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Better World Books Reviews Summary
The overall reputation of Better World Books is mixed, with notable strengths in their extensive selection and competitive pricing, often praised for delivering books in excellent condition. However, significant concerns arise regarding customer service, particularly related to shipping delays, fulfillment errors, and inadequate packaging that often leads to damaged items. Many customers express frustration over the return process and a perceived lack of responsiveness from the company. While some customers remain loyal due to the ethical practices and commitment to literacy, recurring issues with order accuracy and support hinder a consistently positive experience.
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I try to buy books here whenever i can. Better rates than amazon and in many instances if you are not in a hurry you can get the shipping for almost free.
In short, the site is excellent and the customer service is great
Bought a book on eBay. Three days later I'm told it's out of stock and to wait a couple days for a refund. I pointed out the obvious, and "Leah" responded by arguing semantics with me. No apology, but they cancelled the sale on eBay to avoid my feedback, so I'll leave it here. Not an ideal seller on multiple levels. Avoid if you're reading.
I paid for my book and shipping, tracking says it was delivered but I honestly dont have it in my mail box, ask the post office there is no reponse, it could be possible that the mailman put my mail in someone elses mailbox, and someone took it. This company have no sense of responsibility. It is their responsibility to make sure the product was delivered, instead asking the customer have to look for it. I m not the one ship the item, i paid for both products and shipping, and yet when the product was lost in the shipping process i m the one have to go through everything. They refuse to give refund, they cant ship another book. I will never use this website again.
They say they ship the books for free and that seemed like great news for someone who doesn't live in the US. Turns out they tweak the prices depending on the shipment destination and you'll be charged an extra $10-20 for having books sent outside of the US. I would rather they be upfront about the shipping costs than luring customers in by their FAKE free shipping scheme.
I've used BetterWorldBooks many times over the past three years. Must have bought about 100 books from them in that time. The service is reliable and their prices are great when you consider they offer free international shipping. They did have some trouble two years back with the reliability of their international shipping, but my past few orders have arrived quickly. The only reason I don't give them 5 stars is I think their standards for the condition of the books have slipped a little recently. Overall, though, a good site.
I was a frequent buyer from betterworldbooks for years.
At one point their value, customer service & standard of books was great but in time, i was sent more often than not books nowhere near the condition they were listed as - add to this deliveries that ALWAYS arrived later than the estimated period & experiences with one staff member in particular who attempted to shift the blame to me (& dodge responsibility) despite my providing photographic evidence of poor condition of what was received.
Clearly, customers are NOT valued - only your MONEY is.
On my final purchase for example, the inside covers (front & back) were stained dark yellow as if it had been pissed on! Yet the book was listed as 'used-good'. Disgusting...
Suffice to say, standards got horrible & i will not be returning as a customer.
To sum up, many other online used book sellers do it better & the standard of the books is also much better.
If you ARE a current buyer/customer, i urge you to check the the condition of the books you receive against their book condition standards - it's clear that they do not expect you to do this based on my experiences calling them out!
Avoid 'betterworldbooks'...
Ordered over two weeks ago. Sent multiple emails a week apart asking for assistance and information. SAME EXACT RESPONSE BOTH TIMES! Save your money and go to the library, or order from somewhere else. They don't know what customer service is...
My books arrived in the condition that had been described. Yes, shipping takes longer than some people may expect, but it's free! I am a very patient person, so I was glad to wait for them to come. I will use Better World Books again and recommend it to others!
I go to Better World Books any time I'm looking for something used. The books are affordable, and you can't beat the shipping charges! Highly recommend.
The book I have received in perfect condition.
I did however order two of the same title, which hasn't arrived.
Great prices, about 98% reliable service -- and they fix it when they mess up. I've probably bought over 400 books...
Love the quick delivery and that the dollars spent shopping at BWB goes to literacy programs. Highly recommend them.
For the last 5 years, I've been teaching in China, and always a little homesick for my Western culture. Imagine what a gift it was to get a box from Better World Books! And FREE shipping! Such adventures and lessons from those hundreds of titles. Thank you, BWB!
I wanted to find 5 specific books. Found them easily, ordered these at a great price and received them in short order. My place to go to when I want books!
I am very happy with the service and follow-up of BetterWorldBooks. I feel like I am helping others to have access to reading materials just by purchasing books I like.
I can always depend on Better World Books to deliver my order in a timely manner and they are in at least fair condition. I've never had a book with marks in it or any real damage. For used books they are fine. I really like the free shipping, that's a nice feature.
I buy all my books from Better World Books. They offer used books at a very low price and shipping is included. I've not had a single issue in the many years I've bought from them. I also like the idea of recycling books so that they don't end up collecting dust. You can mail books back to them at no charge to be resold. I could sell at a yard sale for 50 cents or $1, but I'm not going to have a yard sale, so why not?
If I ran a bookshop, it would look exactly like Better World Books! Well, maybe I'd change the name, but mine would have the same wide eclectic selection, the same unbeatable prices, and somehow contribute to literacy here and overseas - just like Better World Books!
Of course, I'm too busy reading to actually run a book store, but I'm just saying...
I ordered a used-good book and it was as advertised. I received it fairly soon after the order was submitted.
Almost every page had extensive notes n underline. Should never been sent. Horrible. Am returning... their sevc. Usu superior... am quite surprised
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- SmartCustomer’s sole mission is to increase online transparency for buyers and businesses
- SmartCustomer has helped over 200M buyers make better purchasing decisions online
- Suspicious reviews are flagged by our algorithms, moderators, and community members
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