ThriftBooks—online used book retailer offering millions of secondhand titles at $3-8—became BookTok/BookTube favorite for budget-conscious readers building collections. The company’s massive inventory, free shipping (orders $15+), rewards program, and “ReadingRewards” points made used books accessible to readers priced out of $15-30 new releases. ThriftBooks demonstrated robust market for secondhand books in publishing era dominated by Amazon and Barnes & Noble new sales.

The used book economy extended beyond ThriftBooks: local thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul), library sales, Little Free Libraries, Book Outlet (remainders/overstock), and Better World Books (library donations supporting literacy). Thrifting became badge of honor for readers refusing to pay full price, hunting rare editions, or prioritizing quantity over pristine condition. BookTok videos showcasing thrift store hauls ($50 for 30 books!) generated envious comments and motivation to visit local stores.

Authors & Economics

Used book sales created tension: authors/publishers received no royalties from secondhand purchases, leading some authors to ask readers to buy new when possible (supporting their income). Others acknowledged economic realities—not everyone affords $28 hardcovers, and used sales introduced readers who might buy future releases new. The debate paralleled music/film industry battles over piracy and libraries.

Environmental arguments favored used books: reusing existing copies reduced printing’s environmental impact. But used market’s existence potentially cannibalized new sales, hurting debut authors dependent on initial sales for future contracts. Publishers sometimes blamed used markets for declining midlist author viability, though ebook piracy, library lending, and changing reading habits also contributed.

For readers, thrifting offered treasure-hunt thrill: finding out-of-print editions, discovering forgotten authors, judging previous owners’ marginalia. Worn copies carried histories; pristine books didn’t. Some preferred used books’ affordability, sustainability, and character; others wanted clean pages and unbroken spines. By 2023, ThriftBooks thrived despite print’s supposedly dying status, proving physical book demand—new or used—remained strong among readers finding ways to feed their habits affordably.

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