Books Do They Really Sell

[prescott9376]

I have Just opened a 3rd Store to get rid of about 200 books that were in storage.
Problem is I have looked at The POs rates and an example of the weight of most of the books to list is about 800gms, That works out at about £3.

Are people really willing to pay that much for a 2nd hand book?

Do books Count as printed Paper for a cheaper rate?

Would also appreciate a Critique on my entries from anyone selling books.

Thanks Paul

[bykimbo]

I find book sales here very slow. Everywhere else I sell, I specialise in scarce, collectible, unusual books - often hardbacks, often first editions... and those just don't sell here at all. Here I sell a few cheap paperbacks that don't cost too much to post. That seems to be the book market that works here - and to be fair, it's what I buy here too!

Books do qualify for printed paper, so bear that in mind for overseas shipping.

You've asked for comments on your listings, so please remember that when reading the following

... I looked at http://uk.nine.ebid.net/perl/auction...857&mo=auction as a sample. I find all the bright red off-putting, and the umpteen different colours font sizes too busy for my taste. The details of the book rather get lost with all the other stuff shouting at me from the page.

I would also say that none of your automobilia books are at all scarce, which makes them a little over-priced. The one I checked is readily available for a total £2.76 from Amz, which makes your £5.49 unrealistic, I'm afraid.

I notice that your listing says you've a good selection of cheap fiction PBs... but in fact you haven't any listed at all. If that means you've got a stack of them ready to go, I'd suggest you move them to the top of the pile and give them a go - but you'll have to be cheap to sell in my experience.

Others' views might vary!

[prescott9376]

Thanks Ken.
I will have another look at the listings.
Listing is Pretty fast and its not costing anything, it may mean them living here until the Summer and going to a Boot Sale.
Thanks again Paul

[leadhillsonline]

I notice that your listing says you've a good selection of cheap fiction PBs... but in fact you haven't any listed at all. If that means you've got a stack of them ready to go, I'd suggest you move them to the top of the pile and give them a go - but you'll have to be cheap to sell in my experience.

Fiction is the first thing I looked for.
Postage charges can make books, especially hardbacks, difficult to sell. Around half of my sales last month were books. At least on here it costs you nothing to list them and you never know when that sale is going to come along.

[prescott9376]

Just had a look at some of yours Wiz, See what you mean.
Have to dig out the paperback fiction.

[klj]

Hi Paul - I've had rather the opposite experience of Kimbo. I've sold more expensive and specialist books - signed firsts, etc. Although several of my paperback mystery/ crime novels have gone too!

I've found on this site that there are more readers looking at the books for something to read than elsewhere, and less searching for particular books. So I would suggest you put more into the book description, and maybe move some of the terms, etc. to your about me page (you can link that in your listings). Might help?

As Kim said, you can use the printed paper postage rate. That said, most book buyers know what it costs to post a book and as long as you are competitive, I think you will do alright. Good luck at any rate.

[CrazyJay]

Some nice books there. Prices look reasonable. Not cheap, but not over the top either.

I did notice that on the 1960's British Saloons - (I think that's the one.) your description relates to the Victorian & Edwardian advertising though. I didn't check all the listings, this one just caught my eye.

[prescott9376]

Further to this thread, after taking some of the above advice, 2 have just been sold, (better still paid for) so I suppose that answers my question.
Paul

[leadhillsonline]

Further to this thread, after taking some of the above advice, 2 have just been sold, (better still paid for) so I suppose that answers my question.
Paul

Good for you Paul.