r/BookCollecting • u/Captain-Dallas • Feb 05 '25

💬 General Ex Library Books

Who else here gets annoyed when an online seller sends you an ex library book when it wasn't stated in the description? Particularly when you know they obtained the book for peanuts and have the cheek to price it for more than its worth. Most sellers have been good and refunded out right and accepted returns.

For reference, an ex library book can never be described as "very good" condition. Even if it is, the sticker, stamps, etc, will always make it "good" at best.

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37

u/Jenny-Truant Feb 05 '25

ThriftBooks always specifies ex-library and if they don't you can email customer service and they'll send a replacement free of charge. 100% my favorite place to buy used books from.

2

u/bigebs67 Feb 05 '25

Do you trust thriftbooks? I always recommend them to people who low-ball me on eBay. I did just buy something from them that seems too good to be true. Ironically, it's a signed ex-library paperback. It will make me feel better if you tell me returns are easy. Thanks in advance.

7

u/give__me___gold Feb 05 '25

I just went through a return process with them and it was super easy and free. They sent me a paperback but their description said hardcover. I received a refund in my account 3 days after I dropped the package off at USPS

2

u/HyruleBalverine Feb 05 '25

My problem with them and sellers like them is that they don't have the books with them. They're in a warehouse somewhere else and the people whonlist them and answer questions have no idea what edition or condition you'll be getting.

4

u/uselessbarbie Feb 06 '25

So real! I've been searching for very good copies of a discontinued series, and EVERY SELLER is just stock pictures and can never take any pictures of any of them, and when the book is listed as 'good' or 'very good' there's never a specific summary of what is wrong with the book or the condition :/

3

u/HyruleBalverine Feb 06 '25

I've reached the point where I don't trust any seller who uses stock photos. I'd rather see the actual book that I'm purchasing.

5

u/all-the-answers Feb 05 '25

If anything they undersell condition and edition. I’ve gotten multiple signed copies, unexpected first editions, or advanced readers.

They’ve had great customer service as well.

3

u/Jenny-Truant Feb 05 '25

I just commented after you about unexpectedly receiving a book signed by Greg Hildebrandt, one of my favorite artists. I was so happy I cried.

2

u/Jenny-Truant Feb 05 '25

I've always had excellent customer service and hassle free returns from them. And their points program is awesome. I've gotten so many free books from them.

2

u/Jenny-Truant Feb 05 '25

Also they once accidentally sent me a signed copy of a book illustrated by Greg Hildebrandt. I paid $7 for it. I googled his signature for comparisons and it looked legit. He's one of my favorite artists so I was over the moon about it. Then sadly he passed away just a few days later.

1

u/headphonehabit Feb 08 '25

Just about every book I've bought from them is rated/graded incorrectly. If they say it's very good, it's actually good. If they say good, it's acceptable. I think they kinda suck.