Buying Rare Books Beginner Guide 2026

Written By Amy Clarke

A guide for beginners on how to start buying rare books.

There are two types of people who buy rare books.

First, collectors are looking to buy in the best condition at a fair price. Second, the book seller sells books for trade and profit.

Both can buy rare books the same way, but with different expectations.

It’s always good to search in a few places to get a range of price points. Additionally, looking in multiple places exposes you to a wider variety of books.

Let’s break down six places to start buying rare books.

Buying Rare Books

If you’re just starting out in the world of rare books, knowing where to buy is key. You can find rare books in several places. Exploring a mix of these sources will help you build a collection that fits your interests and budget.

1 Online

First, as I’m sure you know, online is the easiest way to start buying rare books. There are three rare book websites eBay, AbeBooks and Etsy. These sites all ship internationally and have a wide range of booksellers with stock in different genres and subjects.

You can start your rare book search online, which will give you a general idea of what’s on the market. As well as the prices to expect. You can also save searches on eBay and wait for the book to get placed on sale.

  • eBay

  • Etsy

  • Abe Books

2 Bookshops

Next, we have second hand and antiquarian bookshops. If you have a specific book you're looking for, a local bookseller can help with your search. Many bookshops offer a service to help you buy rare books, for which they might take a small fee.

Second hand bookshops are also a great place to find rare treasures. If you don’t have a specific book in mind, you can explore unknown books and maybe find something special. I could happily spend hours in my local Liverpool Bookshops.

  • Local second hand bookshops

  • Specialist antiquarian bookshops

3 Book Sellers

These days, most booksellers don’t have shop fronts. Instead, they work online or hidden away in second floor offices. Some rare book sellers still offer 1-1 services for finding and selling rare books. In the UK there are two main bookseller organisations, PBFA and the ABA. Their websites have lists of booksellers, so you can find a local bookseller to help with your search. You can also search for booksellers in your region.

  • Local rare book sellers

4 Book Markets

There are book markets and fairs across the country that sell only antique books. In the UK you can find a list on the PBFA website. You can also search for local book and second hand markets that are outside of the organisation.

You can also start buying rare books at a range of markets, they might from craft markets, antique fairs and mid-century markets. There is no saying what you will find and you might not find what your looking for but it is a fun way to enjoy buying books.

  • Book markets

  • Craft markets

  • Antique markets

5 Auctions

Another way to start buying rare books is at auctions. There are large book specialist auctions such as Forum Auctions or Dominic Winters UK. However, you can find good deals at local auctions. The website Sale Room as a list of auctions big and small.

Alternatively, you can search for local auctions online and attend their live viewings. Although most auctions now feature online bidding, you can attend in person for the full experience. As a bonus, you don’t need to pay for postage fees to deliver your items.

6 Private Sellers

Lastly, you can buy rare books from private sellers. If you are buying books as a bookseller you might call this a house call. Typically, a homeowner wants to sell a large quantity of books either to downsize or because someone has passed away.

If you work in a bookshop, you will find that people will visit frequently to sell books. I have also attended a house call after meeting a private seller at a market. These are a good way to stock, but there is no saying what books you will find.

  • House calls

  • Family/friends sales

Buying as a Collector

When buying rare books as a collector, you focus finding items that hold personal significance, historical value, or unique appeal. To find these books, collectors can attend auctions, local sales, or connect with private sellers. Unlike booksellers, they are motivated by passion, the thrill of discovery, and the desire to build a collection.

Buying as a Seller

When buying rare books as a bookseller, your goal is to find items that will appeal to your customers and generate profit. Booksellers can find rare books through house calls, local auctions, markets, and connecting with private sellers. These methods allow you to stock a diverse selection. Unlike collectors, booksellers are motivated by market demand and the business of finding inventory for clients.

I hope the above blog post has helped you understand where to start buying rare books. As a new book seller I am still learning the trade, if there are any places I have missed on this list, let me know in the comments. Instagram @sixbookshop

Amy Clarke
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Selling Vintage Books as a Side Business