We are always interested in buying quality used books.
Here’s what you can expect when selling books to us.
PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT ACCEPT DONATIONS OF ANY KIND.
We review books for purchase.
All books we are unable to accept will be returned to you.
At Mr. Mikes, we buy books from opening to one hour before closing. We review your books while you browse the store and reconcile before you leave. If we are backlogged, we will give you an approximate wait time. If you must leave before we finish, please return the same day to reconcile.
Walk-Ins
If you have 12 books or less, you may bring them in at any time during our book-buying hours. Walk-ins are reviewed between appointments in the order they are received.
Appointments
If you have more than 12 books, you will need to set up an appointment with us.
You can set up appointments in person or by calling ahead. Appointments are scheduled in 30-minute increments and are limited to a maximum of 2 containers that are safe enough to lift and carry. This limit ensures we’re able to complete the review before our next appointment. Excessively heavy containers will not be reviewed.
Multiple appointments within the same day are not permitted. If you have more than 2 containers, you will need to set up a second appointment at a later date.
Call us at (919.809.8990) to schedule an appointment.
We do not make appointments via email.
The Book Buyer’s Review
The book buyer examines your books and determines what we do and do not need. After determining and totaling the retail price of the books we need, you will receive two offers to choose from: a cash amount (20% of what we will sell each book for) or a trade credit amount (50% of what we will sell each book for).
Trade credit is a gift certificate that can be used towards any in-store purchase including merchandise. Gift certificates have no cash value and never expire. To use your trade credit, you will need the physical gift certificate with you at checkout.
What We Buy
Almost any category of book is welcome. Classic literature, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, science fiction, westerns, cookbooks, games, philosophy, religion, and self-help are just a few of our categories. We also accept graphic novels and manga! If we have a section for it in our store, we probably want more.
What We Don’t Buy
We do not buy audio books, CDs, DVDs, or magazines. While we will gladly look at any books you bring, here are some items we do not purchase (a non-exhaustive list):
- Advanced Reader’s Copies (ARCs)
- Audio books, CDs, DVDs
- Encyclopedias (or similar sets)
- Ex-library books
- Games, puzzles
- Harlequin Romance
- Magazines
- Pornography
- Reader’s Digest Condensed Books
- Single-issue comic books
- Textbooks
Condition
The condition of a book is the first thing we check. We do not buy damaged books outside of normal wear and tear. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Water damage
- Highlighted or underlined text
- Ripped pages or spines
- Chewed corners
- Hardcover books without dust jackets
Space
Save for a few outliers, we do not take more than one copy of a title at a time. This ensures we have space to fit a wider variety of books for customers to enjoy.
If we are tight in a particular category, we may be more selective until we have space. If we pass on good-condition books for this reason, you are welcome to bring them back and try again!
Our book buyers are not able to separate your books into temporary/permanent passes during walk-ins or appointments. Thank you for understanding.
REMINDER: NO DONATIONS
We are unable to accept donations of the books we do not purchase. Our store does not have the space or capacity and the number of books left behind would overwhelm our staff. Please take all unpurchased books home with you. If you would like to donate them to a good charity, consider Dorcas Ministries on High House Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my books be finished the same day I drop them off for review?
Yes, all walk-ins and appointments are finished the same day you drop off books. Appointments are finished in 30 minutes and, unless we are backlogged, walk-ins are finished in around 15 minutes. If your estimated wait time surpasses this, our buyers will let you know before we begin.
If you are in the store and the time window given to you by our buyers has lapsed, please feel free to inquire about the status of your books. We do not reconcile over the phone. If you leave, you will need to return to the store before closing to settle up with us.
Q: Do I get a text or call when my books are finished?
No, we do not text or call once your books are completed. Appointments are finished in 30 minutes and are ready to be reconciled any time after that before closing. If you are in the store, we do not disturb your browsing. If you leave the store, you may return at any point in the day after the estimated time our buyers tell you.
Q: Can I leave the store while my books are reviewed?
Yes, you may step out to run errands while we review your books. We prefer vendors stay in the store, but if you do choose to leave, we ask that you return the same day to reconcile with us. Any books we do not purchase will go back with you, and we do not have the space to hold them overnight.
Q: I don’t want trade credit or money. Can I still donate my books to your store?
No, we will have to go through our standard book-buying process for any books you bring in. Those we do not accept will go back with you. We do not accept donations of any kind.
Q: I have an appointment which allows me to bring up to 2 containers. What does that mean?
Containers can be totes, boxes, baskets, crates, etc. so long as there are no more than 2 for an appointment. Remember, they must be safe enough to lift and carry!
Q: What does “safe enough to lift and carry” mean?
A reasonable size for a container is no larger than an airport carry-on. Containers are not safe to lift and carry if:
- You cannot easily carry the container into the store
- Our employees cannot safely lift the container onto the counter
- The container becomes a walking hazard at the store’s entrance
- Books stacked on top of the container fall off the moment it is lifted
Q: I have more than 2 boxes of books. Can I set up a second appointment in the same day?
No, we allow one appointment per household per day. If you have more boxes to bring in, we will be happy to set up another appointment at a later date!
Q: I only have 9 books to bring in, but I want to make sure they get looked at today. Can I call to set up an appointment?
No, our appointment slots are specifically for larger book reviews. Unless we are backlogged, walk-ins do not take more than 10-15 minutes. If your estimated wait time surpasses this, our buyers will let you know before we begin.
Q: I have 2 boxes I want to bring in next month. Can I set up an appointment now?
No, we do not schedule appointments more than one week in advance.
Q: Can I sell back books I bought from Mr. Mike’s?
Yes! While we don’t guarantee we’ll be able to buy them back (see “Space” in our Book-Buying Policy), we are always happy for books to find their ways back to our shelves when you’re finished reading them.
Q: Can employees help me bring books in from my car?
No, we are unable to leave the store unattended. However, we do have a dolly in the store that you are welcome to use to assist moving boxes from your car to our store!
Q: Do you offer in-house visits?
No, unfortunately we do not offer in-house visits. All book reviews will need to be done in person at our store.
Q: Can I bring in a list of books I have or show you pictures before I bring them to the store?
No, our buyers must review the books in person to properly assess for condition and space. Our stock changes daily and we cannot guarantee what we will be able to accept.
Q: Can I bring my dog into the store?
Yes, if your dog is well-trained and does not disrupt the store or other visitors. We are also big fans of birds in backpack carriers!
All service animals are permitted and protected under the ADA.
