Online Booksellers’ Stories #1

If you’re a member of my email list you’re probably an online bookseller and you’ll remember that I sent out an email a week or so ago about hearing your stories with online book selling.  I got a few responses which I really appreciated and want to take this time to share one with you.

I believe stories are great for purposes of learning by examples, giving you a sense of comradery and to let you know that you are not the only one out there either wanting to sell books online or are currently doing so.  Sometimes, in my little world here in Indiana, I feel like like the only one yet I’m somehow competing with so many others!  Where do these people come from?   As with any profession or hobby, it’s good to hear about others’ experiences for learning or if nothing else, pure entertainment that you can relate to.

This story is from Billy.  Does any of Billy’s story resonate with you?  Did you almost pass out whenever you sold an expensive book?  Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email at adam at sellyourbooksonline.com.

Adam: When did you get started selling books online and why?  If you’re new and haven’t sold anything, why are you wanting to start?

Billy: I got started almost three years ago to make some extra money and have a retirement income

My favorite book sale was an obscure book about petroleum technology ( quite old ). It was before I had a scanner. There was a thrift store that was close to my house. I would go by every few days and write down the isbn’s or titles to any books that looked good. A day or two later I would stop back by and buy the ones that were worth something. One day I stopped by the store and wrote a few down. When I got home and looked them up, one of them was worth over $200. I went back right then and bought it for a $1. It sold three or four months later for $250. I still remember waking up on a Sunday morning and getting on the computer to check my email. When I saw I had sold a $250 book overnight I almost passed out.