Book of Knowledge Consignment Offer
We do not buy any used books. We are not book appraisers. However, a complete set of the Book of Knowledge is an exception for our consignment offer. We cannot keep sets of these books in stock. They are of great value to home educators, as well as collectors, researchers and museums.
Do NOT ship books without first contacting us. Please read this entire page before emailing us. In your email, please answer these questions:
- Are they worn? Are the tops and bottoms of the spines showing threads?
- Are the volume numbers on the spine worn off?
- Are the volumes tight (spines cracked where the cover and the book are connected)?
- Are they soiled, damp or have a smoke or musty smell? (the old vintage smell is fine)
- Any pages missing, marks, or yellowing of the pages?
If you answered yes to any of the above unless it is minimal, like slight yellowing or a torn corner or something not so serious AND your set looks like those on our website, then we will not accept them. Any sets shipped without prior contact and approval will be shipped back at owner's expense.
After we have received a set on consignment and the sales price has been agreed upon by us and the book owners, we notify our waiting list of interested buyers. At which point, sets are normally sold and the sale completed within one week. Sets can sell as quickly as a few days or up to a few months. If sets are not sold within a reasonable amount of time, the price has to be reduced. They will be reduced to an agreed upon price by us and the owner.
This webpage was created due to the over-whelming amount of email from visitors with other books for sale, as well as our growing list of customers wanting to find complete sets of the Book of Knowledge. Please see our bookcare page for tips and links that will help you determine the value of your books.
Our consignment offer is 40%. This is higher than the normal rate at used books stores which is only 30% or less. You must pay for shipping the books to us and likewise we pay for shipping the books to the customer. Our 60% must also cover all transaction fees from credit cards, paypal, the labor involved in listing, examining, pricing, and publishing your set on the web. We have seen sets go for as little as $30 on Ebay, but also as high as $150, so that is another option you have and the risk you take. Many customers are leary in dealing with Ebay and person-to-person purchases on the internet. Fraud is rampant and many times the books are not as decribed and sometimes their purchase never arrives. HST has been in business for over 10 years and our reputation stands for itself. Our visitors are confident and comfortable in their purchases with us. If you would like us to provide references, we would be glad to do that. We do not have a "satisified customer" webpage. We feel that those are easily fabricated, written up for sales purposes and are of little-- real value these days.
We are a retail business. We do not place a value or price on unseen books and we will not put a "retail" price or value on your set for you to sell on your own. So please do not email us and ask, "what are they worth". There are many factors involved in determining the value of these books. One of the key factors involves marketing. If you are interested in placing your set of the "Book of Knowledge" on consignment with us, we need to cover the following conditions:
1. The set must be published by Groiler.
2. The set must not contain the word "New" in the title. The title will read..." The Book of Knowledge"
3. If your set has its entries listed alphabetically, then STOP HERE. They are not the same books and we cannot be of service to sell them for you.
4. The set must be a complete set. If not, STOP HERE. We have had over 100 odd volumes in stock and it is extremely rare that anyone find that missing volume or two. With countless email requests, it is rare that we find a match for people who have incomplete sets and are still searching to complete their set. Complete sets are 20 volumes. No more and no less. They come in two versions:1 volume per book (20 books) or 2 volumes per book (10 books).
5. The set must be in good condition. At least a good reading copy. Missing pages, numerous marks, tears, etc. is not acceptable. Please fully describe any and all minor blemishes or small tears or worn areas.
If your set meets the above conditions, and you have contacted us and we have agreed and approved for consignment, please follow the shipping instructions below. Due to space requirements, normally we do not accept more than two sets on consignment at a time.
-- Pack your books tightly. Pack them flat and not upwards with the weight of the book on its spine. No padding or extra weight is necessary. Search for a sturdy box that will fit all of them tight. Used boxes that hold a case of copy paper, usually found at local office supply stores, are normally a good fit for 20 books. PROPER PACKING/SHIPPING is important. Putting weight on the book spines causes them to crack and separate from their covers.
-- Ship from your local Post Office by media mail- book rate. The cost will be around $18-22.
-- Add either insurance ($2.30) or delivery confirmation (.65cents) to your package. Doing either will place a tracker number on the books. Delivery confirmation assures you that we received your books--Your proof of delivery. Insurance will replace the cost of the books should they become lost. If you choose to add insurance, delivery confirmation is not necessary.
-- Include your contact information with the books. Please also include in the package, your email address as well as the mailing address of where you want your check sent. We can also send your money with Paypal, but always a person receiving money from Paypal has to pay PayPal's commission. Most prefer we mail them a company check. Most of our buyers do use Paypal and there is no delay in cutting and sending your check or cash through Paypal.
-- We will contact you by email as soon as your books arrive for confirmation. Please allow 5-10 days for a thorough examination of your books. After which time we will email you again with the price and description we have placed on your books, for your agreement and approval. Normally, our sales price, for these sets range from $300-$600 depending upon their condition and other factors.
We look forward to doing business with you and getting these great books in the hands of people who really appreciate them and will enjoy them. If you would like to talk to us on the phone, we'd be more than happy to discuss this with you. You may also want to print out, for quick reference, our contact page. Please call: 678-425-0150. If we are out of the office or busy with customers, please leave a message with the best time to reach you and we will return your call. A more thorough description of the Book of Knowledge and sample pages, from the earlier editions, are available for viewing at our Book of Knowledge- Home Page
