Paperback Exchange

Great location, plenty of parking, helpful guy at the counter. Pretty much a perfect locally-​based used book store. However, my trade experience was a little befuddling.
I came in with a box of trade expecting it to be like all my past experiences with a book buy/​sell type place — I mostly have experience with Half Price and the Phoenix local Bookman’s, plus worked for a few years in a buy/​sell record store in Phoenix that would deal with books on a regular basis. I don’t think I’m boasting when I say I know how retail trade should work.
I didn’t expect much trade value and that I may be able to find a book or two to trade for, but certainly did not expect any cash to exchange hands. Well, I found about 5 books, to my delighted surprise, and was excited to take them up to the counter to see how much my trade was worth. When he told me the total trade value — over $ 300?! — I was shocked and super excited, but really confused. Turns out, their trade process is a tad mystifying if you’ve experience in trade before as it’s vastly different than every other trade store out there. You get your books totalled up for their original retail value — the $ 300+ number I was quoted — which means you can get that amount of used books at their original retail value in the store at the 75% discount (25% off the small selection of new). So you still have to pay money for the 25%/75% left over value, no matter what (50%/0% without trade). The books I picked out happened to be in better condition than 90% of what was on offer (intentional on my part) plus a new selection and this store is PACKED, to the point where you can barely move and the air is stifling. Quite the book readers paradise, as long as they have plenty of cash and free time to spare and don’t mind beat up bindings.
I understand that this «trade» process is a better way of making actual revenue, in an uncertain market, than the usual «trade» process but, to me, this isn’t trading. I’m giving them my used books for the pleasure of shopping in their store with a coupon (all used books are 50% of their original retail value — despite condition — but you get an additional 25% off with trade).
I ended up paying $ 29 for 4 used and 1 new books that I could have lived without after trading in about 20+ books and comics. I’m happy to support a local business, especially one that deals in literacy advocacy, but I still feel a bit miffed since my expectations vs. reality was so different. But, hey, now I know — and I still have $ 200+ something in «trade value» which I’ll probably never use unless I just happen to be in the area again. May they make a little more dosh off of my ignorance.

I had an appointment and a funeral that took me to one of the best hoods in Mpls. I spot this out of the corner of my eye. Very clever to paint a tiny building blue so it’s noticed. They now have a parking lot. They take plastic. I could have walked out with a lot of books, but I settled on one I haven’t seen by Jack Ketchum (horror), and a very rare Josephine Tey mystery. Because it was so old it was only .98! It is narrow and packed with books. Only complaint is that the majority of the binding is very worn. That’s not necessarily the norm with used PB. Like all used bookstores, I ran into a few people you just know are regulars. Good to know I have a new backup place.

I love this neighborhood establishment: it’s not a chain, will order what you need by phone, gives discounts for books you bring in for exchange (thus the store name), owner knows what books the local high school English classes are reading, so keeps extras in stock. .. .don’t you find this only in small-​town stores? Well, that’s what makes Paperback Exchange so special.
Parking is now available next to the neighboring restaurant, so it’s easy to stop in when cruising down 50^th.

Is it just me or is there something about used book stores that really make you have to poop?
Is it the overwhelming choice? Is it the slightly lumpy floor that even though is covered in carpet, still squeaks?
Is it the smell of pulp? Not quite to the level of the a moldy basement, as the Paperback Exchange is very clean and has some quality books, but almost.
Is it the sound damping quality that comes from being surrounded by vertical feet of used books? Like, you could scream in here and nobody would know. Like a tomb.
So. If you like to read, or suffer from constipation, head over to this used book store. Massive selection, great and friendly staff. They also buy books, so as Jess R knows, you can feed your habit (hence the name… Exchange. Get it?).

I got 9 books for $ 25.77!
Paperback Exchange is wonderful. It’s not exactlyy an exchange, per se, but you bring in your old books and get 70% off of their entire selection of used books, which is extensive. If you don’t trade anything in of your own, all of their books are still 50% off.
It’s pretty cramped, but it’s cozy and I kept discovering secret rooms as I moved further into the store. And god knows I love secret rooms.

As someone who devours books by the truck load, this is a great place to go. I know, I could go to the library and save money. But if I find a book I love I want to keep it. So this is a good trade off. I get to clean out my bookshelves of those I just don’t need around and I get to bring home new ones to feed my reading habit.
Pro– a ton of books to choose from
Con– dodging traffic to get there, street parking only and it is on a pretty busy corner.
oh, another Pro — candy dish on the way out. A reward for finding a good bargain-​keep the chocolate coming.

My friends in Minnesota took me to this bookstore when I was out there visiting them. I was instantly hooked! It’s a tiny place, but the coziness really adds to its charm. Wall-​to-​wall full of used paperback books, this is my kind of place! I am a total paperback book lover. The prices are reasonable and the lady who waited on me was really friendly and helpful. A true gem!