How should you buy and sell books today? What expert booksellers say
In an age of online marketplaces, it’s never been easier to buy and sell second-hand books. While platforms like AbeBooks, eBay and Instagram offer reach and convenience, many book dealers and collectors still value something else: the ability to see a book in person, talk to someone knowledgeable, and make a more confident, informed decision.
So, what’s the best way to buy — or sell — a book in 2025? We asked booksellers who do it every day.
Graham York — Graham York Rare Books
“For anyone buying books, I’d say the best way - by far - is at a book fair. You can handle the books, talk about them, and get the full lowdown. Often you can compare multiple copies of the same title, which really helps you understand what you’re looking at.
Online, you’re relying on someone who might be 5,000 miles away telling you it’s a good copy — and in reality, it might not even be complete. That’s happened to me more than once.
At a fair, you can see exactly what you’re buying, ask questions, and get instant answers. That personal interaction is hard to beat.
Dan Ahern — Daniel Ahern Books
“I would say the smartest booksellers go to a lot of book fairs. It’s cheaper to buy at a book fair than an auction, and it’s quicker. You buy there and off you go.
“Some people say they don’t go to book fairs because all the best books are sold between dealers before the doors are open. I disagree. I’ve been into book fairs on the second day and bought stuff that nobody else there wanted because it’s not their thing.
“On selling, you need to find creative ways to get to your audience based on the books you’re selling. For example, we’re going to book some RHS flower shows next year, to push our garden books, that we have a nice solid range of.”
Niall and Sean — Endpaper Books
Niall: “I think buying from a bookseller face to face is always the best way to do it. You’re supporting smaller independent traders rather than big online companies, and you get to physically handle and look at the book, inspect the signature, inspect condition, talk to the bookseller about provenance and the story behind it.”
Sean: “Obviously a lot of stuff is sold online now - websites, Instagram, eBay - but for me, the best option, if you can, is still buying face to face. There’s a blend, sure, but that’s what we value most.”
Michael Kemp — Michael S Kemp Bookseller
“For buying, the best sources are book fairs, auctions, and other booksellers. Those are the three I rely on most.
For selling, I’d say book fairs again - they’re where you build a customer base. I also issue catalogues and send regular emails. If you specialise, it's worth finding others who do too - through societies, interest groups, or collectors’ networks —- and targeting your outreach there.
Of course, there’s the internet, and it has its place. But it's a bit soulless. You can list books online, but it’s hard to form the same kind of relationship that you do through fairs or direct contact. That personal side of the trade still matters.”
Not just about the transaction
In the end, it’s not just about buying and selling books.
It’s about curiosity, conversation, and connection. Whether you’re building a collection, starting a business, or simply browsing for pleasure, the best experiences often come from real-world encounters - with the books themselves, and with the people who know them best.
At a time when so much is digital, second-hand and antiquarian books remind us of the value of the tangible - and the joy of discovery that happens not through an algorithm, but through dialogue.
So if you want to understand the trade, or be part of it, start by showing up. Visit a fair. Ask questions. Handle the books. You might just find more than you were looking for.
Our next fair: Bath Book Fair
When: Friday 27 June (12pm–6pm) & Saturday 28 June (10am–4pm)
Where: Bath Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4EU
Entry: Free entry with this ticket or £2 on the door