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    Alibris

2024 SITEJABBER AWARD

Alibris

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Overview

Alibris has a rating of 4.7 stars from 90,164 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
    526
  • Value
    5861
  • Shipping
    5852
  • Quality
    5850

Proactively asks for customer feedback

This company responds to reviews on average within 2 days

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 93.2%
Positive
18,521
Neutral
800
Negative
553
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 (90,164)

Rating

Timeframe

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 logans465
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 17th, 2024
Verified purchase

First time purchase is a little janky since there's no "create new account" from the checkout screen, only "login" or "guest login". Site navigation felt a bit difficult at times, but nothing truly awful. I'd give 4.5 stars if I could.

Reason I chose this business:

My wife has been looking for this specific copy of this movie for years and today had the idea to search it by UPC. We found it on eBay for $45, or here for $8. You won.

Date of experience: September 7, 2024

Thumbnail of user katerinaw10
North Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 30th, 2024
Verified purchase

Purchased a book for school for about 15$ cheaper than the bookstore. It was a bit sketchy at first, only because I am used to having updated tracking the entire process.
Received the book within the expected timeframe in great condition.

Reason I chose this business:

Cheaper books

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: September 20, 2024

Thumbnail of user franm187
Connecticut
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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October 31st, 2024
Verified purchase

I found what I needed, reasonably priced, and they offered a coupon code that reduced the price further. There was another copy of the book I needed on another website but the other site had only a 66% trustworthiness score and I've used alibris.com before and had a good experience, so this is where I made my purchase.

Reason I chose this business:

(see above)

Date of experience: October 21, 2024

Thumbnail of user scottg3464
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 21st, 2024
Verified purchase

Shopping was easy, selection was good, book was described Well, nice and clean, Nice condition, quick shipping A+. I would say this experience arrival going into an actual bookstore, I would not hesitate to do business with this source again online.

Reason I chose this business:

Following Internet searches and ratings

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: November 11, 2024

Thumbnail of user danican5
Serbia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 8th, 2024
Verified purchase

I've ordered a book which was tagged as "Good", expecting a readable, but poor condition. Not only was it good like a new one, but the cover was exactly as described. I am very satisfied with the delivery time, the product and customer's service. The price for this book is fantastic, the delivery price was sadly more expensive. But overall, I would definitely buy from this seller again! 10/10!

I've had some questions regarding my order. The reply was quick and satisfactory.

Reason I chose this business:

I've heard that it has rare books and fantastic prices. It also allows payment by PayPal, which I prefer and ships to my country.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: October 29, 2024

Thumbnail of user campbellm44
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 15th, 2024
Verified purchase

I was able to find the books I was looking for at a reasonable price.

Deliveries were outside the expected date range, but they did eventually arrive. When I followed up with support they were very cordial and helpful. They also reassured that if I did not received the books within 30 days they would consider the books lost and provide a full refund.

I am in Canada and tracking the shipment was limited to US destinations. It would also show the items as delivered even though the product was still in the US.

They were very cordial and responsive.

Reason I chose this business:

I was looking for old books that were out of print and chatGPT recommended I try Alibris.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: November 5, 2024

Thumbnail of user markb8772
Louisiana
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 21st, 2024
Verified purchase

The Alibris website is very simple and easy to navigate. No extra fee traps like others. Straight forward presentation of the book and all the detailed information to make an informed decision. It's what buying should be, an enjoyable purchasing experience without the hassle. It's virtually care free book buying.

Reason I chose this business:

I've purchased books in the past with complete satisfaction.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: December 4, 2024

Thumbnail of user theresaf1323
New Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 20th, 2024
Verified purchase

Fifty words are far too many to insert in to this box when I have not even received the item that I ordered yet. I am hopeful that this purchase will meet my expectations since the price was great and a review I had read of the book was helpful

Reason I chose this business:

Great price

Date of experience: November 10, 2024

Thumbnail of user ashleyb2449
North Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 14th, 2024
Verified purchase

GREAT Prices! My friend had recommended a book, however it was very expensive, as far as books are concerned. So, I was researching where I would buy it. Then she mentioned Alibris & sent me the link. WOW, I am very impressed! Thanks Alibris

Reason I chose this business:

Friend shared with me

Date of experience: October 4, 2024

Thumbnail of user paulw2771
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 13th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I love Alibris. I order books (nonfiction), read them, find excellent and/or tantalizing further references in the end notes, and order those up. There are always multiple options - cheap or full price, slow or fast delivery, seller options to pick from. The service is reliable. I order, then never bother to check up on the order, because experience has shown me that what I so want to read will be here soon every time.

Reason I chose this business:

It's my go-to source.

Date of experience: November 3, 2024

Search process worked instantly
January 23rd, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Search process worked instantly. Easy and fast to order and check out.

Reason I chose this business:

I always do.

Date of experience: January 23, 2024

Clear, quick, easy to use interface
November 12th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Cuz we always do,

Date of experience: November 12, 2023

Easy, quick, reliable
September 4th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Easy, quick, reliable. Thank you!

Date of experience: September 4, 2023

Thumbnail of user brucem2535
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 16th, 2024
Verified purchase

I placed an order and immediately realized I had used the wrong address. I immediately emailed Alibris and tried to get the shipping address changed. I received a very unhelpful reply that items are shipped immediately (my order was placed late at night, so unlikely to be true). It was suggested I contact the seller directly. This was resonance the seller was alibris and not a third party. I received no help, and my emails were all met with the same "there's nothing we can do" reply. While I appreciate the automated process to expedite orders, the refusal to even try and help was unacceptable. Poor service overall.

Complete unwillingness to provide any help, instead just spewing canned responses without even reviewing my order or attempting to help

Reason I chose this business:

I prefer to use services like alibis to Amazon, but I will look to other services like Abe Books in the future.

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

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: November 6, 2024

Thumbnail of user susanh4843
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 12th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Generally when ordering previously I have received excellent service and good products. This time I ordered The Unbearable Lightness of Being and received two copies of disc 2. Disappointing. I wish someone had checked the order before sending it. All the other dvds ordered in great condition

Reason I chose this business:

A friend recommended using your service. I have ordered from this site a number of times

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: December 2, 2024

Always great
September 2nd, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Always wonderful service and dvd's in excellent condition, so many to choose from, and best of all, it's not Amazon! Thank you!

Reason I chose this business:

Plain and simple. I do not support Amazon. And love supporting Alibris!

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: August 23, 2024

Thumbnail of user jamesr2494
Alabama
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 13th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Book I received on 19 Aug 24 was 5' X 6' and had expected 8' X 10' based on the description info and my familiarity with an old copy I owned. I wanted a hard copy which I got but just in smaller size than I expected. I requested a return and the site had limited space for description and was told to contact seller which I did with a more complete description of the situation. Got a response on 8-29 indicating my request had been received and should be resolved in 1-2 days. Book remains unopened awaiting response from seller or Alibris.

Was referred to seller and awaiting final response

Reason I chose this business:

Have ordered and received books I have been very satisfied with for several years in terms of price, condition and timeliness of receipt. Never had a concern before I needed to contact them about.

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

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: September 3, 2024

Am ordering based on the ISBN number but your picture...
June 1st, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Am ordering based on the ISBN number but your picture of the cover doesn't match the copy I have but I am hoping that despite the cover difference, the one your dealer ships will be identical to mine.

Reason I chose this business:

Long time customer, have been previously satisfied and usually prefer your products, prices, availability and responses to your competitors.

Date of experience: May 2, 2021

Thumbnail of user richardr4269
Wisconsin
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 26th, 2024
Verified purchase

Book ordered August 20, sent by seller to shipping partner on September 6, delivered by USPS on September 14. It took three inquiries to the seller before a valid USPS tracking number was provided on the other hand, they did reply promptly, although not usefully on my first two inquiries. Alibris followed up with inquiries about my Book receipt status well.
I am concerned that the seller has a habit of generic responses to inquiries and slow shipping. It remains with a four star rating.

See previous response.

Reason I chose this business:

Book had the best price.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: September 16, 2024

Thumbnail of user sophias549
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 8th, 2024
Verified purchase

Alibris makes buy books you love an experience you love. Not only do you get that book you've been looking for, you get an opportunity to do good, by purchasing through sellers such as a Goodwill store. Sellers are easy to deal with and if something does go wrong, they step up and make it right, right away.

Reason I chose this business:

Has the titles I want and excellent customer service.

Date of experience: August 29, 2024

Thumbnail of user marcial290
Montana
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 26th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Your book company, prices and delivery are top notch, but maybe you should find a better carrier. The USPS is very unreliable; we're on a rural route and sometimes we don't get mail for over a week. Packages get lost, don't come promptly and sometimes look mishandled. We have to take any important mail to town. This started when DeJoy was appointed.

Reason I chose this business:

I can always find what I’m looking for, even the used books are all in very good condition and the order is filled promptly. Thanks.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: November 16, 2024

Easy, fast, cheap used
April 28th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Date of experience: April 18, 2024

Thumbnail of user jolenek63
Maryland
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 3rd, 2024
Verified purchase

No complaints. Books shipped super quickly, I have had a couple experiences with this shop, and all of them were a pleasure: effective search engine, easy to put books in cart and purchase. The books ship out quickly and arrive as advertised with no imperfections, and reasonable prices, so I would definitely recommend to others.

Reason I chose this business:

I received a recommendation from a friend who said the prices were reasonable and the books were legitimate.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: October 24, 2024

Thumbnail of user crystalangelb
Ohio
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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September 3rd, 2024
Verified purchase

I found the exact books plus some that I came looking for. Prices are very fair for the books themselves, shipping seems a little high, however, I'm unsure how it's calculated, so there could very well be a valid reason considering they ship from private sellers.

Reason I chose this business:

Cheapest prices I saw on the used books I was searching for 🙏

Date of experience: August 24, 2024

Thumbnail of user kathyn475
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 1st, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

The price looks good, then the shipping is added later and is alot more than expected. Books always ship for a special discount rate from the U.S. Post Office. I don't think it's over $8.00, which I was charged.

Reason I chose this business:

Best price before shipping was added...

Date of experience: November 21, 2024

You guys often have the best prices!
April 4th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Best price and condition of the book

Date of experience: March 25, 2024

It was fairly simple
March 7th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Date of experience: March 7, 2024

Easy to find and purchase the book I was looking for
July 19th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Best price.

Date of experience: July 19, 2023

Thumbnail of user pollyb146
Ohio
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 2nd, 2024
Verified purchase

Easy to find what I wanted, good prices. However there are too many demands made when trying to leave feedback. I was hoping to type a QUICK MESSAGE but was sent back to leave a longer one. I also didn't want the followup to make sure I'm satisfied with my order, but got the ever-annoying "are you sure?" message. It would be nice if you just let me type as little as I want, and accept that I don't want something.

Reason I chose this business:

Google search result for the book I wanted

Date of experience: November 22, 2024

Thumbnail of user shawnak115
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 21st, 2024
Verified purchase

Great prices, great books. I gave 4, not 5 stars this time because I didn't realize that the book would be a soft squishy 'hardcover' which is quite bulky---but it's fine. The book is in good condition.

Reason I chose this business:

Good prices, want to support used bookstores!

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: November 11, 2024

Thumbnail of user dawnr993
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 25th, 2024
Verified purchase

When I find a book I want, I always check to see if the store has any other titles I'm seeking. Sometimes this results in combined shipping costs, and sometimes it doesn't...even though the books arrive in one package 99% of the time. I'd really like to see this as a regular feature. I've paid as much for shipping as the books I've ordered at times.

Reason I chose this business:

I'm able to consistently find good copies of what I am seeking.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: October 15, 2024

Thumbnail of user patriciak2116
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 21st, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Alibris is one of my favorite online search resources, I had the pleasure of seeing the storages in person and they are wonderful.
Alibris has variety, excellent customer service, I always recommend them.

Reason I chose this business:

Because I was preparing a project and I wanted more material, it was better to look for it in a libris.

Date of experience: October 10, 2024

My coupon didn't work
April 25th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

I always try to support Alibris

Date of experience: April 15, 2024

I almost always find what I'm looking for for a reasonable...
October 6th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I almost always find what I'm looking for for a reasonable price at Alibris.

Reason I chose this business:

I almost always find what I'm looking for for a reasonable price at Alibris.

Date of experience: October 6, 2023

It was very good
August 28th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Like always, since I am your customer, I found what I was looking for a good price I like to support Alibris.

Date of experience: August 28, 2023

Thumbnail of user bookratr
Ohio
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 2nd, 2024
Verified purchase

Very pleased with the copy of The Old Fox Deceived by Martha Grimes. Was sorry it's out of print, but selected the seller because copy was listed as very good. It could have been listed as fine, it was in such good condition. Only sign of wear was creases in binding which don't matter. It was also a nicely formatted copy compared to an earlier edition which I later found in my collection.

Reason I chose this business:

Good results in the past, no matter who the seller is.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: September 22, 2024

Thumbnail of user maryk4248
Kansas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 26th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I made a deliberate choice to purchase ten books from the same seller, thinking that the individual shipping costs for each book would be waived and the total shipping charge based on the weight of a box containing 10 books. Apparently not - I was charged $30+ for the shipping. I took the box to my local post office to see what the actual cost would be to mail that same package - the price was half that amount ($15 - $17). Otherwise, I was pleased with the other aspects of this order.

Reason I chose this business:

A friend recommended it

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: October 16, 2024

One downside: shipping costs
August 21st, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I was very happy to find the books I wanted. One book was in poorer shape than had been described, but it was in one piece. My only criticism is the cost of the shipping - it was more than the books!

Reason I chose this business:

A friend told me that she uses it to find books she wants.

Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: August 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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