Short answer: Ask about the edition, missing pages, writing inside the book and the exact condition of the cover. A few clear answers save you a return later.
Why a few questions help
Photos show a lot, but they do not answer everything. Asking a few direct questions before you order helps you avoid surprises, especially for books where the edition matters.
About the edition
Ask for the edition and printing year and a photo of the copyright page. For help, see how to buy second hand books online in India.
About condition
- Are any pages missing, loose or torn?
- Is there writing or highlighting inside, and how much?
- Are there stains, damp marks or a smell?
- Is the cover firmly attached?
About extras
For some books, extras matter, such as a solutions booklet, an answer key or an access code. Ask whether they are included and whether the code has been used.
About the total cost
Add the delivery charge, which the buyer pays on top, before comparing prices. Our post on checking condition before buying online adds more checks.
Keep the answers handy
Keep the seller replies. If the book does not match, contact info@bookaao.com or call 6239336394.
Extra questions for exam books
For exam books, ask whether the practice questions are attempted, whether the mock test pages are intact and which year the book was bought. If the seller used it for an earlier exam cycle, also ask whether it was updated for the current one.
What a good answer looks like
A helpful seller gives clear, specific answers, such as the exact number of pages with writing and a photo of them. Vague replies like "good condition" without photos are a reason to ask again or choose another listing.
Final thoughts
You do not need to ask every question for every book. For a common novel, edition hardly matters. For an exam book or a textbook, edition and completeness matter a lot. Choose the two or three questions that match the book and keep them short and polite.
If the seller does not reply, do not assume the answers are good. Choose a listing where the photos already cover the cover, the edition page, a sample inside page and the back cover, so that most questions are answered without waiting.
Where to look
Browse second hand books and compare before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to ask about?
The edition and any missing or written-in pages, since these decide whether the book is useful for you.
Does the buyer pay for delivery?
Yes, delivery is paid by the buyer on top of the book price.
Who can I contact if a book is not as described?
Contact info@bookaao.com or call 6239336394.