Is Selling to Half Price Books Worth It? My Experience and Honest Thoughts

I’ll be real with you, I’ve always been the kind of person who hoards books. Some are old college textbooks, others are novels I swore I’d read again (but never did), and then there are the impulse buys from bargain bins. One day, staring at my overflowing shelves, I finally asked myself: is selling to Half Price Books worth it?

So, I boxed up a stack and gave it a try. Here’s what I found, along with the good, the not-so-great, and whether I’d do it again.

The Process of Selling to Half Price Books

The first thing I noticed is how simple it is.

• You bring in your books (or CDs, DVDs, even vinyl).
• They make you an offer after a short wait.
• You can take the money or decline.

No photos to upload, no listing descriptions, no shipping hassles, just walk in with a box and walk out with cash. That convenience factor is huge if you’re just trying to declutter.

What Kind of Books Do They Take?

From my experience (and confirmed by their staff), Half Price Books is picky:

• Popular fiction and nonfiction in good condition = yes.
• Textbooks (current editions) = sometimes a good payout.
• Outdated reference books or damaged copies = nope.

So if you’re bringing in obscure or heavily highlighted books, don’t expect much.

How Much Do They Pay?

Here’s the catch. The payouts are low, sometimes surprisingly low.

• A box of 20 books might earn you $5–$15.
• Textbooks or bestsellers may get you a few dollars each.
• Most paperbacks? Think pocket change.

The reality is that Half Price Books needs to resell at a profit, so you’ll rarely get anything close to what you originally paid.

When Selling to Half Price Books Is Worth It

Honestly, I think it depends on your goals. It’s worth it if:

• You need instant cash and don’t want the hassle of online selling.
• You’re doing a declutter project and just want the books out.
• You don’t care about squeezing every dollar out of your collection.

When It Might Not Be Worth It

If you’re hoping for a significant return, you’ll be disappointed. Better alternatives include:

• Online reselling (Amazon, eBay, Facebook Marketplace).
• Textbook buyback sites for higher-value college books.
• Donating to libraries, schools, or thrift shops if money isn’t the goal.

My Honest Take After Trying It

For me, selling to Half Price Books was worth it for the convenience. I didn’t get much cash, but I walked out lighter, mentally and physically. My shelves were clearer, I had a little money for coffee, and I didn’t spend weeks trying to sell each book individually.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if your priority is speed and simplicity, not profit.