Where to Find Valuable Books

Whether you are interested in collecting or simply finding rare books to sell, here are some tips on where to find valuable books. Many people may be surprised to find out that there is money to be made simply by learning a small amount about rare books, finding them, and selling them online or to book dealers.

Where to Find Valuable Books - Thrift Stores

Thrift store shelves are often filled with books. Many of the books will be recent, paperbacks (which generally have little collector value), or in poor condition, but there may well be a gem to be found.

Where to Find Valuable Books - Flea Markets

Flea markets generally have at least a few booths offering books. When shopping flea markets, hit vendors with small amounts of books first. Vendors with large amounts of books, or selling books exclusively, have probably already been picked over. Keep an eye under the tables and in the back where an old box of books may be sitting.

Where to Find Valuable Books - Yard Sales

Yard sales are largely hit or miss. Most will have no books or only recent books, but if there is a rare book chances are the price will be good. Look for sales in older neighborhoods to improve the odds of finding valuable books.

Where to Find Valuable Books - Rummage Sales

Rummage sales are often held at churches and other community locations. These sales are often basically a large combined yard sale. Unlike flea markets that may have been picked over, rummage sales may hold a lot of interesting books. Get to rummage sales early before other find the valuable books.

Where to Find Valuable Books - Estate Sales

Estate auctions are OK, but they are slow and the prices might go very high if there are other collectors. Look for estate sales or tag sales where everything has a set price.

Where to Find Valuable Books - Online

Overlooked or poorly described items often sell for well below their value on many online auction sites including eBay. Search and scan carefully for valuable books that others have been missing. Very rare books that are quite valuable will achieve their true value only when presented in front of the proper buyers. If the proper buyers aren't present when the item is listed, buy it at a discount and do a better job reselling it.

Where to Find Valuable Books - Auctions

Auctions are another tricky proposition for those seeking to find rare books. Auction listings that detail the books to be sold will likely attract informed buyers. Smaller auctions advertising a variety of items with only a mention of old books might offer a deal.

Where to Find Valuable Books - Antique Stores

Antique dealers can't know the value of everything and may list a rare book too inexpensively. Antique dealers also may be willing to sell at a discount just to move the books off of their shelves.

Before you go out to search for books do a little research. Buy an inexpensive book price guide from eBay, Amazon, or other book seller or simply check out one from the library. A quick read of the book can provide enough information to get a novice rare book hunter started.