Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of books do you accept?
We pick up clean second-hand (pre-owned) in good condition and new books, including fiction and non-fiction. However, we are unable to take books with damage, mould, excessive wear and tear, excessive foxing/ fading and missing pages. Additionally, we cannot take magazines, encyclopaedias, or outdated textbooks
Do I need to make a time?
Yes! We will make a time that works for you.
Do you pick up all the books for free?
Yes, our book pickup service is completely free of charge.
How do I schedule a pickup
.Please use our online pickup enquiry form. It gives us the information we need to assess the collection before confirming whether pickup is available.
Do you accept donations of books I no longer need?
Yes! We’re happy to take any books you wish to donate, provided they’re in good condition.
Are there any books you don’t accept?
We do not accept books in poor condition, such as those with excessive damage, mould, or missing pages.
Additionally, we cannot take magazines, encyclopedias, Readers Digest or outdated textbooks.
What do you do with the books you collect?
Books we collect are either resold, combined into other collections, donated to charities, or recycled sustainably and responsibly. We believe that literature does not belong in landfill.
We are not a charity – but we donate a portion of any profits from this service to buy books for rural primary schools in East Africa.
Do you operate in my area?
We collect from selected areas across Greater Sydney. Please include your suburb in the pickup enquiry form and we’ll confirm whether collection is available
Is there a minimum number of books required for pickup?
Yes, we require a minimum of approximately a large box of books for free pickup to ensure efficient service.
Are there limits on the number of books I can have picked up?
No, there is no maximum limit! However, for very large collections, let us know in advance the amount you have to ensure proper arrangements.
Can I drop off my books instead?
At the moment, we only offer pickup services. If you have a specific need, please reach out to discuss potential accommodations.
How soon can you schedule a pickup after getting in touch?
Once we receive your enquiry, we’ll review the details and get back to you as soon as practical. Pickup timing depends on your location, the size of the collection and our current availability
How should I prepare my books for pickup?
Please place the books in sturdy boxes or bags and keep them in an easily accessible area for our team to collect.
Do I need to have the books boxed?
Books should be in sturdy boxes or bags. If this is a problem, get in touch and we will see if we can help.
What if I’m not home during the scheduled pickup?
No problem! Just let us know in advance, and you can leave the books in a safe, prearranged location for our team to collect.
How do I know if my book is considered "high value" or "collectible"?
High-value books typically include rare editions, first prints, signed copies, or books with historical or cultural significance. If you believe you have rare or valuable books, mention this in the pickup enquiry form and include photos where possible. We can then make sure the right person assesses them.
Do you pay for all books?
No, we only pay for books deemed high-value or collectible.
For all other books, our service remains free, but no payment is provided.
What happens if I have rare or valuable books?
Our team member will assess any rare or valuable books during the pickup process. If we determine that your book qualifies, we’ll offer payment accordingly.
Do you only pick up books, or do you take other items?
We currently specialise in books only and generally do not collect records, memorabilia or other household items.
Can I reschedule or cancel a pickup?
Yes of course, you can reschedule or cancel your pickup.
Please do us the courtesy of contacting us at least 24 hours before your scheduled time.
Are you a charity?
We are not a charity – but we donate a portion of any profits from this service to books for children in East Africa.
How can I contact you with more questions?
For pickup enquiries, please use the enquiry form on our website. For other questions, you can email us at support@bookpickups.com.au