Sell Used Books on Amazon: A Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Books for Selling
Assess Book Condition and Value
Before listing, meticulously inspect each book. Amazon uses specific condition guidelines (New, Used – Like New, Used – Very Good, Used – Good, Used – Acceptable). Be honest and conservative in your assessment; overstating condition leads to returns and negative feedback. For example, a book with a slightly creased cover but otherwise clean pages might be “Very Good,” while a book with significant highlighting and dog-eared pages might only be “Acceptable.” Research current selling prices for your specific book’s ISBN and condition on Amazon itself. Look at the “Used” offers for your title and note the prices for comparable conditions. This helps you price competitively and determine if a book is worth the effort to sell.
Clean and Photograph Your Books
Gently clean the books. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe dust from covers and page edges. For hardcovers, ensure the dust jacket is clean and free of smudges. If there are minor scuffs, try a gentle eraser on non-glossy surfaces. Avoid using liquids that could damage the book. Take clear, well-lit photographs of each book. Include the front cover, back cover, spine, and any significant flaws (e.g., a torn page, a prominent stain). Use natural light if possible, or a well-lit area with a neutral background. Multiple angles and close-ups of any imperfections build buyer trust and prevent disputes.
Step 2: Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account
Choose Your Selling Plan
Amazon offers two selling plans: Individual and Professional. The Individual plan is free per month but charges a $0.99 fee per item sold, plus referral fees. This is suitable if you plan to sell fewer than 40 items per month. The Professional plan costs $39.99 per month but waives the $0.99 per-item fee, making it more cost-effective if you sell more than 40 items monthly. The Professional plan also offers access to advanced selling tools and bulk listing options. Consider your expected volume of sales before making a decision.
Register Your Seller Account
Go to sellercentral.amazon.com and click “Sign up.” You will need to provide a valid credit card, bank account information (for deposits), tax information (SSN or EIN), and a phone number. Amazon will verify your identity, which may involve a video call or submitting additional documentation. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays in account activation. This process can take a few days to a week, so start it well in advance of when you plan to list your first book.
Step 3: List Your Books on Amazon
Find Your Book’s Existing Listing
In Seller Central, navigate to “Inventory” and then “Add a Product.” The easiest way to list is by searching for the book’s ISBN (International Standard Book Number), which is usually found near the barcode on the back cover or copyright page. If you find an exact match, click “Sell yours.” You’ll then enter your specific book’s condition, price, and quantity. Use the condition notes field to describe any specific wear or unique characteristics not covered by the standard condition categories (e.g., “Signed by author,” “Light highlighting on first 10 pages,” “Missing dust jacket”).
Create a New Listing (if necessary)
If your book’s ISBN doesn’t yield a result, or if it’s a very old or rare edition without an existing Amazon product page, you may need to create a new listing. Click “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon.” You will then manually input all product details: title, author, publisher, publication date, ISBN (if available), binding type, number of pages, and a detailed product description. You’ll also need to upload high-quality cover images. This process is more involved and should only be done if an existing listing cannot be found.
Step 4: Manage Orders and Ship Your Books
Process Customer Orders
When a customer purchases your book, you will receive an email notification from Amazon and the order will appear in your Seller Central dashboard under “Orders” > “Manage Orders.” Click “Confirm shipment” after you have packaged the item. You are expected to ship within two business days of receiving the order. Regularly check your Seller Central account for new orders, as emails can sometimes be delayed or missed.
Package and Ship Your Books
Proper packaging is crucial to prevent damage during transit. For most books, a bubble mailer offers sufficient protection. For more valuable or fragile books, use a sturdy cardboard box with packing material (e.g., bubble wrap, packing peanuts) to prevent movement. Securely tape all seams of the package. Purchase shipping labels directly through Amazon’s Buy Shipping service in Seller Central; this provides tracking information and often offers discounted rates. Affix the label clearly to the package. Drop off the package at the designated carrier location (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx) promptly. Always retain proof of shipment until the buyer confirms receipt.
FAQs
How do I handle returns or customer complaints?
Amazon has a robust return policy. If a buyer requests a return, Amazon will typically initiate the process, and you’ll be notified. Review the reason for the return. If the item is returned in a different condition or is not the original item, you can dispute it with Amazon. For customer complaints, respond promptly and professionally through the Amazon messaging system. Often, clear communication can resolve issues before they escalate to negative feedback.
What are Amazon’s fees for selling used books?
Besides the potential monthly subscription fee ($0 for Individual, $39.99 for Professional), Amazon charges a referral fee (a percentage of the sale price, typically 15% for books) and a variable closing fee ($1.80 for books) on each sale. Individual sellers also pay a $0.99 per-item fee. These fees are deducted directly from your sale proceeds before Amazon deposits the remainder into your bank account.
Can I sell books internationally on Amazon?
Yes, you can. When setting up your account, you can choose to enable international shipping. However, be aware that international shipping costs are significantly higher, and customs regulations can be complex. It’s often recommended for new sellers to start with domestic shipping only to gain experience before venturing into international sales.
What if my book doesn’t have an ISBN?
For very old books published before ISBNs were common (pre-1970s), or for specific rare editions, you may still be able to list them. You’ll need to create a new product listing manually, providing as much detail as possible (author, title, publisher, publication year, binding, number of pages, etc.). You’ll also need to upload high-quality images of the book. Without an ISBN, it can be harder for buyers to find your specific listing, so detailed descriptions and good photos are even more critical.
