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AbeBooks

AbeBooks

www.abebooks.com
What is your customer experience with AbeBooks?

AbeBooks Overview

The aggregated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.

  • AbeBooks has 1.8 star rating based on 198 customer reviews. Consumers are mostly dissatisfied.

  • 6% of users would likely recommend AbeBooks to a friend or colleague.

  • Rating Distribution
  • Pros: No pros, Books & prices, Good selection.
    Cons: Customer service, Ca in abebooks scams people, Contact number for your customers not a machine telling you to email.

View full overview ›

Media from reviews

AbeBooks - I got ripped off!
AbeBooks - I got ripped off! - Image 2AbeBooks - I got ripped off! - Image 3AbeBooks - I got ripped off! - Image 4AbeBooks - Wrong BookAbeBooks - Wrong Book - Image 2AbeBooks - Overcharge I ordered two books. They charged me for three.
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Top AbeBooks Reviews

Positive Review

"Would not accept information nor when I entered the characters. Please assist."

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I copied the characters and numbers that were requested. But it will not accept them, even though they are printed out identically. Please help; I would like...

Critical Review

"Missing book pages"

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I ordered a book from Abe Books that came from Thrift Books-Atlanta. The book was missing the first 38 pages. I found no way to contact Abe Books for help. Abe...

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Anonymous
map-marker Yonkers, New York

Missing book pages

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I ordered a book from Abe Books that came from Thrift Books-Atlanta. The book was missing the first 38 pages.

I found no way to contact Abe Books for help. Abe Books should take some responsibility since they promote these sellers on their website. Their website only had away to contact Thrift Books which I did. Thrift Books never contacted me back.

I started a refund/return in which I had to pay for shipping it back to them. The cost of the shipping would be just as much as I paid for the book so I decided not to return it.

I will never order from Abe Books or Thrift Books again!!

View full review

User's recommendation: Buy from somewhere else even if it cost more

Marcia R Dsa

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

I got ripped off!

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AbeBooks - I got ripped off!
AbeBooks - I got ripped off! - Image 2
AbeBooks - I got ripped off! - Image 3
AbeBooks - I got ripped off! - Image 4
Original review updated Sep 27, 2025

My book was supposed to be signed by Doris Day and when it arrived today, there was no such signature. I paid enough for such a thing, but I got ripped off!

I can't even contact them as their contact number automatically hangs up on me the minute I dial it and when I try to contact them through their website, they claim my Apple iPhone browser doesn't support their site! I am so angry!

I will never buy a damn thing from them again! It was from Toscana Books, a seller on ABE Books.

View full review
Loss:
$110
Cons:
  • Bait and switch tactics

Preferred solution: Price reduction

User's recommendation: Don’t buy anything from them!

jolie j Api

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Wrong Book

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AbeBooks - Wrong Book
AbeBooks - Wrong Book - Image 2

I called your 3rd party vendor and they indicated that you advertised the wrong book for Nick Murray's The Game of Numbers. I wanted the new version.

That's what the receipt indicated. The red book, not the older version in blue. I paid almost $100.00 for this book. Please send me the right one!

Call me at 203-891-****. Thank you.

View full review
Loss:
$96

Preferred solution: Apology

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Kym-kisha N

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Inquiry

A recorded message directed to contact customer support via email defeating the purpose of calling. I wished to speak to a live person.

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Preferred solution: My work is being sold on Abe Books, I have questions

Robert H Uuc
map-marker Seattle, Washington

Pathetic customer service.

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Desperately trying to make your order system and shipping system work. I am so frustrated. I think I never want to use your service again.

View full review

User's recommendation: Shop elsewhere. Customer service sucks.

NadineC J

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Riverton, Utah

It won't allow me to purchase my books

Updated by user Nov 04, 2025

Could never talk to a real person.

Original review Nov 03, 2025

I have tried for two weekends to purchase books from Abe's Books. I receive an error message each time.

I have tried changing my password with no luck. I just want to purchase the books.

I have purchased from Abe's Books before and have been very satisfied. Could someone please contact me from Abe's Books to resolve this problem?

View full review
Pros:
  • Great service
Cons:
  • Just having trouble completing my most recent order

Preferred solution: The order completed in my basket through Abe's Books.

Barbara L Hfo
map-marker Lake Worth, Florida

Would not accept information nor when I entered the characters. Please assist.

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I copied the characters and numbers that were requested. But it will not accept them, even though they are printed out identically. Please help; I would like to make the purchase.

View full review

Preferred solution: Book

User's recommendation: Purchase was needed, but would not proceed past letters and numbers to be copied for a year verification please help

Anonymous
map-marker Eau Claire, Wisconsin

I have been an AbeBook customer for a number of years and have never had an issue. Today i went to purchase a $4.00 book and the check out process was so difficult that I tried every number listed

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Each number went to an answering machine.'t I went back to abeBook check out and was directed to my email accoumt to retrieve a secret code. I went back to check out and it wouldn't take the secret code, Out of exasperation I gave up and bought it directly from the seller. I'll never use AbeBooks again.

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Te S Kou

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Question about a book

No one answered the call. I needed to make sure that the item I'm interested in purchasing is an accurate description of what is shown because it's an older edition I've been looking for, and your system kept hanging up.

View full review
Pros:
  • Prices
Cons:
  • No personal to validate the item i searched out

Preferred solution: A BOOK DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ON LINE LISTING

User's recommendation: PUT A PERSON THERE THAT CAN ANSWER VERBALLY!

Kazi M Qoy

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Refund

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AbeBooks - Refund

Urgent: Undelivered Item and Refund Request (Order #[74450****])

Dear Abebooks Customer Support,

I am writing to express my deep frustration regarding an unresolved issue related to my order placed on [insert order date] for a book priced at $58. The item was marked as delivered in January, but I never received it.

I filed a formal complaint in February and followed up again today, yet I have still not received either the product or a refund. This delay is unacceptable and reflects poor customer service, despite my repeated attempts to resolve this matter through the proper channels.

I respectfully request the following actions: 1. A full refund of $58 issued without further delay.

If this issue is not resolved within the next 3 business days, I will be left with no option but to escalate the matter through additional channels, including formal dispute filing, social media escalation, and a complaint to the Better Business Bureau.

I hope for your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to a quick resolution.

Sincerely,

Kazi Nur E Mustakim

Email: knm2425@***.uta.edu

View full review
Loss:
$58

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: I have very bad experience because I paid whole amount for the books but I didn’t get my books and I make a complaint for the refund but it’s almost 3 months gone, but they’re not even give any response from their side. It’s very irritating and disappointing.

Brandonlee Fxc

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

About My MasterCard being declined on a charge for an item

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I resolved the problem apparently it wasn't my master card it was the system on The site so not worry anymore it happened to other customers before so I'm still getting MY items so all good now, it wasn't my card it was the computer system Of some sort so I do apologise I tested MY card and was approved

View full review
Carol W Ckr

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Victoria, British Columbia

Wrong address!

My ship address is wrong! I need to change it to 463 Kaiser Rd, Townshend, Vermont 05353. Please make this my default.

View full review
Pros:
  • Great prices on books

Preferred solution: Change ship address before my order ships 752280371

Herb B Jhr

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Can't purchase books.

On this day, July 31st, 2025, I placed 2 books in the basket to purchase them, but my login was rejected. I tried to reset the password, but my efforts were denied.

It is impossible to contact customer service without the ability to sign on, which I can't do. I called the 1-80*-***-****, but was directed to their site to submit a request by logging on! I can't submit a request for help with a sign-on issue because I am not permitted to sign on. It's a catch-22!

You're damned if you do and damned if you don't. So how does one get around a Mickey Mouse zoo that is little more than a different-styled government bureaucracy? Who's the idiot that set up this maze and gauntlet? Imagine if the people at AbeBooks were in charge of the government!

What a pathetic service... worse than the post office and social security systems.

View full review

User's recommendation: Go elsewhere. You are given no other choice.

Anonymous

Unable to contact to resolve order issue

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Received an email notifying me of a refund for a return. As the purchase was not even due until the following week (therefore no received) thought I would try to contact company.

First, the US # refers you to the website. Verizon cannot connect to the Canadian #.

Chat is with a contractor that wants $5 up front refundable (I wonder) to help. I will never order multiple items and if the refund is issued without explanation never use ABE again.

View full review

User's recommendation: Never buy more at one time than you can afford to lose. No customer service.

Resolved
Lavina Pya

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Resolved: Need to cancel order

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Instructions non existant..no dialogue at all what symbols are you even talking about in your messnever

View full review

User's recommendation: NEVER!! even consider thinking about dealing with Abe books

Teresa M Ndm

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Overcharge I ordered two books. They charged me for three.

AbeBooks - Overcharge I ordered two books. They charged me for three.

April 15 I ordered two Provence Kaffe Fassett.

Was charged $23.11.

KS9BKX.

April 15, I was charged $9.27 KSYZA2.

April 15, I was charged $5.30 KSQZA3.

Why do I have three charges? I understand the $5.30 was shipping, but where is this $9.27 coming from?

Are they overcharging me for the book or are they sending me another book? I'm confused; I only ordered 2. 614984****.

View full review
Loss:
$9

Preferred solution: A third book

User's recommendation: I recommend you all the time, but if this is not corrected, I will stop recommending you

About

Related Companies

Amazon, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK, Amazon India

Summary

AbeBooks was launched in 1996. It is an online marketplace where consumers can buy new, used, rare, out-of-print books and usual cheap textbooks. Additionally, AbeBooks Company provides their clients with the service of connection with thousands of professional booksellers around the world. In the result of this extra service millions of books are listed for sale and are available to potential buyers. AbeBooks offers one more option for the books buyers such as advanced search using different features of the demanded book. The search can be conducted on the basis of information connected with author, title, keyword, ISBN, price, publisher, publishing date, bookseller location of the book or the key attributes such as first edition, dust jacket, sighed of the book. Books can be purchased through the secure server using Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB.

AbeBooks reviews and complaints

AbeBooks is ranked 313 out of 6280 in Periodicals & Publishing category

Area Served

Canada, USA

Payment Methods

VISA

Abebooks FAQs

Winnie Murugi
PissedConsumer Reporter

AbeBooks FAQs

www.abebooks.com is a secure place to shop as the platform offers Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to keep the client's credit card information safe. So the company is considered as legit. The Abebooks helpline number is 1-800-315-5335. Abebooks reliable helplines to contact the legal departments are 1-206-508-4035 and 1-250-475-6014.

AbeBooks was owned by Amazon.com, Inc. in 2008.

The AbeBooks address to mail the company on general inquiries is AbeBooks Inc., Suite 500-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, BC V9A 6X5, Canada. You can send your questions, concerns, or complaints to this corporate office for the customer support team to handle. You will get a response with the requested information or instructions to resolve your issue after the AbeBooks customer service representatives study your case. You can also send official notices, requests, and other documents to this address. If you have questions about the Privacy Policy, address them to the Legal Department at this office. You can reach the Data Protection Officer faster by emailing your inquiry to privacy@abebooks.com.

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