Selling used p-books

[astrodad]

I have an enormous p-book library and I'm looking to sell most of it to make some cash for a friend who is entering the seminary. Can anyone recommend a good reliable service or method of selling p-books? I used to use half.com many years ago but I have no recent experience to compare it to more recent alternatives.

Any thoughts?

[Sweetpea]

It would depend on where you live... Here (the Netherlands), we have a used-book store that will always take second-hand books.

[toomanybooks]

If you have enough books in good shape, a used bookstore owner will come to your house to value the collection and make an offer. You could try calling local booksellers until you find one who is interested in your type of books and make an appointment. Be prepared to give them a general overview of how many books, what kind and what condition they are in.

[Elsi]

Here in Texas, there is a large chain called "Half Price Books". My experience is that you show up with boxes/bags of books and they create a quick inventory and offer you a price for the whole lot. They will *not* provide an itemized pricing, so it's difficult to see what each book is actually worth. Unless you have hardback books or rare paperbacks, you're likely to be offered an average of $0.25 to $0.50 per book. There are also some used book stores which specialize in various genres -- they offer more in "store credit" than in cash.

I don't have experience with liquidating a larger collection. You might contact someone who works with estate sales and ask for advice.

[grooks]

I used Half Price Books about 6 months ago. Got rid of 2-3 boxes of books.

[Andybaby]

I found selling books on ebay, either in lots or singles can get you more money than a used book store. or selling on amazon, but that might take more time an ebay where even if something doesn't sell you will know it in a week, then can either put them in a bulk listing, or just go to a used book store to sell the stinkers.

[FizzyWater]

Unless the books are new and pristine, you probably won't get a good price from Half-Price Books, especially if you take in a big load of books all at once. Like Elsi said, they'll just give you a lump-sum price for the batch. I've often wondered if I'd get a better deal (especially on the older ones) if I took them in 2-3 at a time.

My dad's wife swears by garage sales...

[astrodad]

Thanks for all the feedback. Unfortunately there are no Half-Price books and only one used book dealer here in South Florida. I'm going to look at Amazon and see what their model is like.