Half Price Books

Category:	Book Store
Address:	4250 E Towne Blvd, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Phone:	+1 608-244-1189
Site:	hpb.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

A Private User

I will never do business with any Half Price Books store again after my experiences with the staff at this store. I have been here multiple times and have yet to find someone who is polite or pleasant to talk to. When I asked for help trying to find the cooking section I was told "Why dont you just read the signs?" I tried to sell a nonfiction manual and was told it was out of date even though it was the most current edition available. When I tried to protest the woman at the counter told me she "clearly knows more about this than I do." I came back a few weeks later to sell another manual that had ICDM on the front and the girl actually tried to tell me that meant there was a CD that was supposed to go with it. I tried one more time to sell some novels and after the clerk gave me a pay slip he threw my book in the garbage right in front of me. I also tried to sell a like new condition $30.00 novel only to be offered a dollar for it. I asked why and was told "its a short book." I have never encountered anyone here who didnt make it very obvious that it is a waste of their time to serve customers. Even when I greet them with a smile and say "excuse me, could you help me find something?" They still give me attitude and act as though I am just in their way. It is very clear to me that the people here believe that it would be so much easier to do their job if those damn customers would just stay out of their way. I have already ordered my kindle and whatever books I have left are going to goodwill (which is just around the corner from this store.) I would rather give my books away for free than have an illiterate, incompetent and grossly uneducated person attempt to determine the value of a book they are unable to appreciate.

Technodrome 88

Excellent store! The staff is very friendly and helpful. The price of books are fair and sometimes a little bit overpriced, but when I asked why, the sales associate politely explained to me why my item was priced the way it was. They compete with Amazon and try to stay fair with Amazon prices. Also, my book was out of print, so that warranted a mark up on the price. I understand they have to keep the lights on and keep the heat/AC going, and pay rent, so Im happy to give my money to this wonderful store. When I sold to them, I expected a lot more, but again the sales associate politely explained to me how the process works. They see hundreds upon hundreds of the same material everyday, so I can understand why they wouldnt pay much for old mystery and fiction books. They also see the same DVDs everyday, so I understand why they dont offer much for old DVDs that nobody watches anymore. Im just happy that they can donate them! I even watched the sales associate take the books and movies they werent going to sell, and put them in a donation box. Keep up the great work Half Price Books East!

spencer walters

I saw someone else on here post about the prices and they are right. I dont hate half priced book or anything but I find it pointless to go there anymore as a result of the price hike. I can buy all of these books, movies and games on E-Bay or Amazon for much less and not have to leave the comfort of my house. When I went to sell some books, movies and games I had I was also very surprised at what they game me as a value. If they are giving me so little to sell to them and then they are marking them up 400 and 500%+ percent that is ridiculous. I can understand more or books but movies and video games they really are under valuing. I get more at local game and movie shops that dont need to make 400% mark up.

Carleen Bohn

Some of the books there are decently priced. I had a box of movies I tried to sell, there were about thirty of them and the guy claimed most of them were scratched. For the remaining fifteen movies, plus three books, he offered me eight dollars. Eight dollars for a hundred dollars worth of movies and books! I also tried to sell a textbook that I bought new for sixty dollars, I was told that no one buys that book anymore (even though my whole class had to get it) and they offered me four dollars for it. Do not sell anything to these people. they are a complete rip off.

Adam Panek

A bookstore where you can bring your used titles or music to potentially upcycle for cash or store credit. Staff has always been helpful in my many experiences. Although newer titles may not be cheaper than competitors, I prefer to look here before going to Amazon. I especially like shopping the clearance items where there are often some nice surprises.

Taryn Plunkett

I usually really like these stores but they are way over priced. I could buy the video games, laser discs and many dvds I found cheaper on amazon. If I have to drive to your store and your main source of inventory is trades I would hope your cheaper than what I can order from home. Otherwise there is no point to drive to your store.

Reese Abbott

Perfectly good store. The workers there are always pleasant and they have a great selection of films and books and a huge variety. I always really enjoy going there and can always find something Im interested in. Ive found the books to be reasonably priced and its a good place to sell your books too.

Jonathon Puhalla

The prices are decent, but like any store where you sell to them the price you get for your books isnt the highest. But for the convenience of not having to sell your own books its not to bad. As for selection it is pretty good.

ben bayerl

Decent prices. I wish they would buy more books. They only wanted a few of the hundred or so that I brought in to sell. They will still take the unwanted ones and sometimes end up selling them anyway according to an employee.

Sabrina Stangler

Nice folks, but didnt have the books I needed for my college classes. Could have to do with my school being private and in milwaukee, but I was pretty disappointed to see they didnt even have the calculus textbook.

Zephyr Brammer

Love this place. Happen to stumble upon it when out shopping. Great selection of books to choose from. I had to leave without looking at half the shelves as I had a stack of books in my hands already.

Karen Jahns

A fun place to shop and peruse their vast selection of books, etc. Love stopping in here to find my next book or books to read or to shop for birthday/ holiday gifts.

Jenny Lauby

Huge selection, always low priced or at least less than retail. Used books is the way to go! Recycle your books and help save the planet.

A Private User

Through this wonderful store I have added to my western paperback novel library. MAY EBOOKS & EREADERS PERISH

Sergio Alberto Romero

I was honestly surprised by how much I I got for my books! And their selection is quite impressive as well!

MR. HENNING

your not alway gonna get a good price on items you sell.outside of that,this is a solid place.

Justin Langdon

Good prices and a lot of options. Books are not always in the best shape though.