📦 Seller Guide

Ready to shimmy your shelf? Here’s how to list and sell your books on Shimmy.

Step 1: Create your account

Start by signing up - it’s completely free. Just add your name, email, and a few preferences. You can also personalise your profile with a short bio or links to your socials. (We love seeing our sellers on BookTok, Bookstagram, and Goodreads.)

You’ll need to add your details to Stripe so that you can be paid out once your book is bought!

Shimmy top tip: set your shipping preferences in your profile so that buyers know what methods of shipping you offer! Buyers will then choose from the options you give them at checkout.

Step 2: Prep your book

Take a clear photo (or two) of the book you’d like to list. Natural lighting works best, and make sure any wear or damage is visibel. Being upfront helps build trust and avoid returns.

Step 3: List your book

Click “Post a new listing” and follow the prompts:

• Select the right category
• Add the ISBN if you have it - this will pre-fill the title, author, and book details for you ✨
• Confirm the condition and add a short description if needed
• Set your price (the minimum is 30p)
• Upload your book photos
• Shipping options will automatically apply based on what you’ve selected in your profile settings
• Hit “Publish” to go live!

Step 4: Be responsive

Buyers may reach out with questions before they purchase. Replying promptly helps secure sales and keeps the community friendly and reliable.

Step 5: Ship your book

As soon as your book sells, you’ll get a notification with the buyer’s chosen shipping method. Aim to post within 48 hours, and always keep proof of postage. Once sent, head to your account and click “Mark as Shipped.”

Step 6: Get paid

You’ll receive your payment once the buyer marks the order as delivered, or automatically after 14 days if they forget. Shimmy Books takes a 20% selling fee per order to support the platform and future improvements.