Do you have old novels, textbooks, or rare books gathering dust at home? With an expanding online marketplace, selling your books has never been easier—if you know where to look. Here’s a detailed guide to the top five websites for selling books in 2025, including their pros and cons.
1. BookScouter – Best for Textbooks
BookScouter stands out as a top platform for selling books, especially textbooks. It connects you with over 30 vetted vendors actively looking to buy the exact book you’re selling. Unlike traditional listing platforms, BookScouter allows you to compare buyback offers to ensure you get the best deal.
Highlights:
- Free shipping when selling to vendors.
- Verified buyer reviews and ratings ensure safer transactions.
- User-friendly app and website.
- Special $500 textbook scholarship program for students.
Whether you’re a seasoned bookseller or a beginner, BookScouter’s intuitive platform makes it easy to sell textbooks and used books hassle-free.
2. eBay – Best for Rare Books and Collectibles
For those with rare or collectible books, eBay remains a solid choice. Its auction system can yield significant profits if the right buyers are competing for your items. However, eBay is less ideal for textbooks due to the potential for lowball offers.
Pros:
- Auction-style listings can drive up prices for high-demand items.
- The first 50 listings are free.
Cons:
- Fees apply for sales beyond the initial free listings.
- Sellers pay for shipping.
- The platform can be overwhelming for beginners.
If you’re selling unique, rare books, eBay offers excellent exposure and the possibility of higher returns.
3. Amazon – Best for Diverse Book Sales
Amazon’s dominance as a global marketplace makes it an appealing platform for selling books. While Amazon no longer offers a trade-in program for textbooks, you can create a seller account and list your books directly to buyers.
Advantages:
- Massive customer base and global reach.
- You control your pricing for higher earning potential.
Drawbacks:
- High competition, making it difficult for individual sellers.
- Shipping costs are the seller’s responsibility.
Amazon is a strong choice for selling various types of books, but success depends on competitive pricing and the condition of your items.
4. Chegg – Limited Potential for Sellers
Once a leader in textbook buybacks, Chegg now redirects sellers to GoTextbooks, which limits its functionality as a resale platform.
What to Know:
- Free shipping for textbook sales (via GoTextbooks).
- Limited book categories and buyback options.
Chegg is no longer the powerhouse it once was for book sellers but still offers an option for those solely focused on textbooks.
5. AbeBooks – Best for Fiction and Rare Books
AbeBooks has carved a niche as a specialized platform for book enthusiasts, making it an excellent choice for selling fiction, nonfiction, and rare books. Unlike general reselling platforms, AbeBooks caters specifically to book buyers, ensuring a targeted audience.
Key Features:
- Focus on books ensures active buyers.
- Detailed classification system for book listings (condition, genre, binding, etc.).
Downsides:
- Sellers must manage their own listings and sales.
- No mobile app for added convenience.
- Limited effectiveness for textbooks.
AbeBooks is ideal for sellers with rare or unique books, offering a dedicated audience and a professional marketplace.
Comparison Table of Best Websites to Sell Books
| Platform | App Available | Free Shipping | Focus on Textbooks | Sell Directly to Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BookScouter | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| eBay | Yes | No | No | No |
| Amazon | Yes | No | No | No |
| Chegg (via GoTextbooks) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| AbeBooks | No | No | No | No |
Conclusion
The best platform for selling your books depends on the type of books you have and your selling goals:
- For textbooks: BookScouter offers the best prices and seamless transactions.
- For rare and collectible books: eBay is your go-to for maximum profits through auctions.
- For diverse book types: Amazon provides access to a large customer base, though competition is tough.
- For niche or rare items: AbeBooks caters specifically to book lovers.
Whichever platform you choose, these websites provide excellent opportunities to declutter your shelves and make a profit.