Introduction

AbeBooks.com is an online marketplace for new, rare, and used books. Founded in 1996, it has since become a top destination for book lovers across the world. It offers millions of books from thousands of independent booksellers who sell through the platform. In this editorial review, we will assess the pros and cons of AbeBooks.com, its user experience, pricing and value for money, alternatives, customer service, product quality and selection, website usability, returns and exchanges, promotions and discounts, reputation, payment options, loyalty programs, customer reviews, community involvement, shipping, and costs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Wide selection of books
  • Easy to use website
  • Reliable shipping
  • Diverse range of booksellers
Cons:
  • Some books may be overpriced
  • Shipping costs can be high
  • Occasional issues with book condition
  • No free shipping options

User Experience

The website is well-designed and easy to navigate. Users can search for books by author, title, or keyword. Pages load quickly and the checkout process is straightforward. There is also an option to create an account, which enables users to save their preferred booksellers and receive email updates on new listings.

Pricing and Value For Money

AbeBooks.com's pricing can be competitive or even lower than other online retailers, but prices may vary depending on the book's rarity or condition. Some books may be overpriced, so it's important for users to compare prices with other websites before making a purchase.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to AbeBooks.com, including Amazon, Book Depository, and Barnes & Noble. Each website offers a unique selection of books, so users should compare prices and selection before making a purchase.

Customer Service

AbeBooks.com provides customer service through a contact form on the website, as well as through email and phone. The customer service team is responsive and helpful in resolving any issues users may have with their orders.

Product Quality and Selection

AbeBooks.com offers a vast selection of both new and used books, many of which are not easily found elsewhere. However, since the books are sold by independent booksellers, the quality and condition of the books can vary. Users should read the book description carefully before making a purchase.

Website Usability

The website is well-designed and easy to navigate, with clear categories and search filters. It's also easy to create an account and to check on the status of orders.

Returns and Exchanges

Most booksellers on AbeBooks.com have their own return policies. Users should carefully read the book description and the seller's policies before making a purchase. If the book is not as described, users can contact the seller to initiate a return or exchange.

Promotions and Discounts

AbeBooks.com occasionally offers promotions and discounts on books. Users can sign up for the email newsletter to receive notifications of these promotions.

Reputation

AbeBooks.com has a good reputation in the online book selling community. It is known for its diverse selection of books and reliable shipping. However, as with any online marketplace, users should read reviews before making a purchase.

Payment Options

AbeBooks.com accepts a variety of payment options, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. Users can select their preferred payment method during checkout.

Loyalty Programs

AbeBooks.com does not currently offer a loyalty program.

Customer Reviews

AbeBooks.com has a feedback system that allows users to rate their experience with individual booksellers. This provides added transparency and enables users to make informed decisions when purchasing books.

Community Involvement

AbeBooks.com is committed to promoting literacy and education. It regularly partners with nonprofit organizations to support literacy and reading initiatives.

Shipping and Costs

Shipping costs can vary depending on the seller's location, the shipping method selected, and the weight of the book. It's important to carefully review the shipping options and costs before making a purchase. AbeBooks.com prides itself on timely and reliable shipping, with most orders arriving within 2-10 business days.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AbeBooks.com is a top destination for book lovers looking for new, rare, or used books. It offers a vast selection of books from a diverse range of independent booksellers, and has a well-designed website with an easy checkout process. While some books may be overpriced or have high shipping costs, the overall value for money is still competitive. With reliable shipping and a commitment to promoting literacy and education, AbeBooks.com is a great choice for anyone looking to expand their book collection.

Aisha Bachlani Senior News Reporter

Hi, I'm Aisha Bachlani, and I'm a news reporter with Askmeoffers. I've been working in this field for over nine years, and during that time, I've gained valuable experience and knowledge that I'm excited...

Abebooks Recent User Reviews

User Rating

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Reviewer Name: Helen Wright

Review Submission Date: 2023-02-11

Review Title: CANCEL ORDERS TO UP PRICES
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Review Description: I ordered a book from ABE and paid for it. Within 1 day I got a cancellation email with no explanation. I went back onto ABE and the books are still in stock, but have doubled in price. So, they accepted an order, then decided to up the prices so they canceled me.WOW awful business practices.

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Reviewer Name: JDPL

Review Submission Date: 2023-02-06

Review Title: con artists
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Review Description: DId not ship the book.Ignored 8 emails.The book still shows in stock.....do NOT order from this company!!

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Reviewer Name: Biff Jackson

Review Submission Date: 2023-02-03

Review Title: I've been buying books from ABEBOOKS…
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Review Description: I've been buying books from ABEBOOKS for over 10 years and have amassed a 700+ book collection. Never, that's right, never had a problem. Books ordered always came promptly and in the condition they were advertised. Excellent.

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Reviewer Name: Rasic

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-27

Review Title: Abebooks promotes scammer sellers
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Review Description: Abebooks promotes scammer sellers. Don't buy from them. They'll take your money and you'll get nothing. And you won't get a refund.

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Reviewer Name: T H

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-26

Review Title: Books always come damaged
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Review Description: The few books I got from this trash website always come in poor quality even though they're listed as "like new" look elsewhere. Even Amazon is superior to this site.

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Reviewer Name: Ricardo Montanari

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-12

Review Title: Nothing in stock apparently
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Review Description: Nothing in stock apparently. Take your money, hold it and then refund you weeks later.It seems I’m not the only person to have clocked onto their lack of integrity in business and apparent lack of knowledge what they are selling or have in stock. Embarrassing way of doing business.

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Reviewer Name: Jason Schulte

Review Submission Date: 2022-12-30

Review Title: Purchased some books
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Review Description: Purchased some books, never received them. Due to the holidays, lost track of the order. When I realized, after the 30 days I hadn’t received my order, they refused to return my money because “it was against their policy”. IMO site is a scam. Take your money and don’t deliver. Apparently it’s owned by Amazon, since I have no real recourse, guess I’ll adjust how much I ever shop at Amazon again. Hope Abe Books and Jeff Bezos enjoy the money they took from me.

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Reviewer Name: Upset customer

Review Submission Date: 2022-12-23

Review Title: An out of print book was ordered
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Review Description: An out of print book was ordered. It was fulfilled with a library DVD of something completely different. Scam. No way to contact vendor (phone lines that are not answered and submittal 'email' that needs information not available).

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Reviewer Name: Sad Seller

Review Submission Date: 2022-12-08

Review Title: Bait and switch company
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Review Description: Scam. I was charged $76 for a book, plus shipping. It was the last copy available so they jacked up price. It never arrived. After 2 months they mysteriously found another copy. It was not new; it was damaged. They would refund. I found a new book on Amazon for $15. This site is a scam.

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Reviewer Name: David

Review Submission Date: 2022-12-02

Review Title: ABEBOOKS DOES NOT GIVE YOUR MONEY BACK!
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Review Description: About a months ago i made a order a nd realised it was the wrong book. The seller said they initiated the refund and it would take 7 days to return... the books return process started on the 4th of November. Its now the erd of December with no sign on refund and they seem reluctant ro return my moneyOrder number - 659082586