[Dr. Scarpetta]

Just wondering if you ever buy the used books at Amazon. I’ve been thinking about trying it.

[AZLiberty]

I buy used books all the time through, not from Amazon. The sellers of used books are independent booksellers who sell through Amazon. I've bought books for as little as one cent -- plus $3.99 shipping -- and have almost never been disappointed. Once I got the wrong book but the seller -- figuring he sent my book as the wrong book to someone else -- just refunded the purchase price plus shipping.

Used books are not covered by the $25 rule or by Amazon Prime. You always pay shipping, but it's pretty reasonable.

[webschooner]

Try Half.com for used books.

[ladyvet]

I also buy plenty of used books through Amazon. Just check shipping and handling charges to make sure your getting a good deal. I was only burned once and Amazon took care of it.

[PhiKapMom]

The used books are a good deal as are the rare ones that are hard to find. Used books we have bought are like new — most look like no one read them at all.

[Fiji Hill]

I've never bought used books on Amazon, but I have from the American Book Exchange and have been quite satisfied. Using that service, I've purchased books from as far away as England.

[CGTRWK]

I buy and sell used books through Amazon often. They make selling very easy to get into, with no charge to list an item unless it sells. Some tips:

1. Be very attentive when dealing with books with multiple editions, ie. academic texts. Amazon tries to keep a separate product page for each edition, but specific edition listings often have truncated descriptions or aren’t listed at all. This is as confusing for sellers listing inventory as it is for buyers shopping. So double check descriptions and when in doubt email a question first.

2. The 3.99 shipping is USPS media mail. It usually takes about a week. Except when it takes 3 weeks. Don’t sweat it when something doesn’t show up, it’s usually not lost. Just slow.

3. Don’t sell hardline leftist books, ie. Ivins etc. Seriously. The first time I got a profanity laced rant in my mailbox three business days after a sale because the book hadn’t arrived yet, I thought it was a coincidence. The third time I knew it wasn’t. I justified it on the grounds that I was costing the publisher a new sale, but dealing with those people just isn’t worth it.

4. Don’t take much account of seller feedback counts. A low number of feedbacks doesn’t mean a new account and probable scammer like it does on eBay. Most people just don’t leave feedback. I get about one feedback per 25 items sold.

[Skenderbej]

I buy almost all of my textbooks used from Amazon and have had good luck. I have had just one order where my delivery took two weeks. The books have always been in the condition the seller has described too. If you don’t mind some bent corners or some highlighting then it is a good way to go.

Other times I have found that I can buy new books on Amazon for cheaper prices than used ones...just do your research.