Used Book Stores

Market Value

The market value of a book is often set by the average resale value of a book. The owner of a used book store is usually a member of a large bookseller group, such as Alibris, ABE Books or an Amazon reseller. Independent online booksellers may also belong to organizations such as the Independent Online Booksellers Organization. Members of a book reseller organization have access to information such as the average sale price, the highest price paid for a book, and how to adjust price according to book condition.

Book Condition

Most collectors are aware of a set of condition standards that booksellers adhere to. These standards help booksellers set a fair price on the books they are selling. These standards are especially important when setting a price for an antique or collectible book. The standards are as follows:

As New, Fine, Mint- a book in this condition is as perfect as you can get. A book in this condition has no faults or defects. Books in this condition demand the highest price.

Near Fine- books in this condition may have a very minor defect. An example of a minor defect would be a very small rubbed spot on a dust jacket. Any defect must be noted in the description of the book. These books command a high price.

Very Good- books in very good condition usually have their dust jacket (if it is a hardcover book); no writing inside and generally looks like a new book. Any defects must be noted, especially if being sold through a catalog or online.

Good- the majority of used books fall within this condition description. Everything is intact such as endpapers, dust jacket and price on the jacket.

Fair- a book that is fair may have the complete text but is probably missing something such as end papers, maps, or has heavily bumped and rubbed spine.

Poor or Reading Copy- these books can usually be purchased very cheap. They have little or no resale value because of their condition. Often these books have loose pages or a severely cracked spine, bent covers, or have notes and pen marks throughout the book.

Ex-library- this is always designated, even if the book is in mint condition. Usually booksellers have two designations for these books; ex-library is always first, followed by a secondary condition description. These books can command a high price if they are out of print and in very good condition. Reference books that are rare have a high resale value.

Book Club- a book club edition must always be designated in a description. As with library books, a secondary book description is used to identify the condition of the book. Book Club editions have a lower resale value than their regular edition books, even if they are rare.

Binding Copy- a book that is intact but needs to be professionally rebound. If you find a rare book it may be worth it to have it professionally restored. A professional restoration can significantly increase the resale value of a book.

Remainder Marks, Bookplates, and Previous Owner’s Name- this must always be indicated in the description of the book. Occasionally a previous owner may be famous and increase the value of an edition.

Signed Copies- these books, which are signed by the author, are in high demand, especially if the book title is very successful. Authors in high demand include Anne Rice and her Vampire Lestat series, J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series, Stephen King as well as many other famous authors.

More Than a Book Store

Collectors can find other items at used book stores, such as sheet music. Musicians and decorators alike seek rare sheet music. Antique sheet music can be framed and used to decorate a music room or a café. Comic booksand vintage magazines are also sold at used book stores.

Antiques can often be found at used book stores. Booksellers often combine their antique furniture business with their book business. Banker’s lamps, ornate shelves, and barrister bookcases can often be found displaying the books. If you are creating a library of your own, consider taking some of these antiques home along with your book purchases.

What to Watch For at Used Book Stores

If you are new to purchasing used books, especially if they are purchased online, watch for a few things. If you plan on reselling the book, purchase the best copy you can find. Many used book sellers will buy back a book if it is still in good condition. Don’t write in a book as it significantly decreases the value of a book. Use bookmarks and don’t fold down page corners; this also decreases the value of any book. Finally, if you enjoy hardcover books with dust jackets either remove the dust jacket or cover it with a book jacket cover while you read them. This will protect fragile dust jackets from tearing and help maintain their market value.