Selling Your Books

Do you buy books?

Yes, but our purchasing policy has recently changed. In a nutshell:

At Archives Fine books we are interested in buying and consigning collectible works in fine condition. If it is not a first edition it should have something else to recommend it: a beautiful binding; author signature; a significant edition; private press; interesting provenance; intriguing marginalia, etcetera.

We are particularly interested in English language literature, poetry and related ephemera, philosophy, history, art, architecture, illustrated works (for children and adults) and the classics.

For single items (or large collections) of significant value we may negotiate a regular payment over time once a price is agreed.

For items on consignment our usual fee is 40% of the price agreed. This arrangement may be open to negotiation for items/collections of significant value.

Please note: We will not pay for books until we have examined them. We require a valid form of ID and proof of address to proceed with payment.

 

What about non-collectible books?

We continue to accept general second-hand stock as a donation and for better items we may offer store credit. Occasionally we will offer cash for non-collectibles. For these you can expect $0- $1 per item.

 

How do I sell to you?

Let’s define and discuss collectibles first:

  • Collectibles: fine bindings, signed books and autograph material, collected first edition authors, collected early classic books, and other rare and antiquarian books and manuscripts.

The best approach is to start with an email to orders@archivesfinebooks.com.au. If you call us, we may refer you back to this page.

Here is what we need to know about each item:

  • The author’s name
  • The title exactly as it appears on the printed title-page (inside the book, not on the front cover)
  • Edition number if stated
  • The place of publication, name of the publisher, and date if any
  • The binding (leather, boards, cloth, dust jacket, etc.)
  • Any major defects (torn leaves, stains, broken joints, etc.)

 

Do I send photographs?

We will need to see at least two photographs of each item: the printed title page and the binding. We will also want to see any inscriptions or book plates, and any areas of obvious damage. Please don’t crop the pictures – we need to see the edges.

If you have a large collection, please send 5-10 items that are representative of the whole, and give an indication of how many items there are altogether.

 

Will you respond to my email?

We receive a high volume of offers daily and may not always be able to answer you immediately, but we do try to respond to all queries. If we are interested in your books, you can usually expect to hear from us within a week. Feel free to nudge us again if you haven’t heard from us after seven days.

 

Will you come to my house to look at my books?

Yes, time-permitting, if we are interested and if you live in the greater Brisbane area.

Otherwise, we ask that you bring your books to us for consideration. We will issue a receipt for your items and proceed to carefully examine them for condition and completeness prior to making an offer. We will need to do this regardless of whether we visit you.

For significant items/collections outside of Brisbane we can discuss travel arrangements.

 

Do you do valuations or appraisals?

Unfortunately, we do not offer a valuation service or casual appraisals. But we are interested in buying books.

 

How do I sell you my Books of Good Commercial Value (but non-collectible)?

Let’s define Books of Good Commercial Value:

  • Books in excellent condition, free of damage, underlining/highlighting, etc.
  • Sought After Subjects, such as, but not limited to: Literature, Philosophy, History, Classical Studies, Science, Mathematics, Music, Occult, Fashion, Art Technique, Animation, Photography, Erotica, Graphic Novels, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Brisbane, Queensland, Australiana, Maritime, Mythology & Folklore, Plays, Sheet Music
  • Recently Published and Perennial Classics in all subjects; from fiction to science and beyond!
  • Good Quality Books: Distinguished by high quality production, high quality illustration, or fascinating subject matter. Examples: Folio Books, Private presses, etc.

As with collectibles, we ask that you email us first, but you don’t have to make a list. The best option is to send photos of your bookshelves with the spines of your books facing out. For most books in this category you can expect $0- $1 per item.

 

We do not want:

  • Books in poor condition. This includes highlighting, underlining, tears to the pages or covers, moisture damage, mould or mildew, excessive odours including: cigarette smoke, stains, bug residue, animal hair or chewing, excessive dirt or dust, or heavy wear of any kind.
  • Ex-Library Books
  • VHS, cassette tapes, DVDs or CDs
  • Reader's Digest Condensed Books
  • Magazines or periodicals of any kind
  • Any item that we are presently overstocked on (by title or subject category)

 

In all cases:

  • We may ask to see valid proof of purchase for some of the items you sell to us.
  • We reserve the right to decline any items brought to us.
  • Sellers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • We ask you to email us before bringing books in.