Thrift BooksReviews of thriftbook.com

I have used Thriftbooks for years...I am generally looking for old used books. As long as they are readable I am okay with whatever they send. This last time, however, after I ordered I realized I already had one of the books. I immediately canceled the order...within minutes. It was late Friday night so I was thinking the cancelation would be accepted. Woke up to emails and texts saying my order was being processed. What? From the point I ordered to the point they declined my cancelation was 20 minutes. The reason the cancelation was declined was because the order was already processed....but the order processing emails/txts showed up at 8 am the next morning. This all seems extremely scammy to me. Lesson...order cancelation is non-existent...and triple check your inventory before hitting the place order button.

I’m so disappointed. I have been looking for a couple of books in hardcover for years now. I came across this site with great Google reviews. Yet I still looked at other sites every thrift shop I went to and nothing. I just wanted to see it in person as my “good” or “very good” condition may not be the same standards as a website. In the end I finally did it and purchased the 2 books in hardcover from ThriftBooks. Ordering, setting up an account, choosing which format I wanted all super easy and straightforward. The confirmation came, the shipping info came the estimated date of delivery was shown. The package even came early! And I was so excited to Finally have these 2 hard cover books (I only collect this authors hardcover books- all others I have on my kindle) only reason I don’t have these in hardcover is because years ago when I started reading again I found this set of books on sale and didn’t know I was going to absolutely love this author and all her books. Anyway, I’m excited to open this package. I even bought a couple other books (you know free shipping add ons) only to be completely disappointed in receiving paperback books in not so “good” or “very good” conditions. The cover on one is super faded on each end of the book. On the other there are stickers other than ThriftBooks and sticky residue from previously removed stickers, but the coloring is ok. I can actually deal with that and get the sticky off. But it’s still the fact that I specifically ordered hardcover books! I’m so sad. It’s the little things that make me happy and this was a big fail. I also went on the site right away to start the return/refund process and it states none of my books are eligible for return. That’s probably my fault as I should have been more aware of the return policy when purchasing so that’s not the issue at all. I just really wanted hardcover to complete my collection.

Often books are sold as better than they actually are. This is common now with purchasing books on line where you can’t pick it up. Look at it smell it or in any way shape for verified that the spine is solid. There’s no mold damage. The dust jacket is in the condition claimed. I’m out of breath The fact is that when you go looking for a good book, if you want one to keep be very wary of ThriftBooks. If you want, want to just read and toss on your shelf or to a library book exchange, then I would highly recommend ThriftBooks otherwise, you may want to think about taking your business elsewhere.

Average selection and low prices. ThriftBooks claims to quality check ever item before listing it, yet I have received the incorrect item three times now. On the second attempt to order the item I contacted customer service to request that they make sure it was the correct item listed. She said they had no way of checking their inventory. While ThriftBooks offers free replacement, you need to order more books to get that replacement. They also do not tell you that free book vouchers expire. It's an OK company. The quality control is very poor. I would not recommend ThriftBooks unless you see a particular book not offered elsewhere.

One more comment on ThriftBooks practice: I bought a vintage children’s Christmas book a few months ago. It is in great shape for a book of its age. Unfortunately, ThriftBooks stuck their upc sticker on the spine with its atomic glue and, although very gingerly removed, it took all the aged red material with it, and with it, much of the value of the book. Is the upc meaningful? How about putting it on a branded bookmark inside the book?

I have purchased many book items from this business. My one major complaint is their lack of a return/exchange policy. They will only do it as a one time courtesy or if it’s their fault. I placed an order for 2 books I had previously purchased not realizing it. Reached out to customer service to ask if I could exchange them for other books. They responded they are not able to help, and see their return/exchange policy on their website. I was so disappointed by this and have wasted money. Now I will try and find a more customer friendly on-line thrift book store. Buyer beware and make sure you have the correct items because you can not return or exchange the item(s).

I received two of the books I had problems with. Still received the book Birthright by Nora Roberts without the dust cover but, did get the three fates with dust cover. Have not received Homeport by Nora Roberts with the dust cover. If I had a way to send the books back that do not have the dust covers (4 at this time) without a cost I would

I ordered from Thrift Books three times. The first order was a gift for a dear friend that went smoothly. My second order was a couple of board books in "Like New" condition for my baby girl. One of the books was NOT as described above; it looked heavily used with damage to the edge of a few pages and the covers. Since I was offered a free book under $5, I placed another order. My third order is also a couple of board books in "Like New" condition. Depending on the condition of these books, I may or may NOT consider purchasing from them again.