Wondering how to browse a second hand bookshop without feeling lost? Go slowly, carry a short list, check each book’s condition, and leave room for surprises. The best finds are rarely the ones you came for.
This guide is part of our look at independent bookshops, and covers the practical habits that make a visit rewarding.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard condition scale proposed | 1949, by AB Bookman’s Weekly |
| “Very good” means | A book that is worn but untorn |
| “Good” means | An average used, worn book that is complete |
| “Poor” means | Complete text, but only of interest as a reading copy |
| Oxfam volunteer tip on planning | Keep a list with you at all times |
Condition terms come from Wikipedia’s list of used book conditions, and the tips from Oxfam’s second-hand book shopping tips (2021). Shops apply grades differently and advice changes, so check the sources before you rely on them.
Start your second-hand bookshop visit with a loose plan
A short list helps more than you might expect. One Oxfam volunteer warns that without one, “your mind goes blank in the excitement of seeing all those books.”
Keep the list short, though. It is a safety net, not a route march.
- Note a few authors or titles you want.
- Note a few gaps, such as a series you want to finish.
- Leave one slot for “something I didn’t know I wanted”.
It also helps to decide beforehand what you will do with a find that is not on the list. A simple rule, such as “one wildcard per visit”, stops the trip from either feeling rigid or running away with your bag.
Why a good browse needs time and an open mind
Second-hand shelves reward unhurried browsing. An Oxfam shop manager advises giving yourself plenty of time, and notes that a usual fiction or history reader may still find something else they like.
Try a section you normally skip. Read the blurb, look at the cover, and pick up the odd title. One volunteer says this is how they discovered new authors they had not heard of.
Stock in a used shop changes constantly, because it depends on what people bring in. That is why the same shop can feel different every month, and why a quick lap rarely shows you everything.
A simple route through the shelves
Shops are arranged in different ways, and independents often have their own quirks. A steady route keeps you from missing a corner or circling the same table twice.
- Walk the whole shop once without picking anything up, to see how it is organised.
- Go to your list sections first, and scan spines at eye level.
- Check the low and high shelves, where books are easy to overlook.
- Visit the sections you usually skip.
- Finish at the counter or any recent-arrivals shelf, and ask what has come in.
Carry a small pile rather than buying as you go. At the end you can lay everything out, put back the weakest picks and keep the ones that still excite you.
How to read condition
Booksellers often use a scale proposed in 1949 by AB Bookman’s Weekly, per the Wikipedia list. Treat it as a guide, since individual sellers apply it loosely.
- Fine: close to “as new”, with no defects, though it may show signs of having been read.
- Very good: worn but untorn.
- Good: an average used worn book that is complete.
- Poor: complete text, but so damaged it suits only a reading copy.
Open the book and judge it yourself. Check that pages are present, the spine holds, and nothing smells damp.
Ask what you need the book for. A copy to read on the train can be well worn, while a gift deserves a cleaner one. Most readers are happy with “good” or “very good” for everyday reading.
Checks to make before you reach the till
A quick inspection at the shelf saves disappointment at home. It takes under a minute per book once it becomes a habit.
- Flip through the pages to check none are loose, torn or missing.
- Look for highlighting, underlining or notes in the margins, which can be charming or distracting depending on your taste.
- Check the spine and hinges, and see whether the cover is clean.
- Sniff for damp or mould, which can spread to other books on your shelf.
- Look inside the front cover for a pencilled price or an inscription.
An inscription from a former owner is not a flaw for many readers. It is part of the book’s story, and some people seek out copies with a personal note.
Thinking about price and value
Prices in independent shops reflect the owner’s judgement of condition, demand and scarcity. You will often see a pencilled price inside the cover, and it is worth reading it before you commit.
Be sensible about haggling. Many small shops run on thin margins, so polite questions about a bundle or a damaged copy are fine, while pushing hard on a fair price is not. If you love a book and the price is fair, buying it on the day is usually wiser than hoping it will still be there next week.
Consider shopping with a budget in mind. Used books are often cheap enough that it is easy to leave with a heavy bag, so decide how many you can realistically read before you go.
Ask for help, and mind your manners
Staff know their stock. The same Oxfam advice says to search within categories and ask volunteers for help.
Good etiquette keeps a small shop pleasant for everyone.
- Return books to the shelf where you found them.
- Handle fragile or old copies gently, and do not bend spines to test them.
- Keep phone calls and loud conversations outside.
- Leave aisles clear for other browsers.
If the shop has a resident animal, say hello to the bookshop cats politely and keep them away from the stock.
When browsing turns into collecting
You may start to notice editions, printings and jackets. That curiosity is the doorway to book collecting, but you do not have to go through it. A well-read copy you love is a perfectly good purchase.
Whatever you pick up, trust your own reasons. Reading enjoyment, a nice cover and a fair price are all good enough.
After the visit, keep a note of what you enjoyed. A line or two about which shelf surprised you makes the next trip easier to plan, and it builds a record of your own taste over time.
Finally, go back. A second-hand shop changes as new stock arrives, so a regular, relaxed visit often beats one marathon session. Shop owners also tend to remember friendly regulars, and may set a book aside for you if you ask politely.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I spend in a second-hand bookshop?
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Longer than you think. Oxfam’s volunteers suggest making an afternoon of it, so you can look beyond the sections you usually visit.
What does “very good” mean for a used book?
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It describes a book that is worn but untorn, according to the 1949 scale listed on Wikipedia. Sellers vary, so inspect the copy.
Should I bring a list?
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Yes, a short one. An Oxfam volunteer recommends keeping a list with you at all times.
Can I ask staff for help?
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Yes. Oxfam’s advice is to ask bookshop volunteers for help when you search within categories.
