Insider hints...calendar, etc.

[Judi Dial]

I've been in the used book business since 1979, and like most industries, there's seasonal changes in the marketplace. It occurred to me that there are a few things that I can tell people about selling used books, esp. to a used bookstore for the most money.

Don't try to sell used books between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Saturdays, end of school - Columbus Day, or the 1st two weeks of April.

Why?
-Between Thanksgiving/Christmas the weather is the worst, the sales are not always good, and so the bookseller may not have extra $ to buy.
-Saturday is usually the busiest day of the retail week, it's the wrong time to ask someone to negotiate with you.
-End of School/Columbus Day - Library sales are running, the bookstores don't need books, they can find a lot of them, very cheaply.
-First 2 weeks in April: they're saving up to pay/paying their tax bill, just like you.

If you want to raise $ for Christmas or your own tax bill, plan to take the books to the store before the bad times for the bookseller (March, October)

Also, for heaven's sake, if you want to sell books to a bookstore, please put them in a new box, take them out of the trashbag, and make sure there's nothing in there that you couldn't give your toddler, that's alive, and the books haven't gotten wet/moldy/are still wet.

If the dealer makes an offer, you're welcome to make a counter offer, but you won't get retail, they have to make money too. If you want retail, sell them on Ebay/half.com, etc.

To make the most per book, keep your lots small, one box at a time. One book at a time will just irritate the dealer though.

If you dump pick or get the books at a yardsale, etc. wipe them off with a clean (DRY!) rag before asking someone to buy them.

Those are mine. What can you tell me about selling things I might not know?

Judi

[leezza]

Judi,

Thanks for the information, It is good to know the insider intel!

I usually give/share all my books....I love to read but can't stand having piles around.

leezza