SmallBizGenius Analysis
Abebooks, a marketplace for buying and selling books, receives mixed to negative reviews, with customers frequently citing issues with shipping, order fulfillment, and customer service. While some users find rare and affordable books, the overall experience is marred by inconsistencies in seller practices and a lack of direct support from Abebooks.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 292 recent reviews
Shipping & Delivery Issues
2.0/10Many reviewers report problems with shipping, including long delivery times, lack of tracking information, and books being sent to the wrong address. Some customers also mention sellers requesting additional shipping fees after the order is placed, leading to cancellations and frustration.
42 reviews mention thisOrder Fulfillment Problems
3.0/10A significant number of reviewers report receiving the wrong book, damaged books, or not receiving their order at all. Some sellers are accused of misrepresenting the condition of books, leading to disappointment upon arrival.
38 reviews mention thisCustomer Service Dissatisfaction
2.5/10Reviewers frequently complain about the lack of effective customer service from Abebooks, noting the absence of phone support and difficulty resolving issues. Many feel that Abebooks does not adequately mediate disputes between buyers and sellers.
30 reviews mention thisSeller Practices
4.0/10Several reviewers express concern about dishonest or misleading practices by some sellers on the platform. This includes misrepresenting book conditions, using stock photos, and cancelling orders without proper explanation.
25 reviews mention thisPricing and Value
6.0/10While some reviewers praise the low prices and good deals they found on Abebooks, others feel that the shipping costs are excessive, especially for international orders. Some sellers also increase prices after the initial transaction.
15 reviews mention thisPositive Experiences
8.0/10A small number of reviewers report positive experiences, highlighting the ability to find rare books at affordable prices and praising specific sellers for their excellent service and accurate descriptions.
12 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"I was looking for an illustrated hard book edition of a book which was hard to locate. They were able to supply it from a bookseller - at a very low price with exceptionally cheap shipping."
"I ordered 3 books. They arrived and the price was amazing. The books are in fantastic condition.... I saved a considerable amount of money."
"Before ordering from Abebooks I checked Trust Pilot and saw all the awful reviews. Because of that I checked with the individual seller - Masted Books (Australian) on the condition of the book. He sent photos and was very helpful."
"They had a print on demand for a book I needed for my family tree, andI couldn't be happier! I had been looking for a reasonably priced copy forever."
"Abe books has saved me so much money, helping me find great primary and secondary sources for research while building my own library."
Common Complaints
"Ordered a book 3 weeks ago and no notification or update."
"Recently their international postage charges for books to Australia from USA have become outrageous!!! Criminal in fact."
"Ordered a box set from a vendor called BooksRun on the AbeBooks site... Listed as being in good condition, arrived with a taped up, shredded slip box."
"No Customer Service to speak of, and no way to get a hold of anyone at Abebooks."
"Out of 7 books I ordered, 3 were not available. Is it that hard to keep the website updated?"
Common Questions About Abebooks
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Abebooks legit and trustworthy?
Abebooks' legitimacy is complex. While it is a real platform connecting buyers and sellers of books, the trustworthiness varies greatly depending on the individual seller. Many reviewers report negative experiences with order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service, suggesting a lack of consistent quality control. It's crucial to carefully vet sellers and manage expectations when using Abebooks, as the platform's hands-off approach can lead to problems.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Abebooks have good customer service?
Customer service is a major point of criticism in Abebooks reviews. Many users report difficulty contacting Abebooks directly and express frustration with the lack of phone support. When issues arise, customers often find themselves dealing directly with the seller, with limited assistance from Abebooks in resolving disputes. This lack of effective customer service contributes to a negative overall experience for many buyers.
Based on 30 reviewsIs Abebooks worth it for small business?
For small businesses, Abebooks presents a mixed bag. The platform's wide selection and potential for finding rare or discounted books could be appealing for businesses needing specific titles. However, the risks associated with unreliable sellers, shipping issues, and poor customer service make it a potentially problematic choice. Small businesses requiring consistent and reliable book sourcing may be better off exploring alternative platforms with more robust quality control and customer support.
Based on 20 reviewsWhat is Abebooks' return policy like?
Abebooks' return policy is largely dependent on the individual seller. While some sellers offer hassle-free returns, others may have stricter policies or require buyers to pay for return shipping, even if the item was not as described. Reviewers report inconsistent experiences with returns, highlighting the need to carefully review the seller's specific policies before making a purchase. Abebooks' limited involvement in the return process can make it challenging to resolve disputes when issues arise.
Based on 15 reviewsWhy are Abebooks shipping costs so high?
High shipping costs, particularly for international orders, are a common complaint in Abebooks reviews. The shipping costs are set by individual sellers and can vary widely depending on location and shipping method. Some reviewers suspect that sellers inflate shipping costs to compensate for lower book prices. It's essential to carefully compare shipping costs from different sellers before making a purchase to ensure a reasonable overall price.
Based on 10 reviewsLooking for Something Different?
Compare Abebooks against 24 similar lifestyle & perks options.
View Alternatives