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4.3 349 Reviews

AbeBooks Complaints Summary

7 Resolved
48 Unresolved
Our verdict: With AbeBooks's very poor resolution rate, careful consideration is needed. Research their service comprehensively, and read up on how they handle customer disputes. If you face issues, be prepared for potential challenges in obtaining resolutions and explore other service providers as backups.
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AbeBooks reviews & complaints 77

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2:00 pm EST
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AbeBooks Sales Tax on Texbooks in New Jersey

I have rented/purchased a textbook from your website under my e-mail. Your company has charged me with an appropriate sales tax. New Jersey Sales and Use Tax Act N.J.S.A. 54:32B-8.21 exempt sales tax on textbooks required for use at schools, colleges, and universities. Therefore, I request a refund in the amount of $0.61 to be refunded to my card. Your customer Service refused.

Desired outcome: I request a refund to be refunded to my card. Your customer Service refused.

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12:21 pm EST
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AbeBooks Delivery time for order

I ordered a book from you on 11 December Order no. [protected]; a book by Kaffe Fassett - which was in stock at Blackwell's. Considering it didn't have to be ordered from a publisher I expected delivery by Christmas - it was a Christmas present. - a big mistake on my part. The delivery service was abysmal - quite the worst that I have experienced!

Originally quoted for delivery 1 January 2022 which was shocking for something in stock; it is now 1 January and it still hasn't arrived.

The tracker suggests that it didn't move anywhere until 31 December - a full 20 days after I placed the order. Why? - what was going on? Online sales rely on prompt delivery - your new owners are expert at it. Please don't blame the Christmas holiday period - it would have slowed things up... but not so badly that delivery takes 3 weeks.
I've just checked on Trustpilot. Do you ever read the reviews? and if so - do you do anything about it? I have prepared a review for Trustpilot but will hold it pending your response
Ian Kerr CB4 1HX ian.[protected]@gmail.com

Desired outcome: Compensation

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4:02 pm EST
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AbeBooks Hippo Books

I ordered a book "When Corruption Was King" by Robert Cooley. Hippo Books described it as HARDBACK in LIKE NEW condition. Today I received it. IT IS A PAPERBACK IN TERRIBLE CONDITION. Water stains, many bent pages., stickers all over the book, creases on the covers, faded pages, and more. This is absolute fraud, as well as mail fraud. There are so many BBB complaints about them. You have many complaints about them doing the same thing to others. This is a continuing pattern and practice of illegal business practices. I urge you to not let this happen to others. I am in my 70s. Please don't do business with them.

Absolute liars and scammers. Despicable.

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9:31 am EDT
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AbeBooks Refund for order no. [protected]

Dear Sir / Madam

I ordered two books through Abe Books which listed the books as shipping from within the UK. I heard nothing further for a number of days, and after chasing it up with the seller I was informed that the books had been dispatched from the U.S. and there were no tracking details that they could provide.

The items have still not been received, and Abe Books are refusing to refund the cost of the order £28.88, without my returning the books. I have had a number of email communications with you informing you that the books have not arrived. I have also asked for tracking details and waited until the end of the estimated delivery period, which has now passed. My complaints with Abe Books relate specifically to the following:

1. The Abe Website clearly listed these items as being sent from 'within the UK' with the seller based in Castle Donnington. They were in fact shipped from the U.S.

2. I received no confirmation of despatch or tracking information for the items I purchased.

3. At Abe Book's request, I waited until the end of the estimated delivery time frame of 4-14 business days as stated on the website. This expired on 17th September 2020.

4. Despite all of the above, Abe Books are still refusing to refund my money even though they cannot tell me where this package it and when it may arrive. The most recent email I have received from Abe Books is today, once again asking for the books to be returned.

The only reasonable resolution to this ongoing issue is for Abe Books to refund me in full the amount of £28.88, or otherwise provide some tracking information on the whereabouts of these books which were ordered over 3 weeks ago.

Thank you.

Saadiya Alam
[protected]@hotmail.com

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11:23 am EDT
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AbeBooks Used book ordered not in condition ordered

I ordered a very good copy of The New Laurel's Kitchen from Hippo Books. It was ordered on August 21, 2020. The AbeBooks Sales Order Number is [protected] and the AbeBooks Purchase Order Number is [protected]. It is definitely not a very good copy. It is a former library copy and has a lot of wear. It is also torn at the top of the spine and bent on the back cover neither of which was mentioned in the Hippo Books description. It cost about $4.00 so it is not worth the time or money to return. I would greatly appreciate a refund, though, since it is not in the condition that I ordered. By the way, I checked Hippo Books with the Better Business Bureau and they got two stars, but AbeBooks lists them as a five star vendor. This seems very misleading and considering the reviews I read, AbeBooks should reconsider doing business with Hippo Books. Thank you for any help you can give me in this matter.

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Update by Karen L. Flores
Sep 04, 2020 5:57 pm EDT

This was very satisfactorily resolved by AbeBooks. A very good copy was sent quickly from Hippo Books (It actually said Discover Books on the package, but it was Hippo Books on the order.) I am happy with AbeBooks, but I will be careful about ordering from Hippo Books in the future. Karen Flores

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7:52 pm EST
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AbeBooks wolverine book

I ordered this book from Hippo through Amazon. First I waited two weeks (they do not provide any sort of tracking) before I threatened them with going to the BBB. After that, I received it in 5 days. Hippo said it was in good shape. It was in horrible and disgusting shape, stickers all over it, had writing on some pages, had dried up food on a few pages, and some pages torn. It was useless and I pitched it. Will never buy from Hippo again.

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4:45 pm EST
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AbeBooks delivery service

I understand that providing free shipping is gracious on your behalf but I placed an order with you on Dec 30th. On January 4th the shipment was in Huntington Beach, CA which is 100 or so miles from me. As of today January 16th I still have not received it. I buy used books all the time and your delivery is by far the worse I have encountered. I placed another offer through another book company at the same time and I had it a week ago. I will not continue to buy through you. There is no excuse for my delivery to take this long to be delivered.

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9:05 am EDT

AbeBooks delivery of wrong books.

The service the customer receives from ABE Books is largely down to the service provided by individual, independent booksellers. I have been a customer of ABE sellers for 20 years. In the last 9 months, I have received terrible service from two US booksellers who sent me the wrong book (i.e. not the one I ordered) and then refused to accept I had a legitimate complaint and refused to make refunds. What was also unacceptable was ABE's stance: they supported their sellers and were happy to crap on their customer.

I will avoid ABE as much as I possibly can, and order from their sellers ONLY WHEN I have exhausted all other avenues ... or maybe just not bother with a particular book. but find something else appropriate to my interests on Amazon, or another seller who actually provides a Guarantee Refund Service as Amazon does.

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5:24 pm EDT
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AbeBooks online book store

Abe Books has made charges to my credit card without authorization.
The amount on my invoice do not match the amount on my card statement.
Abe Books claims my card issuer pads charges.
My card issuer says the did not, it was Abe Books.

Warning!

The quoted price is not what they bill you!

(They make up multiple stories, one after another. It was shipping. (Shipping was free).
It was a foreign transaction fee charged by your card issuer. (No fees were charged)

It goes round and round.

My card company closed my card due to Abe Books fraud.

Beware!

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3:50 pm EDT

AbeBooks book, "ma'am darling: 99 glimpses of princess margaret by craig brown

I ordered the book via internet, via AbeBooks, on August 5th, 2018. It was supposed to take 3-10 business days. Even adding a week it's been over 15 business days, 16 including today.

Do you have any idea where it may be? If I just had a shipping number, I could track it down myself. The companies (AbeBooks, US & Book Depository UK) do not recognize me as a customer. Yet I have the purchase order.
Please help.

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7:39 am EDT

AbeBooks moldy books received from china

Bookseller: liu xing (JiangSu, JS China)
Received mold filled set of 15 books. At first we thought is was just the normal chemical spray odor that we smelled, until we opened the books. We had them examined by a professional preservationist, to assure us it was mold and that they should not be close to other book (we currently have them quarantined). They need to be disposed of. Seriously, passing them off as being old (2003) as a reason for mold is ridiculous.
A refund has been initiated through the order line. We would suggest a full refund and we will dispose of the books. It is a difficult process for a state university to return international items, but with nearly $500 dollars on the line, we'll do what we must.

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5:36 am EDT

AbeBooks textbooks

Do not conduct business with this crappy company. The stress and lowered price is not worth the hassle.

Hippo Books through Barnes and Noble is a scam. I'll attach emails for proof.

I ordered on Jan 31 two BioChem books. One cheap lab workbook for $3 and a more expensive student textbook for $13 plus $8 or so shipping.

1. My order took almost 3 weeks to ship even though the company is supposedly a 15 hr drive from me. Pretty sure they're outside of the U. S. Ordered on Jan 31 - arrived Feb 20-something.

2. As soon as I got my box, opened it and saw I had gotten 2 beat up copies of the super cheap lab manual. Emailed them instantly.

3. Didn't get a response I sent to my email I sent on the 25th of February until March 5th and it was a 1 or 2 line message asking for my order number.

4. After sending them my order number on March 6th, literally the next day, it's been radio silence. I've sent them 4 emails from March 6th to March 27th and have gotten no response.

If this company screws you over - do not let them get away with them.

Report them!
I'm reporting them to the BBB, I'm having my bank report the transaction as fraudulent and getting me a refund.

This company operates on the knowledge that they can screw people and get away with it because college kids are too busy to report it. Do not let them do that. Report them until the BBB closes their crappy business down.

You don't conduct business based on gaining funds from people you've screwed over, who are too overoccupied to report your shady behavior.

I'm getting what I ordered or I'm getting my money back, if your business is closed in the process, so be it.

Barnes and Noble should be ashamed for having any ties to this shifty company.

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6:50 pm EST

AbeBooks service

I very rarely eat lunch/dinner at Abe's and the one night I planned to enjoy a nice meal made just for me and my husband I didn't even receive. I was very disappointed how no employees around even acknowledged us. We sat down waiting patiently to be greeted and served, while 2 other people have been helped and seated. We waited patiently for a booth And had asked twice if there was any booths available yet while your employee was over the counter on his phone and when we asked the second time he said one just became available and finally was able to seat us . We sat there for about 15 minutes and didn't even get any drinks while waitresses and waiter are helping everyone around us out I was very disappointed with my night and this isn't the first time this has happened

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4:04 am EST

AbeBooks Beware

I always try new book services. And this one is the worst. First of all, their shipping is very slow. You can get your book or textbook when you already don't need it because its shipping/delivery will take a long time.
Next, they have no protection for customers. If something wrong happens and it happens often, believe me) you will be the one interested in your issue resolution. That's how they are.
Please, don't waste your time and money and shop elsewhere.

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4:06 am EST

AbeBooks Do not order from this site

My complaint is simple and I want simple things.
I bought a book that was out of stock (I didn't know about it though). They decided that I would be ok with another book on the same topic (and they were wrong). So I got a different book I really didn't need (and it was a little cheaper than the one I ordered).
I asked them to fix this problem, they refused to do it.
Then I asked for a refund, which is very logical. They never answered.

That's all. You have to stay away from these scammers. Save your money for better websites where every customer is valued.

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1:08 pm EDT
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AbeBooks I still did not receive the book 12 days after the estimated date.

I placed an order on 6 October and the order number is [protected]. However, I still did not receive the book 12 days after the estimated delivery date (19 October 2017). I tried to contact the bookseller for twice but failed. I also asked usps about my package and they said they did not know where the package was. I really need the textbook right now and this has wasted too much time and energy.
Now I do not want waste any time on this and require refund immediately.

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3:42 am EDT

AbeBooks No service at all

I hope you admit your company sux.
Why do you offer an expedited delivery if you never deliver on time? Even though I never received my order, I thought that maybe I would ask it.
The worst thing is when I contacted them to find out where my book was they said that they actually never shipped it.
Wonderful. I asked why. they didn't know what to say.

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3:28 am EDT

AbeBooks I was charged twice and didn't receive the book

I have tried to buy a book from Abebooks, but never received anything. When I made my order they charged me right away but I didn't receive any confirmation and when I contacted Abebooks their rep said that something went wrong and they were not able to process my order. I was asked to make another order and I actually did that. I had no idea that was a scam and I wasn't expecting them to charge me for the second time. I was really in need of that book and simply couldn't find it anywhere else, that's why I so desperately tried to place a new order.
As a result, I was charged twice and didn't receive the book. Company didn't reply when I asked for a refund, they simply decided to ignore me for the rest of the time.

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3:47 am EDT

AbeBooks Slow delivery, fake promises and unprofessional service

I bought a book from Abebooks online store and that was a gift and I needed to get it as soon as possible.
I paid extra money for fast shipping and they promised I'll get my book within 5 business days. 5 days later there was no sign of my book so I contacted Abebooks and their rep said that they need more time. They assured me it will be here within a couple of days. Another lie.
17 days later I sent a cancellation message and they replied that it was already too late for that. Asked about the delivery date and heard nothing back.
Please, do not deal with this store, they are nothing but a bunch of scammers. It is now over a month and still nothing.

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8:20 am EST

AbeBooks Ordered my book over a month ago and still nothing

I have ordered a book from this website Abebooks in December and did not receive it. I asked them to cancel my order numerous times but they did not reply. I want to cancel my order and get my money back and I have absolutely no idea what to do. Delivery was taking way too long so I ordered from another site because that book was necessary for my class. Received it within a couple of days.
Abebooks seems like a scam, they don't deliver orders and do not reply. I would not recommend buying from them, they are highly unprofessional!

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AbeBooks Customer Reviews Overview

AbeBooks is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of books, art, and collectibles. The website has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers, with many praising the vast selection of books available and the ease of use of the website.

Customers have also praised the competitive pricing of books on AbeBooks, with many finding great deals on rare and hard-to-find titles. The website's customer service has also received high marks, with many customers reporting quick and helpful responses to their inquiries.

In addition to books, AbeBooks also offers a wide selection of art and collectibles, with many customers finding unique and valuable items on the website. The website's search function has also been praised for its accuracy and ease of use, making it easy for customers to find exactly what they are looking for.

Overall, AbeBooks is a highly recommended online marketplace for book lovers and collectors alike. With its vast selection, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service, it is a top choice for anyone looking to buy or sell books, art, or collectibles online.

AbeBooks In-depth Review

In Summary: AbeBooks is a well-regarded online marketplace that connects readers with a vast selection of books, including rare and collectible titles. The website is user-friendly, with a robust search functionality and mobile responsiveness. Prices are competitive, and the site offers a range of shipping options. Customer service is responsive, and the site provides a secure shopping experience. AbeBooks supports local bookstores and promotes environmental responsibility. While the selection of e-books and audiobooks is limited, the site excels in offering physical books, especially hard-to-find editions. Overall, AbeBooks is a reliable and valuable resource for book lovers.

Website Usability: AbeBooks offers a clean and intuitive navigation layout, making it easy for users to browse and find books. The search functionality is comprehensive, allowing for detailed queries by author, title, ISBN, and more. The site is mobile-friendly, ensuring a seamless shopping experience across various devices.

Selection and Variety: The range of books available on AbeBooks is impressive, with millions of new, used, out-of-print, and rare books. Collectors can find a treasure trove of rare and collectible books, though the availability of e-books and audiobooks is limited compared to other platforms.

Pricing and Value: Book prices on AbeBooks are competitive, often allowing buyers to compare prices from different sellers. Shipping costs and options vary by seller, but many offer reasonable rates and choices. Deals and discounts are occasionally available, particularly through seller promotions and sales.

Customer Service: AbeBooks provides responsive customer support, with clear return and refund policies outlined on the site. Customer feedback and reviews are accessible, offering insights into the experiences of other buyers.

Shipping and Delivery: Delivery timeframes are generally reliable, though they can vary depending on the seller's location and the shipping method chosen. Packaging quality is typically high, with sellers understanding the importance of protecting books during transit. International shipping services are available, expanding the reach of AbeBooks to a global audience.

Condition of Books: The accuracy of book descriptions is a strong point for AbeBooks, with sellers providing detailed information on the condition of new and used books. Rare and fragile items are usually handled with care, though conditions can vary from seller to seller.

Payment and Security: AbeBooks offers a variety of payment options, including major credit cards and PayPal. Transactions are secure, and the site's privacy policy is designed to protect user information.

Seller Interaction: Communication with sellers is straightforward, and seller ratings and reliability are visible to buyers. The dispute resolution process is in place to address any issues that may arise during transactions.

User Experience: The customer account features on AbeBooks are user-friendly, offering personalized recommendations and the ability to engage with the community through forums and reviews. The site does not have a strong focus on e-books and audiobooks, which may affect the user experience for those seeking digital formats.

Social Responsibility: AbeBooks demonstrates a commitment to environmental impact by promoting the sale of used books. The platform supports local bookstores by allowing them to list their inventories online. Ethical practices are emphasized throughout the company's operations.

Website Features and Tools: The BookFinder service is a standout feature, helping users locate hard-to-find books. Wish lists and notifications keep customers informed about the availability of desired titles. The Price Watch feature alerts users to price drops on watched items.

Promotions and Marketing: AbeBooks engages customers through email newsletters, which include updates on new arrivals and special promotions. The company has a visible social media presence and offers an affiliate program for partners.

Industry Reputation: AbeBooks has earned awards and recognitions for its service in the book industry. It stands out among competitors for its vast selection of rare and collectible books. The company has formed partnerships and collaborations that enhance its industry standing.

Overall Satisfaction: The pros of AbeBooks include its extensive selection of books, user-friendly website, and commitment to customer service. Cons may include the limited selection of digital formats and variability in shipping costs. User experiences are generally positive, and the site comes highly recommended for those in search of physical books, particularly rare and out-of-print editions.

How to file a complaint about AbeBooks?

Here is a guide on how to file a complaint against AbeBooks on ComplaintsBoard.com:

1. Log in or Create an Account:
- If you already have an account on ComplaintsBoard.com, log in using your credentials. If not, create a new account to proceed.

2. Navigating to the Complaint Form:
- Locate and click on the 'File a Complaint' button on the ComplaintsBoard.com website. You can find this button at the top right corner of the website.

3. Writing the Title:
- Summarize the main issue you have with AbeBooks in the 'Complaint Title'. Be concise but descriptive.

4. Detailing the Experience:
- Provide detailed information about your experience with AbeBooks. Include key areas such as transactions, the nature of the issue, steps taken to resolve it, personal impact, and the company's response.

5. Attaching Supporting Documents:
- Attach any relevant supporting documents to strengthen your complaint. Avoid including sensitive personal data in these documents.

6. Filling Optional Fields:
- Use the 'Claimed Loss' field to state any financial losses incurred and the 'Desired Outcome' field to specify the resolution you are seeking.

7. Review Before Submission:
- Review your complaint for clarity, accuracy, and completeness before submitting it. Ensure all necessary details are included.

8. Submission Process:
- Click the 'Submit' button to submit your complaint. Once submitted, your complaint will be processed by ComplaintsBoard.com.

9. Post-Submission Actions:
- Regularly check for any responses or updates related to your complaint on ComplaintsBoard.com. Stay engaged with the process.

Make sure to follow these steps carefully to effectively file a complaint against AbeBooks on ComplaintsBoard.com.

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