website thubmnail of Better World Books

Better World Books

How would you rate Better World Books?
grey star
grey star
grey star
grey star
grey star
Canada
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Gail D.
Unfollow Gail D.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Mixed feelings
June 11, 2020

I love so many things about this company but the long waits make me think twice about ordering. In addition I once realized 15 minutes after I sent in the order that I'd entered the wrong delivery address. I immediately contacted and asked for a change... told they would not redirect. Rather disappointing customer service.

Date of experience: June 11, 2020
Wisconsin
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Lawrence S.
Unfollow Lawrence S.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

BetterWorldBooks sent me the wrong book. Since the book was worth less than return shipping, they let me keep the book and returned my money. Just now I received a survey that would be used for posting reviews. Only positive experiences get posted on review sites. That is why BetterWorldBooks has a far higher rating than it deserves.

Date of experience: July 18, 2020
Connecticut
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Jana A.
Unfollow Jana A.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Avoid: deceptive
February 23, 2022

I ordered 6 photography books. Only 5 arrived. Those 5 were all, to my disappointment, ex-library books. One book did not arrive. One book arrived without its hardcover case. One book arrived missing over 20 pages. I was only able to communicate via email which appeared to be automatic replies.
I would NOT recommend buying from them as they screwed up on 3 out of 6 books that I ordered.

Date of experience: February 23, 2022
Australia
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Allan D.
Unfollow Allan D.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Be aware that cover design displayed may not be supplied, although publisher, ISBN, and year of publishing may be correct. Stock photos can be misleading. I purchased the displayed James Bond 007 'white spine' Live and Let Die, but received the 'grey spine' edition. Advised that there is no way to confirm as ISBN is over arching criterion.
Condition stated as good, but I think tear in cover made it fair condition.

Date of experience: September 22, 2021
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow debra d.
Unfollow debra d.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Both books damaged.
February 21, 2020

I received a long awaited book. I could have gotten a new one, at a store for just a bit more, but have always had good experiences here.
The first one that arrived was damaged. I called to inform them that this was only one of several I'd bought in this shape. I called the post office to complain, with no luck, as presumed it was carriers fault.
BWB rep stated they would send me a replacement and that it was a "new" copy. I received the second in worse shape than the first. It was not new by any means.
I feel I was lied to.
Read John S. Review.
I do appreciate the rep trying to help me, but quite disappointed in what I received.

Date of experience: February 21, 2020
Nebraska
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Jet S.
Unfollow Jet S.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

I got the book for a decent price and part of it goes to a good cause. However, the book was described as being in great condition, but there is a coffee (or maybe other drink) stain on it, which kind of sealed some of the pages together. The cover is dirty and there is some writing and markings in the book. It should have been listed as in poor condition.

Date of experience: April 17, 2020
Canada
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Diana E.
Unfollow Diana E.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Disappointed
June 5, 2020

I ordered two used books from BetterWorldBooks and never received them. I contacted them when the books did not arrive by the latest date they were expected and was told to wait another week. I waited two more weeks, still no books. I have asked for them to be replaced but I am not very hopeful. This is the last time I will ever order books from Amazon as they never arrive, they are not replaced and I can't get my money back. It seems to be the standard practicd to blame the carrier.

Date of experience: June 5, 2020
Delaware
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Lubna C.
Unfollow Lubna C.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Highly recommend
May 15, 2022

I ordered one book from BetterWorldBooks, which arrived in excellent condition. It looks brand new, and I'm overjoyed. The book arrived within five days after my order. Looking forward to shop more. Thanks!

Date of experience: May 14, 2022
Massachusetts
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
Follow Michael A.
Unfollow Michael A.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

I have bought a number of books from Better World and I can honestly say I have never been disappointed. I know one person complained that the book arrived damaged due to shipping but I haven't found that to be the case. They are the first folks I look to in order to buy books. Used is the way to go.

Date of experience: May 27, 2022
North Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Amber B.
Unfollow Amber B.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Excellent!
May 17, 2023

I purchased a book from Better World Books through Amazon and it was in better than described condition. It looked as if no one had ever read it even though it was a Library book. The shipping was fast and packaged well. I will definitely purchase another book from them the next time I need a book.

Date of experience: May 17, 2023
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Anna F.
Unfollow Anna F.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Ordered 3 Harry Potter books and descriptions of their quality reflected actual condition. Very well priced, decent shipping time and cost, especially for international shipping, and good packaging when received—encased in secured, waterproof wrapping. Also appreciate ethical practices, low negative environmental impact and literacy contributions made by this company.

Date of experience: January 15, 2021
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Jonn K.
Unfollow Jonn K.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

One of my favourite online used bookstores. Little bit more expensive than others, but I think that's because the price of shipping is worked into the book prices, and they frequently have sales for anywhere from 10-30% off used books – every book also donates a book and proceeds go towards literacy efforts worldwide.

Date of experience: January 10, 2021
New Mexico
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Harper O.
Unfollow Harper O.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Love this site!
April 25, 2020

Huge selection that is easily searchable, incredible prices. Although most of the books I've received are library cast-offs, they've been in excellent condition The shipping has been quicker than expected and I've been recommending this to everyone. You're my new Amazon replacement!

+1
Date of experience: April 25, 2020
Netherlands
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow David E.
Unfollow David E.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

BetterWorldBooks is an interesting store to browse, I always find something decent to buy at a reasonable price. Both my orders have been processed rapidly and delivered in just a few days, the books were in good condition. Good for midnight shopping!

Date of experience: August 2, 2020
Viet Nam
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Nguyen T.
Unfollow Nguyen T.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Love Betterworldbooks
February 5, 2021

Just received my order from UK. Very fast. I got some packages undelivered and got refunded by Better World Books right away after informing them. Appreciate their customer service very much. Will order more certainly!

Date of experience: February 4, 2021
Pennsylvania
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
Follow Kara S.
Unfollow Kara S.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

We've looked for and found so many different types of books at Better World--from ethnographies to obscure novels to text books. I love not participating in the unethical Amazon takeover of the earth, too! Look at Better World first and save money and prevent pollution as well as monopolies. (I just realized how ironic it is that "Amazon" is killing the Amazon with every unnecessary piece-by-piece delivery as it simultaneously kills off small businesses.) Anyway, buy from a responsible book seller, Better World!

Date of experience: January 28, 2021
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Joe B.
Unfollow Joe B.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

You like real books go here.
April 1, 2021

I wanted a physical book that I could share with my family. But the cost was a problem, especially with shipping. I was talking with a friend about this she recommended BetterWorldBooks. Check out their website, read their mission statement. They seem to be doing everything in a very reasonable way. Even helping with global warming. I have now placed three orders for a total of 12 books. I'm 100%+ satisfied with every book.

Date of experience: March 31, 2021
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Matt G.
Unfollow Matt G.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Amazing company!
November 18, 2020

Between the being good for the planet and having a ton of high quality USED books that ship for free, I've been hooked. I can't recommend better world books highly enough. I feel so much better buying from an eco-friendly company that is actually committed to making difference, I won't be going back to Amazon. Cheers

Date of experience: November 18, 2020
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Rudy A.
Unfollow Rudy A.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Better World Books was recommended to me from a friend with whom I share membership in several literary societies. It is not only loaded with excellent volumes but also most affordable. It is fun to receive many of these books which were once part of local library collections from across the country.

Date of experience: May 26, 2021
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Nick P.
Unfollow Nick P.
Send Message
Share Review
Report Review

Here you can find a plethora of books in very good or almost new condition, at a reasonable price, and also feel good, since several books are donated to communities of need, based on one's purchase. However, the stickers placed on each book purchased are a pain to remove. I hope there is a good reason for those stickers, since this sours my whole experience with BWB, and deprived them of one star.

Date of experience: December 15, 2021

Overview

Better World Books has a rating of 2.8 stars from 2,091 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers dissatisfied with Better World Books most frequently mention customer service, business days and return shipping. Better World Books ranks 4th among Used Books sites.

service
234
value
234
shipping
240
returns
78
quality
233