Ordered a new book for $33 from a 5-star seller in Texas on AbeBooks on 10/9.
Today, I received a used book showing wear and markings.
Interestingly, the package included an Amazon Marketplace invoice, dated 10/13, describing the book as “used, good” condition and priced at just $10.40 including shipping. It was from Seattle Goodwill, shipped to my address, but with a buyer name I don’t recognize.
It seems the AbeBooks seller pocketed a $23 profit from my order through a practice called “dropshipping”. The seller did try to hide this from me, as they added “PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE INVOICE” in the shipping address. Sorry dude, Amazon didn’t give a shit.
This is my first time having an issue with AbeBooks. Just wanted to share that this can happen.
While this was obviously a scam, it got me thinking. What if the situation was subtler, and the seller dropshipped a book in acceptable or good condition while advertising it as very good? How can we trust the condition ratings on used books?
by secondrun
1 Comment
Simple answer: you can’t trust a seller’s condition claims. Not without pictures (and even then, sneaky sellers can post pictures of a different copy of the book they’re selling).
Fortunately, most used book marketplaces have good buyer protections in place, and every time I’ve filed a complaint about inaccurate listings, I’ve received a refund (usually with the seller telling me to just keep the book).