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Paperback books - are they worth selling?

24 replies

Lubyloo · 23/08/2007 15:41

Hi there,

I'm having a big clearout. I've got loads of paperback books that are in good condition. They're mostly popular fiction such as Jodie Piccoult, Wendy Holden and the like. Has anyone had any luck selling paperbacks on Ebay or is it not worth the hassle? I will take them to the charity shop otherwise.

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scienceteacher · 23/08/2007 15:43

I've bought a lot of paperbacks from Ebay

Basically, lots of 10 or 20 random books.

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hana · 23/08/2007 15:45

mmm
I'd say it's not worth the bother - I've been 'editing' the house and have a few dozen myself to take along to a charity shop. Or what about seeing if anyone wants a swap here? I should do the same!

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DoubleBluff · 23/08/2007 15:52

You won't get much for them and then you have the hassle of packing and posting them all. SAme for CDs

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Lubyloo · 23/08/2007 16:07

You've confirmed what I suspected Hana and Doublebluff - thank you! I like the idea of a swap Hana but we are decluttering to put the house on the market so need to actually reduce numbers.

Science teacher - it looks like it is a better deal for buyers than sellers. I think I may well be buying some job lots once we have moved

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bran · 23/08/2007 16:10

I was going to suggest www.greenmetropolis.com but I see that you need them to go quickly. You could try selling large groups of books on ebay.

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hana · 23/08/2007 16:11

I have been decluttering too. I used to hate giving up any of my books, but we just don't have the space. Am now only keeping ones I truely love and will likely read again. Have been getting lots from the library lately to keep me in a good supply

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Lubyloo · 23/08/2007 16:20

Just had a quick look at that website Bran. Have not come across it before but it looks like a great idea to use in the future. I've got to go collect DD now but will have a proper look at it this evening.

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redclover79 · 23/08/2007 16:35

Have you tried amazon? I've sold a few books on there in the past and although I've not made much out of it, I've made enough to cover costs and a little extra to go and buy new books with!

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jofeb04 · 23/08/2007 19:48

Luby,

I've sold quite a few books on ebay. Mainly Stephen Kings and a few others, but always as a job lot.

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ska · 23/08/2007 19:55

i use readitswapit to swap all the books I no longer want. I do horad books but use this site to get rid of once only reads and then get lots of new ones in exchange. I really rcommend it - at least it edits your collection to ones you really want.

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Lubyloo · 23/08/2007 20:36

Thank you for all your suggestions and for introducing me to a couple of great websites. I love the idea of the readitswapit site but will have to resist (at least until we have moved) or DH will have a fit.

So, I am going to sell one job lot of a dozen books and the rest are all in the car boot ready to be dropped off at the charity shop in the morning. I also have a load of other bits and pieces to sell. I've only ever bought on Ebay before so I'm in uncharted waters. Some of the stories on here have scared me. Hope I have smooth transactions!

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bran · 23/08/2007 20:39

Have you tried listing them on MN? (I'm having a nosey to see if I might like them )

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ska · 24/08/2007 09:28

i ebay odd things and have only twice had problems, once buying something that turned up dirty and stained (an expensive cocktail dress I needed for a once in a lifetime party) and once when someeeeeeone complained about the way I had packaged something . I think selling odd things is fine and if you are honest in the description (as I am sure you would be!) it's fine

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chacha3 · 24/08/2007 09:33

yeah i would be interested in having a looksy too

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Nymphadora · 24/08/2007 11:49

I have MNed books in the past or sold in bulk on ebay but most singular books don't really sell (or not for much) on ebay

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MrsMcJnr · 24/08/2007 12:38

Lubyloo - I've succesffuly sold a few on Amazon but have had more success swapping on Readitswpoit.co.uk

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bran · 24/08/2007 12:41

I registered with ReadItSwapIt last night following ska's recommendation and I've already got a swap set up.

It's a good idea, although the other person has to have something that you want which I think means you need to have good range of books available to swap.

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littlelapin · 24/08/2007 12:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

elkiedee · 24/08/2007 12:43

I think CDs are ok but paperback books don't really, as the postage is quite a significant proportion of what it costs to buy a book even new, and many of the kind of books you mention are easy to find in charity shops. CDs are lighter so it can still be well worthwhile after postage. There might well be some people interested in swaps for other books though.

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MrsMcJnr · 24/08/2007 12:43

I know what you mean - I've been on there about 3 weeks and have had 9 swops or something I use the same name there so you might see me

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quint · 24/08/2007 12:48

Bran - have you managed to sell on the website - look really good, think I'll give it a try later.

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bran · 24/08/2007 13:13

Quint, I only started listing books on Greenmetropolis last week, and I've only listed 3 which haven't sold yet. I must list some more, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't list all my unwanted books on both sites and then just withdraw them as they sell/swap.

I've been buying from Greenmetropolis for about 6 months.

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quint · 24/08/2007 15:04

thanks Bran - I'll give it a go later

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ska · 24/08/2007 18:30

yes i'd thought of listing on both thes wap site and on the selling site and seeing which goes first - if that makes sense!

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