“How can I sell books on Amazon?”
This is a question I hear often, especially after people learn I’ve sold over $3,000,000 worth of used books, CDs, and DVDs.
Selling books on Amazon can be incredibly profitable if you understand the basics. Here's what we'll cover:
- How to determine if a book is profitable.
- How to get your book listed for sale.
- Where to find the most profitable books in your city.
Let’s break it down.
What Type of Seller Should You Be: Professional or Individual?
If you’re serious about building an Amazon business, sign up for a professional Amazon account. For $39.99 per month, the professional account offers key advantages:
- Avoid Per-Book Fees
Individual accounts charge $1 per book sold. If you sell more than 40 books per month, the professional plan saves you money. - Access Third-Party Software
Tools like ScoutIQ and Go2Lister—essential for saving time and maximizing profits—require a professional account. - Buy Box Eligibility
Professional accounts make your products eligible for the Amazon Buy Box, leading to faster sales.
Pro Tip: Sign up for a professional account here.
FBM vs. FBA: Which Is Better?
- FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant): You handle shipping and customer service directly.
- FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon): Amazon stores, ships, and handles customer service for your products.
Why FBA Is Best for Beginners:
- Faster sales due to Prime eligibility.
- Higher prices because customers trust Amazon’s speedy shipping.
- You save time by letting Amazon manage logistics.
How to Find Books to Sell on Amazon
The key to success is sourcing books from locations with the highest percentage of profitable finds.
- Your Closet
Start at home. Chances are you already own a few profitable books just waiting to be sold. - Thrift Stores
Popular options include:some text- Goodwill
- Savers
- Salvation Army
- Local mom-and-pop stores
- Used Bookstores
While prices may be higher, don’t hesitate to invest in a $50 book that can sell for $100. - Craigslist
Search for books, focusing on listings from people moving or decluttering. Be cautious of ex-sellers trying to offload unsellable inventory. - Facebook Marketplace
Great for finding high-value textbooks. Offer around 25% of the listed price and pay for shipping. - Bulk Purchases (Gaylords)
Call local thrift stores, libraries, and recyclers to purchase books in bulk. A large box of books (called a Gaylord) can be a goldmine. - Library Sales
Visit BookSaleFinder.com for a list of library sales in your area. Arrive early to maximize your chances of finding valuable books. - Garage and Estate Sales
Use apps like Yard Sale Treasure Map or visit EstateSales.net to find sales near you. Estate sales in wealthier neighborhoods are often treasure troves for books. - Dozens of Other Methods
For more strategies, visit StartHumble.com and try the $1,000 Profit 7-Day Challenge.
How to Know Which Books Sell on Amazon
Two factors determine if a book is worth selling:
- Sales Velocitysome text
- Sales Rank: A book’s sales rank indicates how often it sells. Lower ranks (closer to 1) sell faster. Ranks in the millions indicate slower sales.
- eScore: Available via tools like ScoutIQ, eScore shows how many days a book has had at least one sale in the past six months.
- Profitability
Use a scanning app like ScoutIQ to calculate potential profit. Key factors include:some text- Buy Cost: How much you paid for the book.
- Referral Fee: Amazon charges 15% of the sale price.
- FBA Fees: Costs for storage, packing, and shipping (usually $5-$8 per book).
When using ScoutIQ, the app’s screen turns green if a book is profitable and red if it’s not. For faster scanning, use headphones to listen for the app’s cash register sound signaling a good find.
Final Thoughts
Selling books on Amazon is a lucrative opportunity, but it requires strategy, effort, and the right tools. Whether you’re clearing out your closet or investing in bulk purchases, the key is understanding the market and staying consistent.
Ready to start? Invest in tools like ScoutIQ and Go2Lister to streamline your process, and don’t forget to check out StartHumble.com for even more strategies to maximize profits.
Happy selling!
