Frequently Asked Questions

Are books really half price?
We strive to be a company that lives up to our name. With the exception of rare collectibles, out-of-print merchandise or specially priced promotional items, all of our books are sold for half the publisher's price or less. For more information, we invite you to read our pricing policy.

Do you only sell used products?
We sell both new and used books, as well as music, movies and computer games.

How does the buy process work?
All of our locations buy all types of printed and recorded merchandise, all day every day. Just bring what you'd like to sell to a store near you and we'll make a cash offer while you wait. And our offers are for everything you bring in -- you don't have to take anything back! Determining the value of books and music isn't an exact science, but there are primary factors we always consider when buying used merchandise of any kind: condition, and supply and demand. Learn more about selling to HPB.

Do you buy magazines?
Our motto has remained the same since we opened in 1972—we buy and sell "anything printed or recorded, except yesterday's newspaper." So bring in your magazines and let one of our specially trained buyers make you an offer. To learn more about how we buy merchandise, check out our buying policy.

Do you offer franchises?
Half Price Books is a privately owned corporation, and therefore does not offer franchises. For more information about our company, we welcome you to meet our founders, president and other great staff. Want to join our team?

Can I redeem my gift card online?
Currently, gift cards can be redeemed at more than 112 Neighborhood Locations. If you live in an area that currently doesn't have a Half Price Books store, you can call any one of our locations, and our helpful employees will be happy to look for your book. Leave your name and number with them (if you don't want to listen to hold music) and they'll call you back, take your information over the phone and send you your book.

Why do I need to show my driver's license when I sell my books?
By law, we must ask to see a driver's license and get a signature when you bring books in to sell in order to verify that our customers don't knowingly engage in the trade of stolen merchandise for resale. Thanks for your cooperation.

Do you give discounts to teachers?
We love teachers and librarians. So, we offer a 10% discount to public, private and home-school teachers as well as school and city librarians. All you have to do to receive the discount is go to any one of our Neighborhood Locations and present some sort of identification that verifies you're an educator (i.e. pay stub, id card/badge). One of our friendly employees will then give you a 10% discount card good for one year at all of our stores. For more information about this discount, please read our Discount Policy.

What happens to my information when I sign up for your mailing list?
Customer information is collected and stored for our use only. We do not share that information with anyone. We're selfish that way. And we value your trust and honor our privacy policy.

What are the benefits of signing up for your mailing list?
Some of the benefits of signing up include receiving money-saving coupons and information about sales and other special events. So, sign-up to receive Half Price Books eNews today.

How do I return a purchase to your stores?
Merchandise can be returned for cash and charge card credits within seven (7) days of purchase with a receipt at any of our Neighborhood Locations. Please review our Refund Policy for more information.

Who is Jim Swayze?
Reader, writer, musician and booklover; Jim Swayze is also the voice of HPB radio.

What is the nature of Half Price Books' relationship with Monsoon?
In partnership with Monsoon, a leader in used and collectible books, music, and movies, Half Price Books offers shoppers access to more than 120 million items stocked by independent sellers from 45 countries around the world. Our partnership with Monsoon means that you'll notice the Monsoon name at various points during your HPB Marketplace experience, including on your credit card statement ("Monsoon for Half Price Books") if you make a purchase here. You will also need to create a log-in for your HPB Marketplace account that is different from your log-in for HPB.com. Please note: HPB Gift Cards, coupons, discounts and other Half Price Books promotions are not valid for purchases made on HPB Marketplace.

Can I use a Half Price Books Gift Card to purchase stuff online?
HPB Gift Cards cannot be used as payment for purchases made on HPB Marketplace. Sorry for the inconvenience, but we’re working on making this possible. We won’t bore you with the technical details. Just bear with us while we improve our website for you, our valued customers.