Bargain books on the Middle Ages and all related subjects
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Sell your books!
Please note: medievalbookshop is now closing its bookselling operation in order to build up the design and typesetting side of the business.
Unfortunately this means we can no longer offer to buy your books, but you can still find some other dealers to try on the other booksellers contact page. The FAQ list below is kept here for convenience, as the principles it suggests will still generally apply when contacting other dealers.
Please don't send unsolicited packages as delivery might be refused.
What information should I supply?
What counts as 'medieval'?
What about manuscripts and antiques?
When will you let me know?
What sort of price will I be offered?
And the small print…
What information should I supply? I don't expect an in-depth catalogue of what you're offering (but if you've made one, that's always handy!) If there aren't too many items, then certainly note the author(s) and title(s), but you might also consider mentioning:
- Anything about editions or collectability that might be significant, and a few words about subject matter when it's not obvious from the titles
- If you want to sell more books than it's convenient to list, state an approximate quantity, with some indication of the kind of books included and, if appropriate, any specialist areas they cover (mention a few titles to indicate the range on offer)
- An honest description of their condition (doesn't need to be detailed, but if I make an offer by email, this will be based on what you say, and might be revised after a physical inspection)
- Your geographical location: I generally want to be within driving distance of London to view smaller quantities, but (when finances and time permit) will travel within mainland Britain for larger quantities. I'll usually consider buying smaller quantities by post
- If you are looking for a minimum or ballpark price, you should state how much you're expecting: I don't haggle, so it might save you a later disappointment.
What counts as 'medieval'? I take a broad interpretation of 'medieval' - you can get an idea of the range of material I deal in by browsing through the attic.
I'm happy to quote for collections that are broadly medieval in content but include books on other subjects, and will usually consider job lots of mixed subject matter. However, if you are selling in more than one subject area, you might consider making time to contact several different specialist bookdealers, as this will usually get you a better return - I'll be happy to advise you on dealers working in other subject areas.
What about manuscripts and antiques? At present it's not possible for me to make serious offers on antiques and precious items such as actual medieval manuscripts or incunabula - for these try some of the dealers listed on the other booksellers page.
When will you let me know? Usually within two or three days. You probably won't get a definite yes or no the same day - medievalbookshop is a part time business, and some research is usually needed before giving an answer. It's also a fluffy little fledgling - growing, but still spending cash-free periods confined to the nest until next pay day - so there are times when it's not possible to make you an offer at all.
What sort of price will I be offered? This may vary considerably, even between different copies of the same title. Any price that is offered will be based on several factors, including the physical condition of the books, current demand for them, and whether they're currently available in print. Any price offered will not include the cost of posting your books to medievalbookshop.
Single items are welcome, but you should consider transit costs - if you have a heavy book that isn't worth much, you may find that any payment you are offered will be used up in the cost of packaging and posting the book (check the pricefinder at www.royalmail.com). For a larger number of books, you may get a more advantageous rate from a courier company than from the post office - check your local Yellow Pages.
I would also suggest that selling secondhand books is much like buying them - most booksellers will offer what they consider to be a fair price, but you can often get a variety of offers by shopping around. If you have the time and patience, for your own peace of mind get two or three different quotes - remember you're not obliged to accept any offer unless you make a definite agreement - so check out the other booksellers page for some contact details.
Don't forget the small print… As with all on-line dealings, please be aware of this web site's terms and conditions, in particular the paragraph on selling books.
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