Sitejabber Website Reviews and Complaints
  • Alibris

2024 SITEJABBER AWARD

Alibris

Corporate Values

Overview

Alibris has a rating of 4.7 stars from 81,469 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with Alibris most frequently mention great prices, good price, and shopping experience. Alibris ranks 1st among Used Books sites.

  • Service
    122
  • Value
    989
  • Shipping
    983
  • Quality
    981

Proactively asks for customer feedback

This company responds to reviews on average within 23 hours

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 93.4%
Positive
20,548
Neutral
909
Negative
550
23
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

  • Clear and easy directions make for a hassle free shopping experience.
  • Easy to find DVD I was looking, web site easy to use
  • 2024 Customer Choice Winner

Critical highlights

  • So useless sending a request within minutes of placing the order to the seller NOT to use billing address.
  • Your website started rejecting my credit card for no reason.
  • During checkout I was not offered a chance to enter any 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 (81,469)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

shopping experience (686) web site (300) use site (193) place order (226) billing address (181) credit card (442) coupon code (224) shopping cart (157) 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 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 arthurk161
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
April 10th, 2024
Verified purchase

Significant defacing of the book with ownership paraphernalia found on the dust jacket back edge, both sides of the front endpaper, the title page, stamps on the front, top and bottom edges, etc.

I suppose the Texas State Technical Institute library must have anticipated this would be a highly desirable item given the steps they took to help identify their ownership. However, in this was the case, why did they ever give it up?

Reason I chose this business:

I've used them many times over the years.

Value
Shipping
Quality
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 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 debbied1035
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 23rd, 2024
Verified purchase

I wanted to order a book for a friend who had asked to borrow a book from me upon my finishing it. As my friend is my fantastic Sunday School teacher I wanted to give her this book for her own. I didn't think about this book published in 2012 being out of print now. I was so happy to find this book (Simple Understanding Revelation) at this website. I was even more pleased to receive it timely AND in mint condition. Thank you Alibris for being such a reliable business.

Reason I chose this business:

I chose Alibris because they had the out of print book I was desiring and had a great reviews.

Value
Shipping
Quality
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
• Updated review

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.

Love shopping on Alibris
April 23rd, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Love shopping on Alibris - your store has been a go-to for years, thank you!

Reason I chose this business:

Looking for a good price on this book.

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 valeriew335
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 13th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Alibris is the only used book website where I order books. Since I rarely buy new books, that means a lot of books for a given year. I have a library of about 2,000 books and have only been disappointed once in the past many years. I began ordering from Alibris after half.com discontinued service. The communication from sellers is very satisfactory and the way Alibris keeps me informed when books are shipped is pleasing. I'm a satisfied customer who looks forward to continued satisfaction.

Reason I chose this business:

Alibris was the service I chose after half.com ceased service. The description of available books, the opportunity to have a wish list and the pricing and choice of reliable book sellers is good.

Value
Shipping
Quality
I have a long Wish List which I check on a regular...
March 21st, 2022
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I have a long Wish List which I check on a regular basis. Then, when I see books on my list that I'm ready to buy, away I go. What a wonderful experience!

Reason I chose this business:

Alibris is the only online book store from which I buy books. Thank you for being such a good source of good reading.

I love this website and the books and service you give
February 13th, 2022
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I love this website and the books and service you give. Thank you.

Reason I chose this business:

It's the only place I buy books.

The only place I shop for books, always happy
November 3rd, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Every order I make with Alibris I receive prompt service
October 18th, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review
Reason I chose this business:

The only place I go to buy used books.

I love shopping with Alibris
September 27th, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I love shopping with Alibris. I can always count on a good experience.

Reason I chose this business:

My used book site of choice.

I've been buying books from Alibris ever since half.com...
April 30th, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I've been buying books from Alibris ever since half.com "went away." Without fail, I've been satisfied and I'm happy to continue as a customer.

Reason I chose this business:

Alibris is my only supplier of used books. Thank you.

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 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 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 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 donnar2480
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 22nd, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

This one was simple as always. Had an issue or 2 during a Dec. Order. Was refunded for an LP I didn't order. But never recieved the cd of Silver Morning from. For some reason when I reviewed details. That says returned as well. So I lucky found another CD for Silver Morning and placed the order. This should run smooth. Service has been great but you need to be patient when an issue arises. They will take care of it just tales a little longer than expected. Thank you!

Reason I chose this business:

Just got thru reading an email from Daniel (Company?) and thought I'd look toi see if the cd I was looking for for so long might have come up for sale. My lucky day. Thanks

Problem Is with last order
March 9th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Problem Is with last order. Oredered 2 CDS by Kenny Rankin one came as described the other CD descried on my order came as a vinyl. I have no use for this and the CD was to be a gift in a few weeks. This is the first error that has happened with HPB-Ruby in Texas which I gave high marks until now. Not sure as to how this will be handled since they are showing no more CDS of Silver Moon in CD version available. This was to be a gift to my 89 year old mother. She heard my copy and wanted one

Reason I chose this business:

To see if they can help with this is. I'd like the proper cd but if not possible refund for album $22.65 7% tax, shipping and not aharges to me to return thhis album I NEVER ORDERED.

So far I have been VERY pleased with the condition...
February 20th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

So far I have been VERY pleased with the condition of the CD's I've ordered.
I'm getting 2 copies for my Mom.

Reason I chose this business:

Noticed the email notice of end of sale. Thought it had already ended and had missed it.

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 lindac5629
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 25th, 2024
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I had to reset my password. I had books in my cart which "disappeared"? Why? When I searched for them the Cumulative Cloth "uses" edition was no longer available - coincidence? Or?

Received a polite and intelligent reply to the issue - it was what I expected - lack of foresight in the computer programming which left the item off the website. Nice to do business with a company that sends a comprehensive response!

Reason I chose this business:

Price was lowest for Intentional Thread during a web search

Value
Shipping
Quality
I had to reset my password
April 22nd, 2024
Verified purchase
• Previous review

I had to reset my password. I had books in my cart which "disappeared"? Why? When I searched for them the Cumulative Cloth "uses" edition was no longer available - coincidence? Or?

Reason I chose this business:

Price was lowest for Intentional Thread during a web search

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 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 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 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 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 edm1017
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 31st, 2023
Verified purchase

Too difficult to change to new email addy and security system sent me to Amazon. Wasted nearly 2 hours over two days. Not sure item will actually arrive. Ordered New book@ $17. Checkout says They took $35. Granted, I"m an old guy, not fluent with online ordering, but old guys are a big market for books. No?

Reason I chose this business:

Used it before, no problems.

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

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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 23 hours

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4.7
81,469 reviews
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