How to sell used books in India: a simple step-by-step guide

Old textbooks, finished coaching modules, novels you will not read again: someone in your city is looking for them right now. On BookFlow you can sell them free, straight to the buyer, with 0% commission. Posting an ad takes about 2 minutes on your phone.

Before you start

You can sell school books, competitive exam books, coaching modules (Allen, Aakash, PW and others), college textbooks, novels and comics. A few simple rules:

• Only original books. Xerox copies, printouts, PDFs and e-books are not allowed.
• Your own books. Post books you have in hand, with your own photos.
• Price of ₹10 or more, or tick “Give it away free”.

Every new account gets 2 free ads, and they refill every 6 months. Sign in with Google or your email, then answer three quick taps so we can show you the right books.

Step 1: Add photos of the book

Tap the orange Sell button at the bottom of the screen, then Add photo. You can add up to 3 photos.

• Put the front cover first, in daylight, on a plain table.
• Add the back cover or an inside page if it shows the edition or condition.
• Tap any photo to make it the cover.
• No screenshots or pictures from the internet. Buyers want to see your actual copy.

Step 2: Tell us which book it is

Pick the main category (School Books, Competitive Exam, Novels & Stories and so on), then the closer match, such as Science or NEET.

Type the book name as it is on the cover, with the author or class if it helps, like “HC Verma Concepts of Physics Vol 1” or “Physics Class 12 Volume 1”. You do not need words like “used”, “sale” or the price in the name; BookFlow shows the condition and price for you.

Selling a full set, like all your NEET books? Switch on This is a set of several books and list the books, one per line. Buyers searching for any of them will find your set. Last, choose the condition: New or Used.

Step 3: Set your price

Enter the MRP (the price printed on the cover) and your price. BookFlow shows how much below the MRP your price is, so buyers see the saving at a glance.

• Used books usually sell for 30 to 60% of the MRP. Recent editions and books in good shape get the top of that range.
• Choose Negotiable if you are open to offers, or Fixed if not.
• Want to pass a book on to a student who needs it? Tick Give it away free. Your ad gets a Free badge.

Step 4: Add a few details

Buyers love details, but only fields marked * are needed. Depending on the category you may see the author or publisher, board, class, exam or edition year.

For the description, tap the ready-made lines like “All pages intact” or “No markings or highlights”, and add anything else in your own words. Be honest about pencil marks, missing pages or a torn cover; it saves time when you meet. If you can courier the book to another city, say so here.

Step 5: Your city and contact

Add your area (like Salt Lake or Kothrud) and pick your city from the list. Buyers search by city, and your exact address is never shown.

Your mobile number is optional. Ads with a number get replies faster, and only signed-in members can see it. Switch on Buyers can WhatsApp me if you like. Without a number, buyers can still message you on BookFlow Chat inside the site.

At the bottom you can see how buyers will see your ad. Tick the box to confirm it is an original book, then tap Post my ad.

After you post

We check every ad to keep BookFlow genuine. Yours will be live by tonight, and we will email you when it is. An ad stays live for about 8 months; we remind you before it expires so you can renew it in one tap.

Talking to buyers

Buyers can message you on BookFlow Chat, call you or WhatsApp you. Reply quickly; most books go to the seller who answers first. Add BookFlow to your home screen from the install page to get a notification when someone messages you.

Meet in a public place in the daytime, let the buyer check the book, and take the money in cash or UPI only when you hand it over. Never share an OTP. Read our full safety tips.

Sell faster: Feature, Bump up and the Seller pack

Most books sell on the free plan. If you want more buyers to see a book, open My ads in your account:

• Feature (₹19): your ad shows at the top of search and on the home page for 30 days, with a Featured badge.
• Bump up (₹9): moves your ad back to the top of the newest books, as if you posted it today.
• Seller pack (₹49): 10 more ads, 3 featured ads and 3 bump-ups, valid for 120 days. Good if you are clearing a whole shelf after your exams.

See all options on the plans page. You can also tap Share to send your ad on WhatsApp, or Instagram to get a ready image of it.

When the book is sold

Tap Remove ad in My ads and choose Sold on BookFlow. It keeps the listings fresh and stops buyers messaging you for a book you no longer have.

Questions sellers ask

Is it really free to sell on BookFlow?

Yes. Every account gets 2 free ads that refill every 6 months, and BookFlow takes 0% commission. The buyer pays you directly. Paid options like Feature or the Seller pack are only if you want more reach.

Does BookFlow buy my books or deliver them?

No. BookFlow connects you with buyers near you. You agree the price and meet the buyer yourself, or send the book by courier if you both agree.

Can I sell Allen, Aakash or PW modules?

Yes, if they are original modules. They are among the most searched books on BookFlow. See what is listed for Allen, Aakash and Physics Wallah.

Can I sell photocopies, printouts or PDFs?

No. Only original books are allowed. Xerox copies, printouts, PDFs and e-books are rejected.

What is the lowest price I can ask?

₹10. If you do not want any money for a book, tick “Give it away free” instead.

Why is my ad not live yet?

New ads go live by the same night after a quick check, and you get an email when yours does. If an ad is not approved, the email tells you what to fix.

How will buyers contact me?

By BookFlow Chat, and by call or WhatsApp if you added your number. Only signed-in members can see your number.

Still not sure where to sell? See how BookFlow compares with other options on our sell old books online page, or browse books for sale near you.