The Indibooks Guide to Buying Used and New Books Online

There are several auction, marketplace, and commercial bookseller sites selling used and new books on the internet. Indibooks is an Independent bookseller specialising in social work, fostering and adoption books, other sites may sell a range of academic and other books. What should you look out for when buying books online?

• Don't always trust the photograph of the book - check the publishing year and edition of the book, ask the seller if necessary.
  
  
• If buying from an auction site, check the seller's feedback rating. Most sellers will strive to build and keep a good rating.
  
  
• Check the postage and packing costs - are these included or extra, are they reasonable?
  
  
• Is the seller knowledgeable about the subjects of the books they are selling. Can they advise you?
  
  
• You can often save yourself money by buying an older edition of a book. See the HINT on using older editions on the Indibooks Social Worker, Student Resources page. However, if there have been changes in the law relating to the subject, you need to be aware of these.
  
  
• When comparing prices, check that you are comparing like for like. Is the book an ex-library book or As New? Are there any hidden postage costs - is the seller posting from the UK or the US?
  
  
• Does the seller offer a Returns Policy if you are not satisfied with your purchase?
  
  
• Is the seller offering adequate information about the book for you to make a decision to buy? Can you contact the seller for further information?
  
  
• Will the seller keep you informed about the progress of your order and dispatch your books within a reasonable time period?
  
  
  

• Always state the publishing or printing year, and edition of a book when known
  
  
• Value your custom and your security. You can contact us by email, via the website or by phone
  
  
• Aim to keep costs down and has recently reduced P&P costs and introduced further reductions for multiple purchases
  
  
• Be happy to offer advice and information. Indibooks is run by a fellow social worker and trainer
  
  
• Always state the condition of the book and our Postage and Packing policy can be seen on-site
  
  
• Clearly state a returns policy, which can be viewed on site, and will also assist you with any problems.
  
  
• Provide generous information, including contents where possible
  
  
• Send emails confirming your order, advising you that your order is being processed, when your order is dispatched and when you can expect your book/s to arrive
  
  

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