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Too good to be true? That’s the question many book lovers ask when they first land on ThriftBooks. The site promises free shipping and secondhand books for as low as a dollar. But when you hear about slow shipping, incorrect orders, and mixed reviews, it raises a valid concern: is ThriftBooks legit? 

Some call it a hidden gem; others call it a scam. If you’ve ever hesitated before clicking “buy” on a suspiciously cheap book, you’re not alone. We took a hard look at ThriftBooks to determine whether it’s a deal or a dud.

What is ThriftBooks?

ThriftBooks is a major online retailer specializing in used books. Founded in 2003, the company sources its inventory from libraries, donation centers, and book recycling partnerships. With over 13 million titles listed, ThriftBooks aims to make reading more accessible by offering books at heavily discounted prices, often under $5.

The platform’s core appeal lies in affordability and selection. Unlike traditional retailers, ThriftBooks doesn't always guarantee pristine condition but categorizes books from “Like New” to “Acceptable.” Customers browsing the site can find rare, out-of-print, or otherwise hard-to-find titles with ease. Most purchases over $15 qualify for free shipping within the U.S., which adds to its cost-effective appeal.

ThriftBooks also features a loyalty program called “ReadingRewards,” which offers free books after a certain amount of cumulative purchases. They’ve expanded their presence with an app that allows easier browsing, wish-listing, and reward tracking.

While some competitors focus on new inventory, ThriftBooks positions itself as a secondhand solution. However, it’s worth noting that ThriftBooks does not operate a traditional storefront and functions entirely online. This virtual model enables them to maintain low overhead costs, which in turn supports their low pricing model.

How Does ThriftBooks Work?

ThriftBooks operates as an online-only secondhand book distributor. It sources its inventory primarily through partnerships with libraries, nonprofit organizations, and bulk donations. Once received, books are processed, graded, and listed on their site with a condition rating such as “Like New,” “Very Good,” or “Acceptable.”

When you place an order, your book is shipped from one of their nationwide fulfillment centers. If your order includes multiple books, they might arrive separately since they may be stocked in different warehouses. Shipping within the United States is free for orders over $15; otherwise, it costs a few dollars depending on weight and location. International shipping is available, but rates vary.

The platform has a recommendation engine and “ReadingRewards” loyalty program, which incentivizes frequent purchases with points redeemable for free books. Customers can also build wish lists and receive email notifications when a desired book is back in stock or drops in price.

ThriftBooks does not allow individuals to list or sell books directly like on eBay or Amazon. Instead, it runs on a centralized warehouse system. If you're looking to sell books, you'll need to go through third-party programs that ThriftBooks partners with, rather than list them yourself.

Is ThriftBooks Legit or a Scam?

If you've typed "Is ThriftBooks legit" into a search bar, you're not alone. It's a common question because the prices seem suspiciously low, and online reviews are split between glowing and frustrated. So what's the truth?

ThriftBooks is a registered business and has been operating since 2003. It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has served millions of customers. However, the inconsistent experiences reported online can be alarming. Some buyers rave about getting rare, nearly-new books at unbeatable prices. Others complain about missing orders, mislabeled book conditions, or delayed shipping.

Much of the confusion stems from expectations. Books marked “Acceptable” might arrive with dog-eared pages or old library stickers. Also, books in a single order may arrive at different times due to being shipped from separate locations. Complaints often revolve around shipping delays and miscommunications, not outright fraud.

In fairness, customer service appears to respond reliably to complaints, often issuing refunds without requiring returns. The loyalty program, free shipping over $15, and app features add to the site's credibility.

The platform does not host independent sellers, which reduces the risk of scams common on marketplaces like eBay. All transactions are with ThriftBooks directly. So, while it’s not perfect, calling it a “scam” would be a stretch.

ThriftBooks Reviews: Real User Experiences

Online sentiment about ThriftBooks is highly polarized. On platforms like Reddit and YouTube, buyers either swear by it or swear it off. Most praise the prices and free shipping, especially for readers on a budget. One Reddit user shared, “I’ve been using ThriftBooks for years and rarely had issues — quality usually matches the listed condition.” Another said, “Customer service refunded me quickly when a paperback showed up instead of a hardcover.”

However, complaints do exist. Common issues include delayed deliveries, inaccurate book conditions, and packaging mishaps. One reviewer posted about a book arriving with pages ripped, though admitted the company refunded the full amount without requiring a return. Another buyer complained about receiving a $1 book instead of the pictured $5 version.

Shipping is a consistent sore spot. ThriftBooks uses third-party services like OSM Worldwide, which often results in long delivery times or confusing tracking. That said, many accept the trade-off given the ultra-low prices and free shipping threshold.

Despite occasional frustrations, many customers return for the deals. The rewards program and notification system for wish list items are popular features. Users also appreciate the wide availability of older or out-of-print titles.

Trust may hinge on managing expectations. If you’re looking for flawless editions with prime-level shipping, this may not be the best fit. But if your priority is cost, ThriftBooks generally delivers — sometimes literally late.

Pros and Cons of ThriftBooks

Pros:

• Low prices on used books
• Free U.S. shipping on orders over $15
• Broad selection, including rare titles
• Solid customer service with easy refunds
• ReadingRewards loyalty program

Cons:

• Long shipping times
• Vague or inconsistent condition descriptions
• No real-time tracking
• Not ideal for collectors
• No option to sell directly

If you're a casual reader looking to build a budget-friendly library, ThriftBooks is a strong option. But for collectors or anyone expecting pristine copies, caution is warranted.

Is ThriftBooks Ethical?

The question “Is ThriftBooks ethical?” hinges on factors like sustainability, ownership, labor practices, and market impact. On one hand, ThriftBooks contributes positively by reselling used books that might otherwise end up in landfills. Their reuse model supports environmental responsibility, and they partner with libraries and recycling groups to extend the lifespan of books.

However, some critics point to murky ownership ties and opaque corporate structures. While not officially disclosed, reports suggest ThriftBooks may have connections to larger conglomerates, possibly even Amazon through indirect logistics partnerships — a concern for those avoiding corporate monopolies. Still, the company is not publicly owned by Amazon.

Labor ethics are harder to assess. Comments from self-identified former employees note high-speed warehouse work that prioritizes volume. As with many online retailers, the pace of work can reportedly compromise quality control and employee satisfaction. Yet, no major scandals or labor violations have been publicly reported.

Economically, ThriftBooks undercuts local used bookstores, drawing criticism from independent booksellers. Their pricing model, driven by bulk inventory and automation, makes it hard for small shops to compete.

Is ThriftBooks Legit for Selling Books?

If you're looking to offload your old books and earn some cash, you might wonder: is ThriftBooks legit for selling books? The short answer is no — at least not directly. ThriftBooks does not operate like Amazon or eBay, where individuals can list and sell books through the site. Instead, the company sources books through bulk acquisitions, including donations, library sales, and third-party recycling programs.

Some of these third-party book collection programs do allow the public to drop off books that may end up in ThriftBooks’ inventory. But there's no guarantee of payment or tracking for individual sellers. This can be frustrating for people looking for a transparent resale system.

There are, however, workarounds. For example, some people use third-party resale programs like Ziffit or BookScouter, which may route books to ThriftBooks or similar wholesalers. Still, you won’t be dealing with ThriftBooks directly, nor will you know where your books end up.

So while ThriftBooks is a massive buyer of secondhand books, it isn’t a platform for independent sellers. If you're looking for a verified way to sell or dropship books and track earnings, you’re better off using dedicated resale sites.

Is ThriftBooks Safe to Buy From?

Security is one of the biggest concerns when buying from unfamiliar websites. So, is ThriftBooks safe to buy from? For the most part, yes. The company uses standard SSL encryption for transactions, and payments are processed through trusted gateways like PayPal and major credit cards.

Customer account information is protected, though users are advised to enable strong passwords and check order histories regularly. ThriftBooks does not appear to suffer from major data breaches or systemic privacy issues. While it doesn’t offer two-factor authentication (2FA), it does allow you to track past purchases and manage shipping addresses within a personal dashboard.

One frustration some buyers note is a lack of real-time tracking updates. Since ThriftBooks relies on budget shipping partners like OSM Worldwide, packages can sometimes go untracked for days, making them seem lost. Still, most eventually arrive.

Additionally, customer service generally steps in when something goes wrong. If a book doesn’t arrive or is grossly misrepresented, the company usually issues refunds without requiring returns — a customer-friendly policy that adds to its safety score.

Conclusion

ThriftBooks isn’t a scam — but it’s also not flawless. If you're expecting pristine books delivered at lightning speed, you may be disappointed. But if you value affordability, wide selection, and don’t mind waiting a bit, ThriftBooks delivers a strong budget-friendly option.

Whether or not it’s the right choice depends on your priorities: savings vs. speed, condition vs. availability. Its customer service is generally responsive, and most issues are resolved quickly.

Ultimately, ThriftBooks is legit for many, frustrating for some, and somewhere in the middle for most. If you proceed, just keep your expectations in check.