AbeBooks Reviews

Name: AbeBooks
Rating: 2.02

2.0 Rating 181 Reviews

25 %

of reviewers recommend AbeBooks

Company Reviews

Questions

Metrics

2.0

Based on 181 reviews

Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods	Postal Service
Customer Service
Communication Channels	Email

Visit Website

Write Your review

Tell us how AbeBooks made you happy

Minimum 10 characters

Would you like to add a photos or videos?

Strengthen your review by uploading photos & videos.

Drag files here or browse

(Supported files: jpg, png, mpeg, ogg, mp4 & webm)

What's your name?

Leave this blank if you'd like to publish your review anonymously.

(Optional)

Whats your email?

We need your email address to verify that your review is genuine

Please note that we may share your email with the company to verify your order.

AbeBooks 1 star review on 5th March 2025

Anonymous

AbeBooks 1 star review on 8th November 2024

Anonymous

Anonymous // 01/01/2019

Sort by: Most Recent Most Recent Highest Rated Filter: None None 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Stars Helpful

“Terrible service. Try to charge more once place order.”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 week ago

“Hello. I purchased a book which was in good shape, but had a VERY PUNGENT ODOR which did not go away. The odor was so strong that my husband asked me to leave the book in the garage because it made the room smell. It even left a bad odor on my hands when I handled the book. The pages were yellowed which I would not have minded if there wasn't such a strong odor. I contacted AbeBooks but was told that "Unfortunately, when grading our items the smell is not taken into consideration". I could have sent the book back if I was willing to pay return shipping which I chose not to do. It is still sitting in the garage and will unfortunately be thrown out.”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 week ago

“Found the book, put it in cart, agreed to price and shipping, then paid for it. They came back and asked for more money to ship my order.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 weeks ago

“My book from Jan’s Collectables in Bethany MO arrived on time, was beautifully packaged, well wrapped to protect the book, was in good condition as advertised and she included a hand written thank you card and a little bonus gift. I believe AbeBooks is made up of individual sellers and a bad review that does not identify the individual seller is a disservice to the good sellers.”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 month ago

“My book order from The Book Scot was shipped promptly, was well packaged to protect the book and was in good condition, as advertised.”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 month ago

“The delivery of book (as a gift) was promised in 4 to 7 days. It is now 13 days and books has not been delivered yet! It is at its destination Post Office, but apparently is in some kind of delivery limbo. I will never buy from this website again. I sent a message to customer service and have not heard back. Never, ever again.”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 month ago

“I ordered a book only to have them contact me and tell me they needed another $33 for shipping because it was a very heavy book. Did you that when they quoted the first shipping charge. Crappy company crappy service.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 months ago

“Book was not delivered, returned due to a USPS error. (I have written admission of this.) Abebooks would not try to resend the book without charging another shipping cost + a penalty. USPS confirmed that if they tried to ship it again, there would be no charge. Unfriendly email customer service that was clearly a bot, no person willing to help.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 months ago

“I ordered a total of 6 books with the description as GOOD... 3 was acceptable.. 1 lost in the mail 3 weeks still working on a refund .. 2 was/is not as described 1) no dust cover and crippled pages 2) water damage, visible mold/mildew on pages, cut on spline”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 months ago

“I ordered a 1st edition book on February 6, 2026. I recieved the book on February 18, 2026. I paid for the three to six day delivery option. The seller (Tolkien and OZ Books at Belcore Books) took the money and shipped it media mail through USPS. I contacted the seller to see if I could get a refund on the shipping since the book did not get here at the expected time frame. The seller told me he would only refund $5.50 of the cost (media mail price) and that he or she hadn't figured out the shipping yet. I sent him a PDF of the same book he or she had posted for sale with the same shipping options and said that I didn't believe what he or she was telling me. I have not recieved the $5.50 as of this posting and don't expect to recieve it. The book I recieved is not a 1st edition. This seller by alrights is a scam artist. So buyer beware of this paticular seller on this website.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 months ago

“I ordered a book two months ago and have still not received it. The USPS waybill number provided does not exist on the USPS tracking system. When I contacted the seller, I was told they would include the book in a “second shipment” and that if the first book ever arrived, I would need to send it back. It won't help to request for a refund. I then requested the new (second) waybill number, but to date I have not received any tracking information and no delivery has taken place. Based on my experience, I strongly advise others not to use this seller, as this transaction shows multiple red flags consistent with a scam.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 months ago

“My son just received his Space Jam book from AbeBooks. He is so happy with his book and they took such good care of packaging the book so it got to him in perfect shape! I think his face says it all!”

AbeBooks 5 star review on 27th January 2026

Helpful Report

Posted 3 months ago

“Buyers beware: They didn't ship my order and didn't give me a refund - after many emails the repeat story was this... AbeBooks has forwarded your inquiry to Indiana Book Company , This is only a confirmation that your message has been sent. The bookseller will reply to you. The "bookseller" didn't reply and no refund was given to me after repeated requests. I would not recommend and will not use this company again.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 months ago

“Bought a book from greatbookpricesuk via AbeBooks and waited nearly a month with no communication from seller. The book eventually arrived in a flimsy package from the USA but was fortunately undamaged. No communication from seller. I don't think I will buy another book from AbeBooks as the poor reviews reflect my experience. EBay is not mush better, I recommend a visit to your book charity shop instead.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 months ago

“No refund after 3 weeks Bought 2 book from them. 1 unfortunately I didn’t realise was in German. I returned the book to them. They have had it for 3 weeks now and I’m still waiting for my refund. No contact from them just automatic replies. Absolutely fuming. Awful service. Avoid.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 months ago

“My first order did not arrive after having waited for a month. Estimated arrival date was a month from when it was supposedly shipping (which was the following day after the order was placed). I contacted the seller (WeBuyBooks UK) regarding this and got a replacement sent however when this book arrived it was not in the condition described "unread and in almost perfect condition". When contacted regarding this I was initially offer 4 pounds in compensation. I stated I wanted a full refund and to return the book (at buyers expense). I was then offered a 50% refund. Again I contacted the seller stating this is not acceptable and would like a full refund and to return the book. A few days later and no communication I have received a full refund. This was an extremely frustrating experience and I would not recommend anyone by from the buyer or this site in general.”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 months ago

“Abebooks' seller ranking system is not foolproof. There are gaps in their metrics and buyer behaviors that complicate seller performance. The Plan of Action is not the place to highlight these flaws or explain what is beyond our control. If our Plan of Action suggests that Abebooks' system is flawed or that circumstances are outside our influence, it will likely be ineffective. Given the situation as it stands, here is how I intend to operate within Abebooks' boundaries outlined in their Seller Policy: https://www.abebooks.com/docs/BooksellerPolicies It is not compelling reading, but when you read it through, you will understand that is based on Amazon's Seller Policy. Equally important is understanding and acknowledging our business' issues. Abebooks' communication may be vague, but they have formed undisclosed and underlying opinions about our shortcomings. Try to tailor our Plan of Action to our specific issues and our specific business model. Our targeted response should align with their perspective and not just address their email's wording, but their underlying concerns. Avoid using generic templates and A.I. generated content, Abebooks administrators spot them instantly, and also avoid vague or generic explanations, be precise and honest. Keep it clear, concise, professional and solution-focused. Beyond the basics, you can also include supportive details, even those not directly tied to Abebooks. For example: Mention the implementation our new inventory management system, our automated inventory checks and our improved quality control, that will enhance quality of service and seller performance. Highlight our commitment to customer satisfaction and prioritize Abebooks sales over other marketplaces without downplaying those other sales channels. Ultimately, Abebooks wants to see that they are our priority and that we are taking concrete steps to reflect that. An effective Plan of Action states: I understand the issue, I have fixed it, and this is how I prevent the issue from happening again.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 months ago

“I ordered and paid for a book from this company on 10/8/25. To date (4/9/25) i have not received the book. I have emailed the company twice with no response. Consequently I have raised a dispute with my bank to try and get my money back. Other reviewers comments about being impossible to contact this company or tracking numbers they provide not being recognised are true. This is obviously a dishonest business who effectively have stolen my money. Do not use them is my advice.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 months ago

“I ordered a book from Gyan Books. The order was supposed to be delivered August 27,2025 and it didn’t arrive. Their shipping service said it was out for delivery with my local post office. It wasn’t. I checked with post office and they never received it. I tried to get a refund and couldn’t request a refund until Aug 30 if it wasn’t delivered. I again contacted AbeBooks and Gyan Books for a refund. They are telling me I have to wait another 8 days to get my refund which will take another 3-5 business days. I’m thinking I’m out the $45.00 for the book. I will never trust Abe books again! I can’t seem to get my refund from them.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 months ago

“Book Description mentioned "Book Condition: Good" But all page answers were marked!!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 months ago

AbeBooks is rated 2.0 based on 181 reviews