Buying Second Hand Books - What You Need To Know

A book is never out of place as a companion by your side, whether you're snuggled up in winter, tanning on the beach in summer, or enjoying a lush landscape in spring or autumn.

Purchasing a new book, on the other hand, can feel like a chore at times - with a somewhat limited selection, unspoiled spine, and ever-increasing price, purchasing a new book puts you under the pressure of making the right choice and keeping it as pristine as possible. If you don't do either of these, the disappointment you'll feel (along with your wallet or purse) may put you off for good.

But it doesn't have to be this way: easily enlighten your book shopping with this list of the benefits of second hand books that we've compiled for you...

Buying second hand books is less expensive!

Why spend $30 on a new hardcover that you'll only read once and then use as a paper weight? You're more likely to find the same novel for much less money at a second hand books store or yard sale. Because second hand books aren't always in mint condition, sellers mark them down significantly. Books can be purchased for as little as a dollar in some cases!

If you're serious about getting the best deals, I'd even suggest respectfully bartering with the owners to get the price even lower. If you buy several second hand books, you might be able to get a better deal if you buy them all at once. Overall, if you're the type of reader who plows through books quickly, buying second hand books online can be much more cost-effective.

The Romance of Second Hand Books Is Unrivaled

Old second hand books have a charm and charisma that new books do not have. The experiences it's had, the life it's led; you'll never know until you take a first look at the slightly faded cover, feel the gently creased spine, and flip through the pages. Every dog-eared corner, tea stain, and tiny tear tells a story, and you can contribute your own memories and experiences to the second hand book's journey.

Certain second hand books may even have notes or annotated sections with their own comments and opinions from previous owners. This is especially true for academic books, and who knows, if it worked for Harry Potter, it might just work for you!

But one thing is certain: the older the book and the longer its life, the more likely it is to have developed that glorious, incomparable old second hand book smell - and one of the reasons why we at Usedbooksfactory can't help but pick up used editions of our favorite fictional classics!

Purchasing second hand books is a way to show your support for local and small businesses.

Second hand stores, which are usually small and local, are one of the best places to buy second hand books. Buying used, rather than new, allows you to support your community and connect with local bookstore owners and fellow readers. Second hand stores frequently host events such as author Q&As or weekly book clubs. In this way, a single used book can introduce you to a whole new world of enthusiastic readers.

With second hand books, you can be much more social.

Consider this: you've just spent a lot of money on a brand-new book. It's a true page-turner, and as you read it, you'll find yourself becoming increasingly engrossed in the story. After a thrilling climax, you tell a friend about your experience, and they express an interest in borrowing it. While most of us would gladly hand it over, it's difficult to shake the uneasy feeling that they might not return it in pristine condition - or even at all!

Consider the same scenario, but this time it's centered on the second hand book you got for less than half its original price. The book may have a few marks and folds here and there, but you'll feel much more at ease lending it to a friend or family member - you'll be able to listen to their thoughts and interpretations without worrying about how they've treated it.

Not to mention, if you read in a group (whether through a book club or with friends), buying used books is a convenient way to enjoy and share each new read. One thing is certain: with OnBuy's plethora of used books at your disposal, you'll have plenty to get you started!

Buying second hand books gives books a new lease on life.

There's almost nothing sadder to me than reading a book once and then letting it gather dust on the bookshelf for the next few years. I'm sure there are thousands of perfectly good books buried in attics or basements all over the world. Books are worth more than that, and buying used encourages a giving mindset. When you buy used, you are confirming that there is a market for this type of product and assisting stores that promote these ideals in remaining in business.

If you are the type of person who frequently purchases old second hand books, think about giving back to the community. Donating books can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Giving the gift of reading to someone who might not have been able to afford it otherwise can be extremely rewarding. Even exchanging the book you just finished for a different used book can ensure that all books get a second chance and a second life outside of the bookshelf.

Old Used Books Are the Best Way to Reintroduce Yourself to Reading!

It happens to the majority of us at some point: we neglect our love of books due to the hectic nature of daily life. This, combined with the ever-increasing prices of new copies, makes reading and book-buying far more difficult than it needs to be!

Purchasing second hand books allows you to keep a stack on hand while also providing additional motivation to read them. Creating reading opportunities will be much easier as well, because you can feel more secure about taking a second hand book on the go without the fear of bending, water damage, tearing, or loss that comes with new, full-priced books.

As a result, you can take your book anywhere: parks, trains, buses, beaches, and so on. Because you've chosen to buy second hand books, you can say goodbye to the nervous feelings that come with bringing a brand-new book into the world for the first time.

When it comes to buying second hand books, the options are virtually limitless!

When it comes to options, buying second hand books truly spoils you! When you browse the used books for sale at Usedbooksfactory, you're not just looking at books that have recently been released; you're also looking at books that may no longer be in general circulation, or editions that were released much more widely than they are now.

Buying second hand books can introduce you to new genres and authors you may not have encountered before, and if you see something new, why not take a chance? Because the book will be much cheaper, it will be much less frustrating if you don't enjoy it, and as previously stated, you can easily give it to a loved one!

We love buying used cookery books at Usedbooksfactory because it's a great way to build a budget-friendly repertoire of dishes in a variety of styles. Whether you want to embrace a natural, free-from-nasties diet with Deliciously Ella by Ella Woodward, which is on sale used for as little as £6.44*, or put a healthy spin on some firm favorites with the Hairy Dieters' How to Love Food and Lose Weight, which is on sale used for as little as £2.75*, the culinary options are limitless!

Second hand books have an "Old-School" appeal.

Give us the musty, ripped pages instead of the new book smell. To be honest, we have grown to appreciate the little underlined phrases and dog-eared corners that other readers leave behind. It makes us wonder about the book's previous life and provides me with a unique perspective on which passages stood out to whoever read it before me. Of course, you have to be cautious of the unidentified stains and sticky pages scattered throughout, but that's half the fun!

Buying Second Hand Books Is Better for The Environment

In today's disposable world, it's more important than ever to practice the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Buying second hand books is an easy and smart way to ensure you're doing all of the above! Buying a gently used book is a no-brainer because it reduces the need for raw materials to make new copies while reusing an item that still has plenty of life in it.

According to a report published in The Journal of Industrial Ecology that investigated the carbon emissions released throughout the process, the carbon footprint of creating a new book is estimated to be about 2.71kg of CO2. Consider the rate at which new books are published, and you can see the scope of the problem!

To have an impact, as many people as possible must make choices that have little environmental impact and promote sustainability through the 3Rs. If you're stuck for ideas, try Eco House Book, Easy Eco Auditing, or The Eco Lifestyle Handbook - not only will these used books help you make a difference, but they're all less than the cost of a cup of coffee!

Roulette Reading

You never know what you'll find when you walk into a new bookstore. Even if you go in expecting a specific book, there's no guarantee it'll be there; you might end up with something better. When we go to a used bookstore, we always try to buy one book we’ve heard of and one that we’ve never heard of before. Sometimes we discover an author or a book that we would not have discovered otherwise simply because we shopped used. The best part is that because used books are so inexpensive, it's not the end of the world if you don't end up liking what you bought. You can usually return it to the store and exchange it for another book. In the worst-case scenario, you've only lost a few dollars.

Purchase Used Books to Build Your Dream Collection

Finding a book that sticks with you is part of the magic of reading. Perhaps it's the story, a specific character, a magical world, or even just one line of dialogue or description - whatever it is, browsing the used book collection here allows you to rediscover a long-lost love for a specific title.

There's always one that got away, whether it's a book you constantly borrowed from the library or a friend but never owned, or a copy that was once yours but became lost to the annals of time. If you find that hidden gem, it could be the same version you once read or owned, or it could be a special edition designed for true fans, such as the beautiful bestseller The Forgotten Garden: Sophie Allport Edition, which is available for as little as £2.80*!

Another wonderful advantage of buying second hand books is that you can create an eclectic collection that is tailored to your preferences. Fill your shelves with a one-of-a-kind collection of used books that have special meaning or interest to you - without breaking the bank!