s) or certain self-published books may not have an ISBN. For these, you’ll need to create a new product listing on Amazon and use other identifying details like the title, author, publisher, and publication date. High-quality images will be crucial for these listings.
Q2: What is Amazon’s referral fee for books?
A2: For books, Amazon typically charges a referral fee of 15% of the total sales price (including shipping charged to the buyer, but excluding sales tax). This is in addition to the $0.99 per-item fee for Individual sellers or the $39.99 monthly subscription for Professional sellers.
Q3: How long does it take to get paid by Amazon?
A3: Amazon typically holds funds for about two weeks after a sale to ensure the buyer receives the item and is satisfied. After this period, funds are disbursed to your linked bank account on a regular schedule, usually every two weeks. Your first disbursement may take longer due to initial account verification.
Q4: Is Media Mail always the best shipping option for books?
A4: For domestic shipping within the United States, USPS Media Mail is almost always the most cost-effective option for books due to its significantly lower rates. However, it is also the slowest service, with delivery times ranging from 2 to 10 business days or more. If a buyer selects Expedited shipping, you will need to use a faster service like Priority Mail to meet the delivery window.
