selling

[skeeterbug1946]

I want to start selling books on ebay, don't know how and need specific directions

[ted_holland4pn4]

You may already know this, but if you are going to sell used books, you need to know how to grade them.  Knowing how to grade items is subjective, always fraught with peril, and requires some experience.  From your question, I assumed you have not been in the business of grading books, but could be wrong.  YMMV, good luck!

Perhaps begin here if you need to know how to assess book conditions:

https://www.abebooks.com/books/rarebooks/collecting-guide/understanding-rare-books/guide-book-condit...

or here:

http://www.vermontisbookcountry.com/bookgrading

[jayjaspersgarage]

Books are tricky so don't expect miracles.  I have been listing books on ebay for ten years as a side category with some success.  Sourcing them at estate sales is hit and miss.  As for grading books I am not going down that rabbit hole.  I take A LOT of photos and list obvious defects in the description.

I also look up the titles to see what other sellers have sold the same book for based on condition.  This requires time and a good nose.  If a book smells moldy don't list it unless it is a first edition.

Shipping books is the fun part.  If they weight less than a pound and you print your own labels stick to the first class under a pound rate.  Your customers will appreciate the speed at which you delivery.  Otherwise be sure to let potential buyers know that media mail can take up to ten days.

It looks like you have zero feedback as a seller so be sure you are ready to ship anything before you list.  If you buy books from the big A company save the boxes they arrive in.  I buy my sisters' books to get the shipping boxes to reuse to send out the books I sell.  I give my sisters' books away at promotional events for my other businesses and at Arts & Crafts sales. 

You don't have to buy anything but labels to ship books.  I have used a flat piece of cardboard cut into the shape of a stubby cross to ship books.  You just have to fold it around the book like the old 'Hands Down' game...flap flap flap flap and tape.  Label goes on the front.  Bada bing bada bang!

[reallynicestamps]

Use Addall.com to compare editions, get some idea of listing prices (the site shows asking price NOT selling price).

Expect to take a long time to sell. I keep a slip with costs inside each book and yesteday shipped a book I had purchased in 2006- which also means I moved it cross-country when I retired.

For me, books sell faster and more profitabley on eBay than on the BigA.

I ship my cheap paperbacks in poly envelopes. Canada doesn't have a Media Mail system, so I use LetterPost as much as possible.

Free Shipping is a help.

DON'T PANIC1

Free Shipping just means that you include the cost of shipping in the asking price for the book.

Which is cheaper ? A $10 book with $5 shipping or a $15 book with Free Shipping?

Unless you have a B&M bookstore, make books just one of your product lines.