Most items can only be sold once, maybe twice. Selling used books is a unique business because books have a long lifespan and can be sold again and again. Not to mention, it’s a great way to declutter your home and make some extra cash. But how do you get started? And how do you make sure you’re getting the best price for your books?
First, you need to source the books.
After decluttering your own home library, the best places to look are thrift stores and Friends of the Library sales. There are of course plenty of places online to find used books at good prices, on and off Amazon.
When it comes to selling books online, researching the sales history of your books is a crucial step in determining their value and estimating their market demand. By understanding the historical pricing and sales patterns, you can make informed decisions on pricing, marketing strategies, and the overall potential for a successful sale. One of the most widely used tools for this purpose is Keepa, an invaluable resource that provides a comprehensive view of a book’s sales history on Amazon. Starting from the very first time it was listed. You can use this information to check price fluctuations, sales ranking, sales frequency, and generally figure out how much your book is worth and how quickly you can expect it to sell.
Listing your book online is the next step.
Make sure to provide a detailed description of its condition. BUT I recommend templating it a bit, since “minor wear” is preferable to “small fold on corner, cover creased at spine.” potential buyers rely heavily on the information you provide about its condition to make informed purchasing decisions. A detailed book description not only gives buyers confidence in the product they are considering but also helps manage their expectations, reducing the likelihood of disputes or returns. By taking the time to accurately describe your book’s condition, you build trust with potential buyers and increase the likelihood of a successful transaction.
Getting it into Amazon
Packaging and shipping everything into Amazon can be a bit tricky, but it’s important to make sure everything is graded and packaged properly. Improper packaging can slow down your inventory check-in. Amazon has very specific requirements for labeling on shipments. If this isn’t done correctly your shipment could be rejected. Correct labeling will also help to get your inventory through Amazon’s check-in process as efficiently as possible. Refreshing the page continually while waiting for Amazon to unlead your shipment is agony!
Although you may be reimbursed for lost or damaged inventory, Amazon typically decides what is fair reimbursement. So you want to do everything in your power to prevent loss and get your books on the shelves quickly.
Central Virginia Prep specializes in getting your books through all the steps from grading the condition of your books to the Amazon warehouse, ready for FBA. We have the experience to get it done.