Books at the Goodwill Bins: Pricing, Strategy, and What to Expect
Nov 20, 2025
Books at the Goodwill Bins are an entire world of their own. Depending on your location, books can be incredibly cheap, oddly expensive, or priced in ways that barely make sense. For resellers, book hunters, homeschoolers, or collectors, this part of the Bins is one of the best places to find value.
Whether you’re searching for vintage paperbacks or planning to resell textbooks, this guide covers everything you need to know—including pricing models, strategies, and how to spot overlooked gems.
If you’re brand new to the Bins overall, start with our Beginner’s Guide to the Goodwill Bins.
1. Why Books at the Bins Are Worth Your Time
Books are often one of the most underrated categories at the Goodwill Outlet. Why?
- Most shoppers focus on clothing and shoes
- Books are heavy, so many people avoid them
- Book resellers aren’t at every outlet
- Books often end up untouched during rotations
- Many bins receive books all day long
If you’re willing to sort through stacks and spines, books can be one of the easiest ways to walk out with value.
2. Types of Book Pricing at the Bins
Every region does this differently. You may see:
A. Per Item Pricing
Common at many outlets:
- $0.50 per book
- $1 per book
- 3 for $1
- Kids books $0.10–$0.25
Simple and often very fair.
B. Per Pound Pricing
Some outlets treat books like clothing and weigh them.
Pros:
- Amazing for lightweight books
- Children’s books become nearly free
Cons:
- Expensive for heavy hardcovers or textbooks
C. Pricing by the Inch
Yes… some locations measure books by spine width.
Common rates:
- $0.99 per inch
- $1.49 per inch
- $2 per 6 inches
This usually happens in regions where book resellers were making too much profit under weight pricing.
D. Mixed Pricing
Some stores use a combination:
- Children’s books per item
- Hardcovers by weight
- Media (CDs, DVDs) individually priced
- Textbooks per inch
Always check the price board at the entrance—book pricing can be the most confusing part of the Bins.
3. Where Books Are Usually Locate#d
Depending on the outlet layout, books can be:
- In dedicated book bins
- In mixed hard goods bins
- In rolling carts
- In media sections
- In corners near checkout
- Occasionally mixed randomly with clothing
Some stores rotate book bins separately from clothing rotations, so pay attention to where staff move carts throughout the day.
4. What Types of Books You’ll Fin#d
You’ll normally see:
- General fiction
- Nonfiction
- Cookbooks
- Children’s books
- Old textbooks
- Coffee table books
- Vintage paperbacks
- Religious books
- Language learning materials
- DIY, craft, sewing and art books
Higher-value categories include:
- Medical or STEM textbooks
- Classic literature with nice covers
- Manga or graphic novels
- Photography and architecture books
- Early editions or out-of-print topics
5. Book Reseller Strategy
Want to turn the book section into profit? Here’s how.
A. Look for Textbooks
Textbooks—even older editions—often resell well.
Watch for:
- Anatomy
- Nursing
- Engineering
- IT
- Law
- Psychology
Even if a book is too old for reselling, homeschoolers may want it.
B. Scan sparingly (or not at all)
Some outlets discourage excessive scanning.
Use scanning apps discreetly or rely on:
- Brand recognition
- Category value
- Subject rarity
- Edition quality
C. Check for hidden books
Shoppers often hide books under clothing to “save” them, especially:
- Art books
- Vintage titles
- Collectible paperbacks
Check under loose textiles.
D. Don’t ignore kids books
They’re cheap and sell fast in lots.
Board books, early readers, and classic series like:
- Magic Tree House
- Goosebumps
- Babysitters Club
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
ALL sell quickly on marketplaces.
6. Condition Matters Less Than You Think
Since Bins items are low cost, many buyers don’t expect perfect condition.
Slight wear is usually fine.
DO check for:
- Mold
- Excessive water damage
- Detached covers
- Missing pages
If you’re shopping for home decor, patina can actually be a bonus.
7. When to Look for Books
Books are added to the Bins:
- During specific book rotations
- Randomly throughout the day
- Whenever staff need to free shelf space in stores
- When shoppers put items back
Arriving late in the day? Great. People return books constantly.
8. What to Bring for Book Hunting
- A strong tote bag
- Gloves
- Phone for scanning
- Notebook for ISBNs
- A small cloth to wipe dusty covers
- A sorting strategy (very helpful)
For a full packed list: What to Bring to the Goodwill Bins
9. How to Avoid Overpaying
Books are heavier than clothes—cost adds up fast.
To avoid surprises:
- Weigh your bag before checkout (some stores have scales)
- Pre-sort your haul by category
- Remove heavy duplicates or textbooks in bad shape
- Confirm if your store rounds up or down
Some outlets give discounts on damaged items—ask.
Final Thoughts
The book section is one of the most rewarding parts of the Bins.
Whether you’re reading for pleasure, hunting for vintage treasures, or flipping for profit, books offer huge value and are often overlooked by the morning rush.