Where To Sell Used Books In Canada

If you’ve got a stack of used books sitting around your home and you’re wondering how to get rid of them, you’re in luck. Canada offers many places where you can sell your used books and even make some money. There’s a market, whether you’re looking to sell textbooks, novels, or children’s books. This guide will help you discover where to sell used books in Canada and provide tips on getting the most out of your collection.

Why Sell Your Used Books?

Selling used books is a great way to declutter your space and an excellent opportunity to make extra cash. Many book lovers would rather buy a pre-loved book at a lower price than pay full price for a new one. Plus, selling books means that you’re recycling and contributing to reducing waste. It’s a win-win!

But where should you sell them? Let’s break down some of the best options in Canada.

Online Platforms

1. BookScouter

BookScouter is one of the best online tools for finding where to sell books for cash. The platform compares offers from multiple book buyback vendors, allowing you to see who offers the best price for your book. It’s especially popular for selling textbooks but works for all kinds of books. If you’re wondering how to sell books on BookScouter, it’s simple: just enter the ISBN of the book you want to sell, and BookScouter will show you the best buyback options.

BookScouter is an easy and efficient way to sell used books from the comfort of your home.

2. eBay

If you’re looking for a more hands-on selling process, you can sell books directly to buyers on eBay. While this method might take a bit more effort, eBay allows you to list your books individually or in lots, and you can set your price. This is ideal if you think a particular book is valuable or want to make more money than what typical buyback programs offer.

Selling books on eBay requires handling the shipping, but it’s a great option if you can put in a little extra time. 

Local Bookstores and Buyback Programs

3. Second-Hand Bookstores

Many independent bookstores in Canada specialize in buying and selling used books. These stores are perfect if you prefer selling your books in person rather than online. They often buy books in good condition, especially popular fiction, classics, and non-fiction titles. However, the prices you’ll receive may vary depending on the demand for the books you’re selling.

Some well-known second-hand bookstores include:

●      Bakka Phoenix Books (Toronto, ON) – A favorite for science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts, Bakka Phoenix buys and sells used books in these genres.

●      The Word Bookstore (Montreal, QC) – This cozy store near McGill University is known for purchasing second-hand literary fiction and academic titles.

●      Russell Books (Victoria, BC) – With one of the largest collections of used books on the West Coast, Russell Books is an excellent option for buying and selling.

Before heading to the store, it’s a good idea to call ahead and check if they’re currently buying books.

4. University and College Bookstores

Check with your local college or university bookstore if you want to sell textbooks. Many of these bookstores have textbook buyback programs, where they’ll buy your used textbooks (especially current editions) at the end of the semester. This is a convenient option for students who want to get rid of their old textbooks quickly and easily.

Remember that the condition of your textbooks will matter. Highlighting, underlining, or damaged pages may lower the book’s value.

Online Marketplaces and Social Media

5. Facebook Marketplace and Buy/Sell Groups

Facebook Marketplace is another great platform to sell your used books. Many buyers prefer purchasing from local sellers to avoid shipping fees, making this platform ideal for connecting with buyers in your area. You can also join local Facebook Buy/Sell groups to post your books and interact with potential buyers directly.

Selling through Facebook allows quick transactions, especially when meeting buyers in person. However, be cautious and always meet in safe, public locations when selling items in person.

6. Kijiji

Kijiji is one of Canada’s most popular online classifieds websites, and it’s a great place to sell used books. Like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji lets you list books for free and connect with buyers locally. You can set your own prices and negotiate directly with buyers. Kijiji is beneficial for selling more extensive book collections or valuable items like first editions or rare books.

Specialized Book Buyers

7. Textbook Buyback Services

If you have a lot of textbooks to sell, consider using a textbook buyback service. Many companies, like BookFinder and CampusBooks, focus specifically on buying textbooks. These services allow you to compare offers from different buyers, ensuring you get the best book price.

8. Rare and Antiquarian Book Dealers

If you own rare or antiquarian books, it’s best to approach specialized dealers. These experts can assess the value of your books and offer you a fair price. Rare book dealers are interested in first editions, signed copies, and books with historical or collectible significance. Some well-known Canadian rare book dealers include:

●      Attic Books (London, ON)

●      A Good Read (Toronto, ON)

●      Aquila Books (Calgary, AB)

Charitable Options

9. Libraries and Non-Profit Organizations

If making money isn’t your main goal, you can always donate your used books to libraries, schools, or non-profit organizations. Many public libraries accept used book donations to expand or sell their collections during book sales. Non-profits such as The Children’s Book Bank in Toronto also accept donations to give books to children in need.

10. Little Free Libraries

Little Free Libraries are small, community-run book exchanges located in neighborhoods across Canada. You can donate books to these mini-libraries for others to enjoy and maybe even find a few new reads for yourself!