Textbook Season Best Practices

The key to a successful textbook season is preparation. These tips will ensure you have the best season to date!

1. Remember, students buy more than just textbooks. Literature, reference books and more can be required reading for many classes. Make sure to start listing these types of inventory now so your books are ready when students are searching!

2. Answer all inquiries promptly. Students are often in a rush, and may decide to shop somewhere else or initiate a return sooner than other buyers. Fast responses will make sure they come back next semester, and after they've graduated.

3. Update your inventory often. Send us your adds so you can sell more books, and your deletes to prevent disappointed buyers. Download a listing report from the Members Menu to make sure what you have listed on Abebooks matches your records.

4. List in Quantity. If you have multiple copies available, use a Quantity field so that your listings are updated as you sell them. Contact our Customer Support team for more information.

5. Provide Detailed Descriptions. The edition or publisher year could be the deciding factor when a student buys a textbook – make sure you include all relevant details so they don't have to e-mail you a question first. Remember that students search by ISBN, too, so make sure to upload one with each of your listings.

6. Label your "International Editions." International Editions are a great way for students to save money each semester. These are permitted for sale on Abebooks as long as you include "This is an International Edition" (no abbreviations) in the description field.

7. Price Competitively. Students are bargain-hunting experts, and they'll be comparing both your book and shipping prices.

8. Adjust your Shipping Matrix. Make sure your matrix reflects shipping times you can meet. Faster shipping is always better, but students will initiate returns quickly if their books don't arrive on time. If you're able to, offer a shipping discount on the second item in any order.

9. Enter Tracking Information Online. Tracking details prevent unnecessary returns and provide the buyer with excellent customer service.

10. Check out New & Used Textbooks on the homepage. This student-centered feature area highlights bestsellers and current contests.

Now is also a good time to review the Bookseller Policies to make sure that both you and your buyers have successful Abebooks experiences.

We're here to help you have the best textbook season yet. Don't hesitate to contact our Customer Support team if you have any questions.