AbeBooks Reviews

Name: AbeBooks
Rating: 2.03

2.0 Rating 171 Reviews

25 %

of reviewers recommend AbeBooks

Company Reviews

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Metrics

2.0

Based on 171 reviews

Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods	Postal Service
Average Delivery Time	Over 7 Days
On-time Delivery	Greater than 24%
Accurate And Undamaged Orders	Greater than 53%
Customer Service
Communication Channels	Email, Live Chat, Telephone
Queries Resolved In	Over A Week
Returns & Refunds
Refunds Process	Difficult
Returns Process	Could Be Better

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AbeBooks 1 star review on 5th March 2025

Anonymous

AbeBooks 1 star review on 8th November 2024

Anonymous

Anonymous // 01/01/2019

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“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.”

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Posted 1 week 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 1 week 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.”

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Posted 4 weeks 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.”

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Posted 1 month 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 1 month 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 4 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.”

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Posted 5 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 5 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 5 months ago

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

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Posted 5 months ago

“I ordered a set of bedtime stories almost a year ago. Never received the books. Asked for a refund and they won’t even answer my emails”

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Posted 5 months ago

“I received a book form Abe books described as very good. I was awful, brown pages, pages turned over and cover torn. Admittedly it was an old book, 1987, but I have books in my bookcases older and are still presentable. I could not read such a horrible book. When I complained, I had no response so sent email again, to be asked why I was sending photos again? The company maintained it was as stated, should have been ‘poor’ in my opinion.”

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Posted 6 months ago

“Do not buy from WORLD of BOOKS on Abe Books in Illinois! I canceled an order within 24 hours because I mistakenly purchased books that I already own. The seller claimed that the books had already shipped, which I know they hadn’t, To return the shipment, I would pay more in shipping charges from California than the book cost. There was no point in seller being this non consumer oriented and rude !!! Am done with the seller and most likely with ABE books in general!!!! I will donate the books!”

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Posted 7 months ago

“I ordered from AbeBooks for several years with great success. I placed an order for several books, & AbeBooks reversed the charges, putting "Amazon" on the caption on my bank account. No explanation. I stopped using AbeBooks at that time.”

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Posted 7 months ago

“book never showed up and they want me to do the work of trying to get a refund from a different bookseller or tdelivery company, poor communication”

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Posted 8 months ago

“Shipping takes way too long. I know we live in the time of Amazon and Walmart and we're used to getting orders in a few days but this company takes weeks. I just see no reason why with our technology and infrastructure it would take 2 weeks to send a book a few states away?”

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Posted 8 months ago

“Fraudulent and misleading”

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Posted 9 months ago

“They have some good sellers and quite a few bad ones. AbeBooks doesn't allow reviews so there's no way to determine whether the seller is good or bad. Bad sellers make you return the book at your expense - definitely there are scammers like ThriftBooks-Dallas.”

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Posted 9 months ago

“Would give 0 stars. Twice Abebooks has returned my books to seller with the excuse of “incomplete address” every single time I checked tracking and viewed my confirmation in my address on their documents were complete. It’s a total rip off. I will never buy from Abe books again!”

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Posted 10 months ago

“I ordered a book over a month ago and never received it and have not received a response from Abebooks about the book or a refund. I am totally discussed by this company and will NEVER order there again”

Helpful Report

Posted 10 months ago

AbeBooks is rated 2.0 based on 171 reviews