Thursday, May 22, 2014

Textbooks Anyone?

As we draw towards the end of May, it is time for FBA sellers to think of going back to school and college.

Well not for FBA sellers themselves, but for their customers.

In about seven or eight weeks, students will begin looking for their new college and school textbooks.

You will need to be thinking of getting those books into the fulfilment centers in June and early July to catch the new crop of students.

Students can be demanding in that they want their textbooks very quickly so the FBA system is really great. If they want 24 hour shipping, you don't need to worry, amazon has that covered.

Students are happier with FBA sellers for the purpose of getting the book in their hands on time.

Make particularly sure though that the book description is correct. Students often don't check a books edition number. This means the probability that the book is returned, ok if the student bought early and sends the book back quickly. A pain if they wait a week or two and you are left holding a textbook until after the New Year, that is also a very good textbook selling period.

If you are thinking of selling a few textbooks for the first time here are a few tips:

  • Buy the most recent editions that you can. If a textbook is on its 8th Edition and you see the 3rd Edition not matter how cheap leave it alon.
  • Check the publication year on the front piece. Again get the most recent publication date. Anything earlier than ten years prior to the school year is probably too old.
  • Beware the old non core curriculum based textbooks. Most schools are changing curriculum in the next couple of years so current textbooks are nit going to have a long shelf life.
  • Invest in some label removing fluid like Goo Gone It works wonders at removing old used college bookstore labels. A bottle can cleans several dozen books and you can upgrade your listing from acceptable to good or better if the book is unmarked.

With all that, the next few weeks are the biggest opportunity for sales before the Holidays. Good Luck and have a great back to school season.

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