( 
)
Buying used books on-line can save you time and money, and you may find a resource for books you didn't realize even existed. Customer reviews can be helpful for book content, but you also need to consider the condition of the book you may wish to purchase. I have been selling books on-line for a friend for about 3 years (with over 7,000 sales on 5 venues concurrently). I also own about 1,500 books personally; dated from 1893 to present. I thought I would share my experience as a seller and a buyer.
Here is a list of common abbreviations that some booksellers use as a short-hand:
ARC: Advance Reading Copy
BCE : Book Club Edition.
BOMC: Book-of-the-Month Club.
DJ: Dust jacket.
EX. LIB; Ex. Library copy. (has expected stamps and markings
EX. LIBRIS: From the library of, referring to previous owner;often found on bookplates.
HB: Hardback
HC: Hardcover
LTD. ED: Limited Edition.
OOP: Out-of-Print.
PB: Paperback.
PUB: Published/publisher.
SLC: Slipcase (refers to the cardboard case)
VOL., VOLS: Volume/Volumes.
Because they were one of the first, and the current on-line largest bookseller, many sellers refer to an alternative marketplace for "grading" used books:
NEW: Just like it sounds. A brand-new, unused, unread copy in perfect condition. Best if still in shrink wrap
LIKE NEW: An apparently unread copy in perfect condition. Dust cover is intact; pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. Suitable for presenting as a gift.
VERY GOOD: A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.
GOOD: A copy that has been read, but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact (including dust cover, if applicable). The spine may show signs of wear. Pages can include limited notes and highlighting, and the copy can include "From the library of" labels.
ACCEPTABLE: A readable copy. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact (the dust cover may be missing). Pages can include considerable notes--in pen or highlighter--but the notes cannot obscure the text.
Because ISBN/UPC codes are sometimes re-used by the publisher, confirm with your seller if the book is hardcover or softcover, if you have a preference. Both editions may have the same number without the seller being aware of this flaw, especially if they list hundreds of books per week. (The seller most likely is not trying to "rip you off" by selling the paperback in stock, when the database listing says it's a hardcover.) Also, keep in mind, that the hardcover editions cost more to ship. If you are economizing, opt for the paperback edition, if it's the same context as the hardback.
Other things to consider as a BUYER:
- If you're a collector, ask is this a first edition? Is is autographed? is it a book club edition? You have the right to know!
- If the book originally came with CDs or cards....are they included?
- it this the most recent edition of this book (especially for text books; ask to make certain)
- does the seller have a good feedback rating of at least 98%?
- the lowest price is not always the best deal! Consider total factors: seller feedback, volume sold, time in business, customer service, return policy, and payments accepted before making a purchase
- does the seller respond quickly (within 24-48 hours to your questions)?
- if you need the book quickly, find out if the seller offers expedited shipping, and select this choice. It's no good to start your class when your book won't arrive for another week because you opted for standard shipping
- if you have a question about a certain title, try to include as much as possible: ISBN number, title, author, publisher, date, edition, etc. If a seller has multiple copies, it makes it easier to respond to the exact title you're interested in
- feel free to ask your seller if they have other titles you may be interested in. They may already have it in stock...or could find it for you.
- if you're ordering as a gift, let seller know to omit a packing slip (which typically shows price)
- remember that sellers are NOT responsible for transit times; once package is delivered to post office, they have no control over the delivery schedule. Ask if your seller provides delivery conformation, so that you can track the progress of your purchase.
- if the item is out of stock (not uncommon if seller operates on multiple venues; it can several hours for the initial order to complete, so it appears as if there is more than one copy on the remaining venues), how fast does seller let you know book is unavailable? Ideally, it should be 24 hours or less after your payment is received.
- if the post office makes an error on your delivery; how will the seller respond? Even though they under no obligation to do so, the best case is to offer you the choice of full refund or to re-ship at their cost. Ask before you buy.
Other things to consider as a SELLER:
- in your description, state the condition clearly. Note any flaws, whether you think they are obvious or not.
- State if any originally items (cards, CDs, etc.) are or are NOT included in your offering. Adjust price acordingly. - Respond (at least within 48 hours) of a question; no matter how trivial it may seem to you. - Only ship once payment has cleared to your account. Send an email to buyer if they have opted for an e-check, to let them know of the delay.
If this was helpful, please check the "YES" box below. Thank you!
Here is a list of common abbreviations that some booksellers use as a short-hand:
ARC: Advance Reading Copy
BCE : Book Club Edition.
BOMC: Book-of-the-Month Club.
DJ: Dust jacket.
EX. LIB; Ex. Library copy. (has expected stamps and markings
EX. LIBRIS: From the library of, referring to previous owner;often found on bookplates.
HB: Hardback
HC: Hardcover
LTD. ED: Limited Edition.
OOP: Out-of-Print.
PB: Paperback.
PUB: Published/publisher.
SLC: Slipcase (refers to the cardboard case)
VOL., VOLS: Volume/Volumes.
Because they were one of the first, and the current on-line largest bookseller, many sellers refer to an alternative marketplace for "grading" used books:
NEW: Just like it sounds. A brand-new, unused, unread copy in perfect condition. Best if still in shrink wrap
LIKE NEW: An apparently unread copy in perfect condition. Dust cover is intact; pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. Suitable for presenting as a gift.
VERY GOOD: A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.
GOOD: A copy that has been read, but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact (including dust cover, if applicable). The spine may show signs of wear. Pages can include limited notes and highlighting, and the copy can include "From the library of" labels.
ACCEPTABLE: A readable copy. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact (the dust cover may be missing). Pages can include considerable notes--in pen or highlighter--but the notes cannot obscure the text.
Because ISBN/UPC codes are sometimes re-used by the publisher, confirm with your seller if the book is hardcover or softcover, if you have a preference. Both editions may have the same number without the seller being aware of this flaw, especially if they list hundreds of books per week. (The seller most likely is not trying to "rip you off" by selling the paperback in stock, when the database listing says it's a hardcover.) Also, keep in mind, that the hardcover editions cost more to ship. If you are economizing, opt for the paperback edition, if it's the same context as the hardback.
Other things to consider as a BUYER:
- If you're a collector, ask is this a first edition? Is is autographed? is it a book club edition? You have the right to know!
- If the book originally came with CDs or cards....are they included?
- it this the most recent edition of this book (especially for text books; ask to make certain)
- does the seller have a good feedback rating of at least 98%?
- the lowest price is not always the best deal! Consider total factors: seller feedback, volume sold, time in business, customer service, return policy, and payments accepted before making a purchase
- does the seller respond quickly (within 24-48 hours to your questions)?
- if you need the book quickly, find out if the seller offers expedited shipping, and select this choice. It's no good to start your class when your book won't arrive for another week because you opted for standard shipping
- if you have a question about a certain title, try to include as much as possible: ISBN number, title, author, publisher, date, edition, etc. If a seller has multiple copies, it makes it easier to respond to the exact title you're interested in
- feel free to ask your seller if they have other titles you may be interested in. They may already have it in stock...or could find it for you.
- if you're ordering as a gift, let seller know to omit a packing slip (which typically shows price)
- remember that sellers are NOT responsible for transit times; once package is delivered to post office, they have no control over the delivery schedule. Ask if your seller provides delivery conformation, so that you can track the progress of your purchase.
- if the item is out of stock (not uncommon if seller operates on multiple venues; it can several hours for the initial order to complete, so it appears as if there is more than one copy on the remaining venues), how fast does seller let you know book is unavailable? Ideally, it should be 24 hours or less after your payment is received.
- if the post office makes an error on your delivery; how will the seller respond? Even though they under no obligation to do so, the best case is to offer you the choice of full refund or to re-ship at their cost. Ask before you buy.
Other things to consider as a SELLER:
- in your description, state the condition clearly. Note any flaws, whether you think they are obvious or not.
- State if any originally items (cards, CDs, etc.) are or are NOT included in your offering. Adjust price acordingly. - Respond (at least within 48 hours) of a question; no matter how trivial it may seem to you. - Only ship once payment has cleared to your account. Send an email to buyer if they have opted for an e-check, to let them know of the delay.
If this was helpful, please check the "YES" box below. Thank you!
Guide created: 12/15/07 (updated 09/15/09)
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our 
