How Much Money Can You Make Reselling Books? My Experience and Tips

If you're curious how much money can you make reselling books, let me tell you - it can be a surprisingly profitable venture.

From my experience in the second-hand book market, I’ve found that with the right approach, you can turn a simple hobby into a reliable income stream.

In this blog post, I’ll share insights from my journey, offer tips for success, and explore the earning potential of reselling books.

Why Reselling Books Is a Profitable Business

Reselling books offers a unique opportunity for profit because books are always in demand.

Whether it's textbooks, rare editions, or popular novels, there’s a buyer out there.

Here’s why reselling books can generate steady income:

• Affordable inventory: Books are relatively easy to source at low prices from charity shops, library sales, and car boot sales.

• Niche markets exist: Specialised genres, such as academic texts or rare editions, often attract buyers willing to pay more.

• Constant demand: Students, collectors, and readers regularly look for deals on second-hand books.

How I Got Into Reselling Books

After reselling a few books I had found in charity shops, I realised that this could be a good source of income.

From there, I began to explore different types of books to resell.

Here’s how you can start reselling books too:

1. Finding Books Worth Reselling

• Textbooks are great. Academic books, especially those from specific subjects, tend to be in high demand.

• Rare or special editions. Books with unique value - like first editions or hard-to-find titles - often command higher prices.

• Popular genres or series. Books that belong to well-known series or are trending can sell quickly.

2. Where to Source Books

• Charity shops: These are reliable places to find books at very low prices, and you can often discover valuable titles.

• Car boot sales: A great place to pick up books in bulk for very little money.

• Library sales: Libraries often clear out their collections, providing an affordable way to acquire books that can be resold.

How Much Money Can You Make Reselling Books?

So, how much money can you make reselling books?

The answer depends on the types of books you sell, their condition, and the way you market them.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Textbooks: These tend to be among the most profitable, especially when related to high-demand subjects like medicine, law, or engineering.

• Rare or collectible books: First editions, rare finds, or unique books in good condition can command significantly higher prices.

• General fiction or non-fiction: These usually bring in smaller individual returns, but they tend to sell quickly if they’re popular titles.

• Selling books in bundles: Grouping books by the same author or around a common subject can boost the perceived value and attract buyers looking for specific collections.

• Book sets: Complete series or boxed sets of books can be especially profitable. Buyers often prefer purchasing full sets rather than tracking down individual books, making this a lucrative approach if you come across these items in good condition.

Depending on your focus - whether part-time or full-time - the income potential from reselling books can range from a small but steady side income to a significant monthly revenue stream, especially if you leverage these strategies.

Tips for Maximising Your Profits

To make the most of reselling books, it’s important to approach it strategically.

Here are some key tactics that helped me increase my profit margins:

• Research before buying. Use online resources to check the market value of books before purchasing. This ensures you’re not investing in unsellable stock.

• Accurate condition descriptions. Be transparent about the condition of the books you’re selling. Well-preserved books always sell better, but even damaged books can sell if you're upfront about their flaws.

• Bundle similar books. Selling related books as a set - such as a complete series - can attract more buyers and increase your overall earnings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When I first started, I made a few mistakes that affected my profits.

Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overpaying for stock. Be mindful of how much you’re spending on books, as not all will be profitable. Always research before making a purchase.

• Underestimating shipping costs. Books can be heavy, and shipping fees can quickly eat into your profits if not accounted for properly.

• Listing books with little demand. Not every book will sell, so it’s essential to focus on those with proven resale value.

How to Scale Your Book Reselling Business

Once you get the hang of reselling books, it’s easy to scale up.

• Invest in larger inventories. As you gain experience, you’ll start to recognise opportunities to buy books in bulk or more valuable collections.

• Track your sales and stock. I keep a detailed record of which books sell well, allowing me to refine my approach over time.

Final Thoughts

So, how much money can you make reselling books?

The potential is significant, particularly if you focus on high-demand categories like textbooks or rare books.

Whether you want to resell part-time or turn it into a full-time business, there’s plenty of opportunity in the book reselling market.

With research, attention to detail, and a good strategy, you can make this a profitable endeavour.

Happy reselling!