Review: ThriftBooks

My ThriftBooks haul for April 2025!

For years, I have been buying digital copies of books 1) to save space on our overly crowded bookshelves, 2) to save money in our never-overflowing bank account, and 3) to save the world. Well, to save the planet by not using natural resources.

Then, in 2025, some digital book sellers decided to remove our limited “ownership” of the material. They also opened the door to revising digital media without prior notice and even removing purchased materials without reimbursement. Call me an alarmist, but it feels like we’re on the verge of a digital book burning slash censorship. So what’s the alternative?

I am a fan of thrift and resale shops. I love a good rummage or garage sale. Used book stores are like libraries, but you get to keep the books! I looked up online used booksellers, and one of the first search results was ThriftBooks. 

I admit that I am slow to find things that have existed for years. Case in point, ThriftBooks has been around since 2003. I have missed 23 years of buying excellent used books online. These days, they sell on their website and mobile app, along with traditional spaces like Amazon and eBay.

I’ve only spent a month using their service, but have already acquired a nice little collection. You know me, I love a good spreadsheet, so let’s look at the numbers:

Spreadsheet image of the books I purchased from ThriftBooks in April 2025 and how much they cost.

My total out-of-pocket through ThriftBooks was $70.71. I received free shipping (orders over $15.00), and two books were free with their points program—one book in my second order and one book in my third.

Spreadsheet image of the books I purchased from ThriftBooks in April 2025 and how much it would have cost if I'd bought them from Barnes & Noble.

If I had purchased these same books new from Barnes & Noble with their free membership, they would have cost me $176.75. My orders would have qualified for free shipping (orders over $40.00), and I would have earned 14 stamps after my second purchase. That would have given me a $5.00 reward to use toward my last purchase.

Spreadsheet image of the books I purchased from ThriftBooks in April 2025 and how much it would have cost if I'd bought them from Amazon.

With or without Prime, through Amazon, the total for the same books would have been $100.88 due to these orders qualifying for free shipping (over $35.00 for items sold and shipped by Amazon).

Purchasing digital copies of these books from Barnes & Noble would have cost $107.02 with the membership (the $5.00 reward would only be available after purchasing all nine of the books) and would have set me back $94.91 through Amazon without being signed up for any of their eBook programs on Kindle or AudioBooks.

Buying used books sight unseen can be a smidge risky, so far as the condition is concerned. Twice, I have gambled on the cheapest “acceptable/fair” version of a paperback, and both times, I would agree with the label. The books were intact, if somewhat disheveled: wrinkles, folds, small tears in the covers, and slightly broken bindings. All are what I would expect of a well-read, well-traveled book.

A step above “acceptable/fair” is “good” condition, and I have also been satisfied with my purchases. The copy of ‘How to Do the Work’ by Dr. Nicole LePera I purchased has highlighting and the handwritten notes of perhaps two other readers. I enjoy seeing what parts of the book struck others as essential, and I like reading their thoughts in the margins.  

There was a time when this would not have been my reaction, so I understand if this would put you off. I’m a recovering perfectionist and am learning to appreciate an item that shows it has been used and enjoyed by others. Keeping such things from a landfill also brings me a certain satisfaction.

I wouldn’t refer to their delivery as “speedy.” However, I find it perfectly acceptable when balanced against the low bar to receive free shipping. Also, your order may be delivered in separate shipments if you purchase more than one item. This speeds up the progress rather than delaying the shipping until all items are together.

I’ve enjoyed ThriftBooks thus far and saved a nice chunk of change. I’ve read three of the nine books and am part of the way through three others. I would definitely recommend the company to other thrifty shoppers. And, if you know of any other online used booksellers I should try, please let me know!