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December 16, 2016

My Experience with AbeBooks

December 16, 2016

My Experience with AbeBooks; Why I probably won't order there again

When I buy books, I tend to be quite specific about the editions I choose. I compare the various cover designs, then pick the ones I like best. The largest obstacle to obtaining my preferred book editions is when they go out-of-print. In those cases, buying them second-hand is the only option. That’s why I recently decided to order via AbeBooks.

AbeBooks is an online retail platform for booksellers around the world. Lots of books are on offer, whether they’re new, second-hand, out-of-print, rare or limited editions. I’ve always liked the idea but have been wary about trusting the booksellers and their listings. Sadly, my local second-hand bookstores hardly ever stock books of interest to me, so I took the plunge with AbeBooks.

Altogether I ordered three books. All of them were out-of-print and were listed as “very good” condition. According to their guide to book conditions, this means:

“Describes a book that shows some small signs of wear – but no tears – on either binding or paper. Any defects should be noted by the seller.”

Even though this standard is very clear, you will see that the enforcement of quality control leaves much to be desired. I’ve broken down my experiences according to bookseller. Only one met the expectations. I’ve included photos for reference.

AwesomeBooks

My Experience with AbeBooks - AwesomeBooks Pt. 1

The first book I ordered was the hardcover edition of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern from Vintage. The listing stated:

“The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far.”

As you can see in the photos, this wasn’t the case. There’s discolouration along the edge pointing to water damage. The black ink separated and ran on many the pages.

My Experience with AbeBooks - AwesomeBooks Pt. 2

I requested a replacement copy. AwesomeBooks apologised and promptly complied. The replacement has all the pages intact. However, the edge staining has a red tone and isn’t deep black as it should be. The ink on black printed pages looks a little faded too. I don’t know if this is a manufacturer’s defect or due to poor storage. In the end, I didn’t report it, though.

My Experience with AbeBooks - AwesomeBooks Pt. 3

Verdict: Bookseller was easy to deal with but the delivery was disappointing.

Better World Books

My Experience with AbeBooks - Better World Books Pt. 1

The second book I ordered was a hardcover edition of 50 Psychology Ideas You Really Need to Know by Adrian Furnham. The listing stated:

“Great condition for a used book! Minimal wear.”

This book was in an even worse state than the one I ordered from AwesomeBooks. Beyond the apparent water damage, it had a bug stuck between the copyright pages. That was such a repulsive discovery, I requested a refund. I didn’t want to take a chance on a replacement from Better World Books.

My Experience with AbeBooks - Better World Books Pt. 2

After contacting them via the form on AbeBooks I received an apology and the agreement to refund the cost of the book and shipping.

Verdict: Bookseller was easy to deal with but the delivery was disappointing.

Wonder Book

My Experience with AbeBooks - Wonder Book

The last book I ordered was the hardcover of Converting Kate by Beckie Weinheimer. I loved it so much when I read it lat year. No ebook version was available, so this was the only way to obtain my own copy. The listing stated:

“Acceptable dust jacket.”

I wish I could’ve gotten a book in a better condition than this but other listings were cost-prohibitive due to high shipping rates. The book I received matched the description and condition stated in the listing, so I am satisfied with Wonder Book.

Verdict: Bookseller met expectations.

Conclusion

Overall, my experience with AbeBooks was disappointing. Only one out of three books matched the listings. One even left me feeling very disgusted. Even though the booksellers were cooperative when I reported problems with my orders, I don’t plan on ordering via AbeBooks again. I’m sticking to new books when I order online.

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Comments

  1. Amy says

    December 26, 2016 at 15:55

    This is very disappointing to hear! I haven’t ordered there before, but I’ve seen some good deals there from some books I’ve been wanting. Not sure I’m so interested anymore!

  2. Dana @ The Unprinted Protagonist says

    December 21, 2016 at 10:38

    Ugh! What an awful experience!
    I’ve always wanted to try buying used books to save money, but maybe I should reconsider. I’ve actually been looking for a hardcover copy of The Night Circus, myself. The black edges are soooo gorgeous!

  3. Nicole @ Nicole's Novel Reads says

    December 20, 2016 at 03:43

    I am so sad to hear that AbeBooks is not a reliable to buy from. I never purchased from AbeBooks but I am always wary of the condition of used books online unless they have a lot of detailed pictures of the books I am looking for.

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Joséphine. Word reveller. Loves books. Reads books. Talks about books. Photographs books. When she’s not blogging, she can be found on Instagram under @wordrevel.

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