thriftbooks.com
What ThriftBooks.com is (and why people use it)
ThriftBooks.com is an online bookstore that focuses heavily on used inventory, with some new items mixed in. The company describes itself as the world’s largest online independent used bookseller, and it runs its own website as the main place customers shop. It also sells through other marketplaces (like Amazon and eBay), but ThriftBooks.com is the “home base.”
The core promise is simple: big selection, low prices, and condition grading that’s meant to be predictable. ThriftBooks says it hand-grades every book and offers multiple conditions and formats, which matters because “used” can mean anything from basically new to pretty beat up.
How buying works on the site
Shopping on ThriftBooks looks like a typical e-commerce store: search a title/author/ISBN, pick an edition and a condition, add to cart, and check out. The detail that trips new buyers up is that the same title may have lots of “editions” and multiple condition options, each priced differently. If you care about a specific cover, a specific publisher, or a particular ISBN, you have to slow down and confirm you’re selecting the right version. (This is especially true for textbooks, older paperbacks, and series with many reprints.)
A practical habit: when you see multiple “editions from $X,” click through and choose based on what you actually want (binding, publication year if relevant, and condition). In used-book retail, the cheapest option is often the most worn, and on popular titles that can mean heavy shelf wear or library markings.
Shipping and delivery expectations (U.S., Canada, and international)
Shipping is one of the biggest reasons people stick with ThriftBooks, but it’s also where expectations need to be realistic.
For U.S. addresses, ThriftBooks offers free standard shipping on eligible orders of $15+ (excluding taxes) shipped to a single U.S. address. Standard transit is listed as 4–10 business days for used and new items, with paid options for faster shipping (express and expedited) on certain items.
Outside the U.S., ThriftBooks lists Canada standard delivery as 7–14 business days and “International Standard” (rest of world) as 10–20 business days, with pricing calculated at checkout. There are also important restrictions: select new books aren’t eligible to ship outside the U.S., international shipping isn’t available for items priced at $99+, and there’s a list of locations they don’t ship to.
If you’re ordering from Indonesia: the shipping-locations page is a list of places they do not ship to, and “Indonesia” does not appear on that exclusion list as shown right now, which suggests Indonesia is eligible. Still, the real truth is what checkout allows for your exact cart, because item type and value can trigger restrictions.
ReadingRewards: the built-in loyalty program
If you plan to place more than a couple of orders, ReadingRewards is worth understanding because it changes the effective price.
ThriftBooks’ ReadingRewards program gives points per dollar spent and turns points into free-book credits. The headline rule is: every 500 points becomes a free book reward, and the value of that reward depends on your tier.
Their public tier chart shows four tiers with annual spend thresholds and benefits. For example, at the Reader tier, used books earn 8 points per $1 and 500 points equals a $5 free-book value. Higher tiers (Bookworm, Literati, Literati Elite) increase earning rates and raise the free-book value up to $7, plus extras like birthday perks and double points days.
The practical angle: if you buy used books frequently, points pile up faster than you’d think, and free-book credits can offset shipping thresholds or pad a cart. If you buy mostly “select new books,” it’s still useful, but the points-per-dollar rate is lower in the published chart.
Selling to ThriftBooks: BuyBack for individuals, bulk programs for organizations
ThriftBooks isn’t only a place to buy. It also has routes for selling, but they’re not all the same.
BuyBack (individual sellers). ThriftBooks’ BuyBack program lets individuals sell books and certain media and get paid via PayPal or store credit (you choose). They describe the flow as: choose items, ship them in, and get paid after verification.
A key operational limit: the program is designed around one box per BuyBack, with a maximum weight of 40 lbs (you can create multiple BuyBacks if you have more).
They also publish acceptance guidance: books should be “acceptable or better,” with intact covers/pages, minimal spine wear, and less than 30% highlighting/underlining/writing, among other restrictions. They list examples of items they don’t buy, like instructor edition textbooks, ARCs, and books without an ISBN.
Bulk/partner programs (libraries, thrift stores, large surplus). For organizations moving volume, ThriftBooks runs partner options where the partner packs surplus inventory, ThriftBooks arranges pickup, sells, and pays out. The partner page positions this as a long-running model, starting with surplus handling in 2003, and emphasizes pickup and payout workflow.
This is separate from BuyBack. If you’re an individual with a few boxes at home, BuyBack is the relevant track; if you’re handling pallets, you’re in partner territory.
Returns, refunds, and the part people should read twice
Used books are inherently variable, and return policies matter a lot more than most shoppers expect.
ThriftBooks’ Terms of Use say returns are accepted when requested within 30 days after delivery and the return is the result of ThriftBooks’ error. The terms also describe a required authorization process and note that they may reject returns not caused by their error. They also list categories they do not accept returns for, including items purchased for $15 or less, requests after the 30-day window, and items “no longer desired” after purchase.
So if you’re ordering, the safest approach is to assume: if the wrong item arrives, it arrives damaged, or there’s a clear listing error, you have a strong case. If you simply changed your mind, don’t count on a smooth return.
Tips that usually make the experience better
- Treat “edition” as a real decision. Don’t assume the first listing is the exact version you want. Click through editions and verify format and details.
- Pay for condition when condition matters. If you’re buying gifts or collector-ish copies, you’ll usually want the higher condition grades and to avoid “acceptable.”
- Use the $15 free-shipping threshold strategically (U.S.). Bundling a few low-cost items into one order can beat paying per-item shipping.
- For international orders, expect checkout to be the final judge. Item restrictions (like select new books or high-priced items) can block shipping even if your country is generally serviceable.
- If you’re a frequent buyer, join ReadingRewards early. Points accrual and free-book credits are straightforward, and tiers can increase value over time.
Key takeaways
- ThriftBooks.com is a major independent online used bookseller and says it hand-grades inventory across multiple conditions.
- U.S. orders of eligible items $15+ get free standard shipping; standard delivery windows are published, with paid faster options.
- Canada and international shipping exist, but pricing is checkout-based and there are restrictions (including some “select new books” and a list of excluded destinations).
- ReadingRewards converts spending into points, and every 500 points becomes a free-book reward with value depending on tier.
- BuyBack lets individuals sell eligible books/media with rules like one box (up to 40 lbs) and condition/ISBN requirements; bulk partners have a different program.
- Returns are policy-driven and, per the Terms, are primarily for ThriftBooks error within a 30-day window, with notable exclusions.
FAQ
Is ThriftBooks legit, or is it a marketplace of random sellers?
ThriftBooks positions ThriftBooks.com as its primary shopping destination and describes its own inventory handling, including hand-grading. It also sells on other marketplaces, but the site itself is a direct storefront.
Do they ship internationally, including to Indonesia?
They publish international shipping options and a list of locations they do not ship to, plus restrictions like select new books not shipping outside the U.S. Whether your cart can ship to Indonesia will ultimately be confirmed at checkout.
How does free shipping work in the U.S.?
Eligible orders totaling $15+ (excluding taxes) shipped to one U.S. address qualify for free standard shipping, and the site lists standard transit times.
What is ReadingRewards and how do free books actually happen?
You earn points per dollar spent; every 500 points becomes a free-book reward credit. The credit value depends on your tier, and tiers are based on annual spending.
Can I sell my books to ThriftBooks?
Yes, through BuyBack for individuals (ship in items, get paid via PayPal or store credit), with limits like one box up to 40 lbs per BuyBack and condition/eligibility rules. Organizations with large surplus can use bulk partner programs.
What if the book arrives in worse condition than I expected?
ThriftBooks’ Terms of Use describe returns mainly when the issue is ThriftBooks’ error and within 30 days after delivery, with exclusions (including items $15 or less and “no longer desired”). If condition is critical, choosing higher condition listings upfront is the safer play.
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