used books
By ringbearer25
@ringbearer25 (402)
United States
May 11, 2010 9:38pm CST
I recently put up a couple books for sale online. I have read some succuss stories of folks trying to make a little extra cash. I've started with some books I had laying around. But, if I am successful, I'd like to buy used books cheap and sell them over the net for some extra cash. Do you have any experience selling things over the net? What did you sell? Was it profitable at all?
6 responses
@valkerion (1827)
• United Kingdom
12 May 10
I don't think that this will work at all. People buy through the Internet because it's cheaper than the physical stores.
The only way you are going to sell a book more expensive than you bought it, is if it is a rare book and there is someone on this world that wants it badly!
@ringbearer25 (402)
• United States
12 May 10
It may work and it may not work, that's just it. I've read some success stories, but, I share your opinions about people looking for bargains online. I can get books pretty cheap at thrift stores and book sales. Thing is, I can invest a moderate amount of stock into this and lose hardly anything if I don't sell any books.
@valkerion (1827)
• United Kingdom
12 May 10
I know! I was re-selling through ebay. Why do you want to sell books though?
Try and find the best selling products online or at ebay and pick the one you like.
I did the same!
@ringbearer25 (402)
• United States
12 May 10
Books can be found dirt cheap. I also know they are relatively easy to ship. I've never sold anything online before and so I think this may be a good place to start. I could sell other items as well. I live in the middle of a bunch of thrift stores. But, I have no idea what sells.
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
12 May 10
I have a whole bunch of books I should be selling on eBay, but to be quite honest I am a bit lazy and do not want to do so much work. Yes, it is work selling books! But they are lying around not doing me much good as it is. I sold some at a friend's yard sale and everyone said I was selling them too cheap, but at least I didn't have to work there, just sit in the sun and visit with nice people who came by.
@ringbearer25 (402)
• United States
13 May 10
Yet books are square and easy to package. I also am trying to sell a coffee maker. Talk about more work than it's worth, try packaging that baby. lol.
@ringbearer25 (402)
• United States
13 May 10
I here you. It is a lot of work finding the books for a deal and then going through each one, checking the condition. Figuring out a price that is reasonable for the condition, and then, finally, putting it up on Ebay. I figure it probably would pay better than mylot, if it works at all. lol.
1 person likes this
@nanayangel (7879)
• Philippines
12 May 10
Hi there Ring Bearer!
I think it would be hard but if you're good enough to hunt for books on sale that would be worth more than how much they were being sold for. It also don't think that you'll earn really big profit but it's a good start if you're trying to learn selling online. Good luck!
@nanayangel (7879)
• Philippines
12 May 10
That's perfect then! Well, I am always on the lookout for cheap books on Ebay. I have bought four books but only from sellers who accept payment through paypal. I believe that's another important thing. You get more buyers when you have more payment options.
@ringbearer25 (402)
• United States
12 May 10
Yes. I have a paypal. It does seem to be the most trusted site for e-commerce. I have never sold or bought anything online. I actually have a paypal from winning a pet photo contest. I won $150 bucks, and they really paid me too! It was sweet. It would be nice to get even a few dollars into my paypal again. I was think ing Amazon might be a better site to sell my books on. I know there are alot of fees on ebay and since I don't really know much about what I'm doing.
@ringbearer25 (402)
• United States
12 May 10
I think I can find good deals on books around. I can also find deals on other items as I live by a few thrift stores. I just figure books would be low overhead and I have read a couple success stories. Not much cash, but, extra cash nonetheless.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
12 May 10
My husband has been selling motorcycles along with new and used parts on Ebay for the past four years. This is part of our regular business...we own a motorcycle repair business...and he does very well. As long as you choose what you put online for sale carefully, you can make some money but you have to offer things that people need and/or want.
@ringbearer25 (402)
• United States
13 May 10
Cool. I wouldn't have thought something like that would sell on ebay. Interesting. I haven't decided yet on what to sell, I'm going to do more research before I put too much into it. I figure books are a good place to start, kinda feel the ropes. I'm glad to know ebay is working for you guys, that gives me hope.
@bloggeroo (2167)
• Philippines
12 May 10
Two possibilities. If people are still doing it, they must be making money. Or, they are still trying to make money and haven't earned anything so far. So, they have to keep doing it.
Anyway, I have seen used books being offered up for sale at eBay. I don't know if there's a lot of book-buying activity going on. Frankly, I have no idea since I haven't put up any of my books for sale just yet.
Thinking about it. Will I buy a used book online? Maybe. If the book I was looking for is expensive and I have not seen any digital copy online, I may just consider buying. Probably, those with personal libraries will be good prospects.
I, myself, have a personal library of around 700 books. Most, of course, were bought from second-hand bookstores. But I usually make the trip to the mall regularly so I'm not inclined to search online for any book.
@ringbearer25 (402)
• United States
13 May 10
I think after sometime, I should be able to zero in on which genres will sell and which will not. I also, hopefully, will get people who enjoy the books I put up and keep coming back. Much like the way you would return to your favorite second hand bookstore, you know they are going to have something for you.
@Idealisticgirl (392)
• Philippines
12 May 10
I haven't tried to sell anything through the internet, so I don't have any ideas regarding how profitable it would be.. Well, as you've said someone had made it successfully, so hoping you'll be make it too.
Good luck!
