Putting Together an Inventory of Books to Sell Online

Here's a question for you - are you starting your own business or just selling some of your old books? Either way you will probably start off the same way, so what's the difference?

Well, for me it comes down to inventory. When you first start selling books online you are probably going to start with your own books. I certainly did. The first thing I did was comb through every shelf looking for books I knew I would never read again. Then I added to my inventory when my mother brought me some of her books and my friend Tommy gave me some of his. All of this inventory was free - they were just books that weren't being read.

At some point though, you are going to sell most of what you have, or get to a point where what's left just isn't going to sell. Then what? Do you close up your shop - or do you start buying books to sell?

If you decide to start buying books, here are some places to look for them:

• Garage sales (My personal favorite.)
• Church sales (Another great spot.)
  
• Estate sales (Tend to be more expensive.)
• Used book stores (Can be slim pickings - they are in the same business you are after all. However, occasionally bargains can be found.)
• Library sales (Libraries frequently sell used books that members have donated. Wonderful bargains can be found here, however, make sure what you are buying does not have library marks - stamps, card holders, etc. Books with those usually will not sell.)
• Thrift stores (Hit or miss and be sure you check the books over thoroughly - sometimes these books get abused.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Look books over carefully before you buy them. You would hate to get home and find out they are missing a page or in worse condition than you thought.
• Look for remainder marks - usually a marker line or dot on the edge of the pages. Booksellers mark books this way so these types of books aren't returned at full price. If it has a remainder mark you will have to note that on the condition when you go to sell it and it will affect the price. Also, books that have been remaindered out tend to be a dime a dozen online - usually you won't be able to get anything like a good price for them.
• Note any inscriptions, underlining, wear and tear, highlighting, stains or other price reducing conditions.
• Beware price stickers - some stickers are a real pain to remove, especially from thrift stores.

Remember, if you do buy something you can't sell - you can always read it! (Or, pass it on to someone who will.) Libraries and thrift stores also accept donated books.

Good luck and happy hunting!