Buying Rare and Out of Print Books on eBay

Price is only one of the reasons I like to shop on eBay. I admit that I enjoy snagging goodies from the auction site for close to nothing. However, when buying rare, collectible, or out of print books- price is not the major consideration for me, rather the condition of the book in question is paramount.

Amazon.com often has the books I want for lower prices, and there is also Abebooks.com another excellent online book retailer. I do shop at both and use them amongst other tools to price the books I offer in my eBay store. But it is eBay I turn to again and again when I personally want to purchase a book.

In the mall book store, the antique shop, the thrift store, or yard sale we have the opportunity to browse through the books for sale, we can pick them up, and look them over cover to cover and even smell them. Online it is a different story, as buyers we are at the mercy of the book seller to be as accurate as possible in describing the condition of the book we intend to purchase. I have seen descriptions of books online that have read; “near mint condition with only the back missing” or “excellent condition with some scribbling.” It does not take a seasoned book seller or collector to know that these books are neither near mint or excellent condition. Many times, while on my book treasure hunts, I have been excited to find a hard to find children’s book, only to discover the inside of the book is in poor condition or worse. I myself prefer not to sell books that look like they have been chewed up by junior and rover. I ask myself- if this is a book I wanted for my personal collection would I be happy to purchase it, and would I even consider purchasing it given it’s condition?

Going back to eBay, there are several reasons why eBay should be your first stop for online book purchases. They are;

• The sheer volume of books and book sellers makes for competitive pricing.
• Many reputable book dealers with outside physical storefronts, list on eBay. If you can’t find a special book listed, ask around they may have it in stock elsewhere.
• The feedback system on eBay; while not perfect, it can help you be assured that you are buying from an honest, reputable book dealer who has made many experienced transactions.
• Pictures- most sellers on eBay post pictures of the book in question, although a few don’t post pictures. Amazon.com and Abebooks.com don’t typically have pictures posted in the used book descriptions.

One of a Kind Wisconsin LLC sells exclusively on eBay, when we post a new listing of a book; we include multiple pictures of the exact book you will be purchasing. It’s important to us that our customers can make an informed decision and be pleased with the book they have purchased. We are always interested in our customers, comments and suggestions. We strive for high positive feedback ratings and excellent customer service in all our sales.