You may have stumbled on ThriftBooks while hunting down cheap or hard-to-find titles. It’s tempting to grab a rare paperback for a fraction of the usual cost. You see the low prices, read scattered reviews, and wonder if the deals are for real or if you’ll end up with an unwanted surprise.
It’s nice to imagine saving money while filling your shelves with favorites like Replicant Night, Harry Potter, or The Great Gatsby. Getting more books without hurting your budget sounds like a dream come true.
Stick around as we tackle a big question on many minds: Is ThriftBooks legit? By the end, you’ll know what to expect from this popular online bookseller.
What is ThriftBooks?
ThriftBooks is a large online marketplace focusing on new and used affordable books. It launched in 2003, initially selling secondhand titles on Amazon. Over time, it built its platform at thriftbooks.com and grew into one of the biggest independent booksellers in the United States. You might have already bumped into it if you’ve browsed for old textbooks or out-of-print series.
ThriftBooks' main claim to fame is its rock-bottom prices. Titles can start at $3.49, which many readers say is cheaper than mainstream retailers. In addition to books, ThriftBooks sells DVDs, music CDs, and even the occasional video game or VHS tape. This variety can be exciting for people who like obscure finds, like a random DVD of an old documentary.
You might wonder, “Where do they get all these items?” ThriftBooks buy bulk from libraries, thrift stores, and other sources. They process large volumes, sorting, grading, and listing them online.
How Do ThriftBooks Points Work?
If you’ve heard about a rewards program on ThriftBooks, you’re probably curious how it all works. The platform has a points-based system called ReadingRewards. It’s free to join, and you’ll earn some points simply by creating an account. Signing up gives you 100 points as a little welcome gift. From there, you accumulate more points every time you purchase, use the mobile app, or take advantage of special promotions.
There are different membership tiers: Reader, Bookworm, and Literati. You start as a Reader and get eight points for every dollar you spend. Once you hit $75 in spending within a year, you become a Bookworm and earn nine points per dollar. Spending $150 in a year bumps you to Literati, which offers ten points per dollar. Every time you reach 500 points, you qualify for a free book worth a specific dollar value, depending on your tier (for example, $5 for Reader, $6 for Bookworm, or $7 for Literati).
This rewards system can be a nice bonus if you plan to buy multiple books over time. You might pick up The Kite Runner, Replicant Night, or some special-edition fantasy series. Each purchase pushes you closer to that free reward. For some, these points add extra incentive to shop often. Others, however, think the program encourages more spending than necessary.
Pros and Cons of ThriftBooks
Here is a list of the pros and cons of using ThriftBooks. It will also help you answer the question: “Is ThriftBooks legit? Let’s explore below:
Pros
- Low Prices: Titles can cost as little as $3.49, helping avid readers expand their collections without spending too much.
- Large Selection: You might find rare or out-of-print books like Eye and Talon, older textbooks, or novels from indie authors.
- Rewards Program: The ReadingRewards system can lead to free books, especially if you’re a frequent buyer.
- Customer Service: Many users praise ThriftBooks for quickly resolving issues, often replacing the item or offering a refund.
- Eco-Friendly Angle: Buying secondhand reduces waste and helps circulate pre-owned books to new readers.
Cons
- Varying Book Conditions: A “Like New” might arrive looking well-loved, while an “Acceptable” might have a torn page. Human error in grading can happen.
- Slow Shipping: Some folks say shipping can take longer than expected, especially for large or bulk orders.
- Wrong Item Mix-Ups: Receiving a paperback instead of a hardcover or the wrong edition can occur.
- Bulk Refund Confusion: Large orders might get partial refunds without explanation, leading to confusion.
- Hit-or-Miss Stock: The titles you want may not always be available, or they might pop up sporadically.
Are ThriftBooks Books Good Quality?
If you don’t mind a little wear and tear, you might feel right at home with ThriftBooks’ used selection. Many copies are still in decent shape for reading. People often find that a “Good” or “Very Good” listing arrives in better condition than expected—perhaps a minor scuff on the cover, but nothing that stops you from enjoying the story.
Sometimes, customers complain that a “Like New” book shows up with a coffee stain on the first page or a small rip in the dust jacket. You might see a name scribbled on the inside cover, or the binding might be slightly wobbly. ThriftBooks depends on human graders who process massive stock, so there’s room for mistakes. If you’re picky about your books looking flawless, it might be safer to stick to “Very Good” and above. Checking user comments or trusting your gut can help.
Many readers, however, say that ThriftBooks is a gem for novels and reference works that don’t have to be pristine. A used copy of The Lord of the Rings might have some yellowed pages, but if it’s still readable, you can savor the epic without paying collector’s prices. Another user favorite older textbooks, which can come with highlights or notes in the margin. That might bother some folks, but it’s just part of the used-book charm for others.
If you do receive a book that’s in worse shape than promised, ThriftBooks usually helps you out. They’re known to refund or replace items and might even let you keep the flawed copy.
Does ThriftBooks Sell Worldwide?
ThriftBooks is headquartered in the United States, but they do ship outside the country. If you live in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or other parts of the globe, you might still get your hands on that beloved novel you’ve been seeking. Shipping rates vary by region; delivery times can stretch depending on customs or international mail schedules. Folks in Europe might find it takes a couple of weeks (or more) to see that special hardcover on their doorstep.
Some readers in countries like India, Japan, or Brazil have mentioned success ordering through ThriftBooks, although the shipping cost sometimes gets pricey.
However, not every corner of the world is covered. You’ll want to read the shipping policy on their website for details about specific destinations. Sometimes, even if ThriftBooks does ship to your country, you might deal with local import fees or taxes.
Can You Sell Your Books on ThriftBooks?
ThriftBooks does buy books, but not in the way some might hope. If you’re picturing a feature where you can list one or two used novels, like on eBay or similar marketplaces, that’s not how ThriftBooks works. They focus on large bulk buys—think libraries unloading thousands of titles or primary donation drives. Ordinary folks generally don’t send one or two books to ThriftBooks and expect a quick payout.
If you’re eager to de-clutter your collection, this might disappoint you. However, the company’s model is all about purchasing truckloads of books from big suppliers. That’s how they keep their costs down and inventory high. Smaller sellers looking to unload a few paperbacks are better off with other platforms, such as local used bookstores or online marketplaces that cater to individual listings.
What About Shipping and Returns?
Some customers report quick refunds or replacements, even getting to keep the unwanted item. Others have faced partial refunds in tiny increments if part of a large order was out of stock.
This might not be the ideal platform if you need your books fast—maybe for a class assignment. However, if you’re a patient book lover who doesn’t mind waiting a week or two, ThriftBooks can be a good match. The shipping process might not be quick, but many feel it’s worth grabbing that elusive copy of Replicant Night without overpaying.
Is ThriftBooks Legit or a Scam?
Countless readers have shared their encounters with ThriftBooks on Reddit, book forums, and social media. Many sing praises about snagging a complete hardcover set of a famous series at bargain prices. They mention the thrill of opening a box and pulling out a gently used novel, sometimes in better shape than they dared hope.
On the flip side, you’ll also see stories about orders getting canceled, items labeled as “Like New” that arrive with missing pages, or shipping that crawled along. Some folks note that ThriftBooks’ warehouse occasionally sends the wrong edition—like a paperback instead of a hardcover. Others mention partial refunds trickling in if the company runs out of stock. Then you have customers who placed a $1,200 order for a school library, only to have it suddenly canceled because the system flagged it suspicious.
Still, the recurring theme is that customer service tries to fix significant mishaps. They can refund your money, send a replacement, or respond to emails promptly. Are these mixed reviews enough to answer the question, “Is ThriftBooks legit?” For many, the answer is yes—just with an understanding that it’s not always smooth sailing. It helps to maintain realistic expectations.
Tips for Shopping Smart on ThriftBooks
Here are some tips for shopping smart on ThriftBooks:
- Check Conditions Carefully: Stick to “Good” or above if you’re worried about wear and tear. Yes, it might cost more than “Acceptable,” but you’ll likely avoid surprise coffee stains or missing pages.
- Read the Descriptions: Sometimes, you’ll see extra notes about the book’s state. These can tip you off if something is unique about that copy.
- Bundle Orders: If you plan to buy two or three books, you might hit the $15 free shipping threshold in the U.S. This can help you save a few bucks.
- Keep an Eye on Rewards: The ReadingRewards program can be worth it if you shop often. With every dollar spent, you’ll inch closer to that free book.
- Compare Prices Elsewhere: Sometimes, ThriftBooks is cheaper than big outlets. Other times, they aren’t. A quick price check can confirm if you’re getting a sweet deal.
- Join the Waitlist: Add a title to your wishlist if it is out of stock. You’ll receive a notification when a copy becomes available, but remember, you have to act fast before someone else buys it.
- Communicate with Customer Service: If you receive the wrong edition or something arrives damaged, contact customer service. ThriftBooks often replace items or refunds customers, which can smooth over many bumps.
Where Could ThriftBooks Improve?
Even loyal fans admit that ThriftBooks isn’t perfect. They source books in bulk, leading to slip-ups in grading conditions or inventory tracking. If you’re flexible and okay with minor flaws, this might not bother you. But it can be a gamble if you need precise details—like a dust jacket or ISBN.
Shipping delays also attract complaints, mainly if you’re used to next-day deliveries from other sites. ThriftBooks uses slow shipping partners, so you might wait a week or two before your package arrives. For most casual readers, this is tolerable, but it can be annoying if you’re in a hurry.
Large orders sometimes trigger concerns about canceled purchases or complicated refunds. If the system suspects fraud, people who spend over $100 may discover their order has suddenly been canceled. Communication around these cancellations can be clunky. You might receive multiple small refunds without clearly explaining which items are canceled.
Still, many say paying less for books is worth the occasional hassle. If you’re comfortable with possible shipping delays and can handle the chance of receiving a less-than-perfect copy, you’ll likely appreciate the savings. You might want to explore other retailers if these drawbacks feel like deal-breakers.
Conclusion
You’ve explored the highs, the lows, and the quirks of ThriftBooks. It can be an appealing way to expand your collection without breaking the bank. You might love snagging a rare, out-of-print edition or a low-cost textbook that still does the job.
Yet, be mindful of possible slow shipping, variable quality, or the occasional mix-up. Many readers say they get decent value and appreciate ThriftBooks’ willingness to fix errors. If you’re asking, Is ThriftBooks legit? The answer is “yes,” with the caveat that patience and realistic expectations go a long way when buying used books online.
