Sell Used Books on Amazon: Free & Easy Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Books for Selling
Assess Book Condition and Value
Before listing, meticulously inspect each book. Amazon uses specific condition guidelines. For “Used – Like New,” there should be no visible wear on the cover or pages, and no markings. “Used – Very Good” allows for minor signs of wear, but all pages must be intact and legible. “Used – Good” permits more significant wear, but the book must still be readable and complete. “Used – Acceptable” means the book may have significant wear, highlighting, or notes, but the core content must be present and readable. Books with missing pages, water damage, or mold are generally not sellable. After assessing condition, check recent sales data for comparable items on Amazon or other marketplaces to get an idea of a realistic selling price. Remember, the “free” aspect comes from using the Individual Seller plan, which charges per sale, not per listing.
Gather Necessary Information (ISBN, Edition)
Locate the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for each book. This is typically a 10 or 13-digit number found on the back cover near the barcode, on the copyright page, or inside the front cover. For older books, you might find a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) or no identifier at all; in such cases, you’ll rely on the title, author, and publisher. Note the edition (e.g., first edition, paperback, hardcover, revised edition) as this significantly impacts value and ensures you list against the correct product page. Having this information readily available will streamline the listing process.
Step 2: Create Your Amazon Seller Account
Choose the Individual Seller Plan
To sell for “free” (meaning no monthly subscription fee), you must select the Individual Seller plan. Navigate to sell.amazon.com and click “Sign up.” When prompted, choose the “Individual” option. This plan charges a flat fee of $0.99 per item sold, plus referral fees (a percentage of the sale price, which varies by category, but for books is typically 15%). There are no listing fees, making it ideal for casual sellers with a smaller volume of items.
Provide Required Personal and Payment Information
Amazon requires specific information to set up your seller account. Be prepared to provide: your legal name, address, phone number, a valid credit card (even though you’re on the individual plan, this is for verification and potential charges like advertising, though you won’t incur a monthly fee), and bank account details for direct deposits of your earnings. You may also need to provide tax information (e.g., Social Security Number or EIN) for tax reporting purposes, as Amazon will issue a 1099-K form if you meet certain sales thresholds. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays in account activation.
Step 3: List Your Books on Amazon
Search for Existing Product Pages (Matching ISBN)
Log into your Amazon Seller Central account. Go to “Inventory” and select “Add a Product.” In the search bar, enter the ISBN of your book. Amazon will display existing product pages. It is crucial to match your book’s edition, cover art, and all details precisely to an existing listing. If multiple listings appear for the same ISBN, compare publication dates, publishers, and cover images to find the exact match. If no matching page exists (rare for ISBN-identified books, but possible for very old or obscure titles), you’ll need to create a new product page, which is a more involved process. For the purpose of selling “free and easy,” focus on books with existing pages.
Set Your Price and Shipping Options
Once you’ve selected the correct product page, you’ll be prompted to enter details for your specific offering. Select “Used” as the condition, and then choose the specific sub-condition (Like New, Very Good, Good, Acceptable) based on your assessment in Step 1. Enter your selling price. To be competitive, review the “Used” offers from other sellers on the same product page. Consider the book’s condition, your desired profit, and Amazon’s fees when setting your price. For shipping, as an Individual Seller, you will use Amazon’s default shipping rates, and the buyer pays for shipping. You will receive a shipping credit from Amazon to cover postage costs. You cannot set custom shipping rates on the Individual plan. Finally, enter the quantity of the book you have available (usually 1 for a used book) and click “Save and Finish” to list your item.
Step 4: Package and Ship Your Books
Properly Package Your Books for Safe Transit
Once a sale occurs, Amazon will notify you via email and in Seller Central. You’ll need to ship the book promptly. For packaging, use sturdy materials. A bubble mailer is suitable for smaller, lighter paperbacks, but for hardcovers or multiple books, a corrugated cardboard box is recommended. Wrap books in bubble wrap or a layer of cardboard to protect corners and covers from dings and bends. Fill any empty space in the box with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air pillows to prevent the book from shifting during transit. Securely tape all seams of the package. Consider adding a “Do Not Bend” or “Fragile” label for extra care, though not strictly necessary for most books.
Ship Your Books to the Buyer
Print the packing slip provided by Amazon Seller Central and include it inside the package. This slip helps the buyer verify their order. Purchase postage based on the package’s weight and dimensions. You can do this online through services like USPS Click-N-Ship, Pirate Ship, or directly at your local post office. Ensure you use a shipping service that provides tracking information (e.g., USPS Media Mail, First Class Package, or Priority Mail). Media Mail is the most cost-effective option for books within the US but is slower. Enter the tracking number into Seller Central to confirm shipment and allow the buyer to track their order. Ship within the handling time specified in your listing (usually 1-2 business days) 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 about 7-14 days after the estimated delivery date or when tracking confirms delivery, whichever is later, to account for potential returns or issues. After this period, funds are disbursed to your linked bank account on a regular schedule, usually every two weeks.
Q: What if my book doesn’t have an ISBN? Can I still sell it?
A: Yes, for books without an ISBN (common for very old, rare, or self-published titles), you can still list them. You’ll need to create a new product page by searching for the title and author and then selecting “Create a new product listing.” Be prepared to provide detailed information including title, author, publisher, publication date, binding type, and upload clear photos of the actual book.
Q: Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of with the Individual Seller plan?
A: The main fees are the $0.99 per-item fee and the referral fee (a percentage of the sale price, typically 15% for books). While there’s no monthly subscription, Amazon may charge a “variable closing fee” for media items (around $1.80 per item for books). All these fees are deducted from your sale price before you receive payment. Always calculate your net profit before setting your price.
Q: What’s the best way to determine a competitive price for my used book?
A: On the Amazon product page for your book, click the “Used” offers link. Sort by price (lowest first) and compare your book’s condition to others. Consider pricing slightly below identical conditions or matching the lowest price if you want a quick sale. For rarer books, research historical sales data if available, or price based on market demand and scarcity, not just condition.
