Why You May Think Twice Before Buying or Selling Books by Kilo?

The idea of buying or selling books by kilo often sounds appealing - cheap, quick, and bulk-friendly. But beneath the surface, it may not be as beneficial as it seems. Here’s why:

1. Quality May Take a Back Seat

When books are sold by weight, the focus shifts from content value to physical weight.

• Rare and valuable books often get undervalued.

• Worn-out or damaged copies might dominate the stack.

• You may end up with books you don’t even need, just because they add weight.

2. Emotional & Knowledge Value Is Ignored

Books aren’t just paper and ink; they’re knowledge and experiences.

• That favourite childhood book? Priced the same as a torn guidebook.

• No consideration for genre, edition, or author significance.

• Books become commodities, losing their personal and intellectual worth.

3. Environmental Concerns

Ironically, bulk buying may lead to waste:

• Many buyers hoard books they never read.

• Unused books often end up as clutter or scrap paper.

• Selling by kilo encourages quantity over mindful reading.

Buying vs Selling Books by Kilo - Quick Comparison

Aspect	Buying by Kilo	Selling by Kilo
Pricing Basis	Weight-based	Weight-based
Book Selection	Random/mixed genres	Often undervalued stock
Quality Assurance	Limited	Little to none
Emotional Worth	Ignored	Ignored
Best For	Scrap or bulk resale	Clearing storage quickly

How to Identify Quality Used Books?

If you prefer pre-owned books, choose wisely:

• Check the binding & pages and avoid books with loose or missing pages.

• Look for stains or mould that indicate improper storage.

• Choose editions or authors you actually need, not just random bulk.

• Flip through for notes or highlights as they might affect your reading experience.

Mindful Ways to Resell Books

Selling books doesn’t have to undervalue them:

• List them online on platforms like BookMandee, where readers look for specific titles.

• Donate to libraries or schools to extend their life.

• Host small book exchanges in your neighbourhood or workplace.

Final Thought

Books carry stories, emotions, and knowledge, not just weight. While buying or selling books by kilo seems quick and cheap, it strips books of their true essence. Instead, choose BookMandee, where books move from one reader to another, valued for what’s inside, not how heavy they are.