In a concerning development for the book industry, the United States Postal Service (USPS) filed a proposal on December 20, 2024, to eliminate Bound Printed Matter (BPM) Flats and Parcels from its services.

If implemented, this change would have far-reaching consequences for publishers, booksellers, and, most importantly, readers across America.

1. What’s Changing?
2. Impact on the Book Industry
3. Market Consolidation Concerns
4. BookScouter’s Position
5. What’s Next?

What’s Changing?

The USPS is planning to remove two critical mail services that the book industry heavily relies on:

• Bound Printed Matter (BPM) Flats
• Bound Printed Matter (BPM) Parcels

These services would be replaced with alternatives, and even the cheapest replacement option would cost approximately twice as much as current BPM rates.

Impact on the Book Industry

At BookScouter, we are deeply concerned about how these changes will affect book accessibility and affordability across the United States. Here’s why:

1. Dramatic Price Increases

The elimination of BPM services could force publishers and booksellers to switch to alternative shipping methods that could double current shipping costs. This increase in operational expenses would inevitably be passed on to consumers, potentially raising book prices by up to 50%, depending on the type of book.

2. Disproportionate Impact on Rural Communities

Rural areas would be particularly hard hit by these changes. Private shipping companies typically charge premium rates for delivery to remote locations, making books significantly more expensive for rural readers. This creates an accessibility gap that contradicts the fundamental principle of equal access to literature and education.

3. Educational Impact

The ripple effects of these changes would be felt throughout the educational system:

• Higher costs for textbooks and educational materials
• Increased expenses for school libraries
• More expensive children’s books, affecting early literacy programs
• Greater financial burden on students and educational institutions

4. Small and Medium-Sized Businesses at Risk

While major corporations like Amazon, with their own delivery infrastructure, would remain largely unaffected, small and medium-sized bookstores and publishers would face significant challenges. Many of these businesses operate on thin margins and rely heavily on affordable USPS shipping rates to remain competitive.

Market Consolidation Concerns

This change could accelerate market consolidation in the book industry. As smaller players struggle with increased operational costs, large corporations like Amazon with established logistics networks would gain even more market share. This trend threatens to reduce competition and diversity in the book market.

BookScouter’s Position

As a platform dedicated to making literature more accessible and affordable for everyone, BookScouter is deeply troubled by these developments. Our mission has always been to help readers find the best prices for books and to support a diverse, competitive book market that serves all communities.

The elimination of BPM services threatens to:

• Make books less affordable for average Americans
• Create barriers to educational resources
• Disadvantage rural communities
• Hurt small and medium-sized businesses in the book industry
• Further consolidate market power in the hands of large corporations

What’s Next?

The USPS proposal is currently under review, with implementation planned for no earlier than July 2025. BookScouter will continue to monitor this situation closely and advocate for solutions that maintain affordable access to books for all Americans.

We encourage industry stakeholders and concerned citizens to engage with their representatives and the Postal Regulatory Commission during the public comment period. The future of affordable book access in America may depend on it.

We’ll continue to update this story as new developments emerge. Follow BookScouter on Facebook and X.com for the latest updates on this critical industry issue.

The used book market saw a significant shift this week as SellBackYourBook.com merged with World of Books – Sell Your Books on November 19, following the earlier integration of Ziffit into the World of Books ecosystem. The consolidation brings multiple well-known buyback brands under a single unified platform.

Existing SellBackYourBook.com customers won’t face any service disruption. The platform maintains all user credentials, with open carts and ongoing trades seamlessly transferred to the new system. “We’re still the same great place to sell books – just with a new look and feel,” reads the announcement on the website.

World of Books: A Growing Force in the Used Books Market

The consolidation highlights the expanding influence of the World of Books Group, a company that started with an environmentally conscious mission in 2002. What began as an initiative to rescue books from landfills has evolved into a major player in the sustainable book industry, now moving approximately 6 million books annually.

The British company recently rebranded its retail operation to “Wob” while expanding beyond books into other media formats like CDs and DVDs. Operating through various brands including Wob, Ziffit, and Shopiago, World of Books Group has established itself as a significant force in both consumer and business-to-business book trade.

Book Buyback Industry Outlook

This consolidation represents one of the more significant shifts in recent book buyback market history. The merger of these established brands under the World of Books umbrella suggests a trend toward consolidation in the used book industry.

BookScouter will continue monitoring these market developments and their impact on buyback pricing trends and industry dynamics. Future updates will track how this consolidation affects various market segments, from individual sellers to professional book flippers and bulk resellers.

Ever wondered if you’re getting the best deal on that paperback?

Or maybe you’re looking to declutter your shelves and make some extra cash?

BookScouter’s ISBN scanner app is about to become your new best friend!

How The BookScouter ISBN Scanner App Works

BookScouter is a book price comparison app that helps you buy, rent, and sell books at the best prices. You perform a single search and get offers from all popular online bookstores or buyback vendors compared on one page in real time.

Why Choose the BookScouter App for Book Pricing Comparison?

Students can find the best textbook purchase and rental deals for the coming semester or sell their books back much more profitably than at a campus bookstore.

Actually, the app is not just about textbooks.

You can sell any used book with resale value, including those you no longer need or those you bought in thrift stores or garage sales. That’s what some BookScouter users do—run a business or side hustle on book reselling.

Feel free to read more about flipping books for profit or book scouting:

the top 3 platforms where to sell books for money

the top 10 questions about starting a used book selling business

different business models

where to find books to sell

where to get used books for free

By the way, by contributing to sustainable living instead of throwing used books away, you give them a second life.

Book Barcode Scanner App Brings You The Best Buyback Deals In Seconds

You can check out the best buyback price for any book you have in your hands – textbooks you no longer need, books at a thrift store or garage sale, books someone wants to donate, trash, or recycle.

There is no typing required. You just scan the book barcode or ISBN, and that’s it!

All buyback offers from 20+ online vendors are compared for you on one page, with the best deals on top.

Buy Books For Less with the BookScouter App

Did you know that the average student can save up to 50% on textbook purchases by comparing prices? That’s right—and we’re here to help you join the savvy students’ club.

Whether you’re a casual reader or a serious collector, don’t let another great deal on a book you plan to buy slip through your fingers.

Download the BookScouter app today and join thousands of savvy book lovers who are comparing prices and saving money every day. Your next great read (at the best price) is just one search away!

Install FREE BookScouter App & Try It!

Next time you want to buy books or textbooks, declutter your shelves, or simply make extra cash selling things you no longer need, let the BookScouter app bring you the best deals!

Used text books are good for the planet, right? Well that statement seems fairly easy to defend, but when you get down to the hard facts, it really becomes an interesting topic. When proving this hypothesis, the first question I wanted to answer was, “How many books come from one tree?” I soon realized this was not an easy question to answer because books and trees come in all different shapes and sizes. Determined not to give up on my quest for the tree book ratio, I dug deeper for some type of quantitative data to calculate how many average-sized books come from the average-sized tree. Eventually I stumbled across some interesting information. It turns out that most trees are not used for paper. In fact, only the unwanted parts are sent to make paper. The majority of paper is made from recycled materials.

So does the buying and selling of used books do much good for our tall green friends after all? Perhaps not as much as I had originally anticipated, but I still contend that used books are good for the planet, and here’s why. Do you remember the old saying “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”? Well, when paper is recycled to create new paper, it goes through a process that requires a lot of energy and resources, including the use of some dangerous chemicals. Not to mention all of the energy and resources that are used to print a copy of a new book that could have been bought “USED” instead. So even if new books are made from recycled paper, far more energy and resources are expended in creating them if we simply reused the books we have now.

So perhaps buying and selling books on-line isn’t going to make you Captain Planet, but it does make a lot of sense. What makes even more sense is the economic impact buying and selling used books has. In a national, and even global time of economic uncertainty, buying and selling used books does more good than you might think. Selling your books on-line, especially text books, provides a low-cost alternative for students to buy the books they need for school. Many individuals lose their jobs during an economic downturn, and in an effort to make themselves marketable for new employment, they return to school to learn new skills. Very often these students cannot afford to pay full price for their books. Thus, by selling your books on-line, you are not only earning extra income for yourself and helping the environment, you’re making it easier for someone out there to get an education, which is definitely good for the planet.

So go ahead and round up all those old books and use http://bookscouter.com to find the best places to sell them. You’ll earn some money and help the planet!

@castanedastyles

Reply to @fastandsassynails check out Book Scouter. It’s free. It helps you find buyers for your particular book. #bookselling #booksforyoupage

♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey

]]> https://bsblog.wpenginepowered.com/used-books-are-good-for-the-planet/feed/ 1 https://bsblog.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-books/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 08:52:50 +0000 http://bsblog.wpengine.com/?p=140 We want you to get the most money for your used textbooks. Take a look at our blog and video tips for keeping your books in quality shape!

If you want to sell your textbooks at the end of the semester, it’s important to take care of books from your first day of ownership. If this is your first semester of college and you aren’t really sure how to take care of your books, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks so you can make sure your textbooks are in the best condition possible by the end of the semester so that you can sell them well and make good money.

We understand your books are probably going to receive some wear and tear—you’re in college, after all. But keeping your textbooks in great condition will give you your best chance at receiving some money for them when the term is over. Here are three easy ways you can keep your textbooks looking their best.

How to Take Care of Hardcover Books and Textbooks

Use Textbooks for Studying Only

If you’re using your book as a lap desk, dinner plate, or coffee coaster, it’s going to look worn. Coffee will inevitably splash a little; food will spill, and then suddenly, your textbook will look more like a menu than an instructional manual. Use your textbook for studying, assignments, and reading—avoid having food around it at all.

Don’t Write in Textbooks

Don’t make any highlights, either. This is why Post-It Notes were invented. We know writing in your textbook may be the easiest way to keep your thoughts organized, but when you write in a textbook or highlight a sentence, it actually decreases the value of your book. If your book was brand-new when you bought it, and you write in it, the condition immediately goes from new-ish to looking-used-ish.

If you buy a textbook and there are already notes in it, you may think that adding your own doesn’t make it look any worse. Imagine if all previous owners had the same thought. Companies that sell used textbooks rate them by their condition, so the more notes a book has, the worse the book condition rating is. There are plenty of sticky notes and notepads you can use to take notes while you read.

Keep Textbooks in Their Own Place

This may seem silly, but having a designated place for your textbooks will help you take care of books and keep them in top condition, protecting their covers and edges. If you have a specific bookshelf or area on your desk for your books, you are less likely to just toss the books wherever there’s room. Rather than dumping them in a pile with other miscellaneous items, put your books in their own place.

How to Take Care of Library Books

Library books require even better care. After all, these are the books you don’t own; therefore, you are responsible for returning them in exactly the same condition you received them in. Keep the library books on a designated shelf; always leave them upright and firmly supported. While using, don’t crack open the spines of the tightly bound books. Never use library books as coffee trays or supports for writing. Be very careful not to do any damage. And, it goes without saying that you must not write in library books.

How to Take Care of Old Books

If you have old books that you plan to sell in the future, you need to take measures to preserve them in a great state. Apart from all the above-mentioned recommendations that apply to the old books as well, there are a few specific ones. To keep your old books fine, place them away from direct sunlight and air vents, dust them regularly, store them vertically and snug against other books of the same size. Never leave them stacked in a pile or open.

Conclusion

It’ll take some thought and effort, but if you can treat your textbooks well throughout the semester, you stand a better chance of selling them when the semester ends. Selling textbooks is a great way to make some money. By utilizing a website that allows you to compare online bookstore prices, you can earn some extra money. Remember that the better the book’s condition, the more money a vendor is likely to pay you. ]]> https://bsblog.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-identify-scams/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 11:24:01 +0000 http://bsblog.wpengine.com/?p=151 Finding a legitimate buyback company can be hard. We don't want you to get scammed, so see what red flags you should look for when selling your textbooks.

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There are dozens of book buyback companies out there. When the time comes for you to sell textbooks, how do you know if you’re selling them to a legitimate buyback company or to someone anxious to cheat you? Distinguishing legitimate companies from sham operators can be tricky. Believe me, there are predatory companies out there, even in the textbook field.

How to Decide Where to Sell and Where Not to Sell Your Textbooks

Here are a few red flags to look for when you decide where to sell textbooks.

1. If the company asks for information it doesn’t need, then hang up! Vamoose! Get out! If a business wants to know your Social Security number or birthdate, it’s probably a scam. It’s reasonable for a company to ask for your name, street address (so they can mail you a check), or even your phone number. If they need more personal information than that, you should reconsider selling your books to that company.
2. If the company tells you it’ll be an unreasonable amount of time before they can send you your money, it’s probably a scam. It’s normal for a company to take a couple of weeks before sending your check. If it’s going to take several months, then you should reconsider dealing with them.
3. If the company you’ve chosen plans to give you an IOU for the money, run away. Any time a company offers to send you a note promising money at a later time, it’s most likely a scam. Normally, when you sell textbooks to a company, it will give you a date by which it will pay you (assuming there isn’t a shipping complication with your textbooks, and they arrive by the promised time). If it doesn’t, you’ve spotted a red flag.

Where to Sell Your Textbooks

Is BookScouter Legit?

BookScouter is a very old website that allows you to compare online bookstore prices. Since its launch in August 2007, BookScouter has been featured in the press: on national television and syndicated radio shows and in newspapers and magazines like Forbes and The New York Times. There’s a  Wikipedia page about BookScouter. BOOKSCOUTER LLC is a legit company. You can entrust Bookscouter with finding the perfect book buyback company for you. BookScouter uses information only from accredited companies, so you can rest assured that your sale will be secured—from the beginning of the textbook-selling process to the end. The odds of selecting a scam company are lessened dramatically if you rely on BookScouter. To further ensure the high quality of BookScouter, we recommend reading user reviews.

Is ThriftBooks Legit?

Yes. Founded in 2003, ThriftBooks is a real company, and it is one of the earliest sellers of used books on Amazon. You can trust ThriftBooks and rest assured that the books you buy will come to you in great condition. You can check their reviews on Reddit and Trustpilot; they are all favorable. However, this is a place that sells second-hand books; they don’t offer buyback. Keep this in mind.

Is Better World Books Legit?

This is another company that offers used books for sale online. Founded in 2001 by two college friends, the startup grew into a huge venture. Today Better World Books offers a great variety of second-hand books, from fiction to textbooks. They also donate books and raise funds for literacy and libraries. They do not offer buyback, unfortunately, so you won’t be able to sell your old books to them. But you can donate the books you no longer need. Feel free to check out Better World Books reviews on BookScouter.

Is DiscoverBooks Legit?

Yes, it is. DiscoverBooks, “your online corner bookshop,” is the place to both buy and sell books. In contrast to the online resources we’ve already covered, this website can help you get some extra cash for your old textbooks (starting from $6 for a minimal buyback order). DiscoverBooks has been doing business for a while now, so they are reliable and trustworthy.

Is SellBackYourBook Legit?

Yes, SellBackYourBook is a real company registered in Illinois. Don’t pay attention to the slightly outdated design of their website; SellBackYourBook has been buying back books since 2008 and is BBB accredited. Check their buyback prices on their website (Sellbackyourbook.com) and their rating and reviews on the BBB’s website. They’ve got an A+, which is saying something about the way they do business and handle all the complaints that may scare you at first.

Is CampusBookRentals Legit?

Sure, CampusBookRentals has been serving students since 2007. The service is BBB accredited (A rating); you can rely on them both if you need to rent textbooks or sell your books back.

Is Book Depository Legit?

Yes, it is a leading international book retailer that ships books for free and offers affordable prices. However, if you’ve been looking for a place to get cash for your used books, this is the wrong resource. Book Depository doesn’t buy second-hand books back; this website only sells new books at affordable prices. You won’t find very cheap offers here, either. Yet, you can find plenty of good books here, nonetheless.

Is Chegg Books Legit?

Absolutely. If you are a college student, you probably know all about Chegg, and yes, this is a legit resource both to get help with your studies and rent/buy books. You can also sell your old books back to them. They may not always offer the best prices, but if there is a reliable resource, this is Chegg.

Is World of Books Legit?

Correct. WoB (World of Books) is a global seller of used books online; you can definitely trust them. Founded in 2002, the company grew into an international business that was awarded B Corporation® (B Corps) status in 2018. If you are in search of a resource to get books on the cheap, WoB is a great choice. Keep in mind that as a second-hand store, it may have all sorts of books, from ‘like new’ to ‘very good’ to ‘well-read.’

Is Bigger Books Legit?

Yes, BiggerBooks can definitely be trusted as this is a quite popular online textbook vendor that specializes in discounted books and textbooks. The company has been in the business since 2001 and is BBB accredited (A+). They have plenty of offers and, judging by the way they handle complaints, they are quite reliable. You can find BiggerBooks reviews on BookScouter.com.

Is Half Price Books legit?

Definitely! It’s the largest family-owned bookstore in the U.S., with 50 years of history and more than 120 stores across the country! Half Price Books sells used books, so you can find many interesting offers at low prices. However, they don’t have a buyback offer. Still, if you need a reliable vendor, here is one.

Is Alibris Books Legit?

This company has BBB accreditation (A+) and the highest BBB customer review rating among the vendors we reviewed earlier: 3.66/5. Which is saying something, right? Alibris is not just a bookseller; it’s an entire marketplace for books, music, and movies. It’s also a place to find used books at low prices (as low as 99¢). Trust it and give it a try.

Is BooksRun Legit?

BooksRun is a trustworthy and reliable online book and textbook provider. It’s a legit company founded in 2014 and based in Philadelphia, PA that has been serving customers for more than a decade. You can check it by reading all the positive reviews on ShopperApproved, SiteJabber, and Trustpilot, as well as endorsements from university libraries and mentions in the media. BooksRun is dedicated to ensuring customers’ peace of mind and aims to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences. You can rest assured that with BooksRun, you’re not just choosing a service but a legit and trusted partner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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