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30+ FAQs on Buying & Selling Old Books Online in India

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Old Book FAQs

Whoever has old books has a related story too, whether it’s a shelf stacked with JEE prep guides after exams or novels you once loved but no longer read. At some point, most of us wonder: what should I do with these books? Should I sell them, recycle them, or pass them on to someone who needs them?

Old books have a life beyond our cupboards. Second-hand books can mean affordable access to knowledge for students preparing for exams. For sellers, they’re a way to recover some costs and make space for new learning. 

People often search for answers to very specific questions. These are the real, everyday queries that students and readers type into Google before taking action. That’s why we’ve put together this blog. 

Instead of browsing endless forums or half-answered questions, here you’ll find a complete guide covering 30+ of the most commonly asked questions about old and used books. Think of it as your go-to FAQ, whether you’re a student clearing out exam prep material or a reader simply looking to give your books a second home.

Why Do People Buy and Sell Old Books Online?

If you’ve ever stepped inside a student hostel or a family home after exams are over, you’ll notice piles of books waiting for a second life. Some are nearly new, others are highlighted and marked with notes, but all of them still hold value. This is where the cycle of buying and selling old books comes in.

If you want to buy old books, especially JEE, NEET, UPSC or college textbooks, they are often available at a fraction of their original price. A brand-new JEE guide that costs ₹1,000 can be picked up second-hand for ₹400-500, making education more affordable. Beyond cost, there’s also convenience. You can buy old books online and find the exact edition you need without running from shop to shop.

For sellers, it’s about more than just recovering money. Selling books helps free up space, reduce clutter, and ensures useful material doesn’t end up as scrap sold by the kilo. There’s also a quiet satisfaction in knowing your books are helping someone else prepare for their goals.

With BookMandee, this exchange has become easier, faster, and more community-driven than ever before. It’s no longer just about saving money or earning a little back; it’s about creating a shared journey of learning, where books travel from one home to another, carrying knowledge forward.

Also Read: How to Sell Your Used Books Online

Most Common Questions About Old Books

The best site depends on the type of books you want to sell. General marketplaces allow listings, but they’re not always focused on books. If you want a dedicated space, use BookMandee as it is built specifically for buying and selling second-hand books, especially academic and JEE prep material. This makes it easier to find genuine buyers, get better value, and ensure your books reach the right hands.

To start selling old books online, choose BookMandee. Create a listing/book-ad with clear description, mention the condition, edition, and a fair price. Once listed, interested buyers can contact you directly. 

For popular categories like JEE and academic books, demand is usually high, so your books can find new owners quickly and fetch better value than selling by weight.

Second-hand books remain in high demand, especially among students and exam aspirants. JEE, NEET, UPSC, and college textbooks are often bought used because they are expensive when new. Many readers also prefer buying novels and general books second-hand to save money. BookMandee makes it easy for sellers to reach genuine buyers and ensure books continue their journey instead of gathering dust on shelves.

  1. Is it profitable to sell old books?

Selling old books can be profitable, but it depends on the type of books and the platform you use. Academic and competitive exam books, like JEE or NEET guides, often retain high demand and resale value, making them more profitable. 

On the other hand, used novels or general reading books may fetch less value. BookMandee can help sellers get better value than scrap or local resellers by connecting directly with buyers who are actively looking for these books.

Pricing old books depends on their condition, demand, and edition. A common approach is to set the price at 40-70% of the original MRP for academic and exam prep books like JEE guides, depending on how used the book is. Similarly, rare or out-of-print editions can fetch higher prices. 

BookMandee also makes pricing easier by showing what similar books are listed for, helping you set a competitive and fair price for your books. You can also use our price estimate calculator to decide the price.

If you have a large number of books, you have several options. You can approach local libraries, schools, or bulk buyers. However, you can also use online platforms that offer better reach and value. BookMandee allows you to list multiple books, connect directly with buyers, and get fair prices without the hassle of selling them individually or by weight.

Selling JEE books after exams is one of the best ways to recover part of your investment. Many students look for previous years’ guides, practice papers, and reference books at affordable prices. BookMandee makes it easy to list your books, reach genuine buyers, and ensure your study material finds a new home while you declutter your shelf.

Recommended Read: A Comprehensive Guide to JEE Exam 2025

The best place to buy used JEE books is somewhere you can trust the quality and edition of the books. While local bookstores can work, they aren’t always reliable for exam-specific material. BookMandee can be considered more suitable because it focuses on academic and competitive exam books, letting you find exactly what you need at affordable prices from sellers who’ve already used them for preparation.

Books that are in demand, like recent editions of JEE, NEET, or other competitive exam guides, usually sell faster. Condition also matters as well-kept, clean, and unmarked books attract buyers quickly. Similarly, popular titles and editions that are still relevant for exams tend to move faster than older or less-used books. 

Selling books online is almost always better than going to scrap dealers. Scrap dealers usually pay by weight, which often undervalues your books, especially academic or competitive exam guides. 

BookMandee can connect you directly with buyers looking for specific books, allowing you to get a fair price, keep your books in good hands, and reach a wider audience without the hassle of transporting heavy boxes.

The value of a book depends on its rarity, demand, and condition. For academic and competitive exam books, check the edition, whether it’s the latest one, and if it’s still relevant for exams like JEE or NEET. 

For general or collectible books, factors like first editions, signed copies, or out-of-print titles can increase value. A clean, well-kept book with minimal markings always sells better than a worn or heavily highlighted one.

Yes, old NCERT books are still in demand, especially among students preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and school board exams. Many students prefer buying used NCERTs to save money, since the content rarely changes drastically between editions. Well-kept copies without excessive markings or damage tend to sell faster, making them a popular choice for both buyers and sellers in the second-hand book market.

The resale value of competitive exam books, like JEE or NEET guides, depends on their condition, edition, and demand. Books that are recent, well-kept, and relevant for upcoming exams usually fetch 40-70% of the original price. 

Older editions or heavily used books may sell for less. Pricing them fairly based on condition and current demand ensures they sell faster while helping other students access affordable study material.

A second-hand book’s value depends on its condition, demand, and rarity. Well-maintained books with no torn pages, stains, or missing covers are easier to sell. Popular titles, whether novels, academic books, or reference guides, tend to attract buyers faster. 

Yes, you can still sell books that have markings or highlights. Many readers and students don’t mind notes, especially if the book is otherwise in good condition. However, heavily damaged pages, torn covers, or excessive scribbling may lower the resale value. Being honest about the book’s condition in your listing helps set the right expectations and ensures a smoother sale.

Damaged books can still be sold online, but their condition will affect the price and demand. Minor wear like creased pages, small marks, or slight cover damage is usually acceptable to buyers. However, heavily torn pages, missing sections, or water damage can make them harder to sell. Being transparent about the book’s condition in your listing helps buyers make informed decisions and prevents disputes.

Figuring out how much to sell a book for isn’t too complicated. 

A simple rule of thumb is to price it around 50-60% of the original price, adjusting slightly if it’s worn or rare. Browsing similar listings online on BookMandee can also give you a good idea of what buyers are willing to pay.

A good starting point is to price your book at 40-70% of its original MRP or the purchase price, depending on its condition and demand. Books that are gently used and in high demand can fetch closer to 70%, while older or slightly worn books may sell for less.

Selling books by weight is usually not the best approach if you want to get good value. Scrap dealers often pay very little per kilogram, which can be far less than what your books are actually worth. 

It’s better to sell books individually or in bulk through BookMandee to buyers who are looking for specific titles. This way, you can earn more and ensure your books go to someone who will actually use them.

The cost of 1 kg of old books can vary depending on whether you sell to a scrap dealer or a buyer looking for specific titles. Scrap dealers usually pay between ₹8-15 per kg, which is quite low. 

On the other hand, the total value can be much higher if you sell individual books online, especially popular novels or academic books. While weight gives a rough estimate, selling by title usually earns you more.

The number of books in 1 kg depends on their size and type. A few thick textbooks could weigh 1 kg, while 3-4 small paperbacks or novels might make up the same weight. On average, 2-4 standard paperbacks equal roughly 1 kg. Keep in mind that academic or reference books tend to be heavier, so the count can vary quite a bit.

The number of books in 50 kg depends on their size and type. Using an average of 2-4 paperbacks per kilogram, 50 kg would roughly be 100-200 books. Heavier textbooks or reference guides will reduce this number, while smaller novels or thinner books will increase it. So it’s always a rough estimate rather than an exact count.

The weight of a box full of books depends on the size of the box and the type of books inside. A small box with a few paperbacks might weigh 5-10 kg, while a large box stacked with textbooks or reference books can easily reach 20-30 kg or more. 

Shipping books safely is all about protecting them from damage. You can use a sturdy box and wrap each book in paper or bubble wrap to prevent bending or tearing. Then fill empty spaces with packing material to keep the books from moving around.

For heavier boxes, consider using a reliable courier service that offers tracking, so your books reach the buyer in good condition.

Yes, selling books in bulk is a great way to clear out multiple books at once. Students, coaching centres, and libraries often look for bundles of textbooks, guides, or reference material. When selling in bulk, ensure the books are in decent condition and clearly list the titles and editions. This makes it easier for buyers to know what they’re getting and can help you sell the entire lot faster.

Yes, BookMandee is a platform dedicated to buying and selling second-hand books. It connects sellers with buyers looking for used novels, academic books, and competitive exam guides. It makes the process easier, safer, and more efficient than general marketplaces by focusing specifically on books.

While Amazon allows you to sell books, it may work well for certain categories only. Popular novels, textbooks, and collectible editions can find buyers easily on BookMandee. This specialized platform can help you reach the right audience faster for students selling exam guides or older editions. 

BookMandee is focused entirely on books, which makes it easier for buyers and sellers to connect. Unlike general marketplaces, you won’t have to compete with unrelated listings, and buyers are actively looking for books (be it novels, academic guides, or exam prep material). This focus often means faster sales, better prices, and a smoother experience for both parties.

Donating books is a great way to give them a second life while helping others. Schools, libraries, NGOs, and charitable organisations often welcome gently used books. While you won’t earn money, donating can make a real difference for students or readers who can’t afford new books, and it’s a sustainable way to clear out your collection responsibly.

Books with high demand are the easiest to sell. Competitive exam guides like JEE, NEET, UPSC, and other academic textbooks usually sell quickly because many students prefer buying them to save money. Similarly, popular novels, trending self-help books, and school textbooks are also in demand. 

Yes, rare or collectible books can be sold on BookMandee. The platform caters to readers and collectors, making it easier to reach people who are specifically looking for unique editions, first prints, or signed copies. Just ensure to clearly mention the rarity, condition, and any special features of the book, so buyers know its true value and can make an informed purchase.

So, the next time your shelves are overflowing, remember that your old books still have a story to tell, and someone out there is waiting to read it.

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