Sell Used Books on Amazon: A Complete Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Books for Selling
Assess Book Condition and Value
Before listing, meticulously inspect each book. Amazon categorizes conditions as New, Used – Like New, Used – Very Good, Used – Good, and Used – Acceptable. Be honest; misrepresenting condition leads to negative feedback and returns. For example, a book with a slightly torn dust jacket but pristine pages might be “Very Good,” while one with significant highlighting or a creased cover might be “Good” or “Acceptable.” Check the current prices for your specific edition (ISBN) on Amazon. Look at both FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) and FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) offers to get a realistic sense of market value. Consider the sales rank (a lower number means it sells faster) if visible, as this indicates demand.
Clean and Photograph Your Books
Lightly clean your books. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe dust from covers and page edges. For hardcovers, gently clean the dust jacket. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the book. Take clear, well-lit photographs. Use a neutral background (a plain wall or table works well). Capture the front cover, back cover, spine, and any significant flaws (e.g., a torn page, highlighting, creased corner). For “Like New” or “Very Good” books, one clear photo of the front cover might suffice, but for “Good” or “Acceptable” conditions, multiple photos detailing the wear are crucial for transparency. Ensure images are high resolution and in focus.
Step 2: Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account
Choose Your Selling Plan
Amazon offers two 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 if you sell 40 or more items monthly. The Professional plan also grants access to advanced selling tools, bulk listing options, and eligibility for the Buy Box. For selling used books casually, start with the Individual plan; you can upgrade anytime.
Register Your Seller Account
Go to sellercentral.amazon.com and click “Sign Up.” You will need a valid credit card (that can be charged internationally), a bank account (for deposits), your tax information (SSN or EIN), and a phone number. During registration, Amazon will verify your identity, which may involve a video call or submitting additional documents. Ensure all information provided matches your legal documents exactly to avoid delays. Select “Sell as an Individual” or “Sell as a Professional” based on your chosen plan. You will also need to name your store (this is what customers see).
Step 3: List Your Books on Amazon
Find the Book on Amazon’s Catalog
Log into your Seller Central account. In the search bar at the top, type the book’s ISBN (International Standard Book Number), ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), or title. The ISBN is usually found on the back cover above the barcode or on the copyright page. Using the ISBN is the most accurate way to find the exact edition. Once the listing appears, click “Sell yours” or “Have one to sell?” next to the product. This ensures your book is listed under the correct product page.
Enter Your Book’s Details and Price
On the “Offer” page, select the condition of your book from the dropdown menu (e.g., “Used – Very Good”). Provide a detailed condition note in the allocated text box. For example, “Light shelf wear on dust jacket, pages clean with no markings” or “Highlighting on first 20 pages, otherwise good condition.” Set your price, considering the current offers from other sellers for the same condition. Factor in Amazon’s referral fees (typically 15% for books) and the $0.99 per-item fee (for Individual sellers). Choose your fulfillment method: “I will ship this item myself” (FBM – Fulfilled by Merchant) or “Amazon will ship and provide customer service” (FBA – Fulfilled by Amazon). For FBM, you control shipping. For FBA, you send your books to Amazon’s warehouse, and they handle fulfillment (requires a Professional plan and additional steps not covered here). For starting out, FBM is simpler.
Step 4: Package and Ship Your Books
Properly Package Your Books for Shipping
Once a book sells, Amazon will notify you. Go to “Manage Orders” in Seller Central. Print the packing slip. Use sturdy packaging materials. For a single paperback, a bubble mailer might suffice, but for hardcovers or multiple books, a corrugated cardboard box is recommended. Wrap books in bubble wrap or place them in a poly bag before boxing to protect against moisture and impact. Fill any empty space in the box with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air pillows to prevent movement during transit. Securely tape all seams of the package with strong packing tape. Ensure the shipping label is clearly affixed and scannable.
Ship Your Books to the Customer
Amazon provides shipping labels through their “Buy Shipping” service in Seller Central, often at discounted rates. You can select your preferred carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx). Print the label, attach it to your package, and drop it off at the designated carrier location. Confirm shipment in Seller Central by entering the tracking number. This updates the order status for the customer and ensures you get paid. Ship promptly, ideally within one business day of receiving the order, to maintain a good seller performance rating.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to get paid after selling a book?
A: Amazon typically holds funds for a period (usually 7-14 days after shipment, or until the estimated delivery date has passed) and then initiates a transfer to your bank account. Transfers occur every two weeks, provided you have a positive balance. New sellers might experience longer initial holds.
Q: What if a customer wants to return a book?
A: Amazon has a customer-centric return policy. If a customer requests a return, you are generally required to accept it within 30 days of delivery. For seller-fulfilled orders (FBM), you will need to provide a return shipping label or approve the return request. Once you receive the book back, you refund the customer. If the book is returned in a different condition than sent, or if the return reason is buyer-faulted (e.g., “no longer needed”), you may be able to issue a partial refund or deduct return shipping costs, but this should be handled carefully to avoid negative feedback.
Q: Can I sell books without an ISBN?
A: Most modern books have an ISBN. For very old or rare books that predate the ISBN system, you might be able to list them if they already exist in Amazon’s catalog without an ISBN. However, creating new listings for items without an ISBN can be more complex and may require a Professional selling plan and specific category approval. It’s generally much easier to sell books that have an ISBN.
Q: Are there any books I cannot sell on Amazon?
A: Yes, Amazon has restrictions. You cannot sell pirated, counterfeit, or illegally reproduced books. Books with significant mold or water damage that makes them unusable or unsanitary are also generally prohibited. Additionally, some categories or specific titles might be restricted to approved sellers only. Always review Amazon’s “Restricted Products” policies in Seller Central if you are unsure.
