Used-book sales on Internet jump 33 percent

The Internet has revolutionizing the used book market and the pace of growth in online used book sales is astounding. Used book sales on the Internet jumped 33 percent during the year 2003 alone, according to a study sponsored by the big U.S. publishers.

Today one out of every 12 books sold is a used book, and two-thirds of them are purchased online from small businesses. The annual volume of used book sales over the Internet totals $600 million annually, according to the Book Industry Study Group.

The industry study was recently detailed in this story by the Associated Press.

Another take is this story from National Public Radio.

You can start today because the Internet has obliterated every barrier to entering the used bookselling. No longer must you collect 10,000 to 20,000 books to launch a viabale store. It’s not required anymore to lease a storefront or hire employees. You don’t even need to take out an ad in the Yellow Pages. You can begin in five minutes by listing a book for sale online.

Used bookselling is the perfect online business. No merchandise is easier to find at low cost or easier to ship and less fragile than books. Since most are worth less than $20, the business attracts very few scammers and cheats.
Customers want selection, value and convenience.

The future looks bright for online bookselling because thou-sands of new customers are discovering every day they can get a used book online at a great price. Many of these customers would never have thought to shop for a used book before. Online used booksellers are thriving because they offer value, convenience, and selection. A quick search, checkout, and they’re done.




New in paperback: The Home-Based Bookstore: Start Your Own Business Selling Used Books on Amazon, eBay or Your Own Web Site (by Steve Weber)