I’ve made thousands of dollars selling used books on Amazon FBA, and it all started with a $2 library sale find that sold for $48 within a week.
Books are one of the easiest and most reliable products to flip because they’re everywhere, cheap to source, and in constant demand. With the right sourcing strategy, scanning tools, and pricing approach, you can turn stacks of forgotten books into a steady stream of profit.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I source books from retail and wholesale suppliers, use barcode scanners and apps to check sales rank and ROI in seconds, and grade condition so I know what to expect when pricing.
I’ll share my go-to spots like thrift stores, estate sales, and bulk wholesale deals, plus how I prep and ship books to Amazon so they’re ready to sell fast.
Whether you want to start with a few boxes from a weekend haul or scale into pallets from wholesalers, I’ll show you how to make smart buys and avoid common mistakes.
Let’s build a system that keeps your FBA inventory moving.
Key Takeaways
- Books can be a low-cost, high-margin product to sell on Amazon FBA
- The right sourcing tools and locations make finding profitable books easier
- Prepping, pricing, and shipping efficiently are key to scaling profitably
Understanding The Book Market On Amazon
I look at two main factors before I decide to buy a book for resale: how quickly it’s likely to sell and whether demand changes during certain times of the year.
Both can make the difference between a fast profit and a book that sits in storage.
Sales Rank Basics
Sales Rank (also called Best Sellers Rank) tells me how well a book is selling compared to others in its category.
A lower number means faster sales. For example, a rank under 100,000 in Books often moves quickly, while a rank over 1,000,000 may take months to sell.
I always check rank history using tools like Keepa or ScoutIQ. This shows if a book’s rank is consistently low or if it only drops when a single copy sells.
A sudden dip can be misleading if the book usually sits at a high rank. Here’s how I decide:
- Rank under 100k → likely sells within days or weeks.
- 100k–500k → sells slower, but still worth it if profit is strong.
- Above 1M → only buy if margins are huge and storage costs are low.
I also compare the rank to the number of competing offers. A low rank with heavy competition might require me to price aggressively to make the sale.
Seasonal Demand (Textbooks, Niche Categories)
Some books only sell well during certain months. Textbooks are the most obvious example. I see spikes in January and August when students start new terms.
Buying them cheap in the off-season and holding until peak months can yield higher prices.
Niche categories also have seasonal swings. For example:
- Holiday cookbooks sell best in November–December.
- Gardening guides peak in spring.
- Test prep books move faster before exam seasons.
I track these patterns by looking at past sales data in Keepa charts. If I know a book’s demand window, I can plan sourcing and pricing to match.
This helps me avoid tying up money in inventory that won’t sell for months.
Sourcing Books: Retail, Wholesale, And Online
I focus on finding inventory that moves quickly and delivers a solid return. The best sources give me low buy costs, steady supply, and enough margin to cover Amazon fees while still making profit.
My approach mixes local in-person hunting with bulk buying from larger suppliers.
Thrift Stores, Library Sales, Estate Sales
Thrift stores are my most consistent source. Large chains with daily book restocks let me scan fresh stock as it hits the shelves.
I bring a Bluetooth barcode scanner and a scanning app with database mode so I can work fast without relying on slow internet.
Library sales are goldmines for cheap books. I use BookSaleFinder.com to find events near me.
I arrive early, bring boxes or bags, and target non-fiction, textbooks, and niche topics first since they usually have better resale value.
Estate sales can be hit or miss, but when they’re good, they’re really good. I check EstateSales.net for upcoming sales and look for photos showing large bookshelves.
I’ve found rare and out-of-print titles this way that sold quickly for high margins.
Other spots I check:
- Used book stores with $1–$2 clearance sections
- Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for bulk textbook lots
- Yard sales in college towns right after semesters end
Wholesale Distributors And Liquidation Sources
Wholesale book distributors give me bulk inventory without the need to hunt daily. I look for suppliers who sell mixed pallets of overstock, returns, or remaindered books.
These often come from publishers, large retailers, or liquidation companies. Liquidation sources can include store closeouts or warehouse clearances.
I verify condition before buying since Amazon’s condition guidelines are strict. I avoid pallets with heavy damage or excessive ex-library copies unless I can sell them in acceptable condition.
Buying wholesale requires more upfront capital, but the cost-per-unit is often low enough to hit my target ROI.
I calculate this before purchasing:
| Cost per Book | Expected Sale Price | Amazon Fees | Profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.25 | $12.00 | $4.50 | $6.25 | 500% |
I also negotiate with suppliers for better rates when buying multiple pallets. This helps me secure steady inventory without relying solely on local finds.
Essential Tools For Book Flipping
I rely on a few key tools to find profitable books, check market demand, and make quick buying decisions. The right apps and data trackers save me time, reduce mistakes, and help me focus on books with the best return on investment.
Scanning Apps (ScoutIQ, Scoutly, Amazon Seller App)
When I’m sourcing, I use a Bluetooth barcode scanner paired with a scanning app to speed up the process.
Apps like ScoutIQ and Scoutly pull live or cached Amazon data so I can see sales rank, buy box price, and potential profit instantly.
I set custom triggers in ScoutIQ to flag books that meet my profit and rank criteria. This way, I don’t waste time analyzing every single title.
Scoutly offers an offline database mode, which is handy in thrift stores or library sales with poor cell service.
The Amazon Seller App is free and works well for beginners. It gives me FBA fee estimates and lets me list items right on the spot.
However, it’s slower for bulk scanning compared to paid apps.
Example:
- I scan a book with ScoutIQ, and it shows a $3 cost, $18 FBA price, 150k sales rank, and $8 net profit. That’s an instant buy for me.
Keepa Charts For Sales Rank Tracking
I use Keepa to track both price history and sales rank trends over time. A book might look profitable today but could have very few sales in the past year.
Keepa’s charts help me avoid slow movers. I look for consistent sales rank drops, which usually mean actual sales.
If the rank only changes a few times a year, I skip it. Keepa also shows historical pricing, so I can see if a book’s price is stable or if it spikes only during textbook season.
This helps me decide whether to hold inventory for higher profits or sell quickly.
Quick checklist when using Keepa:
- Check for steady rank drops over 3–12 months
- Compare current price to historical average
- Watch for seasonal demand patterns
Evaluating Books For Profit
I look at two main factors before I buy a book to resell: the physical condition and the potential return after fees.
A book can look profitable on paper but lose value fast if it’s in poor shape or has hidden costs.
Grading Book Condition
I always check the cover, spine, and pages first. Torn covers, loose bindings, or water damage can make a book unsellable on Amazon.
Writing or highlighting inside is fine for textbooks if I note it in the listing. Amazon uses New, Like New, Very Good, Good, and Acceptable as condition grades.
I stick to Very Good or better for most books unless the title is rare or in high demand.
When in doubt, I grade lower. Overstating condition can lead to returns and bad feedback.
I also clean covers with a dry cloth and remove stickers before listing.
Example:
- Like New: No signs of wear, crisp pages, no markings.
- Good: Light wear, minimal highlighting, tight binding.
- Acceptable: Heavy wear, multiple markings, still readable.
ROI And Profit Margin Calculations
I usually grab my phone and open up ScoutIQ or the Amazon Seller app to check the lowest FBA price, sales rank, and what Amazon thinks the fees will be. That quick scan is my first gut check—if the numbers don’t look good, I’m moving on.
For ROI, the math is pretty straightforward:
ROI (%) = (Net Profit ÷ Cost) × 100
Let’s look at a real example:
| Buy Cost | Sale Price | Amazon Fees | Net Profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.00 | $18.00 | $6.50 | $9.50 | 475% |
Most of the time, I want at least 100% ROI on a book. If something sells super fast and the sales rank is low, I’ll settle for a little less, but slow movers have to offer a bigger profit or I’m not interested.
I always remember to factor in shipping costs to Amazon and the random stuff like tape or labels. It’s easy to forget, and suddenly that “winner” book is a dud.
Prepping And Shipping Books For FBA
Before I box anything up, I make sure every book is clean, has the right label, and is packed to Amazon’s specs. It’s a hassle, but skipping steps here can mean delays or even angry customers later.
Cleaning
First, I wipe down covers with Clorox wipes and use a soft eraser for pencil marks. Sticky stuff? I grab my trusty label remover tool—it’s saved more than a few covers from disaster.
I flip through for bookmarks, folded pages, or random receipts. Even a hint of water damage is a no-go for Amazon, so I set those aside for other sales channels.
Labeling
Labels are non-negotiable. I print FNSKU labels on my thermal printer and slap them right over any retail barcode.
No barcode? I make a listing, print the label, and stick it somewhere flat on the back—never over important text or art.
Packing Standards
I stick with small Home Depot moving boxes to avoid going over Amazon’s 50 lb limit. Books go spine-down or flat; otherwise, you risk bent covers.
Empty space gets filled with kraft paper so nothing slides around. Each box gets a shipping label and an Amazon FBA box label from Seller Central.
If I’m sending more than one box, I number them and double-check that what’s inside matches my shipping plan. Amazon’s picky, and so am I.
Scaling Your Book Business
Scaling up is all about moving more books without drowning in work. I look for ways to get help, buy bigger lots, and set up repeatable systems so things don’t pile up.
Hiring Scouts
Can’t be everywhere at once, right? I hire scouts to hit thrift stores, library sales, and estate sales for me.
I show them how to use apps like ScoutIQ or Scoutly so they can quickly check if a book is worth grabbing. I pay them either per book that meets my standards or as a cut of the profit later.
- Per book found that meets my criteria.
- Percentage of profit after the sale.
Clear rules on grading and ROI keep everyone on the same page—and me from getting boxes of junk.
Outsourcing Prep
Prepping books eats up time, so I use a prep service or hire someone to handle cleaning, labeling, and boxing.
I give them a grading checklist, pre-printed FBA labels, and instructions for packing by Amazon’s book. That way, I can focus on sourcing and pricing instead of being buried in tape and boxes.
- A grading checklist for book condition.
- Pre-printed FBA labels.
- Instructions for bundling and boxing books by Amazon’s requirements.
Bulk Buying
I buy in bulk from wholesalers, liquidation sales, and library surplus auctions. Sometimes I get hundreds of books at once for $0.25–$1 each.
I scan and sort as fast as possible—profitable books go to FBA, the rest get recycled or donated. Bulk only works if you’ve got space and a fast system for moving inventory out the door.
- Space to store pallets or boxes.
- A fast process for scanning and listing.
- Reliable prep and shipping support.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
I’ve lost money by making small mistakes, especially early on. It’s the little habits and double-checks that keep profits up and dead stock down.
Misreading Sales Rank
I used to think a low sales rank was a sure thing, but it’s just a snapshot. Now, I always check historical sales rank data with Keepa or ScoutIQ.
Some books only move during textbook season. For example, a rank of 20,000 in August can tank to 500,000 by October if it’s a textbook. Without history, I’d have no idea.
Category matters too—a rank of 100,000 in Books is okay, but in Toys it’s terrible. Here’s my quick checklist before buying:
- Look at at least 3–6 months of sales rank history
- Compare seasonal spikes vs. steady sales
- Factor in how many competing sellers there are
Overpaying For Inventory
Getting too excited and overpaying is a fast way to lose money. I stick to a minimum ROI target—usually 100% for books—so I’m doubling my money after fees.
My app shows the Amazon payout after FBA fees, and I subtract my cost to see if it’s worth it. If a book sells for $25 and the payout is $17, I won’t pay more than $8. That keeps my ROI above 100%.
Impulse buys are my weakness, so I set max buy costs in my app and pass on anything that doesn’t hit my ROI. Before big bulk buys, I always recheck prices—markets can drop fast.
- Set a max buy cost in my scanning app
- Pass on books that don’t meet my ROI
- Recheck prices before bulk buys to avoid market drops
Final Tips And Resources
I keep a checklist on my phone to remind myself of the basics: scan high-value sections first, look for hidden textbooks, and always double-check sales rank. It’s easy to get distracted and miss the good stuff.
For scanning, I mostly use ScoutIQ and the Amazon Seller App. ScoutIQ is great for profit estimates and fast decisions, while Amazon’s app gives live pricing and rank. If I’m in a hurry, I focus on academic or niche non-fiction books.
Condition grading is crucial. I follow Amazon’s guidelines: Like New is pristine, Good allows a little wear, and Acceptable can be rough but must be complete. Honest grading keeps returns down and metrics healthy.
When I check ROI, I always include Amazon fees, shipping, and supplies. Here’s a quick example:
| Purchase Price | Sale Price | Amazon Fees | Net Profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.00 | $18.00 | $6.50 | $9.50 | 475% |
My favorite places to source books:
- Library and charity book sales
- Thrift stores when I’m traveling
- Estate sales with lots of books in the photos
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist collections
For prepping and shipping, polybags protect older books, FBA labels go on every item, and Clorox wipes keep covers looking decent. I batch shipments to save on UPS pickups and keep things manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m always focused on tools and methods that make sourcing smarter, prepping easier, and shipping less of a headache. Having clear benchmarks for sales rank and ROI just keeps risk low and profits up.
What are the best scanning tools to use for sourcing books to sell on Amazon FBA?
I use a Bluetooth scanner paired with a scanning app so I can fly through stacks of books at sales.
My favorites:
- ScoutIQ – profit estimates, sales rank, buy/sell signals.
- Scoutly (formerly FBAScan) – works offline if the Wi-Fi sucks.
- Amazon Seller App – it’s free, but a bit clunky and slow.
For hardware, the KDC200 or Opticon OPN-2006 are solid and save a ton of time.
How do I accurately grade the condition of a book before selling it on Amazon FBA?
I stick to Amazon’s grading rules. Here’s how I break it down:
- Like New – unread, no marks, crisp pages.
- Very Good – minor wear, maybe a small crease or mark.
- Good – obvious wear, some highlighting or writing.
- Acceptable – heavy wear, but nothing missing.
Damaged books rarely go to FBA unless they’re rare textbooks that still have value as “Acceptable.”
Can you explain how to calculate ROI when flipping books on Amazon FBA?
I calculate ROI by dividing net profit by total cost, then multiplying by 100. Here’s a quick example:
- Purchase price: $2
- Amazon fees + shipping: $5
- Sale price: $20
- Net profit: $13 ($20 – $7 costs)
- ROI = ($13 ÷ $2) × 100 = 650%
I aim for 100% ROI or more, just in case prices drop or a return sneaks in.
What sales rank should I be looking for when selecting books to sell on Amazon FBA?
For most books, I try to stick with a sales rank under 1 million in the Books category. That’s usually a safe bet for a faster sale.
Textbooks are a bit different. They can move even if the rank is as high as 2 million, especially when textbook season rolls around and demand suddenly spikes.
I always check Keepa’s sales history. Sometimes a rank just dips for a moment, and I want to see if it’s actually selling regularly or if that low rank was a fluke.
Where are the most effective places to source books for Amazon FBA retail and wholesale?
For retail, I’ve had my best luck at library book sales. Thrift stores are another go-to, though you’ve got to dig a bit.
Estate sales can be goldmines if you’re willing to get up early and hunt. I also keep an eye on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace—sometimes people just want to clear out space and you can score a whole collection for cheap.
On the wholesale side, I reach out to book distributors with overstock. Liquidation companies are worth a shot too, though it’s a bit hit or miss.
College bookstores sometimes clear out old editions, and that’s a great opportunity if you catch it at the right time.
I keep a running list of my best sources. If something works, I’ll circle back every so often—no sense reinventing the wheel.
What are the steps for prepping and shipping books to Amazon FBA warehouses?
I usually start by giving each book a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth. If something looks a bit grimy, I’ll grab a disinfecting wipe—just makes sense, right?
After that, here’s what I do:
- Peel off any old price stickers. Sometimes those things really stick, so patience helps.
- Add the book into my inventory software. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps things organized.
- Print out the FNSKU label and slap it on the book.
- Sort the books by where they’re headed—Amazon loves splitting up shipments, don’t they?
- Pack everything snug in sturdy boxes, making sure there’s no empty space rattling around.
When that’s done, I’ll either schedule a UPS pickup or just swing by the UPS store myself. Amazon’s partnered carrier rates help keep costs down, which is always nice.
