Reselling Books On Amazon: Ways To Increase Your Sales
Reselling books can mean sales going up and down. Some days, there were high profits, and some, just a few. But you don’t have to fret over it; it’s normal. Every seller can attest that they have the same experience. Remember, reselling books on Amazon means you have to understand and master strategies that will work effectively to increase your sales.
Continue reading this article to uncover new ways and tricks to level up your reselling book business on Amazon.
Benefits of Reselling Books on Amazon
Amazon is a huge marketplace that holds a staggering 37.6% share of the online retail market. It is an expansive marketplace and trusted platform provides an excellent entry point into e-commerce, particularly for those interested in reselling used items. Starting with books—a popular and widely available category—offers great potential, especially in today’s circular economy.
1. Passive Income Potential
Reselling books on Amazon can be a great way to earn passive income. Using Amazon’s FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) service, you can send your books to their warehouses, where Amazon takes care of packing, shipping, and customer service. This hands-off setup means you can keep making sales without having to handle the logistics.
2. Access to a Huge Customer Base
Amazon attracts millions of shoppers every day, giving you a large audience for your books. Listing on Amazon puts your books in front of a vast, engaged audience, increasing your chances of making sales.
3. Trust and Credibility
Amazon has a stable authority and trusted reputation that boosts credibility as a seller. In return, buyers are confident shopping on Amazon, which also makes them more likely to buy from you, even if you are just starting.
4. Encouraging Sustainable Shopping
Selling used books on Amazon is great for the environment! Why? It’s because reselling these books can reduce waste instead of throwing them in the bin. It extends the circulation life of books. Both sellers and buyers contribute to sustainability, making it a responsible, eco-friendly choice.
5. Low Startup Costs
Reselling books doesn’t require a big upfront investment. You can find low-cost books at thrift stores, library sales, or even online. Plus, Amazon’s flexible fees help keep costs manageable so almost anyone can get started.
6. Flexible, Scalable Business Model
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time business, Amazon makes it easy to grow at your own pace. With FBA and Amazon’s support, you can add more inventory or streamline your process as you go. It’s a business you can shape around your own goals.
7. Steady Demand for Books
Books are always popular, whether they’re bestsellers, textbooks, or niche topics. Amazon attracts all kinds of readers, so there’s a steady stream of potential buyers. This makes books a relatively safe and reliable choice for new sellers.
Study the Top Book Categories
Reselling books on Amazon means you have to touch down to the details and most intricate parts. That is learning the book categories that sell better on the platform. How will you ever get more sales if you don’t cherry-pick right? Targeting high-demand categories can increase your chances of consistent sales and solid margins.
Here’s a breakdown of popular book categories on Amazon that tend to perform well:
1. Textbooks
Textbooks are in high demand, especially around back-to-school times and semester starts. Subjects like science, mathematics, medical studies, and engineering are particularly valuable. Used textbooks in good condition often sell well because students are eager for affordable options. To make the most of this market, sellers should time listings around peak seasons and offer competitive prices.
2. Non-Fiction
Non-fiction books are defined as writing that presents information grounded in reality or is factual. These types of books are biographies, business, self-help, science, history, and health. So, why do these books sell well? It is because they attract readers looking to learn, develop skills, and gain deeper insights into real-world topics.
To make your non-fiction books stand out, you should have important details like a synopsis of your book and a description highlighting its unique insights. Then, price your book strategically to attract an audience.
3. Niche Books
Niche books are unlike the first two I mentioned. People value these types of books because it has a particular subject or specialized topic to cover.Writers of niche books are mostly established enthusiasts and experts for a specific topic. Covering specialized areas that are often overlooked in mainstream media, niche books can capture loyal readers who are looking for in-depth knowledge.
4. Comic Books
Comic books have an interesting appeal. They captivate readers with rich storytelling and visual artistry, and most importantly, they keep the reader’s imagination alive. Attract buyers by creating a listing of books on your social media that will highlight the covers, themes, popular heroes or villains, and notable artists. This approach can tap into the enthusiasm of comic book fans, many of whom value condition and specific editions.
5. Collectibles
Collectible books create a unique value because of their rarity, historical significance, or cultural importance. Moreover, these books are well-defined and specifically highly sought after by collectors who prize scarcity and condition.
As a seller, you need to sell these collectibles by knowing the book’s history, its condition, and unique characteristics. When highlighting these aspects in your listings, you can attract serious collectors willing to pay a premium for rare or valuable pieces.
Understanding Which Book Conditions Sell Best
Find out how you can identify various book conditions that will sell according to Amazon’s guidelines. These are the following conditions:
Used – Like New
The book should be in excellent shape, it should look like it’s coming straight from the store! It may be possible to have a few minor marks but it should not overpower the whole cover and has no noticeable wear.
Used – Very Good
This type of book is expected to be less fresh and new, but they are still in fantastic condition. You can see that there is minor wear, and the cover can be slightly worn. There should be no big defects, stains, notes, or missing pages.
Used – Good
Books that are “Used–good” show clear signs of being pre-owned. The wear might be visible, and there might be limited notes or highlights on the pages. You might wonder if the dust cover or its box set case might be missing. Although there are pages that are intact, the text is fully readable with no major damage. Also, this can be your go-to category if a book doesn’t meet the “Like New” or “Very Good” standards.
Used – Acceptable
There are some book resellers that don’t list “Used-Acceptable” books on Amazon and prefer eBay for these. A book in this condition shows obvious signs of wear, it can be likely worn or replaced cover. There are particular marks on various pages or even the dust cover. But certainly, there are no missing pages. This is the minimum quality for a book to be sellable on Amazon, though most people prefer a copy in better shape.
New Books
A “New” book is exactly that—brand new, untouched, and with the protective cover still in perfect condition. It should be obvious if a book is truly new, so it’s best to be honest and clear here!
Avoid Unacceptable Book Conditions on Amazon
If a book doesn’t fit into any of the standard condition categories, it’s probably not allowed on Amazon. But it’s not just the physical shape of the book that matters—Amazon also has rules about originality, copyright, legality, and more.
Here’s a quick list of books you can’t sell on Amazon:
• Books past their expiration dates (yes, some books have them!)
• Books missing pages
• Books with significant damage or heavy wear
• Books that Amazon doesn’t allow for sale
• Books labeled “Not for Sale” (often promo copies)
• Books meant to be destroyed or disposed of
• Books with unreadable text
• Photocopies or any illegally duplicated books
• Unpublished books
If you’re unsure, it’s best not to list the book. I’ve seen a few sellers lose their accounts for selling unauthorized books, and I wouldn’t want that to happen to you.
Find the Best Places to Look for Used Books
Looking for great deals on used books? Here are some of the best places to find them:
1. Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are goldmines for used books. You can often find a huge selection of affordable books in great condition—perfect for reselling.
2. Library Sales
Many libraries hold regular book sales to clear out their old inventory. These are great for finding books at rock-bottom prices, and sometimes, you’ll score rare finds!
3. Online Marketplaces
Sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist have tons of used books listed by individuals. You can often find great deals and sellers looking to clear out their collections.
4. Book Swaps
Local or online book-swapping groups can be an excellent way to score used books without spending money. It’s all about trading what you have for what you want!
5. Estate Sales and Garage Sales
Estate sales and garage sales can be treasure hunts for used books. You never know what hidden gems you’ll come across at these sales, and the prices are often negotiable!
6. Used Bookstores
Used bookstores, especially local ones, can have a great selection. Some also offer trade-in options, where you can swap your old books for something new (or new to you!).
Promote Your Books Online
Online marketing, especially video marketing, is an effective technique to promote your book and entice customers. Make intriguing videos that display your book’s standout features, author insights, or behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok can be excellent for finding large followers of book enthusiasts.
To make your films viral, utilize video editor tools such as Canva, VEED, or InShot. High-quality and digestible promotional content may drastically enhance your online profile, which in turn increases sales.
Price Your Books Competitively
One of the most important components in reselling books on Amazon is how you price the books competitively. So, can you do this? First, you need to assess the current market value by researching the prices of similar books and comparing them to their conditions. Consider various factors like the book’s age, edition, and demand. With this in mind, you can set a price that attracts customers and ensures a good profit.
One thing you should remember when pricing your books effectively is to consider the cost of acquiring them to maintain a healthy profit margin. Use tools like Bookz Pro to keep the process easier and more efficient by comparing prices and insights into the best price ranges for your books.
Lastly, keep a close eye on your pricing strategy and adjust based on sales insights or performance, customer feedback, and market changes. As a seller, you need to be flexible and experiment with different price points to find the ideal and optimal balance between profitability and customer demand.
Conclusion
Now that you already know how to resell books on Amazon in a simpler and integrated way. Let’s wrap up the important notes for you to remember. By using Amazon as your market platform, you can reach a wider audience or customer base. Focus on popular categories like textbooks, non-fiction, and collectibles that will enhance your sales potential.
Most importantly, understand book conditions, and find books that are under Amazon’s guidelines. You can find books in thrift stores, library sales, and online marketplaces. With the right pricing and marketing strategies, resellers like you can have a higher chance of being at the top of the industry.
