Half Price Books is a used and new bookstore chain with locations across Texas and one in Colorado
Half Price Books is a retail bookstore that buys, sells, and trades used books alongside new books at discounted prices. The chain operates physical locations in Texas (primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Austin) and Colorado (Denver). Unlike online-only retailers, you browse in person, handle books before buying, and can sell or trade your own books on the spot.
The store's model centers on used inventory. Half Price Books purchases books from individuals, estate sales, and library sales, then resells them at roughly half the original retail price — which is where the name comes from. New books are also stocked, typically at a discount to the publisher's suggested price. You can walk in with books you no longer want and receive cash or store credit when ready.
The chain does not operate an online store or ship books to your home. All transactions happen at a physical location. Store hours and inventory vary by location, so checking the specific store's details before visiting is necessary if you have a particular book in mind.
Key Takeaways
- Half Price Books operates only in Texas and Colorado as brick-and-mortar locations where you shop in person and cannot order online for delivery.
- Used books are priced at roughly half their original retail price, and new books are discounted from the publisher's list price.
- You can sell or trade books at any Half Price Books location and receive cash or store credit on the same day.
- The store buys books in most categories but may decline damaged, water-stained, or heavily marked-up copies, and prices offered for used books vary by condition and demand.
How buying used books works at Half Price Books
When you enter a Half Price Books location, used books are organized by category — fiction, mystery, science fiction, history, biography, and others. Prices are marked on the back cover or inside the front cover. Because inventory comes from individual sales and estate purchases, the same title may not be in stock every time you visit, and you may find multiple copies of the same book at different prices depending on condition.
Used books are typically priced between 30 and 60 percent below the original retail price, though the exact discount depends on the book's condition, how recent the publication is, and current demand. A hardcover in good condition costs more than a paperback of the same title in fair condition. Books with highlighting, underlining, or bent spines are marked down further.
You pay at checkout like any retail store. Half Price Books does not hold books on reserve, so if you find something you want, you should purchase it then rather than planning to return later — another customer may buy it first.
Selling or trading your own books
Half Price Books buys books directly from customers at the register. You bring in books you own, the staff evaluates them, and you receive an offer on the spot. The store looks at the title, publication date, condition, and current demand. Books in high demand or recent publications typically receive higher offers than older or less popular titles.
The store will not buy books that are water-damaged, heavily stained, have broken spines, or are marked up extensively with pen or highlighter. Textbooks are usually not purchased. If the store declines a book, you take it with you — there is no consignment or waiting period.
You can choose to receive cash for your books or store credit, which is often worth slightly more than the cash offer. Store credit can be used when ready on anything in the store. The entire transaction takes place at the register during your visit; there is no waiting for payment or approval.
New books and discounted pricing
Half Price Books stocks new books alongside used inventory, typically at 10 to 20 percent below the publisher's suggested retail price. New books are shelved separately from used books and are clearly marked as new. The selection focuses on popular titles, bestsellers, and books with steady demand rather than every new release.
New books at Half Price Books cost less than at many other retailers because the store's lower overhead — no online shipping operation, no massive warehouse network — allows it to pass savings to customers. However, the new book selection is smaller than at a large chain bookstore, so you may not find every title you are looking for.
What to know before you visit
Half Price Books locations vary in size and inventory. The flagship store in Dallas is much larger than smaller locations and carries a broader selection. If you are hunting for a specific book, calling ahead or checking the store's website for location details is worth the time, since not every store stocks every title.
The store is organized by category, but shelving within categories is not alphabetical by author — books are arranged by how they arrived and sold. This means browsing is part of the experience; you may find unexpected titles while looking for something specific. Some customers enjoy this; others find it frustrating if they want a particular book quickly.
Parking and store layout differ by location. Downtown locations may have limited parking, while suburban stores typically have dedicated lots. Most locations are open seven days a week, though hours vary.
Comparing Half Price Books to other ways to buy used books
Half Price Books is a physical store, so you see and handle books before buying. This is different from online used book marketplaces like ThriftBooks or AbeBooks, where you order remotely and wait for shipping. You also cannot browse Half Price Books from home or search their full inventory online.
If you want to sell books, Half Price Books pays when ready in cash or credit. Online platforms like Decluttr or Better World Books mail you a shipping label, you send books in, and you wait days or weeks for payment. Half Price Books is faster if you want money or credit the same day.
Half Price Books does not ship books to you, so it is only useful if you live in or near Texas or Colorado. For readers in other states, online used book retailers are the only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order books online from Half Price Books and have them shipped to me?
No. Half Price Books operates only as a physical retail store. You must visit a location in person to browse and purchase. The store does not have an online ordering or shipping service.
How much will Half Price Books pay me for my used books?
Offers vary based on the book's condition, age, and current demand. Popular recent titles in good condition receive higher offers than older or less popular books. The staff evaluates each book at the register and gives you an offer before you decide to sell. You can ask what they are offering before accepting.
Does Half Price Books buy textbooks?
Most Half Price Books locations do not buy textbooks. The store focuses on trade books — fiction, nonfiction, biography, and similar titles. If you have textbooks to sell, you may have better results at a college bookstore or a textbook-specific reseller.
What if I find a book with damage or writing in it?
Books with highlighting, underlining, water damage, or broken spines are still sold at Half Price Books, but they are priced lower than books in better condition. The condition is reflected in the price you pay at checkout.
Are Half Price Books locations the same size with the same inventory?
No. The flagship Dallas location is significantly larger and carries more inventory than smaller locations. If you are looking for a specific title, it is worth calling the store nearest you or checking their website to confirm they carry it before making a trip.