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    Alibris

2024 SITEJABBER AWARD

Alibris

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Overview

Alibris has a rating of 4.7 stars from 90,192 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with Alibris most frequently mention great prices, good price, and shopping experience. Alibris ranks 1st among Used Books sites.

  • Service
    529
  • Value
    5872
  • Shipping
    5863
  • Quality
    5861

Proactively asks for customer feedback

This company responds to reviews on average within 2 days

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 93.2%
Positive
18,520
Neutral
802
Negative
552
View ratings trends
30
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How would you rate Alibris?
Top Positive Review

“Very impressed w/ orderly arrangement of products for...”

Cate Z.
9/16/21

Very impressed w/ orderly arrangement of products for sale, e.g., music, books, movie, etc. Makes sense! Also, the choice of sellers is easy to understand & navigate--I contacted one book seller Solr by email to find out if the used book they were selling was highly dusty (allergies) & they emailed back w/ details & evident concern. Alibris is now my "go-to" source for great prices, selection & quality of sale. Thanks for doing a great job!

Date of experience: 9/16/21
See positive reviews
Top Critical Review

“Very Difficult to change shipping address”

Stephen I.
5/17/21

Very Difficult to change shipping address. Had to quit internet browser and log back in again. Shipping choices limited. I know from past purchase that independent sellers can take their sweet time shipping items and often do. Why does alibris appear to charge at 1st class parcel rates and deliver at slower and cheaper media mail rate? Delivery window excessively wide.

Date of experience: 4/17/21
See critical reviews

Reviews (90,192)

Rating

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Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

shopping experience (1087) web site (334) use site (204) credit card (484) billing address (196) coupon code (234) shopping cart (173) email address (78)
Thumbnail of user amys3744
Colorado
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 9th, 2024
Verified purchase

My order came quick and the description was true to what I received! Emails and updates about my order were consistent. Customer service was very friendly. Definitely buying more from here especially for the great prices!

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: August 30, 2024

Thumbnail of user ayneshv
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 13th, 2024
Verified purchase

I recently purchased a title from this website and my experience was quite positive. The process was straightforward from start to finish. The title I ordered was delivered promptly, exactly as promised. The quality of the product met my expectations, and I was impressed with the efficiency of the delivery service. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this website to others looking for a reliable and efficient service.

Reason I chose this business:

I chose Alibris because it offered a cheap price for the book I needed compared to other retailers.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: October 3, 2024

Thumbnail of user charlesw3932
Louisiana
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 25th, 2024
Verified purchase

Todays experience was good. However, the fact that the book I ordered over 2 weeks ago, was returned to the seller, and I was not informed until today after I sent an inquiry as to where the book was, is a little unsettling. I should have been notified at the time it was returned, so I could have found a replacement much sooner, as my class starts in 7 days, and I need to have read the first 3 chapters before then. Now, I am not able to get the book in a timely manner.

Date of experience: October 15, 2024

Thumbnail of user christopherr1940
Florida
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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October 13th, 2024
Verified purchase

I received my books in great condition. I did contact customer service because one book was missing. They corrected it immediately and shipped it right out. I ordered 4 books from the same seller, the shipping was a bit high since they were coming from the same seller. But I happy with the price I paid overall.

One book was missing from my order. They shipped it out immediately.

Reason I chose this business:

I always buy used books from Alibris. I have never had an issue with quality. I do wish it was easier to find a series of books from the same seller.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: October 3, 2024

Thumbnail of user kurtq8
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 22nd, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I recently gave a low rating because of a frustration in ordering, which was clarified with one of your people. I'd be willing to revise that, if still possible. I'm generally a fan of Alibris. (Great alternative to that bastard Jeff Bezos.)

Reason I chose this business:

My default choice

Date of experience: December 12, 2024

I now have (at least) two separate bits of credit-card...
October 5th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I now have (at least) two separate bits of credit-card information with Alibris, both/all of which come up as options when I go to pay. (I typically use my password manager [OnePassword], so I'm not sure whether this is a function of my password manager or of the Alibris site itself.) Usually, I click one at random, and am told the card has expired. (This time, BOTH options were "expired," and I had to use the new credit card info option -- which it seems I have to do every time now at the Alibris site. I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DELETE OPTIONS WITH EXPIRED CREDIT CARD INFO, so that this doesn't keep happening every time. I want ONLY ONE option -- the CURRENT credit card info.

Reason I chose this business:

Alibris is my default for online book shopping (then Abebooks, and only then Amazon, which I try to avoid when at all possible). Generally, I love Alibris; my only problem is the credit-card payment options, which are too many and include old credit card info that shouldn't be there. (See above.) If this is a problem with my password manager. And not the Alibris site, then my apologies. I have gone into the "profile" area on my password manager and found two credit card options, but both are the same card now, and both up to date. Maybe that fixes the problem - I don't know.)

* Alibris attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Date of experience: September 25, 2024

Thumbnail of user gennab2
Washington
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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October 17th, 2024
Verified purchase

Alibris is great. It's nice buying from the small book stores around the country who actually had the more rare books I was trying to find.
I just wish I didn't have to pay for shipping for each single book from several different stores. The costs added up!

Reason I chose this business:

To support the more obscure little guys.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: October 7, 2024

Thumbnail of user robyna153
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 16th, 2024
Verified purchase

I tried paypal twice and it preauthorized charges from my accounts then I had to go back and add a credit card so I'm watching to make sure extra money is not taken out of my accounts. If my paypal account shows the payment processing don't understand why Alibris went back and said to enter payment again. Will be contacting customer service if the extra payments are taken out.

Reason I chose this business:

Looking for bargains.

Date of experience: September 6, 2024

Thumbnail of user ashlyns40
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 12th, 2024
Verified purchase

Generally, it was very good, but I will tell you that I almost did not place an order because when I entered my payment information, it still showed $50 worth of shipping despite selecting the free shipping option for the books in my cart. The only reason I proceeded with entering my information is because I had a friend vouch for the fact that the shipping would drop off at the very end.

Reason I chose this business:

My best friend is obsessed and loves to order through you - she convinced me to place an order.

Date of experience: October 2, 2024

Thumbnail of user helgak1
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 12th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Alibris is a wonderful alternative to ordering books, dvds, cds, etc instead of ebay, Amazon, and others. I have ordered several books and have been very pleased with their condition. The prices are very fair and the site makes it easy to order. I highly recommend Alibris!

Reason I chose this business:

Prices, ease of ordering and I am able to find books not found other places.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: September 2, 2024

Excellent!
June 29th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Excellent! You had what I wanted!

Reason I chose this business:

Just heard about it.

Date of experience: June 29, 2023

Thumbnail of user sylvias378
Virginia
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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December 11th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I find it easy to shop on Alibris. I've never had any issues with any of the books I've ordered over the years. They always arrive well packaged. And they are always in the condition as described by the seller.

Reason I chose this business:

I was looking for a specific book to give as a gift. I was able to find it on Alibris.

Date of experience: December 1, 2024

It is easy to shop on Alibris
January 20th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

I wanted to buy these particular books online and was able to find them on Alibris from the same seller.

Date of experience: January 20, 2024

I enjoy shopping at Alibris
June 11th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I enjoy shopping at Alibris. It's a great place to find new and/or used books.

Reason I chose this business:

I was looking for 2 books for my personal library.

Date of experience: June 11, 2023

I really like Alibris for those hard-to-find books...
December 31st, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I really like Alibris for those hard-to-find books and/or when I prefer to own a gently used book. Searching the inventory is easy. I've never had any difficulties with my purchases. The books I've ordered have always been as described by the seller. Items are shipped promptly. I often tell friends & family about Alibris.

Reason I chose this business:

Was looking for a hard-to-find book in like-new/good condition.

Date of experience: December 31, 2021

Thumbnail of user jor333
Tennessee
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 26th, 2024
Verified purchase

I was looking for a used copy of a book that's hard to find. Did not want to order from Amazon. I found the book on Alibris. It was shipped promptly, and arrived in good condition. I was very pleased.

Reason I chose this business:

I did not want to order from Amazon; I prefer to do business with smaller companies.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: September 16, 2024

Thumbnail of user dianel1907
Michigan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 10th, 2024
Verified purchase

I found exactly what I was looking for right away. Ordering was very easy and
I couldn't be more pleased to have finally located this book. After checking several other booksellers I was pretty certain I"d never find a copy.

Reason I chose this business:

Alibris was the last on my list of booksellers to check. I"m so glad I didn"t give up on finding it!

Date of experience: August 30, 2024

Thumbnail of user susanc7198
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 8th, 2024
Verified purchase

I am making a quilt for my nephew and his fiancée as a wedding gift. They chose a Hawaiian pattern, but I had never made one before. I was happy to find this explanatory book at a good price to help me create the quilt.

Reason I chose this business:

I have shopped from this site before, so I knew the experience would be positive.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: November 28, 2024

Thumbnail of user nathaniell153
Indiana
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 9th, 2024
Verified purchase

Not gonna lie when I first came across this site I was mildly skeptical about whether or not I would receive my products purchased. Nevertheless I did receive them and they were in great condition! Hardly a dent or scratch on them.

Reason I chose this business:

I chose Alibris because it shows you multiple websites that are selling the same book so you can shop around for what works for you.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: August 30, 2024

Thumbnail of user madelynm69
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 27th, 2024
Verified purchase

No I will not fill out a review, and you should not expect me to do so without compensation. Only reason I'm doing this is because I am sick of these emails asking me if I received my order. You know I received my order so shut up and leave me alone

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: September 17, 2024

Thumbnail of user tinaw1495
Arkansas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 19th, 2024
Verified purchase

I was able to find every title that I was looking for. My friend and I have been reading a series and were needing the last 4. I found them easily and received them quickly. I will not shop anywhere else. I can come to one place to get everything I want.

Reason I chose this business:

They had everything I was looking for.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: November 9, 2024

Thumbnail of user bryanh1793
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 14th, 2024
Verified purchase

It was easier than I expected. The only complain I have is that I wished to buy two books instead of one to give as a gift but I was not able to figure out how to change the quantity. Besides that, my experience rocked

Date of experience: December 4, 2024

Thumbnail of user elainel787
Alabama
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 17th, 2024
Verified purchase

You had books I wanted at the lowest price. I was very happy with the timely manner the books arrived in. Their condition was really good. Thank you and p.s. I shared my information with our book club so they could check you out too.

Reason I chose this business:

Saw your ad online.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: December 7, 2024

Thumbnail of user js2165
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 15th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I like that the system calculates the total cost with shipping of all the items the customer chose and offers to replace them with the same items from other sellers or other inventory from the same seller, for a lower total price than those items the customer originally chose.
I don't bother reading perfect 5-star reviews, so I don't give perfect scores, because I want people to read my reviews. Otherwise, this would be a 5-star review of my current experience with alibris. Also, there's always room for improvement.

Reason I chose this business:

I chose Alibris because it very clearly displays all the options available for every item, including condition, which I regularly select.

Date of experience: November 5, 2024

Yes
September 29th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Mk,fld;sa mjkvl;tjgkoerv;eosjrkfogt [;evjakoi v[rfgjkeolds;ajrf gdk

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: September 19, 2024

Thumbnail of user richf385
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 17th, 2024
Verified purchase

I gave only 3 stars because when I added my first book to the cart a statement read that if I spent only $8.40 more I would get free shipping. I added 2 other books for a total of almost $9, and yet there was an extra $14+ added for shipping. So I removed the extra 2 books.

Reason I chose this business:

I browsed your site for the first time and was impressed with your categories and selections of books at reasonable prices.

Date of experience: November 7, 2024

Thumbnail of user christopherc1546
Arizona
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 18th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Alibris follows up on eery order for quality assurance; knowing, in advance, no trouble had occured because only the best sellers have marketplace listings. No drop shippers exist here! This is a collectors dreamscape!

Reason I chose this business:

Alibris follows up on eery order for quality assurance; knowing, in advance, no trouble had occured because only the best sellers have marketplace listings. No drop shippers exist here! This is a collectors dreamscape!

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: December 8, 2024

Alibris and their Booksellers are second to none the best in the online book marketplace business!
November 18th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Excellent Collectible books at discounted prices.Great incentives when you buy through an ALIBRIS APPROVED BOOKSELLER!

Reason I chose this business:

Bookseller's ALIBRIS ARE most generally NOT DROPSHIPPERS!
Your Quality control is SECOND TO NONE!

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: November 8, 2024

Alibris and their Booksellers are second to none the best in the online book marketplace business!
July 27th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Alibris and their Booksellers are second to none the best in the online book marketpllace!
They are the best at selling from AUTHNEIC books from ACTUAL booksellers with REAL INVENTORIES!
Drop-shippers are very rare here! Alibris has little patience with bad actors!

Reason I chose this business:

They are the best at selling from AUTHNEIC books from ACTUAL booksellers with REAL INVENTORIES!
Drop-shippers are very rare here! Alibris has little patience with bad actors!

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: July 17, 2024

Geethanks!
January 10th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Wulll, Gee, I don't know Wally.
(June enters room with Dad's bourbon and cigarettes on a silver tray.)
How was work today, Ward.
I'd rather not elaborate, June. Hurry up with my drinkiepoo and Lucky Strikes and I'll let you know how it will turn out tonite!
(Ward slaps Junes bottom with the newspaper)

Date of experience: January 10, 2024

Yeah!
March 31st, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Yeah! Scored a very inexpensive copy of a newly published hardcover book! SAVED $10.00!

Reason I chose this business:

Cheapest books that are from reputable sellers who seldom cancel orders for unspecified reasons! (BIBLIO?)

Date of experience: March 31, 2021

Thumbnail of user williaml3200
Utah
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 22nd, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

No logout path. Two order attempts did not complete (needed to wait a day for each to verify transaction wasn't funded). Uncertain if coupon redemption limit includes shipping total. Accumulation of outdated credit card numbers.

Reason I chose this business:

Alternative to Largest book seller, minimal shipping for used titles.

* Alibris attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Date of experience: October 12, 2024

Easy to navigate website and make purchase
April 5th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Found title needed at competitive price.

Date of experience: March 26, 2024

Thumbnail of user paulines433
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 11th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Found what I wanted. Shipping costed more than the book but according to the description, it's in very good condition so the $5 shipping charge is okay. I saw it used somewhere else for $33.xx so I'm good.

Reason I chose this business:

The book, its condition & price...sold!

Date of experience: September 1, 2024

Most if not all the books I order are for my incarcerated...
July 29th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Most if not all the books I order are for my incarcerated family member. I appreciate the fact that they can read good material in good condition for less than it would cost to purchase it new.

Reason I chose this business:

I was able to find the titles I was looking for and I liked the price of them. I REEEALLY didn't want to pay so much for shipping, but the cost of the books was cheaper than the other used book sites that I had searched for them.

Date of experience: July 19, 2024

Thumbnail of user rachelb1821
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 8th, 2024
Verified purchase

I got all four volumes at once and getting them at the original price would have been a bit too pricey for me. Everything arrived very quickly, even faster than the estimated shipping, and the books were in pretty good condition. The only thing I don't like, is that every book has a red dot at the bottom of the pages. It bleeds into the pages a little bit and is a little annoying, especially for the pages that have art on them (Pretty sure that a seller specific thing). But other than that everything was exactly as described and the price was pretty good.

Reason I chose this business:

It’s cheap and I got a college book from here

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: August 29, 2024

Thumbnail of user davidf4934
Nevada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 17th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Ordered a cd. Was shipped in light bubble wrap envelope. Corner or cd crushed. I hate to write such a review, but I have had this happen with other sites. All they have to do is put a couple of cardboard pieces and a light bubble wrap.

Just started process. Not resolved yet.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: October 7, 2024

Check out fine
April 21st, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Good pricing

Date of experience: April 11, 2024

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From the business

We love browsing books, drinking coffee, and talking with people who love good stories.

Business History

Born from Interloc, a database for proffesional booksellers, Alibris has spent over two decades connecting book lovers to book sellers. It's the premier marketplace for textbooks, used books and rare, out-of-print books and supports countless small booksellers across the country. With over 270 million books, Alibris has something for you.

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user mikef1003
Mike F.
Director of Client Services
Typically responds within 2 days

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