Got shelves full of books you no longer need?
Tired of dragging (incredibly heavy) boxes of them to the car boot…selling 4 for £1.75…and then dragging the rest all home again and sticking them back into the garage…or dumping them outside the charity shop on the way home (pretending you didn’t see the “please do not leave donations here whilst we are closed” sign on the door).
You paid a fortune for these books so surely there must be some residual value in them? Well, maybe there is…and it does not involve standing in a field at 7am.
Selling used books online in the UK is one of the easiest ways to declutter, earn extra cash, and give your old favourites a new home. Whether you want a quick sale or hope to get the best price possible, there are plenty of platforms to choose from.
In this post we’ll cover:
The best websites to sell used books in the UK
The types of books that sell well
How much you can expect to earn
Step-by-step tips for selling your books online
Best places to sell used books in the UK
Here are some of the most popular and reliable options:
1. Ziffit
How it works: Enter the ISBN or scan with their app to get an instant quote. Post your books for free and get paid once they’re checked.
Best for: Fast and hassle-free sales.
Expected price: Around 30p to £3 per book, depending on demand.
2. WeBuyBooks
How it works: Similar to Ziffit – scan or type ISBNs, accept a price, and send them off for free.
Best for: Large clear-outs.
Expected price: Typically under £2 per book, though textbooks may fetch more.
3. MusicMagpie
How it works: Popular for phones and tech, but also buys books. Free shipping included.
Best for: Selling books alongside DVDs, CDs, and gadgets.
Expected price: 50p to a few pounds per book.
4. eBay UK
How it works: List books individually or in bundles. Set your own price or start an auction.
Best for: Collectibles, out-of-print books, and higher-value titles.
Expected price: Ranges from £1–£3 for common paperbacks to £20–£100+ for rare editions.
5. Amazon Marketplace UK
How it works: Create a seller account, list by ISBN, and ship directly to buyers.
Best for: Textbooks, academic books, and non-fiction with steady demand.
Expected price: £10–£50+ for in-demand textbooks; fiction often sells for pennies.
6. World of Books (via Zapper and other trade-in sites)
How it works: World of Books doesn’t buy directly but partners with apps like Zapper.
Best for: Quick convenience.
Expected price: Similar to other trade-in sites (usually low).
I personally use World of Books (WOB) all the time for buying second-hand books. They have a massive selection, extremely reasonable prices (price based on the condition of each book), often includes multi-buy discounts and a really great service. They are part of the reason I’m drowning in fiction books.
What types of second hand books sell best?
Not all second-hand books have equal value. Here are the categories most likely to earn money online:
📘 Textbooks & academic books – Always in demand; best resale value.
📚 Specialist non-fiction – History, business, cookbooks, science, self-help.
🏷 Rare & collectible editions – First editions, signed copies, out-of-print titles.
👶 Children’s books & box sets – Bundles sell better than singles.
📖 Modern fiction paperbacks – Low value; better sold in bulk or donated.
Step-by-step: How to sell used books online
1. Sort your collection – Decide what to keep, sell, or donate.
2. Check ISBNs – Use apps like Ziffit or WeBuyBooks to see which titles have value.
3. Choose your platform – Trade-in sites for speed, eBay/Amazon for higher returns.
4. Prepare your books – Make sure they’re clean and in good condition.
5. Post them off – Most trade-in sites provide free postage. For eBay/Amazon, you’ll cover postage yourself.
6. Get paid – Payments usually arrive within a few days to your bank, PayPal, or Amazon account.
How much money can you make selling books online?
Realistically, most second-hand paperbacks sell for under £2 each on trade-in sites. However, textbooks and specialist non-fiction can bring in £10–£50+.
Rare or collectible editions may sell for £100+ on eBay or Amazon.
Bundles of children’s books or fiction series can fetch £10–£20 per set.
The more unique or in-demand your book is, the better the price you’ll achieve.
If you’re after a quick and easy sale, sites like Ziffit, WeBuyBooks, or MusicMagpie are your best bet. You won’t make a fortune, but you’ll clear space and get instant payment.
If you’re willing to put in more effort, Amazon and eBay UK are the best places to sell books for maximum profit — especially textbooks, specialist non-fiction, and collectible editions.
Either way, selling your used books online in the UK is a smart way to declutter, recycle, and make a bit of extra cash.
👉 Tip: If you’ve got a lot of low-value novels, consider bundling them (e.g., “10 crime thrillers for £12”) — they’ll often sell faster than as single listings.
