How to sell your used books (and get the most for them)
If you’ve got boxes of books you’re ready to part with, you have more options than the recycling bin. Here’s how selling and trading used books actually works — and how to walk away with the most value.
Trade-in credit vs. cash
Most used bookstores offer store creditat a higher rate than cash, because credit keeps you shopping with them. If you’re a regular reader, credit is almost always the better deal — at To Be Read, it stretches much further than a cash offer would. If you simply need to clear space and never plan to return, cash (where offered) makes sense.
What stores look for
- Condition. Clean, unmarked copies with intact spines and covers. No water damage, mold, or heavy highlighting.
- Demand. Recent bestsellers, popular series, classics, and evergreen nonfiction move fastest.
- Format. Trade paperbacks and hardcovers in good shape are easiest to resell; old textbooks and ex-library copies are a harder sell.
Prep your books before you go
- Sort. Pull out anything damaged, musty, or written-in — those usually won’t qualify.
- Wipe covers. A quick dusting makes a real difference on hardcovers.
- Box them flat. Spines down or flat, not jammed in — it speeds up the staff’s review.
- Leave the sets together. Complete series and matching editions are more appealing as a group.
Set expectations
No store can take everything — overstocked titles and worn copies get passed back, and that’s normal. Bring a mix, don’t take a “no” personally, and have a plan (donation box) for whatever comes home with you.
Trade with us
See exactly how our trade-in credit works, compare where to trade used books around Portland, or just bring a box by the shop. Then put your credit to work with the Matchmaker.