How to sell us your books:
We are always buying quality used books, from single volumes to full libraries.
However, due to the pace of our store in Gloucester we cannot always accommodate walk-ins. To ensure that there is a buyer on-hand, and that our staff can process your books it is best to give us a call.
Please contact us via phone or email for an appointment to sell your books, and read below for more info on how, when and what we are buying.
Here’s how it works:
Books must be evaluated in person to make an offer (i.e. we cannot make you an offer over the phone or email)
Likewise, we cannot give appraisals or estimates over the phone or via email.
If you have less than 75 books, or less than the equivalent of two handled bankers boxes or sturdy tote bags, and you aren't in a rush, you are welcome to drop your books off anytime during regular business hours. Our staff will take your information, and your books will be evaluated within 4 business days, on a first come, first served basis, You will receive a call or email when they are done. If you drop books off, you must come back to get your payment and/or any books that we don't purchase within 3 weeks of their evaluation or your books will be considered a donation.
We typically offer 20% of a book’s resale value in cash (or a check for amounts over $50), or 30% in store credit. The price we pay for your books depends on our current stock and space limitations, the overall condition of the books, and general market demand. Pricing is subjective and can fluctuate relative to the needs of the store at any given time. We rely heavily on our experience as booksellers to determine prices paid. Prices found online or in certain guides are not necessarily indicative of an absolute value, and may not reflect a particular value to us specifically. While online listings can be informative, they should not be relied on to evaluate books. We pride ourselves in always offering fair value in cash or trade for your used books.
What we are looking for:
Books must be in good condition. They should be free from notes, highlighting or underlining, mold, water or animal damage, and pages must be securely bound into the book. With very few exceptions, we are buying books only in a good, readable state. Have a question about what we are currently buying or if we are interested in something specific? Email us at dogtownbooks@gmail.com.
We are largely a general-interest book store, and we buy all sorts of books. Some often sought-after topics include, but are not limited to: Philosophy, Science, Music, Classic Fiction, Occult, Metaphysics, Esoterica, Fashion, Photography, Art and Art Technique, Erotica, Graphic Novels, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Gloucester/Cape Ann history, Maritime/Nautical history, Mythology & Folklore, Poetry and Eastern Religion as well as first editions, signed volumes, rare, unusual and antiquarian books and manuscripts. We will also consider documents and ephemeral particularly those related to Gloucester and Cape Ann history.
We do not buy test prep books, textbooks, magazines, computer books, out-of-date travel books, fad diet and self-help books, romances, westerns, encyclopedia sets, puzzles, VHS, cassette tapes, DVDs or CDs or any item or items that we are presently overstocked on. We also cannot buy books that are in generally poor condition.
Our buyers reserve the right to pass on any book that we cannot use.
Know that we are always happy to look at your books, and in the event that we cannot accept them, please do not see this as a reflection on your wonderful character or the character of your books. We often have limited space with which to store books at our Gloucester location, and bookstores can be fickle beasts at the best of times.
That said, all un-purchased books must be removed at the time of evaluation. For books that we cannot accept in-store, we recommend Second Glance in Gloucester, and More Than Words in Waltham.
Donations:
We do accept some donations, depending on quantity and condition. With these we are able to provide free and low cost books to our customers, community and various local literacy programs for underserved populations, so your donations are always appreciated. And, if we can sell your donated books, know that your kind generosity helps support these programs, and helps us keep the lights on. Thanks for supporting local business!
Your Visit:
If you are arriving by car, please note that there is a temporary (30 min) loading zone in front of the bookstore at 132 Main Street. This is best used for quick drop offs, and we recommend turning on your flashing hazard lights to alert parking enforcement that you are unloading. All other parking is metered and can be paid via a mobile app. We recommend metered parking spaces, as ticketing and monitoring of loading zones can be unpredictable.
Please be prepared. Our staff cannot leave the store or give curbside assistance. If you need your containers returned please inform us when you arrive.
Home Visits For Larger Quantities (More Than 75 Books):
Please email us to discuss the best way to proceed. We are often able to arrange a visit within one to two weeks, but busier times of the year may see up to a four week wait.
Please provide answers to the following questions in your email:
How many books do you have for sale? ( rough number of shelves/boxes)
What is the general condition of the books?
What subject matters are you selling? (not individual titles)
Have you already sold or disposed of any of the collection?
Where are the books located?
If contacting us by email, please include a phone number where you can be reached.
When sending an email to dogtownbooks@gmail.com, please include photos of the bookshelves in which the spines are legible (no need to photograph each book individually). Photos are much more helpful than lists and faster to create. (Please allow up to 72 hours for a response.)
Dogtown Books also offers full appraisal services for estate, tax, and donation purposes. Please contact us for more information.
Have a question? Call us directly at 978-281-5599.
Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you and your books!