Check out our latest communities fighting
AI scams on Reddit and Facebook

SmartCustomer Website Reviews and Complaints
business logo of Alibris

Alibris

4.7

On SmartCustomer, businesses may not offer incentives or pay to remove reviews. Learn more about our Review Guidelines.

From the business

We love browsing books, drinking coffee, and talking with people who love good stories.


alibris.com
Founded in 1998
Berkeley, CA, United States
How would you rate Alibris?
grey stargrey stargrey stargrey stargrey star

Alibris Reviews Summary

Alibris enjoys a generally positive reputation among customers, particularly for its wide selection of used books at competitive prices and reliable shipping. Many customers appreciate the timely delivery and the ability to track orders, contributing to overall satisfaction. However, concerns arise regarding the variability in book conditions, with some items not meeting expectations, and delays in shipping for urgent needs. Additionally, the separate shipping fees for each book can deter purchases. Despite these issues, the platform remains a favored choice for many due to its extensive inventory and user-friendly website.

This summary is generated by AI, based on text from customer reviews

service
1,021
value
12,499
shipping
12,489
quality
12,483
This company responds to reviews on average within 1 day

We monitor reviews for authenticity

California
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Kevin C.
Unfollow Kevin C.
Share Review
Report Review

Mostly happy.
November 28, 2025

Nanette Her Pilot's Love Story. Paid extra for a nicer copy. Packaging and shipping were good. The book had a bit of damage on the front upper right corner. Oh well. Love the book anyway.

Date of experience: November 18, 2025
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Christine T.
Unfollow Christine T.
Share Review
Report Review

Great Experience!
November 28, 2025

I ordered a cookbook on Alibris. It came quickly and in great condition at a reasonable price. I'm very satisfied and highly recommend them.

Date of experience: November 18, 2025
South Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Rachel M.
Unfollow Rachel M.
Share Review
Report Review

Alibris and s so easy to use
November 28, 2025

Alibris and s so easy to use. I buy most of my books here. Easy to search and find, then select the seller I want to buy from.

Date of experience: November 18, 2025
Curacao
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Laura H.
Unfollow Laura H.
Share Review
Report Review

Shipping was about 1 dollar more than I expected. But I ordered this book on Amazon and while waiting delivery notice, the seller canceled! Very disappointing

Date of experience: November 18, 2025
New Mexico
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow David L.
Unfollow David L.
Share Review
Report Review

A friend told me about this book
November 28, 2025

A friend told me about this book. I prefer using Alibris instead of amazon! The prices on Alibris are so much better, and their website is very easy to understand and to use! Plus, ordering from Alibris is ALWAYS SECURE! Peace Always :)

Date of experience: November 18, 2025
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Nancy M.
Unfollow Nancy M.
Share Review
Report Review

Had items in my cart, then signed in
November 28, 2025

Had items in my cart, then signed in. All items had been deleted. Had to start over. The listings are very easy to use and find exactly the cost, type of book and quality desired.

Date of experience: November 18, 2025
Vermont
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Helena C.
Unfollow Helena C.
Share Review
Report Review

I find your prices high for used vintage records. The sub section of spoken work/ comedy is especially expensive. Also with my first order the shipping fees more than doubled my overall total. It was a shock. I would have felt better if shipping fees were made clear before the order was placed. I spent $18 on books and over $20 on the shipping. This is shipping that is media mail - taking up to 15 days to arrive. The rates seem high for such a slow method of shipping. Not to mention using the over taxed Postal System often means even longer shipping windows. When a book takes almost 20 days to reach me I don't feel that a $9 to $10 shipping fee makes sense. We shall see when and how my various orders arrive?

Date of experience: November 18, 2025
Maryland
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Lydia L.
Unfollow Lydia L.
Share Review
Report Review

Alibris is my go to for books
November 28, 2025

I've been using Alibris to find and purchase books from for several years now and it has not disappointed me. I feel good finding used books from small to large book resellers all over the US. I feel good about making my own choices about how much I want to spend and where I want to spend. I can usually find the books I'm looking for. I always use Alibris when I need a specific book.

Date of experience: November 18, 2025
Oregon
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Lisa H.
Unfollow Lisa H.
Share Review
Report Review

Im happy with the availability and price of the books I wanted and I will definitely be a return customer. The site interface was a little wonky and I couldn't tell if my first attempt went thru (it didn't). I waited the recommended hour and checked for a confirmation email. Seing none i resubmitted my order and everything was fine.

Date of experience: November 17, 2025
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Patrick L.
Unfollow Patrick L.
Share Review
Report Review

Very good
November 27, 2025

Very good.
I used to find Alibris via Bookfinder, along with other options. I go to you directly now, Bookfinder haveing made a bit of a mess of itself.

Date of experience: November 17, 2025
Maryland
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
Follow Lee A.
Unfollow Lee A.
Share Review
Report Review

Have liked your firm and service for many years now...
November 27, 2025
Updated review

Have liked your firm and service for many years now especially at holiday time. I make up five different gift boxes - for the 5 adult daughters my beau and I have, always including a favorite book I've read during the previous year plus a larger travel, photo or cookbook.

Date of experience: November 17, 2025

For a few years, I always use your firm for locating...
November 16, 2025
Previous review

For a few years, I always use your firm for locating books! I order several pre holiday time of a favorite book I want to share with the 5 adult girls and a few grandchildren my blended family has. No 1 complains about the used books because your sellers have decent standards too. Thanks so much!

Date of experience: November 6, 2025
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Sandra B.
Unfollow Sandra B.
Share Review
Report Review

I have purchased a mini books through Alibris. I'm always happy with their service and thrilled to find the books that I'm looking for..

Date of experience: November 17, 2025
Colorado
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Bruce B.
Unfollow Bruce B.
Share Review
Report Review

It is too easy to 1) choose the incorrect shipping...
November 27, 2025
Updated review

It is too easy to 1) choose the incorrect shipping address, 2) assign the purchase to a credit card I did not want to use.

It would be nice to send a little message along with the book - does AI know what a birthday is? Maybe it's just me, maybe I missed it.

Date of experience: November 17, 2025

Good...
July 23, 2025
Previous review

Good... but a little off when you (your site) say "No longer available" and then the logic returns me to a page where a large selection of unrelated titles appears... and then I have to start over. This is a programming oversight. Someone in your employ surely could correct this error.

Date of experience: July 13, 2025
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Craig B.
Unfollow Craig B.
Share Review
Report Review

Hard to find books at a great price
November 27, 2025

Hard to find books at a great price. I've been shopping with alibris for decades and I've never had an issue. Best book site by far

Date of experience: November 17, 2025
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Daniel M.
Unfollow Daniel M.
Share Review
Report Review

I use Alibris all the time!
November 27, 2025
Updated review

I use Alibris all the time! I read them and pass them on to friends. Why pay more? Select book, cover, condition, price and order. Books arrive timely and in stated condition. Very satisfied with Alibris and book sellers.

Date of experience: November 17, 2025

I always check with Alibris, first.
May 9, 2025
Previous review

Book arrived timely and in good condition. I've never had a complaint about Alibris or the book sellers. I always check Alibris first because they may have a better price on new or as new books. I also appreciate the ability to choose by price, condition, and other options.

Date of experience: April 28, 2025
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Susan W.
Unfollow Susan W.
Share Review
Report Review

I know the site pretty well so I can go fast
November 27, 2025
Updated review

I know the site pretty well so I can go fast. Found most of the books I wanted in great condition for low prices--can't ask for more than that.

Date of experience: November 16, 2025

The links you included in the email informing me that my item is no longer available, didn't help me get to choosing another copy. I had to start over. Even then, two copies of the book, same place and price, are till listed. Still not sure the sale will vgo through. Something's not working right.

Date of experience: April 23, 2025
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Alison H.
Unfollow Alison H.
Share Review
Report Review

Another great transaction
November 27, 2025

Purchased a book for my mom and was delighted by how quickly it shipped to her. I love Alibris and being able to avoid the evil online empire of book shopping!

Date of experience: October 27, 2025
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow John M.
Unfollow John M.
Share Review
Report Review

This is my third order for the same title. Both of my prior orders were cancelled by the seller; the first after I was notified it had shipped.

Date of experience: November 16, 2025
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Keith t.
Unfollow Keith t.
Share Review
Report Review

Great Site, for this repeat customer
November 26, 2025
Updated review

Great value for used books. Accurate book condition ratings, reasonable shipping charge and delivery time. I'll continue to shop at Alibris. Thank you!

Date of experience: November 16, 2025

Easy process, as usual
February 16, 2025
Previous review

Easy process, as usual. Repeat customer over many years and your ordering process has gotten better and better. Great job!

Date of experience: February 5, 2025
Colorado
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Tobias U.
Unfollow Tobias U.
Share Review
Report Review

Fast well packed order
November 26, 2025

Tracking was great to have as I was staying at a bnb when I ordered. Got there in a timely fashion and arrived exceptionally well after packed. Would definitely buy from this seller again.

Date of experience: November 16, 2025