Ever heard of Pangobooks to sell your used books? Ever wanted to try it but unsure if it is legit? That was a lot of my thoughts when I first tried it. So glad I did. I am glad to report that PangoBooks is legit.
Back in 2023, when I first started wanting to declutter my TBR pile, I wasn’t sure where to take my books. Yes, I could donate the books but I wanted to see if I could earn any money back and use that money to get books I actually wanted.
When I was taking my unwanted books to the consignment book store, I noticed I was barely get anything for the book. So turning to this platform, it helped me get more return on the book I was selling.
Let’s dive into some pros and cons on the PangoBook platforms and some tips to sell on it.
Pro Tip: Want those fancy sprayed or stenciled edge special edition books? Pangobooks can be a great place to get a copy without subscribing to the book boxes.
Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored by PangoBooks and anything I say is my own opinion using the platform.
Pros of PangoBooks
- Higher Returns: There is a higher chance of getting some of your money back rather than going to consignment.
- User-Friendly App: The app makes buying and selling easy within the United States. You can reinvest your earnings into more books or deposit the money into your bank account.
- Insurance and Shipping Labels: Pango Books ensures your package and creates shipping labels, simplifying the process and providing peace of mind. If there was ever a time the package is lost, the buyer will get a return on their money and the seller will still keep what they earned.
- Community of Readers: You’re selling to fellow book lovers, which adds a personal touch to the transactions.
- New Features: Recently, Pango Books started giving 5% back on purchases made with your Pango Books balance, adding extra value for buyers and sellers.
Cons of PangoBooks
- Platform Fees: Fees can be substantial, especially for lower-priced books. For sales under $2, the fee is a flat 40 cents; for sales over $2, it’s 20%.
- Price Competition: Sellers often undercut each other, driving down prices. Pango Books now offers a recommended price range to help mitigate this.
- Shipping Costs: High shipping costs can deter buyers if you don’t offer free shipping, which then eats into your profits.
- Sales Volume: Books can sit unsold for a long time. I’ve had books listed for over six months, but periodic sales and price adjustments can help.
- Dishonest Buyers: Rarely, some buyers might falsely claim they didn’t receive a book. Thankfully Pangobooks does protect the seller in that case. But it can happen and you could get a bad review.
Tips for Selling on Pango Books
- Set Realistic Prices: Don’t be afraid to price your books slightly higher initially. Monitor and adjust prices to stay competitive.
- Take Quality Photos: Capture multiple angles, including any flaws. Transparency builds trust with buyers.
- Efficient Packaging: Use poly mailers for water resistance and repurpose old boxes to save costs. Make your packaging colorful and appealing if you can.
- Communicate with Buyers: Provide shipping updates and estimated delivery times. Prompt communication can enhance your reputation.
- Solicit Reviews: Don’t hesitate to ask for reviews. They build credibility and encourage more sales.
- Profile Details: Mention if your home is smoke-free or pet-free. Some buyers have specific preferences.
- Use Vacation Mode: When you’re away, deactivate your listings to prevent issues with delayed shipping.
- Check Hashtags and Weights: Ensure accurate hashtags and double-check the weight of books to avoid incorrect shipping costs.
Overall, while Pango Books has its drawbacks, the positives generally outweigh the negatives. It’s a convenient platform that provides more value for your books and connects you with a community of fellow readers.
I was able to sell many books to a better home and get myself some new books.
Well that is my thoughts, good luck with selling used books and Happy Reading!
