book exchange

Q: What kind of preloved books does Backstory accept?

We're curating a selection of preloved books in great condition, so we've got to be a bit selective. Here's what we're looking for:

• English language books in like-new condition

• Fiction, non-fiction, and kids' books

• Recent bestsellers, classics, and cool finds​

We're unable to accept: reference books, cookbooks, guidebooks, activity books, coffee table books, dictionaries, non-English books. Thanks for understanding!

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Q: How does the exchange process work?
Have more than 20 books? Email us at hello@backstorybookshop.com to make an appointment. Otherwise, for smaller bundles, drop by Monday–Thursday, 11am–3pm for on-the-spot credit. If you can't make it then, you can leave your books and we’ll follow up.

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Q: What do I do with my stamped card?

Exchange your stamps for more preloved books! Every 3 stamps gets you one book (or 2 stamps for a kids' picture or board book). Be sure to hold on to the card, because we won't have a record of your credit otherwise. 

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Q: So I have to give you 3 books but I only get 1 in return? Why not a 1-for-1 swap?

A 1-for-1 trade might sound simple, but it doesn’t keep the shelves full or the shop sustainable. Managing a used book collection takes real work — and we need a steady flow to keep things fresh. The 3-for-1 ratio helps us maintain variety, cover costs, and keep preloved books in circulation. (We’ve also looked around; the big used book chain in town offers just €0.25 per book and charges many times more for each preloved reads. So, all in all, 3-for-1 feels like a fair and friendly way to keep great books moving.)

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Q: If I don't have stamps, can I just buy a preloved book?

Yes! All of our preloved books are for sale for 6€ (or 4€ for kids' picture and board books).

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Q: If I don't want stamps, can I just get cash?

Unfortunately, we're not set up to offer monetary compensation for used books, so stamps are all we've got. If you don't want stamps and you don't want your books, we're still happy to take them on a donation basis! 

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Q: Are the preloved books still part of your membership library?

Yup! The membership library is still going strong, so if you'd rather borrow books — instead of owning them outright — that's still an option! We're hoping that the new exchange program will increase the breadth and variety of books we can offer our library members. 

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Q: Any other fine print?

The stamps don't expire and are transferrable. However, they can only be used as credit toward other preloved books, and may not be redeemed for cash or used as credit toward any new books or other merchandise. We reserve the right to refuse books based on their condition or fit within our selection; any non-accepted books left in the shop for more than 30 days will be donated.