Great selection and solid pricing. Most books fall in the $7-$20 range, with a nice mix of new and used titles. The checkout experience was smooth, though the space is a bit tight and there aren't many cashiers, so I could see it getting crowded during busy times. The reason I'm not giving 5 stars is the buyback program. I brought in 12 books that were new or in like-new condition (no damage, no markings and some hadn't even been read) and was offered just $0.50 per book, totaling $7 for all 12. This included three complete series and several standalone titles. Out of curiosity, I checked their shelves and saw some of the same books priced between $8-$15 each. Overall, it's a great place to shop for books, but I wouldn't recommend selling here if you're hoping to get fair value especially if your books are in excellent condition. read more

This store was bigger than I expected and the prices were very reasonable. I found a bigger selection here than a major chain bookstore. Found a book I was looking for at $5.99. There is even a clearance section! Double discounts! Cool other items. Teller was chill and service was speedy. Definitely will be back. They even have an online store. read more

Half Price Books - Decent Chuck Palahniuk selection! - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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this is for the employee who complimented my haircut/had a similar hair type lol (didnt wanna hold up customers)- just look up diy wolf cut vids and any of the ones with two ponytails (1 in the front and 1 in the back) is pretty much exactly what i did. with curly/wavy hair you can play it sloppy and fast and it still looks good and saves you a ton of money i also use a co-wash instead of shampooing every wash, (and use a clarifying shampoo two to three weeks to remove build up) it helps retain moisture and curl + a satin pillowcase at night to reduce breakage and dryness. sorry this is not really a review LMAO read more

If I could give them a -1 star review, I would. Employees were okay, sold them 26 book, most of them brand new, and hard cover. I got $12.28 for them. That is less than 40 cents per book. Mosted books are overpriced, I could get them cheaper on Amazon for brand new. I looked up how much I could get my books elsewhere and they were worth $100+. Would not recommend unless you want to get scammed. Not going back. read more

They have a great theology/religion section. Spent over an hour just looking through it all and came away with some great buys. They also have a good selection of vintage books. Came away with a pristine copy of Hamlet. I'll be back again, surely. Better than Barnes & Noble IMO. read more

Half Price Books - The Praise of Folly - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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I love this place, I always come in empty handed and leave with my arms full of books and movies. It's the only reliable place to find dvds anymore in this new pathetic reliance on streaming services where you don't own anything. Books have great prices, and are often in great shape. read more

Highway robbery for selling books. My dad took in nice, untouched, mixed media / art journal craft books 4/6/24. I told him to bring the books home if what was offered was poor. Well he's a senior man and I guess did not hear that. But half price books gave him $2.99 for the books. I'm sure they will sell each book for at least twice that. read more

Half Price Books - Sold seven of these books for $2.99, whole stack $2.99. - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Was really impressed with the selection. Pretty cool that they also have records, video games and even a board game section. I could see myself spending far too much time and money here, especially in their graphic novel section. Everything seemed pretty reasonably priced too, I love a place that makes you feel like you're getting a good deal read more

They sell for nearly full retail but will waste your time with low ball offers and new books. HARD PASS

A recent experience trying to sell used books here definitely left a lot to be desired. By any objective measure, the five hardback books I brought in were in excellent condition and of great general interest, including art and architecture and history. Half Price Books offered $4.96 for the lot. I said I would rather donate them than accept such a trifling amount. The clerk looked very surprised when I turned down their offer. It might have helped if she had explained what their criteria is so I didn't leave with a bad taste in my mouth. Which I did. read more

I really like to buy books here, but I think it is insane that I cannot drop off books to sell and come back later for the cash out process. I knew I was for sure going to sell my books. I didn't really care how much money I get for them and I told them that and that I would be right back. I just had to run across the street for an appointment and they make you stay in the store the entire time even if they have multiple people ahead of you. I don't understand how me being in the store vs me leaving while they sift through books is going to make that big of a difference, especially when I emphasize to them that I'm moving and I don't really care how much the payout is going to be and will accept whatever they offer me?? I ended up having just to donate them and leave because I did not have enough time to load them in my car before my appointment that was across the street and had already unloaded them and brought them inside they wouldn't let me leave them and come back either, that alone makes me not want to shop at half price books anymore. read more

I absolutely love second hand books stores. I grew up in an area that had several stores like this one and it was really nice to stumble upon it while being at the mall. The staff are friendly and they honestly have a little bit of everything for everyone of all ages. read more

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They don't have that many selections of KPop items here. The value that I pay for the item is good. The service is wonderful. The girl at the check out was friendly and handled my purchased items with care. read more

Half Price Books - Jump Rope - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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such a bad place, if I could take back when I went there I would. I gave them 60+ books and they gave me $16.83 for books I paid 30 dollars for each. They had never been open either. The service wasn't the best, the girl I had was not very nice. And to top it all off, the books are more expansive than Barnes and Nobel. Thx never coming back. read more

We love visiting Half Price Books! We went recently and found Monopoly for $5! They have plenty of genres and lots of stationery items too.

Dont bother selling books here!! I had a first edition nineteen eighty four by George Orwell and they only offered me $10. They claimed to have dozens of them lying around, but I was in the middle of a crisis so I was forced to accept it. That book is worth thousands of dollars but they offered $10 read more

I used to go to Half Price Books when I was younger and always loved the experience. I drove my kids about an hour to this store as it was the closest one. The power went out as we were going to check out and the manager basically told everyone to leave. She refused to make any attempt to let people buy in cash or find another way to process orders. My girls were so disappointed. Zero customer service here. Additionally, on a few books I could see a cheap Value Village sticker for $2.99 or $3.99 and then the books were marked up to $9.99. I understand businesses need to make a profit but at least take the lower price sticker off before putting on the shelves. I definitely recommend finding another used book store. read more

Excellent prices and huge selection. I found a lot of what I was looking for. I would visit my son and he would take me here. Now I've moved close enough to visit more often. read more

Very cool store. Books, games, video games, records, cds.... I went for books and they had three out of the four I was looking for which I was happy with; all for $20! Very good experience there today. read more

Meh! If you're looking to buy then you can find some pretty good deals here. The stock rotates very quickly so if you find something you're not sure about, you should probably just pick it up. Otherwise, it will be gone the next time you stop in. If you're looking to sell anything to them be prepared for shell shock when they give you your offer. It's literally mere pennies on the dollar and they say they have no control as is many an excuse these days. True or not, they don't negotiate so take it or leave it. I took in a vintage Zune player still brand new in the box and everywhere online has it listed at close to $250.00 used and without the packaging etc... They offered me $5.00!!! It's a little difficult to not be offended sometimes but other times I'm pleasantly surprised. Whatever algorithm they use will sometimes be in need of what you brought and then you will get a more decent offer. As far as inventory goes, they offer books, CDs, DVDs, video games, collectibles, vinyl records, the occasional VHS, books on CD or tape, and many other items so they are worth checkin out. I don't know how many locations are still open but the one in Tacoma seems to be thriving so don't forget about them when looking for that high priced item because you might just find it here for less. read more

Great place to pick up a board game or nostalgic movie. I love their exchange program because I usually just appraise my stuff, yet have to deny their offer because it's so low. Every employee is very professional, except for the occasional security officer who looks like they've given up. read more

I had to hit up the mall and found myself nearby one early morning, way before the mall opens so I stopped here. It was delightful. I think their hours open at 9 am every day?? I was surprised they were open at 9. Service from everyone was ideal. Bathroom is clean. This is a big shop, they have everything from records to VHS and all the books you could ever want, old and new. Their gift section up front was very enticing. I had trouble finding a book and someone walked me right over to it. I was not the only person in there before 9:30, a good amount of people were milling around, some waiting on book sales and some like me, just appreciating that this cool place was open for us to peruse. Go and enjoy. read more

They didn't have any of the books I was wanting and they were able to track them down and order them within in a week even during the Christmas holiday frenzy! read more

I highly recommend this store for buying books. Great friendly staff. I give the place 5 stars for that. Now the bad. I took about 50 books in to sell. I have severe hearing loss so I thought she said $33.00, so I said ok. I bought some books, checked out drove home and realized they only gave me $13.00!!!! Now I didnt take a bunch of junk in. I had 6 or 7 Stephen King HARDCOVERS. I'd say more than half were hardcover. I had about 10 G.M. Ford books, which are hard to find. So they gave me less than what they will sell one of the Stephen King books for. I honestly was expecting it to be at least an average of a dollar per book at the minimum. For the buying of my books I give them a minus 4...so sadly, I have to give one of my favorite shoes only one star. read more

It has some really good books! I love the selection of Romance/Cooking books specifically since I've been into those sections recently. The price of books here is nice, usually the books I purchase are 7-19 dollars which is affordable! The service is amazing, when I asked if they had a book in stock they were really kind about telling me they didn't have it. They don't have a lot of mainstream pop artists but I love seeing the CD's of musicals! read more

First time here, last time here. Powell's in Portland pays better, unfortunately they're not buying now. Half Price underpays and over charges. If I didn't need to cut my collection back I wouldn't have supported this chain book store. I kinda feel bad that they're gonna make 5 times on what they paid me. Lesson learned. read more

Just brought in a bunch of comics, including about 10 old DC comics worth $30 each even at a low grade, which they weren't. They offered me $10 for everything. What a joke. read more

There are numerous selections, and the books truly are half priced or cheaper! Most are in excellent condition. The store itself feels kind of like a dust attic, but depending on who you are, that may just add to the store's authenticity. read more

This white girl with colored hair that works there stuck middle finger to my dad. He shops there all the time and this was a disgrace of an experience for him! Just because she was impatient with us when we dropped him off in front of the store! She took the time to tell my dad to f**k off and she needs to go for being immature, rude, and not a good example for where she works! Hire better people please she needs to go! read more

They were rude and disrespectful. Asked me to provide receipts for movies that I brought in to sell. Said they were in too good condition. If they were scratches on them they would not take them either read more

OMG. I've passed this store for years, expecting it to be a crap mall bookstore, but this is literally the bookstore of my flippin' dreams. They have everything from off beat sci fi masterpieces to excellent old editions of fantastic literature classics. I found this version of The Count of Monte Cristo and almost lost it, I was so excited. The staff are all super sweet and helpful. I love this place, and I'm definitely coming back when I'm in town. read more

Half Price Books - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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This bookstore is awesome. I come here often to pick up programming books for reference when I work and they always seem to have the book(s) I need. Its awesome picking up a book that would normally be $50-$60 elsewhere for $6-$12 here. Also, they have a sweet gaming section. The selection is different every time I've gone in as people buy and sell not just games but consoles as well. I've seen everything from a Commodore-64 to an XBOX 360 and everything in between. I picked up a GameBoy Color in great condition for $15 and a PS1 in perfect condition WITH a controller, a memory card, and a carrying case all for $25. Aside from that, they also have sections for movies, music, comic books, board games, and even D&D manuals. I only wish I would have found this place sooner! read more

Half Price Books - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I do not know how I have never come across such a store like Half Price Books, maybe I am a bit overwhelmed/exaggerating because I grew up as a bookworm yet... high school started for me well over 5+ years ago and never had time to enjoy reading books like I used to in my free time. Life, took over my busy schedule and made no room for my imagination to grow. However, I have recently craved picking up a book and holding it in my hands as I feed my brain... so I decided to finally stop by~ Boy, am I glad I ever did... of all the things I waste my money on, I wish I spent my hard earnings here... on these wonderful books! I am a total germaphobe... so I would never even consider the idea of buying "used" books but totally worth the investment!! Really. It is. The first time I went, I told myself, I would just look. No buying. Only looking. I ended up coming out of the shop with three books in hand. "Freelance Design in Practice by Cath Fishel", "Designers Don't Read by Howe", and "Forms, Folds, and Sizes" by Poppy Evans". Yepp, not one but three books. I was interested in Graphic Design at the time and wanted to read all about it. I was amazed at how cheap my total came out to be... probably $20 or something... Back in the days, when I read out of the "Teen Fiction/Fantasy" section at Borders and Barnes and Nobles... each book would cost $15+ and yes... my parents had bought me such books (30+ books throughout my adolescent days) That probably costed them a fortune. Ever since my first visit, I have gone maybe 3-4 more times and each time I come out, my hands are filled with books ... multiplying each visit. My most recent visit, I learned about the magical "Clearance" section!! Who would have ever thought to put such wonderful "cheap" books near the bathrooms?! All clearance books are $2... I always check at what the original pricing is and what it used to be before it got placed in the clearance section. What a bargain! Seriously. I always stop by the clearance first now. I have bought many self-help [Christian] books and Psychology books [some from regular sections] and wow. Never ceases to amaze me still. read more

They don't adhere to mask mandates ... several adults with small children just walked by completely unmasked not even just around their necks they were not wearing any at all. What is the purpose of having a Tacoma Police Officer at the front door on a Sunday afternoon? Also they pay about 5 cents a book even if in great shape and fairly new release (last 12 months) just a heads up. read more

What a fun and wonderful place. They also buy DVD's and books . Find records, puzzles & games, notebooks, movies, and an amazing variety of books. Small selection of rare or older books. Inventory changes all the time. Knowledgable and helpful staff, clean and organized selections and many additional sales. read more

Love this place! It's always a fun adventure to wander the isles and see what little treasures can be found. I ended up buying a large stack of books, including 2 hardcovers, for like $50. Literally, half the price they would've cost. Great atmosphere, nice friendly employees happy to chat it up about books. Highly recommend this place if you read a lot and are looking to save a little cash on your books. read more

Just left half priced books. They were extremely rude. I asked to use a dolly for my books & the girl told me" no use a hand cart"..I said ok. I got the "hand cart" my daughter & Irolled it passed 3 employees at the counter including her, rolled it thru the store passed the cashier, it was loud...out to my car. Loaded up my boxes of books, preceeded to push it back into the store. I was almost to the back of the store to the counter when a different employee grabbed and pulled the front end of the cart. She got in my face and asked me what I was doing then said grumbled "you cant use this cart!" She pretty much accused me of stealing. I said. These are my books I'm bringing in and I asked the lady over there to use a cart! She was still freaking out until the other lady said oh ya I said they could use a cart but I didnt realize they used THAT cart. Then she proceeds to say it's fine as long as it doesnt happen again. Uh ok. Everyone in this store acts like they hate their job & are annoyed if you ask them a question. read more

Half Price Books - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Great store with great pricing. I was surprised at how well organized they were. I was expecting a lot of misplaced items but the kids found books, I found some records and their board.game selection is pretty stacked. read more

I'll start by admitting I'm VERY biased towards any book Store because I Love books. That being said here's why this shop stands out and you should visit! #1-5)Helpful and extremely authentically friendly staff. #6) SOOOOOOO much selection WOW #7) THE BOOK SMELL #8) easy to find books yourself (but staff is willing and eager to assist if your feeling lost and need a helping hand #9) affordable books!!!! #10) large parking lot #11) on bus routes #12) next to many yummy food places (to go and read and eat once you've FINALLY bought all the awesomely priced treasures of books you've found) #13) the old book smell (I did mention it twice, die mad about it because I don't care) read more

The location is across from Chick-fil-A and that's convenient :) but for the prices at this location you can save yourself a trip and go to Amazon. Literally looked up a book at the location and it was $18 in the store and only $14 on Amazon. The movies and TV shows are also priced pretty high, you should just go to Amazon or the outlet in Olympia. Also the staff seems to not know where to find books or where they would be located. read more