You’ve decided to sell your books. Smart move.
Maybe they’re old textbooks taking up space, novels you’ve finished and won’t reread, or competitive exam preparation books you no longer need. Whatever the reason, those books have value – not to you anymore, but to someone who’s actively searching for exactly what you’re holding.
BookMandee connects you directly with those buyers. No middlemen taking cuts. No buyback algorithms offering you ₹20 for a ₹500 book. You set the price, handle the transaction, and keep every rupee you make.
But here’s the thing: a good listing sells fast. A poor one sits ignored for weeks, gets undercut by other sellers, or attracts nothing but lowball offers and time-wasters.
This guide walks you through creating listings that actually work – how to describe, price, and position your books so they sell quickly at prices you’re happy with.
Why BookMandee Works for Sellers?
Before we get into the mechanics, let’s talk about why this platform makes sense.
Direct transactions
You’re selling peer-to-peer. No platform fees eating into your earnings. No corporate buyer deciding your book is worth less than you know it is.
Targeted audience
People browsing BookMandee are specifically looking to buy books. They’re not casually scrolling past your listing on a general marketplace. They came here to find books, which means higher intent and faster conversions.
Control
You decide the price. You handle negotiations. You choose how to ship or deliver. If you want to bundle books, offer local pickup, or hold firm on your asking price, that’s entirely up to you.
Flexibility
List one book or fifty. Sell occasionally when you’re clearing shelves or turn this into a regular side income stream by sourcing and reselling used novels or academic texts.
The platform gives you the tools. What you do with them determines how successful you are.
Recommended Read: How Does BookMandee Work?
Before You List: Prep Your Old Books Properly
Don’t just snap a photo and type a title. That’s how you end up with listings nobody clicks on.
Clean Your Books
Even used books should look presentable.
- Wipe dust off covers with a dry cloth
- Erase pencil marks where possible (pen and highlighter stay, but at least you tried)
- Remove sticky notes, bookmarks, receipts, or random papers tucked inside
- Straighten bent corners gently
- Check for loose pages and secure them if needed
Assess Condition Honestly
You’ll need to describe the condition in your listing. Use these standard grades:
| Grade | What It Means |
| Like New | Unread or nearly unread. No visible wear, tight binding, crisp pages. |
| Very Good | Lightly used. Minor shelf wear, slight spine creases, but clean overall. |
| Good | Clearly read. Visible wear, possible dog-ears or yellowing, but fully intact and readable. |
| Acceptable | Heavy use. Loose pages, significant yellowing, markings, or stains. Functional but rough. |
Be honest. Overstating book conditions leads to disputes and bad feedback. Understating it means you leave money on the table. Get it right.
Gather Information
Have these details ready before you start listing:
- Full title and author name
- Publisher (found on the copyright page)
- Edition and year (critical for textbooks and reference books)
- ISBN (if available)
- Board/University/Exam (for academic books: CBSE, ICSE, Anna University, JEE, NEET, etc.)
- Language (if not English)
- Any special features (signed, first edition, illustrated, etc.)
The more accurate your information, the easier buyers can find your listing.
Step 1: Create Your BookMandee Account
If you haven’t already, sign up on BookMandee. The process is easy – basic details, email verification, and you’re in.
Profile tips:
- Use a recognizable username (not random numbers)
- Fill out any bio or seller information sections (shows you’re a real person, not a bot)
Buyers are more likely to message and purchase from sellers who seem legitimate and approachable.
Step 2: Write a Clear, Complete Description
Your description should answer every question a buyer might have without them needing to message you.
Essential Information to Include
Book Details:
- Full title and author
- Publisher and edition (e.g., “Oxford University Press, 3rd Edition, 2019”)
- ISBN (if available)
- Board/Exam/University (for academic books)
- Number of pages (optional but helpful for buyers comparing editions)
Condition: Don’t just say ‘good condition’. Be specific.
Bad example:
“Book is in good condition”.
Good example:
“Very good condition. Light pencil underlining in 3-4 chapters (easily erasable), no pen or highlighter. Binding is tight, no torn or missing pages. Slight yellowing on edges due to age but does not affect readability.”
Must Read: How to Check the Condition of a Used Book Before Buying
Why You’re Selling (Optional but Effective):
Humanizes the listing and adds context.
Examples:
- “Completed my MBA and no longer need this.”
- “Cleared NEET, passing this on to the next batch.”
- “Bought by mistake (wrong edition), never used.”
Shipping and Payment: State your terms upfront to avoid confusion.
Examples:
- “Will ship within 2 days via Speed Post. Buyer pays shipping (approx ₹50-80 depending on location).”
- “Local pickup available in South Delhi.”
- “Accepts UPI, bank transfer, or cash on delivery (if nearby).”
Example of a Strong Listing Description
“Selling ‘Concepts of Physics Vol. 1’ by H.C. Verma, published by Bharati Bhawan, 2018 edition. ISBN: 978-8177091875. Used for JEE preparation. Very good condition with minimal wear—light pencil marks in the first two chapters (can be erased), no highlighting or pen marks. Binding is tight, all pages intact, slight yellowing on edges. Selling because I’ve completed my entrance exam and no longer need it. Price is firm at ₹280 (original retail ₹450). Will ship anywhere in India within 2 days of payment confirmation. Accepts UPI or bank transfer. Open to local pickup in Pune (Kothrud area). Feel free to message with any questions.”
That description is clear, detailed, honest, and sets expectations. Compare it to:
“HC Verma physics book. Good condition. ₹280.”
Which one would you trust and buy from?
Step 3: Price Your Book Competitively
Pricing is part research, part strategy.
Research Market Rates
Before setting a price, check what similar books are selling for.
Where to look:
- Other listings on BookMandee for the same title
What to note:
- Average asking price for your book
- Condition of those listings vs. yours
- How long listings have been active (old listings = overpriced)
Pricing Formula
Use this as a baseline or use our price estimate calculator:
| Condition | Price Range (% of original retail) |
| Like New | 50-60% |
| Very Good | 40-50% |
| Good | 30-40% |
| Acceptable | 20-30% |
Adjust based on:
- Demand: High-demand books (popular textbooks, competitive exam guides) can be priced higher
- Timing: List during peak buying season (exam prep, start of academic year) and you can charge more
- Rarity: Out-of-print or hard-to-find books justify premium pricing
- Competition: If ten people are selling the same book, price slightly below average to stand out
Build in Negotiation Room
Buyers will negotiate. If you want ₹250, list at ₹280-300. That way, when they ask for a discount, you can drop to ₹260-270 and everyone feels satisfied.
When to Price Firm
If your book is in excellent condition, correctly priced, and in high demand, you can mark it “price firm” or “no negotiations”. Just be prepared for slower sales.
Step 6: Choose the Right Category and Tags
BookMandee uses categories to help buyers find your listings.
Select the Correct Category
Be as specific as possible:
- Competitive Exams > JEE
- Fiction > Mystery & Thriller
Miscategorized books may get buried and won’t show up in relevant searches.
Use Relevant Tags/Keywords
If the platform allows tags or keywords, include:
- Author name
- Subject or topic
- Exam or board (CBSE, NEET, UPSC, etc.)
- Edition or series name
- Condition keywords (like new, used, vintage)
Example tags for a JEE physics book:
JEE, Physics, H.C. Verma, Mechanics, Entrance Exam, IIT, Engineering
This may increase the chances your listing appears when buyers search.
Step 5: Set Shipping and Delivery Options
Be clear about how buyers will receive the book.
Option 1: Ship Anywhere in India
Most flexible. Reaches the widest audience.
What to specify:
- Shipping method (Speed Post, courier)
- Who pays shipping (you, the buyer, or split)
- Estimated delivery time (3-7 days typically)
- Tracking availability (if offered)
Typical shipping costs:
₹40-80 for a single paperback via Speed Post, ₹80-150 for heavier books or courier services.
Option 2: Local Pickup Only
Saves on shipping costs and speeds up the transaction. Best for buyers in your city.
What to specify:
- Pickup location (neighbourhood or landmark, not full address until confirmed)
- Available days/times for pickup
Example:
“Local pickup available in Bangalore (Koramangala area). Flexible on timing, can meet at a convenient public location.”
Option 3: Both
Offer local pickup for nearby buyers and shipping for everyone else. Maximizes your reach.
Step 6: Respond to Inquiries Quickly
Once your listing is approved and live, buyers will start messaging.
Reply Fast
The first seller to respond usually gets the sale. If someone messages at 2 PM and you reply at 10 PM, they’ve likely already bought from someone else.
Aim for:
- Within 1-2 hours during waking hours
- Same day at minimum
Answer Questions Clearly
Common buyer questions:
- “Is this still available?” → “Yes, available. Let me know if you’d like to proceed.”
- “Can you send more photos?” → “Sure, which part would you like to see? I can send photos of [specific pages/damage/etc.]”
- “What’s your best price?” → “The listed price is ₹280. I can do ₹260 if you’re ready to buy now.”
Be polite, professional, and direct. Don’t leave buyers hanging with vague answers.
Step 7: Close the Sale
Once a buyer commits, move quickly to finalize.
Confirm Details
- Final price (if you negotiated)
- Shipping address or pickup location
- Payment method
- Expected delivery or pickup date
Receive Payment First
Never ship before payment. Use secure methods:
- UPI (instant and traceable)
- Bank transfer (leaves a record)
- Platform-integrated payment (if BookMandee offers it)
Avoid cash-on-delivery unless the platform supports it or you’re doing local pickup.
Pack Properly
Even used books deserve decent packing:
- Wrap in newspaper or bubble wrap
- Use a sturdy envelope or cardboard box
- Seal all edges with tape
- Write addresses clearly
- Include your return address
A well-packed book reduces damage in transit and signals professionalism.
Notify the Buyer
Once shipped, message the buyer:
- Confirmation that it’s been sent
- Tracking number (if available)
- Expected delivery date
For local pickups, confirm the meeting time and location a few hours beforehand.
Common Mistakes That May Kill Sales
- Overpricing
- Vague Descriptions
- Slow Responses
- Not Disclosing Damage
- Inflexibility on Price
Tips to Sell Faster
Bundle Related Books
Sell semester sets, series, or subject bundles at a slight discount. Buyers love convenience.
List During Peak Seasons
Academic books sell best in March-May (before the new school year) and October-December (exam prep season). Competitive exam books move fastest when entrance seasons approach.
Refresh Old Listings
If a book hasn’t sold in 3-4 weeks, update the listing (new photos, revised description, lower price) to push it back to the top of search results.
Offer Deals for Multiple Purchases
“Buy 2 books, get ₹50 off” or “Free shipping on orders over ₹500” encourages buyers to purchase more.
Build a Reputation
Deliver on time, pack well, and communicate clearly. Happy buyers leave positive feedback, which attracts more buyers.
Also Read: Timing
FAQ
How long does it take to sell a book?
It depends on demand, condition, and pricing. High-demand books in good condition at competitive prices can sell within days. Niche or overpriced books might take weeks.
Can I edit my listing after posting?
Yes. BookMandee allows you to update descriptions, and prices anytime.
Should I offer discounts for bulk purchases?
Yes, if you’re selling multiple books. It incentivizes buyers to spend more and helps you move inventory faster.
Can I sell books in languages other than English?
Absolutely. BookMandee supports books in all languages. Just specify the language clearly in your listing.
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