How can I buy and sell second-hand books from other people?

Do you like to read? Are you a collector or do you own books of a certain value? Then you should take a look at the second-hand market!

It's a great way to save money on books that aren't yet available in paperback, and to always have a new book available without breaking the bank if you sell the ones you've finished.

First of all, set the price of your book.

Given the number of books available on Facebook, Leboncoin and all the other sites for selling and buying between individuals, it's important to be in the middle of the market so that your book doesn't get left behind. You can already visit www.justbooks.fr or www.gibertjoseph.com to get an idea, and look for other sellers of the same book as yours so that you are in the middle of the pack. The same goes for buyers: take a few minutes to compare and get the best price!

The condition of the book is crucial

Get into the habit of looking after them, and their value will only increase! A dog-eared, stained or torn book loses most of its value, even if it's new. This is another point to bear in mind if you want to buy: ask for close-up photos of the book, so that you can really see its condition and therefore your negotiating margin.

If you are selling or looking for antiquarian books, the task is more difficult.

Old books are not necessarily valuable, and book lovers know this! So don't necessarily part with books that have always been in your family, as long as they're old - their value may well be zero...

You can use an estimation engine such as www.abebooks.fr to get an idea. Then, if it's worth the effort, it's a good idea to have the book appraised by a professional (a number of booksellers will be able to help you) to get the best price. If you are buying, don't hesitate to ask the seller for a certificate of appraisal.

Whether you want to complete the transaction by hand or by delivery, we recommend using Obvy to secure and simplify your transaction between private individuals.