USED BOOK STORES
Half Price Books
Half Price Books is a used bookstore with locations all across the United States. They have independently and traditionally published books for about half the retail price. The quality of the HPB Store depends on the location and population. Stores in more popular areas typically have a better selection of books.
HPB allows trade-ins for cash or credit.
Join their mailing list for coupons and early access
2nd & Charles
2nd & Charles is a used bookstore with locations mostly in the Eastern United States but slowly moving to the middle. They have independently and traditionally published books for about half of the price for traditionally published books and a fourth of the price for independently published books. This is one of my favorite books because they typically have lots of indie books on their shelves and have the best prices around for a used bookstore.
2nd & Charles allows trade-ins for cash or credit.
Join their texting list to receive coupons weekly and information about sales!
McKay's Books is a used book store with locations in Tennessee and North Carolina. They have independently and traditionally published books for about half of the price for traditionally published books and a fourth of the price for independently published books. McKay's is a go-to store for me because their book selection is huge and they have amazing prices! If you have one near you it's totally worth a trip!
McKay's Books allows trade-ins for cash or credit.
Follow them on Facebook for events and signings they have.
Thrift Stores
One of my favorite stores to find used books at is Goodwill or other thrift stores! Books typically range from $0.99-$3.00 and you can find traditionally published and indie books. Stores will vary based on where you are located and I've noticed locations within cities typically have a bigger selection.
If you are shopping at Goodwill check the color of the week because some books may be 50% off!
Ollie's Bargain Outlet
Ollie's Bargain Outlet is a discount store that has all kinds of things, but my favorite section there is the book section! They have a pretty good section that mostly contains discounted new books, but they also have a smaller section of used books and ex-library books for discounted prices too. I have only ever found traditionally published books there.
Sign up for Ollie's rewards program to gain points for discounts and to also receive coupons in the mail!
Books-A-Million
For years I avoided Books-A-Million because I couldn't afford to purchase books at full retail price. As an adult, I've found that there are ways to bargain shop at Books-A-Million that keep you from spending $20 on one book. The two ways I've found are their BAM Buyback Program and their Price Drop Section.
The BAM Buyback program is essentially a trade-in program that allows you to turn books in and receive cash or store credit much like HPB, 2nd&C, or McKays. Buyback books are located throughout the whole store and mixed in with full-price books. If you find a full-price book you want, check the back of other copies of that book to see if any are discounted as BAM Buybacks. Not all Books-A-Million stores have the BAM Buyback Program so check the store locator prior to going.
The Price Drop Section is typically in the back of the store and it features overstock books that Books-A-Million has discounted anywhere from 25%-75% off. I always check this section because it changes monthly. Every Books-A-Million store I've been in has this section.
You can also check their website for book discounts or pre-order discounts.