Buying and Reselling Books on eBay: My Personal Journey

When I first started buying and reselling books on eBay, I had no idea how profitable this niche could be.

Over time, I’ve honed my strategy, learned the market trends, and discovered how to maximise profits with minimal effort.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned reseller, buying and reselling books on eBay can be a lucrative way to make money if you approach it smartly.

Why Books Are Perfect for Reselling on eBay

Books are an ideal item for reselling on eBay for several reasons:

• Low Cost: You can often source books for pennies at charity shops, car boot sales, or library clearances.

• Steady Demand: Many genres, such as textbooks, classic novels, and rare editions, consistently sell well.

• Easy Shipping: Compared to bulkier items, books are straightforward to package and ship.

Where to Find the Best Books to Resell

Finding the right books is the foundation of success in this niche.

Here’s some places to check out:

• Charity Shops: These are my go-to for low-cost books. You’d be surprised by the gems you can find!

• Car Boot Sales: A great spot for bargain books, especially if you’re willing to negotiate.

• Library Sales: Libraries frequently sell off older or extra copies at very affordable prices.

• Online Marketplaces: Keep an eye on places like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace for bulk book deals.

How to Choose Books That Will Sell

Not all books are created equal, and some have a much higher resale value than others.

Here's what I look for when buying books for reselling:

• Textbooks: University and college textbooks hold their value well, especially in popular subjects like medicine, engineering, and law.

• First Editions: If you come across first editions of popular books or classic literature, grab them.

• Rare and Out-of-Print Books: These can fetch a premium, as collectors are always on the lookout.

• Popular Genres: Non-fiction books on topics like business, self-help, and history tend to sell quickly.

• Condition: Always check the condition of the book. Books in excellent or very good condition are more likely to sell and command a higher price.

My Strategy for Pricing Books on eBay

Pricing books correctly is crucial.

Too high, and they won’t sell.

Too low, and you’ll miss out on potential profits.

Here’s my pricing strategy:

1. Research Sold Listings: Always check eBay's sold listings for similar books. This gives you an accurate picture of what buyers are willing to pay.

2. Competitive Pricing: If there’s a lot of competition for a particular book, I price mine slightly below others to increase the chance of a quick sale.

3. Set a Reasonable Buy It Now Price: For books in high demand, I opt for a "Buy It Now" listing to secure the sale at my preferred price.

Writing Winning Listings to Sell Books Quickly

Creating a compelling eBay listing is key to selling your books quickly.

Here’s what works for me:

• Clear and Specific Titles: Include the book title, author, edition, and any key features (like “First Edition” or “Hardback”).

• Detailed Descriptions: I always describe the book’s condition honestly, highlighting any signs of wear or damage. This builds trust with potential buyers.

• High-Quality Photos: Take photos from multiple angles, showing the cover, spine, and any notable defects.

• Keywords: Don’t forget to include keywords in your title and description, like "used book", "rare edition", or "collectible".

Packaging and Shipping Books Safely

Shipping books is one of the easiest parts of reselling on eBay, but you still need to package them properly to avoid damage.

Here’s my process:

• Use Bubble Wrap or Padding: I wrap the book in bubble wrap or a padded envelope to protect it.

• Sturdy Packaging: For valuable or rare books, I use a box rather than just a padded envelope to ensure it arrives safely.

My Top Tips for Success in Buying and Reselling Books

Here are a few additional tips I’ve learned through trial and error that can help you succeed in this business:

• Start Small: Don’t invest too heavily upfront. Test the waters with a few books and scale up as you learn the market.

• Stay Organised: Keep track of your inventory, sales, and profits to know exactly where you stand.

• Be Patient: Some books sell quickly, while others may take time. Don’t panic if a book doesn’t move immediately.

• Continually Research: The book market is always evolving, so I make it a habit to stay informed about current trends and popular titles.

Final Thoughts

Buying and reselling books on eBay has been a rewarding experience for me, both financially and personally.

If you’re willing to put in the effort to source quality books and learn the market, it can become a profitable side hustle or even a full-time business.

Just remember, it’s all about finding the right books, pricing them correctly, and providing excellent service to your buyers.

Happy selling!