Better World BooksReviews 2,090

I had been a customer of Better World of Books for years; then came the breaking point. They made an error and sent the wrong book. Ok this is were I learned that returning a book costs more that the original purchase! When they get it right all is well but when an error happens... well their attitude is less than helpful and the cost of returning the book isn't worth the price or the headaches.
I say if you use them understand if they make a mistake you will pay for them to make it.
Will I recommend them to anybody... absolutely not.

I've ordered from this site twice now and am fixing to place a third order. I love how the books are so cheap, but I hate how the shipping takes so long. If you don't, however; mind used books then this is a great site. Some of the books are from libraries, but the ones I have received have either a stamp on the inside that says the book was withdrawn from the library, or has the library tag marked out, which is what libraries do when they sell books. It's just like going to your local thrift shop to buy books, except sometimes they're cheaper!

I have never had a problem with this website and always buy books for my mom on here. She loves books and I can get so many for the money on here. Yesterday I ordered 14 (mostly hardcover) for only $55. However, be careful that they are actually from Better World Books. I've heard bad reports about them, like taking several months to ship or being from other countries. Also, if you don't like getting old library books don't order off here, a lot of them are. My mom doesn't mind that so I don't really care.

I have ordered from Better World Books numerous times and have yet to be disappointed in their service and the quality of the books. When I order used books at a cheap rate with no shipping costs, I expect that the book will look used and that it will take up to two weeks for delivery. Never have I had to wait that long, and the books live up to the stated rating of condition, if not better. I usually order used books; however, I have gotten new books as well. I appreciate that I can obtain older books that I have trouble getting elsewhere.

I have placed many orders with BetterWorldBooks.com and plan to continue to purchase from them. Most of my purchases are used books, though I do buy a new book now and then. I have found the descriptions to be fair and honest, and they process the order quickly. A word about shipping - media mail can be very slow; that's why it's less expensive than first-class or express mail. That is on the post office, not the bookstore. The few times that I have had an issue with an order, BetterWorldBooks has responded quickly and courteously. Their support staff is wonderful, and they seem to value my business. This impresses me, since most of my orders are well under $10. I consider BWB to be one of my preferred vendors for buying used books.

I was quite reluctant to purchase a book after reading so many negative reviews, but since my book was only 3 pounds, I thought its worth a try.
I was a bit nervous while waiting for their email saying my book is dispatched, as many people complained about receiving it a month after their purchase (especially since I live in Denmark, and the book would come from the States), but sure enough... 3 days after I ordered the book, the email came. And then came another telling me more about my book and its history, which was quite sweet.
The book just arrived - 10 days after I purchased it and it is in excellent condition. I am surprised a library book is so well-preserved! Yes, one of the corners is a bit folded at the very end, and there is a small library sticker on the side, but other than that it looks brand new!
If you are hesitant to try, maybe purchase a cheaper book like me to see how it all goes.

Many of their books are ex-library which means they come in a wide range of condition issues. I've bought books that weren't described as ex-library and they arrived ex-library. They rely on volume to generate sales and their methods aren't always reliable. If you have a book you want to return, then you have to pay return shipping and wait and wait for a response. I eventually had to go to the BBB to resolve it. And they are not a charitable organization as they would have you believe. A non-profit will use. Org instead of. Com.

I'm a graduate student in my first semester. I was told I NEEDED to get this writers manual for all my research papers. I ordered it a few days after getting the syllabus on September 13th. I didn't worry about it too much. No rush. Its October 7th and my first research paper is due this Friday (in 4 days). I have NOT received my order. Today was suppose to be the last day I should have received it. What made me fuming is that it hasn't even shipped... What in the Lords name have you been doing for almost four weeks with my book if you haven't shipped it yet? I sent them a message and left a voicemail about how disappointed I was, and that I expected both a call from them and my book ASAP. From the reviews I've seen on other sites I don't expect too much though...

Really, really vast selection of books. Some at eye-poppingly low prices.

Now, just be aware that these are, in many cases, ex-library books (not a fact they seek to conceal, it's stated clearly there on the site somewhere.) So be prepared for stickers / stamps / card pockets / chips / dings / dog-ears / minor tears / blemishes / yellowing, etc. but in many cases, the condition of the book inside is perfect. Bear in mind these are priced well below market value, so it's well worth it.

A massive plus is free shipping worldwide - that in itself makes the purchase worthwhile to me. I've often paid more in shipping from Amazon than the price of the book itself!

Two tiny things - no online tracking for shipments, in many cases (though everything I've ordered has arrived promptly, and without problems). Also, clicking on a book often yields a "darn, we just sold that"-type message. Maybe the stock turnover is actually high, so they can't update in real time.

Big plus - your purchases do a bit of good for world literacy!

Better World Books is a great website carrying new and used books. They have an amazing selection of titles! I had been searching for older titles from favorite authors and some missing Japanese manga titles for my son (and yep, they had both in their massive inventory!)

The best part of purchasing from Better World Books is the service -- emails confirming orders and prices, estimated ship dates, and a followup emails guaranteeing not only that the order arrived but that everything was included.

A+ service!