Understanding Used Book Prices: A Reader’s Guide to Smarter Buying

If you’ve ever browsed a secondhand shelf or scrolled through listings online, you’ve probably noticed something strange: the same book can cost wildly different amounts depending on where you buy it. Why?

Let’s break it down.

The Charm of the Used Bookstore

For many readers, the love of used books begins with accessibility. When I walk into one of the two used bookstores I frequent here in Amsterdam, I know I’ll find something worth reading for less than €5. That’s not just a good deal—it’s a pricing necessity in a world where you can get access to thousands of movies for €15 a month. These shops are curated by people who care about books, and the prices reflect a community-driven model. You’re not paying for branding or logistics; you’re paying for the book and the joy of finding it.

Take La Flaneur, for example. It’s where I recently picked up Embers of War by Gareth Powell for €6.50. I walked out with the book in hand, no shipping, no waiting, no markup. Just the book and me.

The Online Hunt: eBay and Beyond

Online, the story shifts. eBay is often my next stop when I can’t find a title locally. There, I can usually find copies for around the same price—$5.37 is the current price for Embers of War—but then I have to factor in shipping. Sometimes it’s free, sometimes not. The seller might be an individual clearing out their shelves, or a small business operating with minimal overhead. Either way, the inventory is often “free” to them, which helps keep prices low.

But as you move up the chain, things change.

The Marketplace Effect

Dedicated online sellers like ThriftBooks or AbeBooks offer convenience and selection. You’ll find the book you want, and you’ll probably get it quickly. But the price starts to climb. On ThriftBooks, Embers of War with shipping comes to $8.38. Still reasonable, but noticeably higher.

Then there’s Amazon. The same book, used and in good condition, is listed at €11.92. That’s nearly double what I paid at La Flâneur. Why? Because Amazon is a marketplace. The seller needs to make a profit, Amazon takes a cut (often around 15%), and shipping is baked into the price. It’s a layered system, and each layer adds cost.

Why Prices Vary: A Breakdown

Let’s look at the key factors that influence used book pricing:

1. Inventory Costs

Local bookstores often receive books for free. When I volunteered at Books4Life Amsterdam, we’d get banker boxes full of donations daily. After sorting, about half were sellable. The labor was real, but the inventory cost was zero. That’s a huge advantage.

2. Shipping

If you can walk down the street and pick up a book, you’re saving money. Shipping adds cost—plain and simple. Whether it’s €2 or €5, it changes the equation.

3. Marketplace Margins

Online platforms take a cut. Amazon’s 15% fee means sellers have to raise prices to stay profitable. That’s not greed—it’s survival. And it’s why prices on marketplaces are often the highest.

4. Geographic Premiums

English-language books in the Netherlands carry a slight premium. In the U.S., Embers of War might be cheaper simply because it’s more common. Location matters.

What This Means for Readers

So, how do you navigate this landscape?

• If you’re patient and enjoy the hunt, your local used bookstore is your best bet. You’ll find gems, support local businesses, and pay less.

• If you need a book quickly, eBay is a solid option. Individual sellers often have low overhead and free inventory.

• If you’re buying in bulk, dedicated online sellers like ThriftBooks can be cost-effective—especially with free shipping thresholds.

• If selection is your priority, marketplaces like Amazon offer the widest range, but expect to pay more.

Supporting the Ecosystem

At Author Advantage, we believe in empowering authors and bookstores. Used books are part of that ecosystem. They keep stories circulating, reduce waste, and make reading more accessible. But they also highlight the challenges of pricing and profit in a world dominated by platforms.

By understanding how prices are set, readers can make informed choices—and maybe even shift their buying habits toward models that support sustainability and fairness.