Book Collecting for Fun and Profit

I began collecting new and used books several years ago. My house was turning into a small library as the stacks of books were piled onto wooden shelves, and I was running out of wall space. I then decided to turn my book collecting into profit, and became a book dealer on eBay.

The competition on eBay these days is tough, it's not what it used to be when eBay first started. There is plenty of everything on eBay, and you need to have items that are in demand, or scarce. But with determination, and dedication, you can make a living out of selling books.

First, you have to get some good used books. Where do you get them cheap enough to resell? Library sales is a good place to start. Most libraries have annual, and some have monthly sales to get rid of unwanted books or to raise money. You can register at this site http://www.booksalefinder.com/ To receive an email weekly on where your local book sales are. I also go to yard sales, flea markets, church sales, and bazaars to find used books. Books will usually sell for anywhere between ten cents and a dollar, depending on if it's a paperback or hardcover.

Most sales have the books laid out in categories such as classics, biographies, mystery, geography, art, sports, novels, fiction, children's, etc. I usually start from one end of the room and work my way down to the last table so that I don't miss anything. Sometimes cardboard boxes are provided, but if not there will always be plastic and paper bags. You can bring your own bags or boxes if you like. Dress comfortable, and carry a magnifying glass if your eyesight is poor, so you can read the copyright page. Do your homework. Jot down the names of books and authors that are in demand.

You have to know what to look for. Here are some of the things to look for in used books:

1. First editions, check the copyright page. If there are more than one date, chances are it's not a first edition.

2. Illustrated books. Sometimes the illustrations are worth more than the book itself, and people will buy the book for that reason.

3. Bible and religious books. People collect bibles and other religious books.

4. Books that are signed by the author. Especially if the author is well known.

5. Rare and limited editions. This will be stated in the beginning of the book.

6. Atlases and books with old maps, geography books

7. The first book by a particular author who went on to become famous.

8. Books by an author before he/she was famous.

9. Children's series books, ex. The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew Mysteries.

10. Out of Print books (old)

Now that you have acquired boxes of books it's time to sell them on eBay, or other online book stores. You'll have to see what your book is going for in other stores. You can search your book on Abe Book search http://www.abebooks.co.uk/ and see what others are asking. Also search eBay to see if your book is listed by someone else, and what the opening bid is. I don't expect to get what the book stores are asking, so I usually charge half the price on the search results.

When listing an item, always be precise in details. State the condition of the book. Always give the full title, author, publisher, copyright date, illustrator if there is one and number of pages. This site will help you with the terminology and other useful tips. http://www.djmcadam.com/antiquarian.html It's almost a must to have a photo of the book. I usually scan the cover, or the copyright page. If there are color illustrations, scanning one of those will help sell your book.

When your book is sold, package it in a neat and timely manner, and be sure the book will not get wet or damaged. Leave feedback for the buyer to show your appreciation, and welcome them back to your eBay store. Most of all have fun. You never know what's between the pages of an old book.