Chubby, a lot of the books sold as "used" are, in actuality, what is known in the trade as "remaindered." These are books which were either returned by a dealer, or which the publisher is discontinuing for one reason or another.
The last "used" book I bought from Amazon was literally new in the box. The celephane wrap hadn't been removed. It was a retail $29.95 that I paid four bucks for.
Even with what are really used books, dealers tend to undergrade them, rather than overgrade. So a book listed as in "good" condition is more likely to be "very good" or even "excellent."
I never hesitate to buy used books from reputable sources.
|