It’s not as simple as just listing books and waiting for buyers; there’s a strategy to maximizing profit and keeping customers happy. Whether you’re looking to clear out your old bookshelves or start a full-fledged business, here’s what I’ve learned.

Start With What You Know

When I first started https://booksrun.com/books/sell selling books online, I focused on genres I was familiar with. This made it easier to price books correctly and know what might sell quickly. For example, I had a strong understanding of fantasy and science fiction novels, which allowed me to spot valuable first editions or popular series that were in demand.

My advice: start with what you know and gradually branch out into other categories as you gain more experience. Specializing in one area at first can help you become an expert and attract repeat buyers.

Research and Pricing Are Key

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was guessing at book prices. I quickly realized that this isn’t a winning strategy. Now, I always research before listing a book for sale. Websites like BookScouter, AbeBooks, and even eBay sold listings help me see what similar books are selling for.

A key tip I learned: don’t just look at current listings—check the "sold" listings to see what people are actually paying. This gives a better idea of market demand and helps you set realistic prices that move inventory.

Condition Matters More Than You Think

As an experienced seller, I’ve learned that condition is everything when it comes to selling books. Buyers expect honesty, and if you misrepresent a book’s condition, you’ll quickly lose trust. In my early days, I wasn’t as careful with grading, and I learned the hard way after a few returns.

Now, I’m meticulous about listing every flaw, no matter how small. Whether it’s a slightly creased cover or a tiny stain, I mention it in the description. High-quality photos also go a long way in ensuring buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

Packaging: Invest in Protection

When I first started selling, I used to reuse old boxes and barely padded my shipments. This led to a couple of damaged items and unhappy customers. Trust me, it’s not worth cutting corners on packaging.

These days, I always use quality bubble mailers for paperbacks and sturdy boxes with plenty of padding for hardcovers. It might cost a bit more upfront, but protecting your books ensures that they arrive in the same condition as when you listed them, keeping buyers happy and avoiding costly returns.

Shipping Efficiently

Over time, I’ve streamlined my shipping process. Offering multiple shipping options can make your listings more attractive to buyers. Some people don’t mind waiting a bit longer for a cheaper option, while others are willing to pay more for expedited delivery. I make sure to offer both.

If you’re selling books regularly, it’s worth exploring discounted shipping services. I personally use USPS Media Mail for most of my orders—it’s cost-effective for shipping books within the U.S. If you’re selling internationally, keep in mind that shipping costs can add up quickly, so make sure your listings reflect the right shipping fees.

Where to Source Your Books

Sourcing quality books at low prices is one of the most enjoyable parts of the job, in my opinion. Early on, I’d only rely on my personal collection. But once I saw the potential in selling books, I started scouring thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales.

Library sales are also goldmines. I've found that they often sell books by the box for a flat rate, which can lead to some hidden gems at incredibly low prices. If you’re serious about selling, always be on the lookout for sales and bulk-buy opportunities.

Handling Seller Fees

Each platform has its own set of fees, and they can eat into your profits if you’re not careful. Platforms like Amazon charge referral fees, while eBay has listing fees and final value fees. I’ve learned to calculate the cost of fees before setting my prices, so I know exactly what I’ll earn after the sale.

A tip from my experience: consider selling on multiple platforms to balance fees. Amazon might be better for high-demand books, while eBay or smaller niche sites like AbeBooks can be more cost-effective for rare or collectible books.

Building Trust and Repeat Business

In my experience, good customer service goes a long way. Clear communication, fast shipping, and accurate descriptions all build trust. I’ve had several customers come back and buy from me again simply because I was honest about the condition of a book or quickly resolved an issue.

Respond to messages promptly, and always be polite and professional. A happy customer is likely to leave positive feedback, and positive feedback will attract more buyers.