Half Price Books

Category:	Book Store
Address:	5017 Excelsior Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416, USA
Phone:	+1 952-922-2414
Site:	hpb.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 10AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 27

Joe Reicherts

Its with sadness that I write this review. For years this has been one of my all time favorite stores. But, like many things in life-theyve changed. It used to be that other than rare, old, or first editions the books were priced at, well, half price of the cover price. Now, many books have price tags and are well over said price. For example, a collected works of HP Lovecraft published en mass by Barnes & Noble from the late 80s was going for $24, even though the cover price was $20. Also, Ive been selling my books here for some time. I used to bring in a bag or 2 and make twenty bucks or so. Recently I brought in 6 bags, and they gave me $30. I was pissed. Not so much as I needed or cared about the money, but it was an insult. Maybe I should have expected it, as when I brought the books in, the employee behind the counter who was just standing there with little to do didnt even try and hide the look of disdain on his face as I loaded them up on the counter, creating work for him to do. Again, I dont expect to make a bunch of cash here. I know how it works. I always looked at it as a nice system, and only hoped to make enough from selling 30 or so books to buy my next 2 to read. The books I brought in werent mass market paperbacks. They werent old, outdated titles. They were unique, current books ranging from science, current health trends, hardcovers...most bought new from Amazon. I literally picked 3 books out of the hundreds and selling just those 3 at half price, they would have made their 30. Its a shame. 5 or 10 years ago, this was a fantastic place. Dont know what happened. Greed, new management? Who knows. Whatever.

Molly D

I brought in 16 recently published hard backs. Books were mint condition and only read once by me. They wanted to give me $2. TWO DOLLARS for SIXTEEN books. What a joke considering they would sell just one of those books for $6-$8. While they have a decent selection, their used books are over-priced. I stopped shopping here when they wanted $8.99 for "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest". I instead got it BRAND NEW at Target for $9.99. I guess people who dont shop around think they are getting a good deal but Ill spend $1 more and get a brand new copy or Ill go rent it from library before going here.

prongfell

I ventured to this city since Pannekoeken is just a few hundred feet away. HPB (Half Price Books) has a wider selection of cds than some of the other locations in the Twin Cities. Amazingly, they had just about every Jars of Clay cd, there but I only got two plus a book and they have decent spinner displayer of bookmarks for a very reasonable price. Wished this store was closer... Glad I stopped by. The employees were helpful. I wasnt paying attention on book prices, but their "clearance cds" are 2 bucks.

Eric Jensen

Dog friendly and wonderful selection. The only negative is that this is a business and they make their money by buying books that the sellers are willing to get rid of for pennies and selling them for sometimes over half price. This isnt because they are greedy. It just means a lot of those books will be taking up space for a long time on their shelves before selling..and time is money..Do not sell your books here to make money..sell on eBay if you want money.

Courtney Schwarzhoff

If you are going there to buy its a fairly decent place. Selling is another story however. I took in a huge bag of books, multiple newer, barely played games and they offered me a whopping $7. After I kept a few things I walked away leaving a huge pile of stuff and only making $4.50. I wont be selling here again; not enough to justify the drive there and back. Very disappointed.

Amber Wachtel

I went in to sell 3 paper grocery bags full of books, movies and video games in excellent condition and only got $25. And while I was waiting for them to process before they told me the price I was looking through their selection and saw a bunch of books that are used and torn up and they wanted some of them for an outrageous price.

Bridget Wolf

Love the great selections that I find ther! Their system for buying sucks because they are thinking about what it gets sold for new and then halving that (which is what they are selling it for) and then paying out usually a little less than half of that so that they can make a profit :)

John Keymer

Great to shop at. There are tons of book bargains. Media pricing is mediocre. They pay very little for items sold to them. You can easily do better on Amazon or eBay and likely better via Craigslist, though all require more effort. Staff is helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable also.

Anna Suby

I absolutely love the selection, its better than other locations Ive been to. I did buy a movie from there, however, that didnt have any media on it at all which was extremely disappointing. I also like the atmosphere more in other locations but this place is very nice overall.

A Private User

Ive never sold here, so cant comment on that, but I have bought many books here. The staff has helped me find specific books and books by topic, making great recommendations along the way. I feel like a valued customer and am pleased with my experience here.

Tony Jacobson

I love this place! My girlfriend and I sometimes like to come here when we are on a date. The staff are very nice. There prices are very cheap and all of there items are in great shape!

Rachel Pettit

There are so many books at this place. Its kind of a double edged sword, bring in books for money (dont expect much) and leave with new ones! At least I got rid of more than I bought!

Ben Dardick

Sold two grocery bags of mostly hardcover almost new books got 4 dollars you would be better off donating your books and saving the gas money you spent to get there.

Maxamillian Neubauer

Great prices! Amazing quality of products. Music games books.....the list goes on. A must see. Great staff and are always very helpful.

Stefanie Trimble Fluin

Great for shopping, always find great deals and awesome finds! Selling hasnt really been worth it for me as they pay out very little.

Robert Bogott

Old fashioned used book store, filled with books, vinyl records some gifty stuff. Enjoyed the 1000 piece puzzle.

Ryan R

One of my favorite places to browse in the area. Like stopping by often because the selection always is new.

Denny deBruyn

I was surprised by the prices for the books at this store, I expected the books to be much less expensive.

Walter Stobaugh

I sold my books and got a fair price. Pleasant staff. Great selection of books. I will return!