I ordered F/Poems by Franz WrightIt came in good condition, I was pleased1/price, usedANDto my surprise, wrapped in plastic because it was indeed, a library book marked: *UG-XXX-XXX [redacted] THE NEW YORRK PL Jefferson Market Branch [redacted] No phone to callHow do I know this is a legitimate sale and not a stolen book?I don't I feel bad reading it! No explanation provided
I have been shopping with Better World Books for over years nowThey sell textbooks in all study areas for much cheaper than most sellers, and shipping is always free! If one is concerned about the condition of a book, then be sure to purchase only from Better World (not third party)They only guarantee the condition and delivery on their own warehouse stock, which is no different than Amazon, franklyI once received a copy of Corduroy, a children's book, where the cover was no longer attached to the folio and several pages were missing, but when I contacted customer service to inform them (I had purchased it as "used acceptable," so I expected a well-loved copy), they sent me a NEW copy and allowed me to return the broken one for recyclingShipping times can sometimes be exceptionally long, especially when placing an order through a third party seller, but like I said, it's ALWAYS free (optional cents surcharge for carbon footprint)I also love that portions of the proceeds benefit literacy programs, and the book-for-book donation program
Better World Books lists books by ISBN number that they can't possibly have in stock The reason is many of these books are listed as "former library books" when the book is so new, why would a public library have already discarded the book? I am located a few hours north of this company located in Northern IndianaI know the libraries in our region simply do not go through books that fast The only conclusion is that Better World Books lists books which they do not have in stock and then orders the books once the customer pays And that is why the shipping takes so long because they might have trouble getting the book shipped to them This practice is not only unethical, it is against commercial law to list inventory that you do not have and especially on the scale that they are doing this One word for it is drop shipping, but they have made that a way of life because it is a fact, that they cannot possibly have imported books from Great Britain which are former library books as these books are often poorly distributed in the USA to begin with Or remainder books which are also poorly distributed and which I do not believe many libraries purchase Have you ever seen a marker mark on the page edges of a library book? No Therefore remainder books listed as former library books by Better World Books could not possibly beI am certain the company will argue that there copy is indeed a former library book that was purchased from a non-remaindered lot by the library years ago when the book first came out Absurd! If so they must produce photos of these books with an employee pointing to the library markings If they cannot do that, then the company should have to de-list all of the falsely advertised books Ultimately it is the ISBN number system that is at fault because it is too easy for a company such as this to create phantom listings with only an ISBN number and a generic description of the book negative complaints on this Revdex.com.org site and they still get an A+? That is outrageous! I am also a bookseller, in store and online located in Northern Michigan a few hours away from this companySince I started in 2004, and they started in 2002, Better World Books has contributed immensely to the decline in book sales online for anyone but them and their penny books on Amazon.com I saw it happen from the bookseller point of view As the 2000s went on, one could no longer sell a book at a price They simply took overand not only that they are selling inventory that they don't have, covering millions of book listings with their blanket generic listings, and destroying thousands of small independent bookseller's businesses along the way No this is not simply competitive behavior, it is illegal listings and advertising, and also price fixing, or predatory pricing which has destroyed the US used book market as well as the new book market The damage will take years to undue The simple fact isall books are not of equal value The "one price" model that this company used has commodified books when they are not by definition a commodity
I've used Better World Books for several years nowI've always been pleasedThe books usually arrive sooner than expected, and always in better condition than stated (ie, contains creased paged and may have highlighting, no creased pages or highlighting)I like their prices and variety
As the other negative review, I can affirm that this businesses shipping leaves alot to be desiredAs well as their customer serviceI purchased Grays Anatomy from them through eBayWhile I received it in a reasonable amount of time, their tracking system is a shamOn their tracking page, it currently lists as still out for delivery, despite the fact that I have received this book on Nov And they haven't reported to eBay either that it has been deliveredeBay tracking says the book hasn't even been shippedI have sent countless messages to this seller trying to get them to correct this oversight and all I get back from them most of the time is automated responsesAnd when I did receive something directly from the owner, it was filled with excuses or he attempts to hide his incompetence in any of a number of waysI myself will never buy from this seller again
This company pretends to provide tracking, but the USPS number is not real and is not trackable They pretend to provide their own tracking information but it can say the item is in the next town, a minute drive away, but in actuality you don't receive it for a week They do not respond promptly I would never buy anything from them again
My shopping experience with Better World Books is very goodThe book price is very competitive and they are guarantee the condition and delivery on their listed book in stockSometimes the conditions of book they sold is better then I expected to get
I've been waiting my order for more than a month and Better World Books refuses to refund me. They've kept changing the delivery date again and again (I've been choosing them over other seller because of the delivery dates) and ask me to wait until an undefined date to ask for refund. At the end of the day, I've lost 55$ and a lot of time dealing with their consumers' service. Oh, and by the way they were pretty unpleasant with me since they told me that, "[i]f this delivery time did not meet [my] needs, [I was] not obligated to place the order", which is inadmissible as they are unable to give me a delivery date !
I've made a complaint with the Revdex.com (I'm not the first!) and I hope I could get refund. Nevertheless, I've spent a lot of time demanding that the Internet Order Merchandise Rule be honoured, and time is money.
Hope this review will help you, don't go with them!
It took forever for it to arrive, but it did arrive during the range promised. The book is in very good condition, and definitely indicated it was from a library. I was afraid it was stolen from the library so I called the library. The library looked up the bar code and confirmed that it was withdrawn from their shelf and sold in their book sale for 50 cents. Great deal for me since I bought it for only a penny and shipping.
I have been shopping with Better World Books for over 5 years now. They sell textbooks in all study areas for much cheaper than most sellers, and shipping is always free! If one is concerned about the condition of a book, then be sure to purchase only from Better World (not third party). They only guarantee the condition and delivery on their own warehouse stock, which is no different than Amazon, frankly. I once received a copy of Corduroy, a children's book, where the cover was no longer attached to the folio and several pages were missing, but when I contacted customer service to inform them (I had purchased it as "used acceptable," so I expected a well-loved copy), they sent me a NEW copy and allowed me to return the broken one for recycling. Shipping times can sometimes be exceptionally long, especially when placing an order through a third party seller, but like I said, it's ALWAYS free (optional 10 cents surcharge for carbon footprint). I also love that portions of the proceeds benefit literacy programs, and the book-for-book donation program.
I've used Better World Books for several years now. I've always been pleased. The books usually arrive sooner than expected, and always in better condition than stated (ie, contains creased paged and may have highlighting, no creased pages or highlighting). I like their prices and variety.
Better World Books lists books by ISBN number that they can't possibly have in stock. The reason is many of these books are listed as "former library books" when the book is so new, why would a public library have already discarded the book? I am located a few hours north of this company located in Northern Indiana. I know the libraries in our region simply do not go through books that fast.
The only conclusion is that Better World Books lists books which they do not have in stock and then orders the books once the customer pays. And that is why the shipping takes so long because they might have trouble getting the book shipped to them.
This practice is not only unethical, it is against commercial law to list inventory that you do not have and especially on the scale that they are doing this.
One word for it is drop shipping, but they have made that a way of life because it is a fact, that they cannot possibly have imported books from Great Britain which are former library books as these books are often poorly distributed in the USA to begin with.
Or remainder books which are also poorly distributed and which I do not believe many libraries purchase. Have you ever seen a marker mark on the page edges of a library book? No. Therefore remainder books listed as former library books by Better World Books could not possibly be... I am certain the company will argue that there copy is indeed a former library book that was purchased from a non-remaindered lot by the library years ago when the book first came out.
Absurd! If so they must produce photos of these books with an employee pointing to the library markings. If they cannot do that, then the company should have to de-list all of the falsely advertised books. Ultimately it is the ISBN number system that is at fault because it is too easy for a company such as this to create phantom listings with only an ISBN number and a generic description of the book. 50 negative complaints on this Revdex.com.org site and they still get an A+? That is outrageous!
I am also a bookseller, in store and online located in Northern Michigan a few hours away from this company. Since I started in 2004, and they started in 2002, Better World Books has contributed immensely to the decline in book sales online for anyone but them and their penny books on Amazon.com. I saw it happen from the bookseller point of view. As the 2000s went on, one could no longer sell a book at a normal price. They simply took over... and not only that they are selling inventory that they don't have, covering millions of book listings with their blanket generic listings, and destroying thousands of small independent bookseller's businesses along the way.
No this is not simply competitive behavior, it is illegal listings and false advertising, and also price fixing, or predatory pricing which has destroyed the US used book market as well as the new book market. The damage will take years to undue.
The simple fact is... all books are not of equal value. The "one price" model that this company used has commodified books when they are not by definition a commodity.
I ordered F/Poems by Franz Wright. It came in good condition, I was pleased. 1/2 price, used. ANDto my surprise, wrapped in plastic because it was indeed, a library book marked:
*UG-XXX-XXX* 54
THE NEW YORRK PL
Jefferson Market Branch
[redacted]
No phone to call. How do I know this is a legitimate sale and not a stolen book?I don't.
I feel bad reading it! No explanation provided.
As the other negative review, I can affirm that this businesses shipping leaves alot to be desired. As well as their customer service. I purchased Grays Anatomy from them through eBay. While I received it in a reasonable amount of time, their tracking system is a sham. On their tracking page, it currently lists as still out for delivery, despite the fact that I have received this book on Nov 4. And they haven't reported to eBay either that it has been delivered. eBay tracking says the book hasn't even been shipped. I have sent countless messages to this seller trying to get them to correct this oversight and all I get back from them most of the time is automated responses. And when I did receive something directly from the owner, it was filled with excuses or he attempts to hide his incompetence in any of a number of ways. I myself will never buy from this seller again.
I ordered F/Poems by Franz WrightIt came in good condition, I was pleased1/price, usedANDto my surprise, wrapped in plastic because it was indeed, a library book marked: *UG-XXX-XXX [redacted] THE NEW YORRK PL Jefferson Market Branch [redacted] No phone to callHow do I know this is a legitimate sale and not a stolen book?I don't I feel bad reading it! No explanation provided
I have been shopping with Better World Books for over years nowThey sell textbooks in all study areas for much cheaper than most sellers, and shipping is always free! If one is concerned about the condition of a book, then be sure to purchase only from Better World (not third party)They only guarantee the condition and delivery on their own warehouse stock, which is no different than Amazon, franklyI once received a copy of Corduroy, a children's book, where the cover was no longer attached to the folio and several pages were missing, but when I contacted customer service to inform them (I had purchased it as "used acceptable," so I expected a well-loved copy), they sent me a NEW copy and allowed me to return the broken one for recyclingShipping times can sometimes be exceptionally long, especially when placing an order through a third party seller, but like I said, it's ALWAYS free (optional cents surcharge for carbon footprint)I also love that portions of the proceeds benefit literacy programs, and the book-for-book donation program
Better World Books lists books by ISBN number that they can't possibly have in stock The reason is many of these books are listed as "former library books" when the book is so new, why would a public library have already discarded the book? I am located a few hours north of this company located in Northern IndianaI know the libraries in our region simply do not go through books that fast The only conclusion is that Better World Books lists books which they do not have in stock and then orders the books once the customer pays And that is why the shipping takes so long because they might have trouble getting the book shipped to them This practice is not only unethical, it is against commercial law to list inventory that you do not have and especially on the scale that they are doing this One word for it is drop shipping, but they have made that a way of life because it is a fact, that they cannot possibly have imported books from Great Britain which are former library books as these books are often poorly distributed in the USA to begin with Or remainder books which are also poorly distributed and which I do not believe many libraries purchase Have you ever seen a marker mark on the page edges of a library book? No Therefore remainder books listed as former library books by Better World Books could not possibly beI am certain the company will argue that there copy is indeed a former library book that was purchased from a non-remaindered lot by the library years ago when the book first came out Absurd! If so they must produce photos of these books with an employee pointing to the library markings If they cannot do that, then the company should have to de-list all of the falsely advertised books Ultimately it is the ISBN number system that is at fault because it is too easy for a company such as this to create phantom listings with only an ISBN number and a generic description of the book negative complaints on this Revdex.com.org site and they still get an A+? That is outrageous! I am also a bookseller, in store and online located in Northern Michigan a few hours away from this companySince I started in 2004, and they started in 2002, Better World Books has contributed immensely to the decline in book sales online for anyone but them and their penny books on Amazon.com I saw it happen from the bookseller point of view As the 2000s went on, one could no longer sell a book at a price They simply took overand not only that they are selling inventory that they don't have, covering millions of book listings with their blanket generic listings, and destroying thousands of small independent bookseller's businesses along the way No this is not simply competitive behavior, it is illegal listings and advertising, and also price fixing, or predatory pricing which has destroyed the US used book market as well as the new book market The damage will take years to undue The simple fact isall books are not of equal value The "one price" model that this company used has commodified books when they are not by definition a commodity
I've used Better World Books for several years nowI've always been pleasedThe books usually arrive sooner than expected, and always in better condition than stated (ie, contains creased paged and may have highlighting, no creased pages or highlighting)I like their prices and variety
As the other negative review, I can affirm that this businesses shipping leaves alot to be desiredAs well as their customer serviceI purchased Grays Anatomy from them through eBayWhile I received it in a reasonable amount of time, their tracking system is a shamOn their tracking page, it currently lists as still out for delivery, despite the fact that I have received this book on Nov And they haven't reported to eBay either that it has been deliveredeBay tracking says the book hasn't even been shippedI have sent countless messages to this seller trying to get them to correct this oversight and all I get back from them most of the time is automated responsesAnd when I did receive something directly from the owner, it was filled with excuses or he attempts to hide his incompetence in any of a number of waysI myself will never buy from this seller again
really slow shipping although I paid for expeditedrude uncaring customer service
This company pretends to provide tracking, but the USPS number is not real and is not trackable They pretend to provide their own tracking information but it can say the item is in the next town, a minute drive away, but in actuality you don't receive it for a week They do not respond promptly I would never buy anything from them again
I have placed two orders and both times my books arrived in a timely manner Would recommend to family and friends
My shopping experience with Better World Books is very goodThe book price is very competitive and they are guarantee the condition and delivery on their listed book in stockSometimes the conditions of book they sold is better then I expected to get
I've been waiting my order for more than a month and Better World Books refuses to refund me. They've kept changing the delivery date again and again (I've been choosing them over other seller because of the delivery dates) and ask me to wait until an undefined date to ask for refund. At the end of the day, I've lost 55$ and a lot of time dealing with their consumers' service. Oh, and by the way they were pretty unpleasant with me since they told me that, "[i]f this delivery time did not meet [my] needs, [I was] not obligated to place the order", which is inadmissible as they are unable to give me a delivery date !
I've made a complaint with the Revdex.com (I'm not the first!) and I hope I could get refund. Nevertheless, I've spent a lot of time demanding that the Internet Order Merchandise Rule be honoured, and time is money.
Hope this review will help you, don't go with them!
It took forever for it to arrive, but it did arrive during the range promised. The book is in very good condition, and definitely indicated it was from a library. I was afraid it was stolen from the library so I called the library. The library looked up the bar code and confirmed that it was withdrawn from their shelf and sold in their book sale for 50 cents. Great deal for me since I bought it for only a penny and shipping.
I have been shopping with Better World Books for over 5 years now. They sell textbooks in all study areas for much cheaper than most sellers, and shipping is always free! If one is concerned about the condition of a book, then be sure to purchase only from Better World (not third party). They only guarantee the condition and delivery on their own warehouse stock, which is no different than Amazon, frankly. I once received a copy of Corduroy, a children's book, where the cover was no longer attached to the folio and several pages were missing, but when I contacted customer service to inform them (I had purchased it as "used acceptable," so I expected a well-loved copy), they sent me a NEW copy and allowed me to return the broken one for recycling. Shipping times can sometimes be exceptionally long, especially when placing an order through a third party seller, but like I said, it's ALWAYS free (optional 10 cents surcharge for carbon footprint). I also love that portions of the proceeds benefit literacy programs, and the book-for-book donation program.
I've used Better World Books for several years now. I've always been pleased. The books usually arrive sooner than expected, and always in better condition than stated (ie, contains creased paged and may have highlighting, no creased pages or highlighting). I like their prices and variety.
Better World Books lists books by ISBN number that they can't possibly have in stock. The reason is many of these books are listed as "former library books" when the book is so new, why would a public library have already discarded the book? I am located a few hours north of this company located in Northern Indiana. I know the libraries in our region simply do not go through books that fast.
The only conclusion is that Better World Books lists books which they do not have in stock and then orders the books once the customer pays. And that is why the shipping takes so long because they might have trouble getting the book shipped to them.
This practice is not only unethical, it is against commercial law to list inventory that you do not have and especially on the scale that they are doing this.
One word for it is drop shipping, but they have made that a way of life because it is a fact, that they cannot possibly have imported books from Great Britain which are former library books as these books are often poorly distributed in the USA to begin with.
Or remainder books which are also poorly distributed and which I do not believe many libraries purchase. Have you ever seen a marker mark on the page edges of a library book? No. Therefore remainder books listed as former library books by Better World Books could not possibly be... I am certain the company will argue that there copy is indeed a former library book that was purchased from a non-remaindered lot by the library years ago when the book first came out.
Absurd! If so they must produce photos of these books with an employee pointing to the library markings. If they cannot do that, then the company should have to de-list all of the falsely advertised books. Ultimately it is the ISBN number system that is at fault because it is too easy for a company such as this to create phantom listings with only an ISBN number and a generic description of the book. 50 negative complaints on this Revdex.com.org site and they still get an A+? That is outrageous!
I am also a bookseller, in store and online located in Northern Michigan a few hours away from this company. Since I started in 2004, and they started in 2002, Better World Books has contributed immensely to the decline in book sales online for anyone but them and their penny books on Amazon.com. I saw it happen from the bookseller point of view. As the 2000s went on, one could no longer sell a book at a normal price. They simply took over... and not only that they are selling inventory that they don't have, covering millions of book listings with their blanket generic listings, and destroying thousands of small independent bookseller's businesses along the way.
No this is not simply competitive behavior, it is illegal listings and false advertising, and also price fixing, or predatory pricing which has destroyed the US used book market as well as the new book market. The damage will take years to undue.
The simple fact is... all books are not of equal value. The "one price" model that this company used has commodified books when they are not by definition a commodity.
I ordered F/Poems by Franz Wright. It came in good condition, I was pleased. 1/2 price, used. ANDto my surprise, wrapped in plastic because it was indeed, a library book marked:
*UG-XXX-XXX* 54
THE NEW YORRK PL
Jefferson Market Branch
[redacted]
No phone to call. How do I know this is a legitimate sale and not a stolen book?I don't.
I feel bad reading it! No explanation provided.
Great experience
Got book so reasonable could hardly believe the price.
I will use them again.
Thank you
[redacted] in NC
As the other negative review, I can affirm that this businesses shipping leaves alot to be desired. As well as their customer service. I purchased Grays Anatomy from them through eBay. While I received it in a reasonable amount of time, their tracking system is a sham. On their tracking page, it currently lists as still out for delivery, despite the fact that I have received this book on Nov 4. And they haven't reported to eBay either that it has been delivered. eBay tracking says the book hasn't even been shipped. I have sent countless messages to this seller trying to get them to correct this oversight and all I get back from them most of the time is automated responses. And when I did receive something directly from the owner, it was filled with excuses or he attempts to hide his incompetence in any of a number of ways. I myself will never buy from this seller again.