As part of our decision to simplify our house and our belongings, I’ve found a way to exchange books that are gathering dust on our bookshelves with books that I actually want to read. It’s a book exchange website called PaperbackSwap.com
I’ve been a member for two weeks, and I’ve already swapped 4 books. I also have orders to swap another 8 books from my collection. I pay for the postage to mail my books to the requestor, but in exchange, I receive points that I can use to request books I want. One book is worth one point, so for as little as $3 – $5, I could request a used hardback book in pretty good condition.
I like the site because I can keep a running log of books that I want to request and easily order the books when someone posts the books to the site. I also like the ability to purchase postage from the site and print out a mailing label with the postage included. And if I’m impatient, there’s even a link to order the books directly from Amazon.
The only quibble I have with the site is that it’s a little difficult to navigate. I had a little trouble finding out how to buy and use the postage. And there are some features that seem weird and out of place, like the recipes page, that clutter the menus. The help documentation is pretty good and you are also assigned a PBS mentor, another member you can contact when you have questions about the site.
The site makes money whenever you purchase postage to mail your books and when you purchase books from Amazon. You can also purchase points directly from the site. All in all, it’s a very savvy web-based business model and a convenient way to order books for an affordable price.
