The Ultimate Guide to Second Hand Books in India

If you are a student or have children at home, you would agree that books aren’t cheap anymore. Whether it’s a school textbook, a competitive exam guide, or even a good old paperback novel, buying everything brand new can burn a hole in your pocket. That’s why second hand books have quietly become a go-to choice for so many Indians.

You’ll find them stacked neatly on footpaths outside colleges, or bundled up in roadside stalls at Sunday markets. Sometimes they’re lying in forgotten corners of someone’s home, almost on their way to a scrap dealer. However, these used books are still full of value, both for the next reader and for the person willing to sell.

We don’t always think of our old books as ‘sellable’. We either stash them away or give them to the kabadiwala for a few rupees. What we often forget is that someone, somewhere, is probably looking for that exact same book. That’s where BookMandee steps in to help people buy used books at affordable rates, while also making it easier for anyone to sell their old ones without hassle.

This guide is meant to open up the world of second hand books for you, covering how to find them, how much you can save, when and where to buy them, and why you really shouldn’t dump your old books as scrap. 

What Exactly Are Second Hand Books & Why Should You Care?

At its core, second hand books are just books that have had a previous owner. But if you stop there, you miss the whole point.

They’re not just used or old books. In most cases, these are books that have been read, cared for (sometimes scribbled in), and then passed on. This is because someone was done reading, outgrew them, or simply wanted to make space. Think school textbooks from last year, UPSC prep guides that helped someone crack the exam, or novels finished on a long train journey.

What makes second hand books valuable isn’t just the price (although that’s a big plus). It’s the access they give:

• A ₹700 textbook available for ₹150
• A bestselling novel someone couldn’t finish, now in your hands for a fraction of the cost
• If you’re lucky, out-of-print editions or titles that aren’t available in stores anymore

They’re also a small step towards sustainable living, i.e., reusing instead of re-buying, sharing knowledge instead of hoarding it. In India, where education and affordability often go hand in hand, second hand books are  both practical and necessary.

So the next time you see a slightly worn book, don’t dismiss it as junk. It might be exactly what someone else is looking for. 

Also Read: Are Old Books Still Relevant for College Students?

Why Paying Full Price Isn’t Always the Smartest Move?

If you’re someone who reads often or has a kid who burns through books every term, you already know that buying brand new books each time can feel like a financial stretch. This is where second hand books come in as a genuinely smart alternative.

Here’s why more and more Indians choose them:

• Cost Savings That Actually Matter

Whether it’s a ₹1,200 school textbook or a ₹500 novel, second hand versions can cost anywhere between 30%–80% less. This means you do not just save a few rupees but make reading and learning consistently affordable.

• Access to a Wider Range of Books

Your budget may allow just one or two new books, but that same amount can get you four to five second hand books. This is especially useful if you’re prepping for competitive exams or building a personal library.

• Great for Trial & Exploration

Want to explore a new genre or author but not sure if you’ll like it? Used books are the perfect low-risk entry point. If it clicks, great. If not, you haven’t spent a bomb.

• Hidden Gems and Vintage Finds

Sometimes, second hand books surprise you. You might come across a rare edition, a long-out-of-print copy, or even a book with old notes and bookmarks that add a personal touch. There’s charm in that imperfection.

Comparison: New Books vs. Second Hand Books

Your One-Stop Platform for Second Hand Books: BookMandee

Buying second hand books in India usually means asking around, haggling at roadside stalls, or relying on the local kabadiwala’s stockpile. While there’s charm in that, it’s not always reliable or convenient.

That’s exactly why we built BookMandee – a simple, no-fuss platform that lets you buy or sell second hand books online from people nearby. There are no middlemen, and the process is also easy to follow. It is a community-driven way to keep books moving from one reader to another.

Here’s what makes BookMandee worth a try:

• Local Connections, Real Listings

You’re not buying from a big warehouse. You’re buying directly from someone in your own city who’s looking to give their book a new home.

• Sell Your Old Books Too

Have textbooks from last year? Competitive exam books you’re done with? Post a book-ad in minutes. Unlike scrap dealers, we value books for what they are.

• Zero Commission, Zero Stress

Whether you’re buying or selling, we don’t take cuts. You chat directly with the seller or buyer, set your price, and meet when convenient.

• Built for Book Lovers

From schoolbooks and college texts to fiction, nonfiction, and rare finds, BookMandee is designed for every kind of Indian reader.

So if you’re tired of overpaying for books or letting your old ones gather dust, BookMandee can make it easy to keep your bookshelf and wallet happy. In a country full of readers, every book deserves a second chance.

How to Buy Second Hand Books on BookMandee in 5 Easy Steps?

Buying second hand books on BookMandee is as simple as it gets. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned bookworm, here’s how you can easily find your next great read:

Step 1: Visit BookMandee.com

Go to our website to start your book hunt. You’ll be able to browse through several second hand books listed by people near you. No hassle, no sign-up required for browsing at first.

Step 2: Register and Log In

To start chatting with sellers, you’ll need to sign up. Simply create a BookMandee account and log in. This helps you connect with sellers and manage your book-ads.

Step 3: Use the Search or Filter by City/Category

Use the search bar to find specific books, or filter your search by city or category (e.g., textbooks, novels, exam prep) to make it easier to find the right book for you.

Step 4: Check the Book Details

Once you’ve found a book you’re interested in, click on it to see the details. You’ll get information on the book’s condition, price, and seller location. This helps you make a decision before you reach out.

Step 5: Start a Chat with the Seller

If you like the listing, click on “Chat with Seller”. You’ll need to be logged in to start the conversation. This ensures you and the seller can discuss the book’s details and agree on the terms directly.

Once you’ve agreed with the seller on the price and meeting time, complete the transaction by meeting in person. Simple, direct, and safe!

Bonus Tip: You can negotiate on the price if needed. Since you’re directly connected to the seller, there’s flexibility to make the deal work for both parties.

Tips for Finding Quality Second Hand Books Online

• Check for any visible wear, like torn pages or yellowing.
• Ensure sellers highlight any defects in the book.
• Check if the price is lower than buying new. 
• Find out if the book has annotations or markings.
• Know where the book has been and how it was used.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for a better price or bundle deal.
• If something feels off, consider moving on to another option.

Avoid These Common Goof-Ups When Buying Second Hand Books

Here’s a quick look at the most common errors buyers make and how to avoid them:

Think Before You Scrap: What to Do With Your Old Books?

Selling your old books to the local or online raddi-wala might seem like the easiest option. However, your old books are worth much more than ₹10 a kilo. Here’s why you should not scrap them and what you can do instead:

• You’ll Earn More by Selling Online 

Scrap dealers give loose change; selling on BookMandee lets you earn what the book is actually worth.

• Books Can Still Help Someone

That old textbook or novel might be exactly what a student or reader is looking for.

• You Reduce Paper Waste

Letting your book find a second home is far more sustainable than sending it off for recycling.

• It’s Simple and Free on BookMandee

Listing your old books on BookMandee takes just a few minutes and it does not involve any commission or middlemen.

• Sentimental Value Lives On 

Since some old books carry memories, knowing someone else will value them makes parting easier.

• You Support the Reading Ecosystem

More second hand books in circulation means more affordable learning and reading for everyone.

Want to Sell Used Books? Here’s Where to Start

If you’ve decided to skip the scrap dealer (good call!) and actually earn something from your old collection, here’s how you can go about it:

• Sign up or log in to your BookMandee account.
• Create a book-ad by adding title, condition, and a short description (check existing book-ads for reference).
• Set your price (keep it fair to attract more buyers).
• Start chatting with interested buyers via the inbuilt messaging feature.
• Fix a meet-up and hand over the book directly.

Selling your second hand books isn’t just about clearing space. It’s about creating value for yourself and someone else. If done right, it’s easy, rewarding, and eco-friendly.

What’s Hot in Second Hand Books?

Whether you’re buying or selling old books, here’s a quick snapshot of the most popular categories:

Tip: If you have books in any of these genres, chances are – they’ll sell fast on platforms like BookMandee!

Second Hand, Rental, or Digital – What’s Worth Your Money?

Not sure whether to buy second hand books, rent them, or go digital? Here’s a quick comparison to help you figure out what fits your reading habits and budget best:

Verdict: If you want a budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and long-lasting option, second hand books can offer the best of both worlds.

Second Hand Book Pricing: A Quick Category-Wise Breakdown

If you’re unsure how much to spend or what price to list your second hand books at, this quick pricing guide can help:

💡 Prices can vary based on condition, edition, demand, and seller location. However, this table can give you a fair idea. You can also use BookMandee calculator to estimate old book prices.

Timing It Right: When to Buy or Sell Second Hand Books?

Like any other market, the second hand books space also has its seasonal patterns. Knowing when to buy or sell can help you save more or earn better.

Explore BookMandee