The used book sector has never been better. 58% of French people buy them, according to an Ifop barometer.
In recent years, the French have been buying more and more second-hand books, both on the Internet and in stores. This is the ideal solution for reading enthusiasts looking to save money, but also to do something for the planet. Contrary to what one might think, many recent titles can even be found among second-hand books, not so long after their release, including those from the literary season. In addition, they are not necessarily in poor condition and may even have never been read. According to a study, certain genres sell even better than others, but which ones?
Why do the French buy more and more second-hand books?
On Monday October 7, 2024, an Ifop barometer, in partnership with Amazon, analyzed the way the French buy books. According to this study, more and more people are buying second-hand books (58%). Among these consumers, 76% acquired even more than in previous years. But why such a craze for second-hand books?
According to the responses of the respondents, 86% affirm that they use this solution to “save money”. Furthermore, 84% believe that buying second-hand books allows them to “save money, buy more books and therefore read more”. Finally, 80% of respondents buy second-hand books to preserve the planet.
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Which used books sell best?
Of all the books that we find second hand, some of them sell better than others. In 2023, a study carried out by the Ministry of Culture and the French Society of the Interests of Written Authors (SOFIA), showed which works sold best, as reported News.
According to this study, it is second-hand books of general literature that sold best between 2018 and 2022. These works are even more often purchased second hand than new. Just behind, we find children’s books, which then only last a short time in children’s libraries, their reading then adapting to their ages. Finally, comics, mangas and comics also sell very well second-hand.
The success of used books among consumers is understandable, because generally, their price is half that of new books. It can drop even more over the years, unless they are limited editions or signed works.
