The condition of the books that you buy is very important. Buyers will not be satisfied if they get a book that fails to meet the basic standards of readability and cleanliness. If your buyers are unhappy with their purchase they will leave negative feedback lowering your Amazon seller rating. If you ever find that you are burdened with a low seller rating you will understand how important it is in determining your sales volume.

We inspect books for three things: the condition of the cover, the condition of the text, and the smell.

Cover:

Any hardcover book printed in the twentieth century should have a solid, cover that is fully attached to the spine. Some damage to the cover is acceptable, small tares, some staining, or a missing dust cover. When you list books with damage you will need to fully describe the issues in your listing description. (See writing an accurate description).

Paperbacks should have both covers. Selling books with covers torn off is never appropriate. That said, the condition of the paperback cover is less important then with the hardcover. Tares and wear is expectable so long as it is fully disclosed in your listing description.

Text:

Text should be readable. If there is underling or highlighting you will need to include it in your listing description. Older books will have discoloration of the paper and this is ok. If the discoloration gets to the point that it affects the print, then you should leave that book for someone else. Light water damage is acceptable but again if it affects the print in any way you should pass it by.

Smell:

Smelling books may feel weird at first but it is very important. Books have the ability to absorb water and grow mold that gives the books a musty smell. Unfortunately too often books are stored in basements and attics with inadequate ventilation and these mold problems are the result.

The other smell problem you will encounter is cigarette smoke. Books are like little sponges for bad smells and if they are in a house where smoking is an inside sport, then they will reflect this lifestyle. Pass these books right by. There is nothing you can do that will rid them of the smell.

Next lesson, Amazon.com listing books.