Is AbeBooks legit? - Learn more in this guide and how to order. (2023)

Is AbeBooks legit? This is a fairly common question among those who are new to this global book and art business. If this is your first time using this store, you may be concerned about the authenticity of the products, whether the site might be legally distributing content, and whether your products will ship to your country. Sellers also often wonder if this is a good platform to trade unique and rare items.

In this guide, we'll try to answer any questions you might have about this popular ecommerce site.

What is AbeBooks?

what will you learn

Is AbeBooks legit? - Learn more in this guide and how to order. (1)

iberlibrois a global marketplace where you can buy books, textbooks, artwork, and collectibles. The company sources its products from suppliers in more than 50 different countries and sells them worldwide. Independent sellers can open stores and market their products on this popular platform where virtually anyone can buy these items.

It's a great site for anyone looking for rare books, original works of art, rare collectibles, and more. It's also a great site for individuals or libraries looking to sell rare items and used books for a nice profit.

AbeBooks is a good place to find affordable products, but you can also find many high-end products that are sold at high prices.

(Video) ABEBOOKS REVIEW! WATCH THIS VIDEO BEFORE USE ABEBOOKS.COM

You can find almost every type of book on this site, includingBooks to help you succeedthe sameBooks that can help you become a millionaire.

In general, the site offers buyers or sellers a safe and convenient way to find products that are not typically available in their area.

Is AbeBooks legit?

Yes, AbeBooks is a legitimate website. The company was founded in 1995 by Rick and Vivian Pura and Keith and Cathy Waters. The name AbeBooks is an acronym for "Advanced Book Exchange". Originally this site was designed to only have listings for four bookstores and they only had resale deals with eBay, Half, Barnes & Noble, BibliOz and Amazon. However, these resale agreements were terminated in 2005, after which AbeBooks only renewed a resale agreement with Amazon.com.

Over the years, AbeBooks has acquired a number of online book marketplaces and gradually expanded its marketplace to include items such ascollectiblesmioriginal art.

In December 2008, Amazon bought AbeBooks. In 2010, the marketplace changed again, allowing individual sellers to list and distribute their books or products.

AbeBooks' current headquarters are in Victoria, Canada. They also have offices in other regions like Germany and the ecommerce store has regional websites in different countries like USA, Spain, UK, France and Germany.

How does AbeBooks work?

This online marketplace can be used to buy or sell various new or used items in the collectibles, books, textbooks, and artwork genres.

(Video) Welcome to AbeBooks.com

The current goal of the platform is to match buyers with professional booksellers from different or specific regions.

This platform offers millions of products to choose from. The platform works like any other ecommerce store. You can easily shop from the wide range of products. If you find what you are looking for, you can buy the product directly on the website. The bookseller will ship the item for you and the website will take care of all other chores, such as B. administrative processes or the payment of commissions to the seller.

Sellers also find AbeBooks very user-friendly. It is very easy to sign up to the platform and you can start marketing and selling your products right away. Once your products are uploaded to the site, any user can find and buy those items. The website will assign the correct balance to your account, but individual sellers are responsible for packaging and shipping the products to the buyer.

Benefits of AbeBooks

Millions of people use AbeBooks because of the many benefits it offers. Here's a quick look at the key benefits of this popular online store.

easy-to-find products

Shoppers can easily find specific books, artworks or collectibles by entering keywords in the search boxes. At the top of the homepage you can search for almost anything on the site. If you want to buy from independent providers, you can also enter details such as author name, title or ISBN in another tab on the start page.

Once you enter the keyword, your screen will be flooded with relevant products and you can also refine your search by selecting specific categories from a tab.

The home page also contains additional tabs such as Advanced Search, Browse Collections, Rare Books, Art & Collectibles, Textbooks, Vendors, or Start Selling. These tabs are handy for directing you to specific product types so you can explore their products.

(Video) AbeBooks.com Help - How to Place an Order

Shop worry-free

All products sold on the platform are shipped directly from the bookstore once the purchase is complete. AbeBooks also uses multiple verified payment options and accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal or direct bank transfer.

Product Guarantee

There is a product guarantee for all products and you can determine the status of each product by its description.

You can get a refund.

Buyers are entitled to a refund if the product does not meet their expectations. Refund policies may vary for different products and sellers.

Safe purchase

The website offers a secure shopping experience. All confidential information is protected at all times and information such as addresses, names or telephone numbers are only shared with sellers after the purchase.

convenient sale

The platform is suitable for sellers who want to sell books, rarities, art or collectibles. The shipping and payment methods automate most of the sales process, so you have to do very little yourself.

Disadvantages of AbeBooks

There are always some disadvantages with online stores that you should know before using their services. These are the main disadvantages that you may face when using AbeBooks.

High seller commission

Sellers pay a pretty hefty commission for every sale they make. As a seller, you must pay 13.5% of each sale you make to AbeBooks, in addition to the monthly subscription fee. Sellers also have to pay an additional 5.5% processing fee for each sale they make.

(Video) A Quick Review of Abebooks - How to Place an Order buy books Online

Customer service can be lacking

Some buyers and sellers feel that communication between AbeBooks and the buyer or seller could have been better. Tracking numbers and business day issues are some of the most common requests.

AbeBooks-FAQ

As a new user, you may have some additional questions about this platform. Here's a quick look at the most frequently asked questions that other users had while trying out this online store.

Is AbeBooks owned by Amazon?

Yes, AbeBooks is owned by Amazon.com. They were able to buy Amazon products through AbeBooks before Amazon bought the company because they offered resale offers that allowed the site to resell multiple products on their platform. Amazon bought AbeBooks in December 2008 and has been the sole owner of the company since then.

How reliable is AbeBooks?

The online store is mostly trustworthy. You can find authentic products and the site is secure enough to prevent fraud or identity theft.

As with any other online store that allows sellers to market individual products, there is always a risk of being scammed.

The best way to avoid scams or sales problems is to check seller ratings before purchasing products from the store and avoid sellers who have no ratings.

Is AbeBooks legit? final thoughts

So is AbeBooks legit? Yes, it's a really cool store that thousands of people use to find out of print books at an affordable price or rare items. It should be noted that there can be potential scammers on the site as virtually anyone can use the platform to distribute products.

However, AbeBooks makes it very easy to find legitimate sellers and products. Overall, the platform offers a convenient and easy-to-use interface that contributes to its popularity.

(Video) AbeBooks.com Help - How to Buy Cheap Textbooks

We hope this guide has helped answer some of your questions about AbeBooks. If you're looking for other great places to buy books, check out some of the other guides we offerBook Summary Club🇧🇷 With our site you will find the best reading and get the best reading tips.

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Is AbeBooks legit? - Learn more in this guide and how to order. (5) Hello, I'm Eric...Swedish university student, marketing professional and lifelong learner. Here at BookSummaryClub, I've compiled my favorite non-fiction books into easy-to-understand articles. I hope you like what you read!

FAQs

Is AbeBooks safe to order from? ›

AbeBooks is a secure place to shop. We employ Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to keep your credit card information safe, and use encryption to protect transmitted data. We will never pass your credit card number through e-mail.

Is AbeBooks affiliated with Amazon? ›

Launched in 1996, it specialises in used, rare and out-of-print books. AbeBooks has been a subsidiary of Amazon since 2008.

How does AbeBooks work? ›

For a low monthly subscription fee, calculated based on the number of items you list with AbeBooks, your items will be listed worldwide and you are paid weekly via electronic funds transfer. Click here to find out more about how we pay you and the commission, subscription and external payment service fees.

How long does it take for AbeBooks to ship? ›

Orders are usually shipped within 2 business days.

How do I know if a book is legit? ›

It will be easiest to identify a counterfeit textbook if you can compare it to the tangible or picture version of the authentic textbook.
  1. Blurry Text/Logos. Check the text and logos on the front and back covers. ...
  2. Off-Center Text. ...
  3. Copyright Mark. ...
  4. Uneven Glue in Spine. ...
  5. Images and Text Bleeding Through the Page.
Feb 10, 2017

Is AbeBooks better than Amazon? ›

Abebooks is better than Amazon in every conceivable way. It depends what sort of books you sell. For current bestsellers and popular paperbacks, Amazon is obviously going to outperform Abe…by miles.

Does AbeBooks ship to USA? ›

There are millions of new and used books for sale on AbeBooks that are available with free shipping to customers in the US. Free shipping is a great way to shop for books without breaking the bank.

Who owns AbeBooks? ›

AbeBooks

Is Thriftbooks owned by Amazon? ›

Thriftbooks is popular among book collectors—particularly with those shoppers choosing to avoid Amazon—for being one of few western online bookselling platforms that is not a subsidiary of Amazon. However, Thriftbooks does sell books on Amazon, as well other book resellers such as eBay and AbeBooks.

How do I pay my Abebook? ›

When checking out, you are prompted to select a payment method on the Payment Details page. The seller's additional payment methods will appear in the drop-down list. The seller will contact you to confirm and arrange payment.
...
We accept and processe the following payment methods:
  1. VISA.
  2. MasterCard.
  3. American Express.
Sep 6, 2022

Do you need an account for AbeBooks? ›

Sep 6, 2022

If you've already put items in your shopping basket, you will be prompted to create an account when you're ready to checkout. Follow these steps to set up your buyer account: Go to Create Account and enter your name and email address. Create a secure password.

Can you get a refund on AbeBooks? ›

Our sellers strive to maintain excellent customer service and satisfaction, including a guarantee of every product as it's described on our Web sites. You're eligible for a refund within 30 days if you're dissatisfied with your purchase due to an error on the seller's part or if the product doesn't arrive.

Why are some books so expensive on AbeBooks? ›

Sep 6, 2022

You will often see a wide range of prices for a particular title. Some copies are new and some are used. Books can be expensive when they become scarce or collectible. If you are shopping for textbooks, again you will see new and used copies, as well as older editions.

What are the fees on AbeBooks? ›

8% sales commission

An 8% commission fee is applied to all sales, including shipping and any extra charges. There is a minimum commission of US $0.50 per book and a maximum commission of US $40.00 per book.

Does AbeBooks charge shipping? ›

Each Seller sets their own shipping rates and speeds for the books they are offering. Sellers also decide on the method of shipment. Shipping costs do not include taxes or duties for cross-border shipments, which are the responsibility of the buyer.

How do fake books work? ›

It is a collection of songs written with only the melody, lyrics and chord changes over the appropriate beats. Usually, there is no arrangement, no intros or endings, no specific instructions on "how" to play the song. Hence, the word "fake" – musicians are supposed to take the basic information and simply "fake" it.

How do I know if a book is royalty free? ›

If you want further assurance, the best way to learn whether a book is public domain is through the U.S. Copyright Office. There you can undertake a database search for the title to confirm its copyright status.

Do publishers read your book? ›

Published by Ol James on 09/09/2022

Publishers don't always read the whole book or manuscript before giving an author a book deal. They require that the author only send them the first chapter, as they can often gauge a book's quality and marketability from this alone. If they're intrigued, then they'll request more.

Which platform is best for buying books? ›

Top 5 Websites to Buy Cheap Books in 2023
  • Amazon. Books: Used and new books, bestsellers, rare collectibles, textbooks. ...
  • AbeBooks. Books: Used books, rare and collectible books, out-of-print books, textbooks. ...
  • Alibris. Books: New, out-of-print, rare, and used books, textbooks.
Jun 6, 2022

Which site is best for ordering books? ›

Top 12 Book Selling Websites In India
  • Amazon.
  • Flipkart.
  • Bookish Santa.
  • Used Books Factory.
  • BookFlow.
  • Bookywooky.in.
  • Pustak Kosh.
  • AbeBooks.
Oct 26, 2021

Which website is good for ordering books? ›

List Of Websites to buy books in India
Serial NumberWebsite name
1.Amazon India
2.Flipkart
3.Snapdeal
4.Paytm Mall
5 more rows

Can you use a debit card on AbeBooks? ›

Payments are automatically made from your linked debit or credit card every two weeks.

Does AbeBooks take debit cards? ›

If you have an outstanding balance, you can submit a one-time payment using your credit card or direct debit to bring your account up to date.

How do I buy used books in the US? ›

The 8 Best Ways to Buy Used Books Online
  1. #1. Better World Books.
  2. #2. Powell's.
  3. #3. Thrift Books.
  4. #4. Half Price Books.
  5. #5. Second Sale.
  6. #6. Alibris.
  7. #7. Book Finder.
  8. #8. BookMooch.
Jun 19, 2021

How do I contact a seller on AbeBooks? ›

How do I speak to someone in AbeBooks? If you prefer call support, you can contact their helpline 1-800-315-5335.

Where is AbeBooks located? ›

AbeBooks, which has headquarters in British Columbia, told the Guardian: “These sellers are an important part of our community and we are putting together a solution that will allow them to continue selling through AbeBooks.

Does AbeBooks buy used books? ›

AbeBooks has partnered with TextbooksRus to offer you a quick and convenient buyback service for your new books, used books and textbooks. Simply enter the ISBNs of the books you wish to sell below and find out how much we're offering to buy them back for.

Can ThriftBooks be trusted? ›

ThriftBooks has a consumer rating of 2.77 stars from 289 reviews indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. ThriftBooks ranks 9th among Used Books sites.

How legit is ThriftBooks? ›

ThriftBooks is indeed a real company. We were founded in 2003 as one of the earliest sellers of used books on Amazon.

Do people still buy books on Amazon? ›

Even with all of today's competing entertainment mediums, books are thankfully still in demand. While you may have other options to consider when it comes to selling your books online, here are a few benefits booksellers on Amazon enjoy: Get started with just a few books (no need for a large inventory)

Is AbeBooks reliable 2022? ›

AbeBooks has a consumer rating of 1.96 stars from 651 reviews indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Consumers complaining about AbeBooks most frequently mention customer service, tracking number and credit card problems. AbeBooks ranks 24th among Used Books sites.

How do you pay in a Book? ›

You can also use a paying-in book. A paying-in book is a set of paying in slips (special forms) to fill in when paying money into your bank account. Paying-in slips are not used a lot now. You can ask a friend, family member of bank staff to help you complete the paying-in slip.

How can I access books for free? ›

Best Websites To Read FREE Books Online!
  1. Feedbooks.
  2. Project Gutenberg.
  3. Open Library.
  4. ManyBooks.
  5. Free-eBooks.
  6. Bookyards.
  7. Kobo.
  8. Bookboon.
Jan 21, 2023

How can I buy books online without paying? ›

Free downloadable Ebook Websites
  1. Free Ebooks.Net. This site has some free ebooks you can download or view on your computer. ...
  2. Project Gutenberg. Project Gutenberg provides access to over 30,000 free ebooks that you can either view on your computer or download to a device. ...
  3. Obooko. ...
  4. Manybooks.net. ...
  5. Scribd.
Feb 2, 2023

How do I track my AbeBooks order? ›

From My Account, click My Purchases and locate your order in the list. The Estimated Delivery date and Item Status is displayed within the order details. If tracking information has been provided by the seller, it will also be displayed. Tracking details, when provided, are also sent to you via email.

What is fine condition on AbeBooks? ›

Fine (F or FN): A Fine book approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. FN means Near Fine. The book may have been opened and read, but there are no defects to the book, jacket or pages.

Does sell back your book pay shipping? ›

A: A: Shipping is always 100% free when you use one the shipping label provided after checkout!

Why are books cheaper online than in store? ›

The biggest (and cheapest) online booksellers have lots of other revenue streams that are MUCH more profitable than books, so they can stand to lose money on books. They also most likely get better discounts from publishers because they sell at higher volume. Fair enough.

Are online books cheaper? ›

In some cases, digital textbooks may cost 40-50% less than physical copies, although savings are not always this high.

Why are eBooks cheaper to use? ›

eBooks require fewer resources to produce than physical books: no paper printing, no paperback covers, no packaging cost and no shipping cost. As a result, they are much cheaper.

Does AbeBooks offer free shipping? ›

Receive AbeBooks free shipping on all the trending AbeBooks used books and new for all orders.
...
Enjoy AbeBooks Free Shipping Right Now!
DiscountFree shipping
Terms & ConditionsRestrictions may apply

What is the cheapest way to ship books in the US? ›

Why Ship Books with USPS Media Mail? USPS Media Mail is by far the cheapest way to ship books within the United States. The rates are a fraction of the cost compared to other mail services like First Class, Retail Ground, or even Flat Rate boxes.

What is the cheapest shipping method for books? ›

Media mail or flat rate shipping is the cheapest way to ship a few boxes of books, but if you're shipping an entire library as part of a household move, consolidated freight is often the cheapest method. Compare rates for shipping books using some of the most common methods: USPS. Parcel shipping (such as FedEx or UPS)

What is the location of AbeBooks? ›

We're a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. after being acquired in December 2008. Our headquarters are located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and we also have an office in Munich, Germany.

Which is the most popular website for online book sell? ›

Here's what you need to know about the best websites to sell books in 2023.
  • BookScouter.
  • eBay.
  • Amazon.
  • Chegg.
  • AbeBooks.
Nov 8, 2021

What website can I buy books for cheap? ›

The 20 Best Places to Find Cheap Books Online
  • AbeBooks. One of the best places to find cheap books online has to be AbeBooks. ...
  • Better World Books. ...
  • Amazon. ...
  • Alibris. ...
  • Book Mooch. ...
  • Half Price Books. ...
  • Biblio. ...
  • Book Outlet.
Aug 25, 2021

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1. AbeBooks Explains how to Identify a First Edition Book
(AbeBooks.com)
2. AbeBooks.com Help: Where's My Book?
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3. Welcome to the AbeBooks YouTube Channel
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4. Avoid this Book Selling Trap! Tips for selling used books online
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5. AbeBooks.com Help - Searching for Textbooks by ISBN
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6. How much is my old book worth?
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