Where to Source Books to Resell for Profit

Sourcing Books for Resale: Your Guide to Profitable Finds

If you're diving into the world of reselling books, you've landed in the right place. With my years of experience, I'll guide you through the best spots to find books cheaply and sell them for a profit. Here’s a comprehensive guide on sourcing books for resale, including where to find them, what to look for, and what pitfalls to avoid.

1. Library Book Sales

Typical Cost and Condition

At library book sales, you'll typically find books priced between $0.50 and $2. The condition can vary widely, but most are used and have been checked out multiple times.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Extremely low cost, wide variety of books, potential for high-profit margins especially with textbooks.
• Cons: Competition can be fierce; condition may not always be ideal.

Profit Margins

Look for current textbooks; these can yield profits of $20 to $80 per volume. First editions and niche non-fiction can also be lucrative.

2. Charity Shops

Typical Cost and Condition

Books in charity shops range from $1 to $5. Use apps like the Amazon Seller app or ScoutIQ to scan barcodes and check resale value instantly.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Often have high turnover; potential to find valuable books overlooked by others.
• Cons: Quality varies; less likely to find rare editions unless you frequent the shop regularly.

Profit Margins

Focus on books priced $10+ on Amazon. You can often find trade paperbacks in good condition that sell for $8 to $20.

3. University Dumpsters

Typical Cost and Condition

These are free, but timing is crucial. The end of the academic year (May/June) is best, as students discard textbooks.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Cost is zero; textbooks can be in near-new condition.
• Cons: May require travel and timing; competing with other savvy sourcers.

Profit Margins

Textbooks can resell for $30 to $100. It's not uncommon to find multiple books worth hundreds altogether.

4. Estate Sales

Typical Cost and Condition

Estate sales often price books low when bundled, but prices can vary for rare finds like first editions.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: High potential for rare books, complete sets, and signed copies.
• Cons: Sales are sporadic; competition from collectors and other resellers can drive up prices.

Profit Margins

Rare or signed books can sell from $50 to $5000+, depending on their rarity and condition.

5. Thrift Stores

Typical Cost and Condition

Books here usually cost between $1 and $3. The condition is hit-or-miss, with some gems hidden among the stacks.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Frequent stock rotation; potential to find hidden gems unnoticed by others.
• Cons: Often unorganized; requires patience to sort through.

Profit Margins

Trade paperbacks and non-fiction can yield $8 to $20. Mass-market paperbacks are usually resold for $3 to $8.

6. Garage/Car Boot Sales

Typical Cost and Condition

Books typically cost $0.25 to $2. Condition can be varied, from pristine to well-loved.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Low prices; often includes valuable vintage finds.
• Cons: Limited selection; quality can be variable.

Profit Margins

Look for first editions and vintage cookbooks. These can fetch prices from $20 to $500, depending on condition.

7. Online Liquidation and Wholesale

Typical Cost and Condition

Costs can range higher, from $50 to a few hundred dollars for bulk lots. Condition is typically used but can be a mix.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Access to large quantities of books; good for scaling up.
• Cons: Requires a larger initial investment; risk of low-value inventory.

Profit Margins

Margins depend on the selection. Look for lots with known high-value items, especially sets or textbooks.

8. Facebook Groups and Marketplace

Typical Cost and Condition

Prices vary widely based on seller discretion; often negotiable. Condition ranges from new to used.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Direct negotiation; opportunity for local pick-up and avoiding shipping costs.
• Cons: Quality and value highly variable; requires good negotiation skills.

Profit Margins

Look for textbooks and niche non-fiction. Negotiate wisely for maximum profit, aiming for margins of 50-100% or more.

What to Look For

• Textbooks — focus on current editions.
• First Editions — check copyright page for edition details.
• Signed Copies — look for author signatures.
• Niche Non-Fiction — especially tech and academic subjects.

Red Flags

• Water Damage — look for wavy pages.
• Musty Smell — indicates mould.
• Foxing — brown spots on pages suggest poor storage.
• Broken Spines — significantly reduce value.
• Highlighting/Writing — avoid for ‘like new’ listings.

Seasonal Sourcing Tips

Books are cheapest to buy during spring and early summer, especially around university end-of-term. They tend to sell for more leading into the fall when students are heading back to school.

Startup Budget

You can start sourcing books with as little as $50. This can yield a decent initial inventory from library and thrift sales.

Maximizing Listings with ListingGenie

Use ListingGenie to create optimized listings. Good descriptions and keywords can significantly affect sales, especially on competitive platforms like eBay.

FAQs

• Why focus on textbooks? Textbooks have consistent demand and high resale value when current.
• How do I verify a first edition? Check the copyright page for the edition number or print line.
• What's the best app for scanning? Amazon Seller app and ScoutIQ are top choices for checking resale values.
• How do I know if a book is a good find? Look for niche topics, first editions, and signed copies.