Richard McKay Used Books

Category:	Used Book Store
Address:	8345 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109, USA
Phone:	+1 703-361-9042
Site:	mckayusedbooks.biz
Rating:	4.4
Working:	9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 10AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

A Private User

This is the Wal-Mart of Used Book Stores. This is both a negative and a positive thing. On the upside, they have a very large volume of merchandise, so youll usually find a good selection of items you may want when you go there (although they can be a little disorganized). Also, in addition to books they carry CDs, DVDs, and videogames, some of which are a steal at very cheap prices - I once got a DVD that was worth $30 for $6, for instance. On the downside though, not everything is priced this cheap or even fairly. Some of their book prices are truly weird - $5 for a beat-up old paperback for instance. Also, they dont give you that much for your trade-ins. I have been patronizing this business for almost fifteen years now, and I have noticed that they have been getting stingier and stingier in regards to trade. Do not even attempt to trade in your books for cash, as they only give cash (in small amounts) for the audio/video media and non-fiction books. Basically, if you *REALLY* want to make money off of your old stuff, try selling it on Amazon or Ebay first - your attitude when trading something into McKays should be "Well, I just want to get rid of some of my old junk quickly and Ill get some store credit as a bonus." Do not expect to make a great profit trading with this store (or any store, actually). Another small downside to McKay Used Books is that a good amount of the employees are just about useless, and I think that about half of them are actually stoners. Another annoyance is the stickers that this store puts on all of their merchandise... they are very, VERY sticky. Now, on standard CD jewel cases and DVD cases it isnt that big of a deal, although it is still massively annoying - just apply some WD-40 and spend the requisite 15 minutes scraping off sticker goo. But on some books and CD/DVD boxsets, peeling off the sticker can rip off a good chunk of the product - you have been warned. One more thing - this may turn off some people and not affect others. Remember how I said that this is the Wal-Mart of Used Book Stores? Well that also means that while you get a large selection of items to choose from at a good price (sometimes) you also get the Wal-Mart Shopping Experience. This means you get to be in a large, impersonal store environment with no prolonged casual interaction with the store employees or owners. Also, you get to listen to children screaming, children yelling at their parents (and vice versa), dodge small children running around like unleashed dogs, etc. This is not the calm and quiet Small Book Store Experience (have you ever been experienced? Well, I have). Keep all of this in mind and you might have an almost enjoyable experience at McKay Used Books.

A Private User

On two separate occasions I took Hardback books in new condition to McCay’s to sell to them. The first time I had approximately 25 recent titles by Clive Cussler, Stuart Woods, James Patterson, and other well-known authors. These books were easily worth over $300 dollars. I was given $32.00. I later saw most of these books on their shelves for $13.40 each. A few weeks later I took about 20 hardback books by well-known authors and dropped them off while I went to the grocery store. When I returned an hour later they offered me $22.00 in store trade only. I requested my books back. It took them a half hour to round up my books because they had already placed their label and prices on them and put them out! The last few books were even practically slammed down on the counter. I won’t do business there ever again, nor will I recommend it to anyone else.

Rowan Guthrie

I have been coming here for probably at least 5 years now but no more after what happened the other day. I was visiting some family and knew they had some books to get rid of (and needed some help bringing my stack inside) so we decided to go. However after Id unpacked everything and brought it inside, they decided that my family member that was helping me and I had to put our books together. We dont live anywhere near each other and would have had no way of splitting the credit. Since the family member that lives near Manassas had already completed her overnight set, I had to pack everything back up and leave very angry. Thankfully there is another business with a similar idea called 2nd and Charles closer to where I live so Im going to be able to sell on the books, I just thought their customer service was terrible as they offered me no apology.

Ethan Kalcheff

I like the selection they have, and that there is so much to look for. However, their employees are very rude, I have never had a pleasant customer-service experience here. The staff seems generally apathetic about their jobs and about the customers who come in. Additionally, trade in values are very poor, and they often claim they wont take something because of its "condition", but I have seen some of the things they sell, and there is a lot that is not in good condition at all. As strict as they are with taking in used material, you would think they would be better about regulating what they have in the store. Ive bought books with torn pages, DVDs that were scratched, and CDs that have the wrong disc in the case. If anyone knows of a better (or really, any other) used book store in the area, please refer me to it.

Michael Greaver

I have been to McKays many times over the years and the last few times have really been disappointed, not with the selection but with the policy of trade-ins. I traded in 2 milk crates of books and received 30.00 of credit but couldnt use it for vinyl...When I went to the counter and found this out I went over to just get the cash I was told I could get 2.40 in cash and rest in credit...I realize that this is a business to make money but I wasnt told that this trade in wouldnt be able to buy vinyl until I got to the counter with the items. The register girl wasnt at all nice and took the items and shoved them under the counter. The guy at the trade in area was very nice and sad he was sorry about the problem. I live in Harrisonburg so I felt the 1 1/2 hour trip was a waste and dont think I will be back to this store.

A Private User

McKays is an outstanding source for numerous media for all ages to be exchanged. A real regular haunt for those seeking books, tapes, discs, etc of most genres. Prices are realistically affordable, finds numerous--no wonder the make available shopping carts. Mckays is well organized & operated for customers who want to buy/sell--exhange their treaures. For those selling they know their business market and offer $ and trade credit based on real resell value. My only regret is that due to rent hikes in Centreville they closed their nearer store and I dont get down to the Manassas one as often as Id like. Keep up the great job Mckay team your customer base values your service to our community.

A Private User

I love this store and have been a customer since they were up in the Newgate Center in Centreville. The staff, however, leave a lot to be deisired. I just called up to ask if they had a book and a barely audible mutterer picked up the phone.I know they dont have a database(WHY after all these years?).I explained that it was a new title but he wasnt going to step out from behind the counter to check the new book display. I know its hard to get good help but from shelvers, who block the aisles, to churlish counter staff McKays should seek more helpful people. By the way, they do recycle by putting unwanted books in a box outside the door for anyone to help themselves from.