Yes, BooksRun is a real company that buys, sells, and rents books online. It is not fake, not a scam website, and it does deliver real books and payments. However, many users report problems with pricing, buyback disputes, and customer support, which is why people often question its reliability.
What BooksRun Actually Is
BooksRun is an online textbook marketplace. It allows students and readers to:
- Buy used or new books
- Rent textbooks for a fixed period
- Sell unwanted books back for cash
The platform acts as a middleman. When you sell a book, you ship it to them, and after inspection, they decide the final payout. When you buy or rent, BooksRun ships the book directly to you.
This business model itself is common and legal. The doubts usually come from how transactions are handled after shipping.
Is BooksRun a Scam or Diploma-Style Trap?
No. BooksRun is not a scam in the traditional sense.
A scam usually means:
- Fake products
- No delivery
- No payment at all
- Disappearing after taking money
BooksRun does not fit this pattern. Many customers receive books on time, and many sellers do get paid. The company has been operating for years and has a visible business presence.
The issue is not whether it exists, but how consistently fair the experience is.
Buying or Renting Books: What to Expect
For buyers and renters, the experience is usually smoother than for sellers.
Common experiences include:
- Books arriving as described
- Used books showing normal wear
- Rentals working without major issues
Most complaints do not come from buyers. If you are only purchasing or renting a book, the risk is lower compared to selling.
That said, shipping delays or condition mismatches can still happen, especially with used textbooks.
Selling Books Back: Where Problems Start
This is where BooksRun gets the most criticism.
Many sellers report the following issues:
Price Changes After Shipping
Users say they were quoted a high buyback price, shipped the book, and later were told the value dropped sharply. At that stage, sellers often feel stuck because return shipping may not be worth it.
Condition or Counterfeit Claims
Some sellers report their books were labeled “counterfeit” or “unacceptable condition,” even when purchased originally from reputable sources. Once flagged, payment may be denied.
Delayed or Difficult Communication
There are complaints about slow responses from customer support when disputes happen, especially involving payments.
These problems don’t affect everyone, but they appear often enough to be a real concern.
Legitimate but Risky: Understanding the Difference
This distinction matters.
- Legitimate means the company is real and operates legally.
- Trustworthy means the company consistently treats customers fairly.
BooksRun qualifies as legitimate. It does not qualify as universally trustworthy in user opinion.
Some people have smooth experiences and recommend it. Others feel misled or disappointed, particularly sellers of high-value textbooks.
Pricing and Value in 2025
As of 2025, textbook resale prices are more volatile than before. Demand changes quickly, editions update faster, and buyback values drop without warning.
BooksRun uses automated pricing systems, which means:
- Quotes can change fast
- Market drops affect payouts
- Sellers carry most of the risk
This environment explains some complaints but does not erase the frustration users feel.
Tips If You Decide to Use BooksRun
If you choose to use the platform, protect yourself:
- Take clear photos of books before shipping
- Keep tracking numbers and delivery proof
- Read buyback terms carefully
- Compare prices with other platforms first
- Avoid sending rare or expensive books without backup options
Using caution reduces the chances of unpleasant surprises.
Conclusion
BooksRun is legit in the sense that it is a real company offering real books and real payments. It is not a fake site or a disappearing scam.
However, its reputation is mixed, especially for people selling books. Pricing changes, condition disputes, and support delays are common complaints. Buying or renting tends to be safer than selling.