How to Buy Used Books Online

• Also try: How to Buy Books Online

Guide Note: Amazon isn't the only place to buy used books online. There are used book specialty sites and book swapping services available to bargain book hunters as well.

How to Buy Used Books Online will walk you through some of the internet's best sites for finding and buying used literary gems.

Introduction

• Whether you're looking to buy books on the cheap or want to score a rare first edition, the internet can help. While most major book retailers sell used books, specialized services can help you track down the true rarities. And, if you're really looking for a bargain, book swapping sites will let you exchange your dog-eared reads for someone else's. The following guide will walk you through finding and buying used, rare and out-of-print books online.

Buy Used, Rare and Out-of-Print Books

(Creative Commons photo by Gonzalo Viera)

• Many major new book retailers also sell used books, but there are those sites which specialize in locating and selling used, rare and out-of-print books by aggregating the inventories of used book stores from all over the world. These sites can be your best bet if you're looking for something especially hard to find.

• Regardless of which site you're using, remember that you're usually dealing with independent sellers. Check their selling history and customer ratings before making a purchase.

Major Online Retailers that Sell Used Books

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble.com Used Books
• Powell's Used Books
• Half.com

Specialized Used, Rare and Out-of-Print Book Retailers

• Alibris
• AbeBooks.com (Also sells new books)
• Biblio.com

Used Book Swapping Services

• The internet has precipitated the growth of book exchange clubs that allow you to list your books, send them to other users who request them, earn points for the transaction and get the books you want in exchange. These sites are an inexpensive and fun way to get your hands on a book you're looking for while passing on your own past reads. The only cost you incur is the cost of mailing your books to others.

• BookMooch
• PaperBackSwap

BookMooch: an online book exchange.

Online Buying Safety Tips

• Whether you are buying from a trusted retailer like Amazon or a small independent publisher using PayPal to process transactions, some internet buying safety tips apply across the board when it comes to protecting you from identity theft.

Check that the site is secure before entering your credit card number. (Photo by Steve Woods)

1. Use the most recent version of your Internet browser. It will usually update automatically, but you can check for updates under the Help menu.
2. Check to see what the web site's security policies are. They should be easy to find. If they're not, that's a red flag about the retailer's trustworthiness!
3. Look for a little lock symbol at the bottom of your browser when you are submitting your information.
4. The letters "https" should appear at the beginning of the URL if you are on a page where you will submit your personal and credit card information.
5. Make sure to keep the receipt for what you purchased. You should be able to print one out at the end of your transaction.
6. Check your credit card statement for any errors.
7. Don't ever give out your credit card information by instant messaging service or email.
8. Notify your credit card company immediately if anything fishy happens.

Check the seller's history and customer ratings before making a purchase. (Screenshot by Mahalo)

How Do You Know if a Seller is Trustworthy?

• Whether you're buying used books from an independent seller on Amazon or a new book from an author's personal website, take some time to investigate the seller before making your purchase.

1. If you are buying used books from an independent seller on major sites like Amazon or Alibris, check the seller's history, customer feedback rating and return policy.
2. Check to see if a smaller retailer's site is secure. Does it have emblems that say "Hacker Safe", "Verisign Secure" or "BBB Reliability Program"? Then it has been approved by a trustworthy organization. Retailers without these emblems often are not trustworthy.
3. A trustworthy retailer will have a 1-800 or 1-888 number for you to call in order to reach their customer service. If they don't provide any phone number, that is cause for suspicion; if they don't provide any contact information at all, they are certainly not trustworthy.
4. Look for a good "About Us" section that includes information on the company's policies, features, and even a brief history. If they're not giving you that information, you probably don't want to give them your money.
5. What is the site's return policy? Reputable sellers stand by their products, and offer customers the opportunity to return items that aren't up to par. If the return policy is restrictive or non-existent, caveat emptor!

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