Destiny Dawn Marie

Happy Sunday … the weather man called for rain today - but we did not get any rain here today. I had planned on getting some house work caught up today. When it rains my internet goes out and it restricts what work can be done outside. But the rain never happened so I got some books processed.

We have books listed for sale on Amazon and eBay. We’ve been active on Amazon sense Dec. 2005 and on eBay much longer. Between the two I choose Amazon over eBay. I have not put much effort into selling on Half.com as it becomes more of a hassle trying to figure out what is listed where and tracking orders.

But that is not what this post is about .. this post is for book lovers looking for free book swaps.

I process so many books that have no retail value on Amazon or eBay. Although most are very popular, they are mass produced and lose value quickly. The more popular a book becomes, the more that are printed and the less they are worth. Anything published by Doubleday or any Book Club … end up listed on Amazon for the cost of shipping.

But did you know there is a way to acquire these books for less?  PaperbackSwap has created a website that allows you to find, wish and request the books you want and offer the ones you do not want anymore to others. Each book transaction costs or gives you a credit. 1 book = 1 credit. Audio books are 2 credits and are also available for swapping at the site.

So here is how it works.

1. LISTING YOUR BOOKS

You list a few books you have already read into the system, you get 3 free credits to order your bonus books. This is as easy as typing in the ISBN number found on the back of the book or inside title page. The system does the rest. You confirm that the system found the right book, and you click the submit button and your book is now listed on your shelf and others may request your book. When someone else chooses one of your books you are emailed the notice. Simple.

2. REQUEST NEW BOOKS FROM OTHERS

Once you have listed a few books your are given a sign up bonus of 3 free books. Kool huh? You then choose 3 books you would like and they are mailed to you by other members.

3. WHEN YOUR BOOKS ARE REQUESTED

You get an email notifying you someone wants your book. You are provided a link that will take you to the area you need to be in at the site. You confirm you can still mail the book requested, and then you are given a printable shipping label for your package.

4. PACKING FOR PENNIES

We tried several different packaging methods over the years and really like our plain brown packaging. We clean the books gently with a baby wipe to remove any dust or household odors, let the book air dry. Wrap the book with clear plastic cling wrap. We buy the cheap wrap at the dollar store for $1 and it will wrap many .. many books. The plastic wrap helps to protect the book from moisture. The book is then wrapped in brown grocery sack paper. We wrap the books gift style and use clear tape on the seams making sure the brown paper is snug against the book. This keeps the book from sliding and causing any damage to the pages.  Then we print the shipping label provided by the site, fold it in half and tape the label with clear tape on the front of the package and it is now ready to go. This method costs pennies, and everyone seems to be happy with their package when they receive it.

5. SHIPPING FOR LESS

When we take these books to be shipped we physically go to the post office. Some people print and ship from home - either way here is some helpful information on shipping for less.

We use media mail to ship the majority of books we mail out. Media mail rates are much less then other rates. Our average shipping cost is around $2 a book. So in comparison to Amazon at $3.99 shipping per book, or eBay’s variable shipping costs - you are saving 50% or more on shipping costs per book.

Of course the smaller books may go first class - which is even cheaper! Larger books will cost a few pennies more per pound. The smaller and lighter the book the less it will cost, the heavier the book the more it costs to ship - so choose wisely the books you offer for free. I personally offer several large books because I have requested and received some large books.

So now you see in detail how the system works .. I give you my personal referral link to come join the club. I get a free book if you join using this link and it makes it easy for you to add me to your buddy list if you want to.

So what are you waiting for? Click the banner below!