A question about buying on Amazon

[Someoneslapme]

This is going to sound silly but I was just wondering if anyone has any experience of buying used books from Amazon? I've always gone for new ones but I've been thinking about trying the used ones. They sell them for like 1p sometimes, does that mean they'll be battered?

[Millipedewithherfeetup]

The seller usually puts the condition on i think, ive bought a couple of used books before, mainly travel guides and they have been fine.

[jammiecat]

I've bought quite a few and all have been in really good condition and clearly only been read once. The condition will be listed too which helps. Be aware though that although they're only 1p you'll need to add postage. That was 2.75 last time I bought 2nd hand.

[goatparty]

I always buy the 1p books on Amazon + £2.80 for delivery...this far they all have been fine.

[AugustRose]

We've bought quite a few 1p books from Amazon, mainly for DS's A level studies and they've all been good quality so far.

[Someoneslapme]

Cheers! I'll give it a whirl, £2.81 is still much cheaper than some of them!

[Like2Chat]

I've never had a problem with used books on Amazon, but I only buy from sellers with a good positive feedback score.

[Viviennemary]

I buy quite a lot of used books from Amazon. Mostly books that have gone out of print. I've always been really pleased with the service and condition. But only by from sellers with good feedback.

[whatsagoodusername]

I've bought a few listed as "very good" or "like new" that I certainly wouldn't have classed as such, but none that I wouldn't have bought in a secondhand shop. So I'm a bit wary of buying anything less than "very good".

[bigbluestars]

I sell 5000 used books a year on Amazon.

Check the seller's feedback before you buy. Most used books on Amazon have an accurate desription- you can bag a real bargain.

[DorothyGherkins]

Bought loads of 1p bargains, never been disappointed, some judging by the spine had never been opened.

[PetiteRaleuse]

I also occasionally buy used 1p books and even with international postage they will be cheaper than any other way of getting them.

[Viviennemary]

I don't know how they make a profit on those 1p plus £2.80 post books as some of them are fairly heavy.

[bigbluestars]

vivienne- most are bulk sellers and have contracts with delivery companies or Royal Mail.

[SDTGisASpookyWoooolefGenius]

I have bought lots of books secondhand from Amazon, and have never had a problem - it is a great way to buy more books not that I need any more ways to buy more books!

[Fullpleatherjacket]

I have bought several second hand books (more than 1p ) on Amazon and they've nearly always been in better than stated condition. The one exception arrived water damaged. The seller asked me to return it but it got lost in the post. Still got a refund though so I just reordered it from another seller who sent a good copy.

[SisterMoonshine]

Abebooks are often worth a look too.

[cheifbrody]

Always buy the 1p books, never a prob .

[MiddleAgeMiddleEngland]

I have been disappointed once or twice with the condition of the book but most of the time they have been 'as described' or better.

[MehsMum]

Mostly I check the seller's reputation before I buy, and the books are always as described.

I did receive one which was a little more bashed up than expected - complete with a note saying it was in a shocking state and they were letting me have it for free. And they did indeed reimburse my account.