AbeBooks Reviews 

1,093
TrustScore 2 out of 5

2.0

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 147 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Numerous customers frequently complained about missing deliveries, invalid tracking numbers, and major difficulties obtaining refunds when items completely failed to arrive as expected. Many online buyers also received items in very poor condition, sometimes differing entirely from what was originally described on the platform. Though some customers encountered delivery and product issues, others were genuinely pleased to find their books arrived quickly in perfect condition. A few reviewers additionally appreciated swift shipping times and exceptional overall value when purchasing second-hand items from various independent sellers.

What people talk about most

Product

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with product quality and descriptions. Many reviewers... See more

Order

Consumers find order experiences mixed, highlighting both frustrations and occasional satisfaction. Reviewers... See more

Delivery service

Reviewers mention negative feedback about delivery_service, frequently highlighting delayed shipments and... See more

Refund

Users describe negative interactions with refund processes, citing significant frustration and delays in... See more

Website

Clients share ambiguous opinions on website experiences, often finding the platform to be a hit or miss due... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I was about to buy 3 books from this online store but emptied my basket when they insisted on having my phone number in order to make an account. I don't give my phone number to any organisation or ch... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Very disappointed. Found a sought for item, listed at a reasonable price with stated postage. Placed order and paid the necessary price. Later received an email demanding extra postage as the item was... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

It is always hit or miss at AbeBooks. Most of the dealers are very bad at describing their books. There are far too many "dealers" like ThriftBooks and HalfPrice books that do not have the book they a... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I only ordered from them twice, but had issues both times, as the books never seem to arrive on time or arrive at all. I'm giving them 2 stars because I got my money back both times.


Company details

  1. Book Store
  2. Rare Book Store
  3. Used Book Store

Information provided by various external sources

Your source for used, new, rare and out-of-print books. Find classic collectibles, rare signed editions, used textbooks, and inexpensive bestsellers in our 80 million books.


Contact info

2.0

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

1K reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

No history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited their customers, so reviews may not be representative

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2.0

All reviews

(1,093)

143 reviews in the last 12 months

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Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible experience

Terrible experience. I ordered a book for my mother early August and still no book received. The website is very difficult to negotiate. It does indicate that we should be able to get a refund if the book has not been delivered. However when I try this option it says not eligible for a refund as tracking information has been provided. However, tracking information seems to have gone into a black hole. No responses from requests for updates to the supplier Great Book Prices UK. Don’t trust them

September 3, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

SUCH POOR SERVICE!

I order a book, get a order and shipping confirmation with a estimated delivery time of 5-12 business days. After 14 days I follow up and they're like there's a problem, there is no book, let me refund you. It was a gift, THE PERFECT GIFT, an autographed book that I had told someone I was giving them, it related to the recipient's special interest area. And now Abebooks says, oops there was a problem, they don't have anything similar. So in addition to missing the persons birthday, I also have to tell them I can't get them the thing I told them I got them. I got a refund yes, but that is not nearly the point, what am I supposed to do with that that, I would rather wait another 30 days for the book, it was such special a gift.
SUCH POOR SERVICE! BEYOND POOR

August 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Incompetent at best Fraudulent at…

Incompetent at best Fraudulent at worst. Do not trust or use this company. They took payment and shipped without shipping info, it never arrived. On complaint they refunded after 35 days. No apology or explanation.

August 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Very Good - Not really!

I have bought secondhand books from a number of sellers over the years and always aim to buy the best quality available. While subjective, AbeBooks definition of very good is somewhat distant from mine and I would recommend you shop elsewhere if you want a good quality book for a fair price. Will check Trustpilot next time!!

August 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful experience

Wonderful experience. Boo was in awesome condition and much cheaper than the market price. Highly highly recommend. Book arrived in 2-3 days.

August 9, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

AVOID ABE BOOKS & BAHAMUT MEDIA PURCHASES!!

Following my complaint email to Abe Books/Bahamut Media, within a day I received a response from them apologising for the poor condition of the book. A refund was immediately forthcoming and my account was credited the same day. I was told to keep the book or ditch it so at least I got somewhere so if you're not happy with your purchase, let them know!!

August 11, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good service and they got the customers back

In my experience all my orders have come through to Chile in South America with no problem. Sometimes you just have to be patient on international shipping.
The one time I had a problem it was with the seller WORLD OF BOOKS Goring by the sea on Abe (Avoid that specific seller at all cost, it will cost you), and the book they sold me never came, though mysteriously it now appears for sale again from them, I don't think they ever sent it.
After a month and a half waiting I requested a refund which I received within a week.
All good for me

August 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Zero customer service/help

I paid more than normal for a small pocket calendar. I wanted the 2026-27 edition now and so I was prepared to pay a little more as nobody else seemed to be selling next years calendars yet. So far it’s been weeks and the calendar still hasn’t arrived. Their help and customer service is non existent. I’m almost beginning to think the whole website is a scam. They took my money immediately the order was placed but no order. Beware before buying.

July 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Shop elsewhere to avoid disappointment.

Sadly, like so many others seem to have experienced, I have been the victim of false advertising.
A series of 10 books was advertised, but after payment was made only one book was delivered to me. It even states “10 book set” on the billing invoice/confirmation!
As far as I am concerned, this supplier is nothing more than a scam site.
AVOID!

July 7, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

VERY POOR SERVICE - BUYER PAYS FOR NOT AS DESCRIBED RETURNS

ORDERED A SET OF ENCYCLOPEDIA - TOTAL OF 7 BOOKS... SEVEN. RECEIVED 1 BOOK VOLUME 4

ALWAYS ASSUMED A BOOKSELLER WOULD BE GOOD AND FAIR. EVEN THOUGH HAVE NOT RECEIVED WHAT WAS ORDERED WE ARE EXPECTED TO PAY FOR RETURN LABEL.. THIS IS THEIR STANDARD PRACTICE SO BEWARE OF THIS AND LOOK ELSEWHERE

July 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Two months on

Two months on. Abe Books misadvertised a book as VERY GOOD.. It arrived tattered, torn and scribbled on. That to me says VERY BAD. Book returned. Refund promised. Not a penny. The saga continues but I refuse to give up.

May 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I wouldn't give it any stars but you have to....

I wouldn't give any stars but obviously you have to complete the review!

If I were you I would not bother, I was silly and did not look into things clearly enough and realise that this company was not going to be the supplier of the book. Only the big fish.

Within 10 minutes of ordering I tried to cancel the order, I saw the word grubby describing the book which should have been very been very good.

if the company had sent the book out, you could not cancel the order, immediately after I put in the request for refund, the order went through from the supplier!

I'm still unaware as to whether the book is going to be sent I have contacted them and they've not answered.

In the end I said to the supplier of the book please send the book because I don't think I've got much chance of getting my money back. It's only pennies but as somebody else said that's not the point! It is not recommended to deal with this company.

The website is really Primitive and hard to navigate, I tried to contact the person that was going to be sending me the book on two occasions and nothing back. Not to mention the time wasted when you consider how much people would earn an hour! Unfortunately I have to take this into account these days, ie is it worth it, and that's what they rely on.

July 15, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Why the low score??

I've been using Abe books now for a few years and have not had any issues. I believe they deserve a much higher score than they've been given here. Making knowledge accessible is what makes the internet great, long may they continue.

July 7, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Magic

I just received my book after ordering it I've had constant updates on its delivery it has arrived in fabulous wrapping and packing my first edition of my favourite subject thankyou so much very impressive the book is in fabulous condition

July 4, 2025
Unprompted review

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