A used book store is a market place where used books are sold at half to three-quarters of the original price. Although neither the author nor the publisher benefits from used book sales, this market does keep old books in circulation. Sometimes the collector will find the very old, the rare first edtion, antique or out-of-print books in a used book store. Many new book stores have started carrying used books, especially those with online sales.
There is a difference between a reading copy and a collectible copy of a book. A reading copy is well-used, may have highlighting or marginalia, is suitable for reading, but is not sought for as a collectible. A reading copy of a used book is less expensive than a collectible copy of a book.
Check the internet and local Yellow Pages directory for area used book stores. Call ahead for directions as many used book stores are off the beaten path. There are many used book sellers with online stores only. The used book dealers that have a store are passionate about books. Most used book stores buy and sell used books, giving the seller store credit to be used toward future purchases.
There are websites and books that can assist the seller or buyer with determining the market value of a book. When buying used books online become familiar with terminology to better assure getting some great deals.
Book Seller Shorthand Abbreviations
- ARC: advanced reading copy
- BCE: book club addition
- BOMC: book-of-the-month club
- DJ: dust jacket
- EX LIB: ex-library copy (has expected stamps and library markings)
- EX LIBRIS: from the library of, often a book plate noting the previous owner is found
- HB: hardback
- HC: hardcover
- LTD. ED: limited edition
- OOP: out-of-print
- PB: paperback
- PUB: published/publisher
- SLC: slipcase (refers to the cardboard case)
- VOL., VOLS: volume/volumes
Whether buying or selling books, online or the local book store, understanding the market place grading system of used books is a helpful tool especially for the collector. The grading system is determined by the condition of the book when setting the price. The grading system makes measuring the market place much easier.
Book Seller Grading System
The grading of books is well-known and used by book dealers of all types, especially used book stores and book dealers, (i.e. Amazon.com and Ebay.com, as well as others). Become familiar with the grading system to ensure good results when looking for the next deal on books.
- New: Just like it sounds. The copy is in perfect condition. Best if still in shrink wrap.
- Like New: The copy is apparently been read, but is in perfect condition. Dust Jacket is intact, pages are clean. Suitable for presenting as a gift.
- Very Good: A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are clean and the spine is undamaged.
- Good: A copy that has been read, but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact as is the cover, the dust jacket if available is in a clean condition. The spine shows some signs of use and wear. The pages have limited notes and highlighting and may include "from the library of" labels.
- Acceptable: A readable copy. All pages are intact, cover is intact, and the dust jacket is usually missing. The pages include considerable notations and highlighting, but the notations to not obscure the text.
Visit used book stores and talk to the owners. Let them know the types of books that are of interest. Book store owners frequent auctions and sales to find the out-of-print and odd items that a client is searching for. Buy the best condition of book available, especially if planning to keep the book and not re-sell.
Used book stores are a great place to pick-up and try a new author or try a new genre, especially if on a budget. Used book stores are organized by genre and then by author. Plan on taking time to search the shelves and boxes, as a treasure is waiting to be found and enjoyed. Happy Reading.
Lynette Partridge-Schneider - For Lynette Partridge-Schneider, animals have been more than just a lifetime adventure. Her love of animals is a passion. Since, her first ...
