Sitejabber Website Reviews and Complaints
  • Alibris

2022 SITEJABBER AWARD

Alibris

Corporate Values

Overview

Alibris has a rating of 4.73 stars from 79,511 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with Alibris most frequently mention great prices, shopping experience, and free shipping. Alibris ranks 1st among Used Books sites.

  • Value
    356
  • Shipping
    351
  • Quality
    348

Proactively asks for customer feedback

This company responds to reviews on average within 22 hours

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 93.4%
Positive
19,977
Neutral
876
Negative
529
22
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

  • Very good shopping experience i like the good rates you charge.
  • Web site is quick and easy, shipping is reasonable.
  • 2022 Customer Choice Winner

Critical highlights

  • It rejected my credit card and i had to reenter it.
  • So useless sending a request within minutes of placing the order to the seller NOT to use billing address.
  • On mobile there was no way that I could see to enter discount coupon codes.
How would you rate Alibris?
Top Positive Review

“Very impressed w/ orderly arrangement of products for...”

Cate F.
9/16/21

Very impressed w/ orderly arrangement of products for sale, e.g., music, books, movie, etc. Makes sense! Also, the choice of sellers is easy to understand & navigate--I contacted one book seller Solr by email to find out if the used book they were selling was highly dusty (allergies) & they emailed back w/ details & evident concern. Alibris is now my "go-to" source for great prices, selection & quality of sale. Thanks for doing a great job!

Top Critical Review

“Very Difficult to change shipping address”

Stephen M.
5/17/21

Very Difficult to change shipping address. Had to quit internet browser and log back in again. Shipping choices limited. I know from past purchase that independent sellers can take their sweet time shipping items and often do. Why does alibris appear to charge at 1st class parcel rates and deliver at slower and cheaper media mail rate? Delivery window excessively wide.

Reviews (79,511)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

shopping experience (672) web site (292) use site (192) search engine (134) credit card (432) billing address (178) coupon code (222) shopping cart (155) email address (75)
Thumbnail of user therryn2
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
July 17th, 2022
Verified purchase
• Updated review

This has to be the first online shopping experience I've had that recognized and admitted me on my email address alone. While I should probably be horrified at the possibilities for invasion of privacy, it was so incredibly easy to shop! And I like the Alibris didn't suggest any payment method and as far as I'm concerned, recognizing my email address gave me an easier way to complete my order. As a cognitively disabled adult, it was particularly welcome, and thank you.

Reason I chose this business:

ALibris had the best price on a book I need.

Excellent!
March 3rd, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Excellent! I was able to purchase two books I wanted to read in used editions. I try to buy used clothing and always try to buy used books. Thanks for making them readily available. The books, I mean.

Reason I chose this business:

You had the best price in the editions shown by google /shopping

Thumbnail of user jamesb4208
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 15th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Well organized site, works fine for most searches. A wide range of book editions, prices, and conditions to choose from. Most sellers provide good descriptions of conditions--which is very appreciated--but some don't.

I do wish there was a consistency among the descriptions--may with required information--rather than a stock description, such as 'may be an ex-library book, may have writing', etc.

Reason I chose this business:

The particular books/editions I had been looking for were available (and the promo code discount this weekend was a good prod).

Very simple order and payment process
January 13th, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Very simple order and payment process. Very substantial selection with a range of conditions and prices.

Reason I chose this business:

I was looking for an out of print landscaping book, and multiple copies in different conditions were available.

Thumbnail of user erinj244
1 review
1 helpful vote
November 4th, 2022
Verified purchase

Excellent but placing items into wish cart after on the check out cart is confusing. Just deleted them instead. The other confusion is as you place items into cart, it is notated how much more you need until free shipping is applied. It never seems that you reach that limit.
The other issue is when I tried to utilize my $5 coupon for signing up, it the page was not accessible.
You are still my favorite store!

Thumbnail of user lavonb11
1 review
1 helpful vote
October 6th, 2022
Verified purchase

Sellers always ship quickly. Only complaint I ever have is when specifically choose good condition hardcover books and they are just shipped in plastic bags so corners all banged up, so I don't bother with choosing more expensive very good/excellent condition books anymore. As they cost more money, sellers sabotaging themselves. If shipped media mail, could put in boxes for less shipping costs, who cares if takes a little longer. Should be an option to preserve the condition of books in good shape. Other than that, always good experience with Alibris sellers.

Thumbnail of user gudruns9
1 review
1 helpful vote
April 25th, 2022
Verified purchase

1. Made me give credit card info 3 or more times, without explanation, which signifies there is none. 2. Got email yesterday saying $20 bonus, but there was no bonus for my purchase, so misleading. 3. Jumps between screens with no explanation. 4. When shipping address first appears, it can't be editied, and no message as to how to do that later. So it was confusing.

Reason I chose this business:

Hadn't purchased from Alibris for a while.

* Alibris attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Thumbnail of user valerieh532
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 30th, 2022
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I'd gone to Goodreads, as is my usual practice, and linked to you for the book "The Economics of Discrimination," by Gary S. Becker. I was asked to sign in but wasn't returned to the book page and the message said there were no available copies.

However, when I went back to Goodreads and linked in again there was the page I'd first seen with the list of this book. I hope that it is actually available and will arrive! :O

Reason I chose this business:

You have the best price on a book I wanted and I consider you a trustworthy seller.

Fast and easy!
March 15th, 2022
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Great prices on used books

Quick and easy!
January 11th, 2022
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Great deals compared to other bookstores!

Thumbnail of user joanneb642
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
March 4th, 2022
Verified purchase

I've found some great books through Alibris over the years - glad to see Amazon hasn't obliterated this store.
If I had anything I'd say was disappointing, its the fact your PayPal portal will only accept transactions in US dollars.
I've done innumerable transactions using PayPal, and cannot recall the last time I wasn't able to transact in Canadian dollars.
Please update this.
Thanks again for still being there...
J.

Thumbnail of user valeriem916
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 17th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I am happy with Alibris. I appreiate the effort of the consolidated shipping based on cost, however, one of my primary criteria for choosing a book store is its location even if it costs a bit more.
Your insistence that I agree to have this posted on a social media site is unfortunate and the ONLY reason I am agreeing is so that you will see this comment. In the future I will not provide my opinion which I thought was for your purposes not advertising.

Reason I chose this business:

Because I have had good experiences with Alibris.

So far today?
July 28th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review

So far today? So far as long as I have been buying from alibris? As far as today, I don't know until I receive my purchase. But I have buying books from alibris for years and I keep choosing it over other ways of buying books.

Reason I chose this business:

Same reasons I always do.

Thumbnail of user frankt780
1 review
1 helpful vote
April 25th, 2022
Verified purchase

It took me an inordinate amount of time to place this simple order for one book that I could have done much more quickly with Amazon for essentially the same price. Initially, the system would not accept my "I am not a robot" answers, then it would not accept my new address, among other issues. I preferred to support your store rather than Amazon, but now think my choice was not worth the extra effort and time.

Reason I chose this business:

Please see the above note.

* Alibris attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Thumbnail of user ramecal
1 review
1 helpful vote
October 22nd, 2022
Verified purchase

The shipping is to high on these books when the shipping is the same cost as the books themselves it can be frustrating and sometimes the free shipping doesn't register for books once you place them in the cart. So that's a pain as well. Overall i will continue to use the site because for some of the books i have found they were defiantly cheaper on here than other places and with the shipping still a bit cheaper

Reason I chose this business:

Cheap books

* Alibris attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Thumbnail of user roberts3227
8 reviews
11 helpful votes
March 9th, 2024

There is a very big choice of books and I am, as an avid book moore, can't bypass this online shops. I adore reading fiction and there's a great collection of fiction books. Plus, I ordered a couple of ones for my children and they were quite delighted receiving these books.
So far I am reading my second one from here, and i like that I didn't pay much for them and at the same time delivery was strictly on time.
Such a level of service is enviable for many companies, props!

Thumbnail of user maryb6434
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 3rd, 2024
Verified purchase

I have used Alibris for many years to purchase collectible books and lesser quality books for reading. I love that I can select a rare book or a paperback... select the edition... the condition of a used book... often the price... and even select the ship-from location if there are several sellers.
One thing I am very surprised at, is there is no t an APP for Alibris, unless I am overlooking it.
Thank you for the great way to purchase books!

Reason I chose this business:

I ALWAYS find exactly what I want, in the condition I want whether used or collectible edition which I purchased today.

Thumbnail of user catef3
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 16th, 2021
Verified purchase

Very impressed w/ orderly arrangement of products for sale, e.g., music, books, movie, etc. Makes sense! Also, the choice of sellers is easy to understand & navigate--I contacted one book seller Solr by email to find out if the used book they were selling was highly dusty (allergies) & they emailed back w/ details & evident concern. Alibris is now my "go-to" source for great prices, selection & quality of sale. Thanks for doing a great job!

Reason I chose this business:

Needed a book that is somewhat hard-to-find for a book writing project.

Thumbnail of user jenniferh3926
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 30th, 2022
Verified purchase

I love shopping at Alibris Books--supporting local and independent book sellers means a lot to me. When possible, I try to get second-hand reads into my hands, first. It feels better than new. It is one little way to accomplish keeping informed and minimize cutting more trees for paper. Alibris is my first go to--on line.

Thumbnail of user lindap1457
1 review
1 helpful vote
January 8th, 2021
Verified purchase

Shopping for books through alibris is a pleasure! I have found so many books on this site that were not available in my local library. Sellers provide excellent detailed descriptions of their used copies, so prospective buyers know the exact condition of a book before making a purchase. Alibris is the best online marketplace for new and used books.

Reason I chose this business:

I need a book for a class I am facilitating.

Thumbnail of user rebeccac1730
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 31st, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Incredibly reasonable prices. Extremely simple checkout for one who does not enjoy dealing with IT complexities. Excellent selection! And you wanted to follow up to see if I am satisfied with my order, besides offering this questionnaire! Conscientious customer service!

Reason I chose this business:

Because of all of the above.

Efficient and problem-free, with exactly the books...
September 8th, 2022
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Efficient and problem-free, with exactly the books I was seeking at incredible prices!

Reason I chose this business:

For the same reason above I found before true.

Thumbnail of user beverlyb1024
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 11th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I love Alibris as I can almost always find the book I am looking for in good condition. Over the years, I have made some very exciting finds! I don't know how Thriftbooks does it, but I can often get free shipping at their website which is an incentive to buy through them. Could Alibris possibly do the same thing? If so, I would purchase only from you.

I love Alibris!
May 31st, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I love Alibris! I have found so many books over the years that are hard to find in good condition or new books at a good price that Alibris is always the first place I shop.

Reason I chose this business:

I love Alibris! I have found so many books over the years that are hard to find in good condition or new books at a good price that Alibris is always the first place I shop.

I love Alibris!
February 2nd, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I love Alibris! I have found so many out of print books on Alibris that were priced well and in great condition. I seldom buy a book on Amazon because I can get just as good a quality at a much lower price.

Reason I chose this business:

I could find the books I wanted in excellent condition at a much lower price.

Thumbnail of user dianec852
1 review
2 helpful votes
January 9th, 2021
Verified purchase

Alibris has been great. I really enjoy the idea of supporting small Bookshops over amazon. I'll always support my local family owned bookshop first but they don't have everything. And with alibris I always find what I'm looking for and get to continue to support small bookshops. Shopping on alibris is quick and easy. All the info about sellers and book conditions is clearly posted as well as shipping times and costs.

Reason I chose this business:

My local bookshop did not have the book I was looking for and ordering it through then would have taken 2 weeks or more. I need the book sooner. An alibris is my go to spot for difficult to get books.

Thumbnail of user elizabethm1836
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 25th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Literally, all my books come from Alibris. I love your services. It makes me so thrilled to know that I can look here on the website for something first. You have been my vendor for at least a decade.

Value
Shipping
Quality
Used you for years!
March 3rd, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

I can always rely on you!

Thumbnail of user dyasl
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 22nd, 2022
Verified purchase
• Updated review

The system made me update my CC billing address three times before it would accept it. That's annoying.

Reason I chose this business:

Because I like you and you usually have what I'm looking for.

* Alibris attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

It took three shots to get the thing to accept the...
December 24th, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

It took three shots to get the thing to accept the correct billing address. I've just moved, and haven't had time yet to change that with the CC companies. Annoys heck out of me when online forms don't work properly.

* Alibris attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

I love shopping with you guys
September 29th, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I love shopping with you guys. I nearly always find what I want, even when it's some weird nerdy thing that's been out of print forever.

Thumbnail of user dt475
1 review
1 helpful vote
November 27th, 2021
Verified purchase

I repeatedly (8-10 attempts) tried to place this order, and your website would not let me move beyond the log-on page. I only got it through when you emailed me that I had left something in my cart. Your website decided at that time to put it through. Very frustrating and time consuming. I attempted to reach customer service for help and was unsuccessful. You got 2 stars instead of 1 because you have done better on previous orders.

* Alibris attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Thumbnail of user diannw31
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 20th, 2022
Verified purchase

It's true -- I LOVE "online window shopping" at ALIBRIS! Incredibly efficient filtering options allow for ALL of my needs... NEW BOOKs (gift).USED BOOKs (for me). Etc. And seeing the booksellers' ratings does help steer my final purchase. I'll be back!

Thumbnail of user virginiae287
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 11th, 2021
Verified purchase

Grateful for the reprint of this hard to find memoir of my ancestor, Rebecca Crispin Hubbs, published 1853. I originally ordered 2 copies to check quality, was very pleased. Larger book, larger print, clear, easier to read than the original book. Ordered 4 additional books for family gifts and plan on ordering more to auction off during family reunions.

Reason I chose this business:

My last order was an excellent reprint. Ordered additional copies. I've ordered previous reprints from alibris with no problems, it was easy to choose Alibris again. One of the better reprint book offers.

Thumbnail of user jeannettel51
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 9th, 2023
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Got a bit confused when the first entry of my MC payment did not go through, then realized, after review, that it wanted me to buy more. I've read all this author's other works, so I did not need an additional copy. It might help to put that note somewhere on the ordering page. Otherwise, excellent, thank you. JBL

Reason I chose this business:

Have used and enjoyed for years, was very broke and poor again until fairly recently, sometimes now able to buy wanted books again.#

Excellent, easy, very enjoyable
January 1st, 2022
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

Great experiences with previous purchases.

Easy to use, quick and simple--thanks for clarity and...
December 31st, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Easy to use, quick and simple--thanks for clarity and speed!

Reason I chose this business:

Have trusted many years.

Thumbnail of user sabinec8
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 1st, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Had most everything I wanted and it stayed in my cart overnight while I thought about it. Book prices excellent, shipping is sobering, but I figure I'm saving my gasoline and associated errand meal purchase costs, so it's still a good deal. A bit TOO easy, actually.

Reason I chose this business:

Shopped here before.

Usually can find what I need!
March 7th, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Easy to choose the preferred copy and source. Site is easy to navigate. Usually can find a price that works for me.

Reason I chose this business:

I have purchased from Alibris before and been happy with the product, shipping, service, cost. I like to support independent booksellers and smaller publishing houses. (Just learned that you are owned by Amazon. Didn't know that.)

Value
Shipping
Quality
Easy to choose the preferred copy and source
February 21st, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Easy to choose the preferred copy and source. Site is easy to navigate. Usually can find a price that works for me.

Reason I chose this business:

I have purchased from Alibris before and been happy with the product, shipping, service, cost. I like to support independent booksellers and smaller publishing houses. (Just learned that you are owned by Amazon. Didn't know that.)

Sitejabber for Business

Gain trust and grow your business with customer reviews.

From the business

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

Business History

Born from Interloc, a database for proffesional booksellers, Alibris has spent over two decades connecting book lovers to book sellers. It's the premier marketplace for textbooks, used books and rare, out-of-print books and supports countless small booksellers across the country. With over 270 million books, Alibris has something for you.

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user mikef1003
Mike F.
Director of Client Services
Typically responds within 22 hours

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