My Experience with AbeBooks

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

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.

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.

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

Better World Books

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.

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

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.