Everything people ask us. Straight answers.
Questions about condition, pricing, pickup, rare books, or how this works? You'll find them here. If your question isn't answered, call Josh at 702-496-4214.
First time calling?
I don't think my books are worth anything. Should I still call?
Yes — especially then. Most of what people bring us isn't rare. That's fine. We still come out, take the whole lot off your hands, and handle it responsibly: kids' books to NMLP, everything else to the paper recycler ourselves. You avoid the Goodwill run, nothing ends up in the trash.
What if I have rare, first edition, or signed books?
That's where the pickup matters most. We identify first editions, signed copies, antiquarian books, regional New Mexico authors, and collectible material — it's a core part of what we do. Call before donating. We'd rather look at it than have it end up mispriced.
Is this really better than Goodwill or Savers?
For books, yes. Thrift stores are overwhelmed — a lot of donated books don't make it to the shelves and go straight to the dumpster. We either pay you for what's valuable or handle the rest ourselves — kids' books to NMLP, everything else to the paper recycler. Nothing hits a landfill.
Do you pick up books from my home?
Yes — we offer free pickup across the Albuquerque metro, Rio Rancho, Corrales, Placitas, and the East Mountains. Works best for roughly 300+ books. Smaller lots can drop off at our warehouse at 5445 Edith Blvd NE Unit A-2.
What has value?
Do you buy signed books and first editions?
Yes. We identify and fairly price hardcover firsts, signed copies, and antiquarian material as a core capability. Edition statements, dust jackets, provenance, and condition all matter. A signed first in good condition can be worth significantly more.
What's the difference between inscribed and signed?
A signature is the author's name only. An inscription is a personalized message. Signatures add value; personalizations usually reduce it unless the recipient is historically notable. We grade both carefully.
Do you buy encyclopedias and reference sets?
Matched leather-bound sets and antique encyclopedias have niche collectible value. Some are worth money; many aren't. Newer encyclopedias rarely have resale value and are overprinted, so they get properly recycled through a paper recycler we haul to ourselves.
Do you buy magazines or children's board books?
Magazines rarely have value unless they're rare vintage — those get recycled as paper. Children's board books are low-value but we take them — they go to NMLP's early literacy programs.
Will you buy my textbooks?
Current editions from UNM, CNM, and NMSU occasionally have resale value, especially science and engineering texts. Older editions rarely sell. Bring them in or mention them upfront and we'll let you know.
What about vinyl records or comic books?
We focus on books. For vinyl and comics, check with specialists. Call us and we can point you toward dealers who specialize in those categories.
How much do you pay?
How much do you pay for used books?
Pricing depends on condition, edition, and demand. Common paperbacks earn less per book; hardcover firsts, signed copies, and scarce titles earn more. For estates and large collections we offer a fair bulk rate. We show you the offer before you commit.
Do you offer photo quotes or appraisals over text?
Yes. Send clear photos of shelves to 702-496-4214 or [email protected], and Josh will text back a rough estimate. It won't be exact, but it helps you know if pickup is worth arranging. Formal appraisals happen in person.
Will you cherry-pick the collection?
Josh evaluates everything. He'll make offers on valuable material and handle the rest himself — kids' books to NMLP, everything else personally hauled to a paper recycler. He doesn't leave you with unsellable books.
Can you pick up smaller collections?
Free pickup is best for 300+ books. For smaller lots (50–100 books), call and ask — we might work it out if we're already in your area, or you can drop off at our warehouse.
How does pickup work?
How long does an evaluation take?
For a small collection (a few boxes), usually 30–45 minutes. For larger estates with 500+ books, allow 1.5–2 hours. Josh is thorough but efficient. You'll see his work and understand his offer.
Do I need an appointment to drop off books?
Call or text 702-496-4214 to schedule a drop-off at our warehouse at 5445 Edith Blvd NE Unit A-2. We're a one-man operation, so scheduling ahead makes sure we're ready. We're flexible and can usually get you in within a day or two.
Can I get a quote over the phone?
We can give you a rough estimate based on genre, condition, and quantity. For accurate quotes, we need to see books in person or receive photos. Text photos to 702-496-4214 for a quick estimate.
What happens to the books?
What happens to books you don't buy?
Readable books without resale value go to New Mexico Literacy Project — and then out to kids and adult learners across New Mexico. Books too damaged to read (moldy, water-stained, bindings destroyed) get properly recycled as paper. NMLP isn't a registered non-profit, just the literacy side of what we do. Nothing from the shop goes to a landfill.
What about water-damaged or moldy books?
Books with mold or severe water damage rarely have resale value, and they can't go to readers either — they'd just get passed to the trash downstream. So we handle that step ourselves: those books get properly recycled as paper. Not tossed in a bin, actually processed through paper recycling. Same system Josh uses for the damaged material from his own purchasing.
Do you accept bookmarks, ephemera, or small lots?
Rare ephemera (signed bookplates, vintage printing samples) has value. Small book lots (50–100 books) are handled case-by-case. Call with details and we'll discuss whether pickup makes sense for you.
Who's behind this?
How did this business start?
Josh has been a full-time book dealer for years. He realized most people calling with books were about to donate them to Goodwill or trash them. Nobody in Albuquerque was offering to come pick them up and pay cash. So he started SellBooksABQ.
Is Josh a one-man operation?
Yes. Josh handles everything himself — the calls, the evaluations, the purchases. It means you get the same person from first contact through pickup. One voice, one standard. No handoffs, no surprises.
What's the condition standard?
Water damage, mold, and heavy wear eliminate resale value. Books too damaged to read don't go to NMLP either — they get properly recycled as paper. Readable kids' books in any condition can go to NMLP. We're looking for intact spines, readable text, and reasonable binding. Dust jackets in good condition add significant value for firsts.
Still have questions?
Call or text Josh directly. He answers his own phone during business hours and replies to texts even after hours.