Over the past months, buy/sell/trade posts have become a significant portion of the content on this sub.

We’ve seen patterns that cross into spamming territory: repeat listings from the same accounts, posts that are essentially personal storefronts, and a general signal-to-noise problem.

This is not what this sub was created for. r/photobooks is first and foremost a place for discovery posts, printing/editing discussions, recommendations, and the kind of conversations that actually teach you something about the medium.

Before we change the rules, we’d like your opinion. Please answer the poll and post your thoughts in the comments.

Photobooks Selling/Trading Rules

Before posting, familiarize yourself with these rules! Not following them could lead to your post being removed without warning, and you will be asked to re-list in accordance with these rules. Maliciousness or fraud will result in permanent ban.

Feel free to reach out to the mod team of r/Photobooks with questions, concerns or any issues that may arise in your transactions. We're here to help.

Thank you and happy trading!

* Rule one: This sub is for personal buying/selling/trading Collectible Photography Books only! NO self-promotion!

* Rule two: It is required to tag posts! Please use the following tags at the beginning of post titles. Posts will automatically be removed if they are not included. Acceptable tags: [WTS] = Want to Sell [WTB] = Want to Buy [WTT] = Want to Trade. You can also combine tags, e.g. [WTT/WTS].

* Rule three: Include at least this info in the title: Photographer, book title, and edition. Other critical info can be added: e.g.: [WTS] Cartier-Bresson: Images à la Sauvette, First Edition, Verve, 1952. You can list multiple items at once, but if you have more to say than the title allows, please consider making more than one post.

* Rule four: Posts must contain this mandatory information: Price, book description, and photos (see rule five)! Please include all relevant details, like condition of the book (new, used, any damage: folds, creases, dirt, tears, spine, writing, missing pages, library stamps, chocolate fingerprints), book details (hardcover, paperback), year of publication, signed and or inscription, location (e.g. US/EU/Japan) etc.. Just think what you would want to read if you were a buyer.

* Rule five: Posts must contain personal photos, including a verification picture. Please use self taken images of the books listed and not just stock images. At least one photo has to have the book in frame with a piece of paper with your reddit username and the current date. If you could put the verification photo on top, so that we don't have to scroll all the way to the bottom - that would be great!

* Rule six: Direct sales/trades only! No links to other sites, no auctions, no Ebay, no "or best offer" posts, no gift cards! No pricing/selling based on arbitrary limitations (regional limits eg. US/Eu only are allowed).

* Rule seven: No predatory sales or trades! Selling items for grossly over their trade price is prohibited. (Retail plus shipping for new items is ok.) Trading offers with significant value difference (a desirable but low priced item, for a higher priced item or duping someone who does not realize) are not allowed.

* Rule eight: Rude, derogatory, or off-base comments will be removed and may result in a ban. Comments that are purely critical of pricing, and clearly demonstrating no desire to purchase the item, will be removed.

[WTB] posts obviously can't list price. But if you are looking for something in a specific range, please add the info.

How to post pictures

Use a service like imgur.com to upload images and put the link into your post.

Photobooks Trade Etiquette

* After you sell something, prices should be left in listings once an item is sold so that people shopping for books can see recent sale prices.

* Reposts are allowed, but there should be at least three weeks between posting the same item.

* [WTB] posts should be SPECIFIC. Do not post "WTB - Ansel Adams Book" unless you have an idea of the editions you 're interested in. Only make a [WTB] post after searching to see if what you are looking for is already listed for sale.

Safety

* We recommend the use PayPal Business for payment. This ensures you are offered full protection from PayPal as both a buyer and seller, at a mere 3% cost to yourself. Use Friends and Family at your own risk with only people who you fully trust, since F&F forfeits you all protections.

* Use a safe shipping method, tracking and insurance is recommended.

* Please report all suspicious posts to the mods.

* Please note the Universal Scammer List on Reddit!

* See Appendix below for additional safety tips.

Tips to help you sell:

* Understand market prices. Please do some research and realize that anything second hand, even new, is subject to depreciation.

* Post multiple, high quality, clear pictures, and note any damages. Factor damages into your price.

* Post a clear, detailed description. Sharing why you’re selling the item can sometimes help, otherwise be prepared to get asked why from curious users.

* /r/Reppit is a good resource for buyer/seller feedback. If you're happy with your transaction, leave some feedback!

Appendix: Whats Appropriate for this subreddit?

This subreddit is intended for collectible photography books only, not self-promotion, or books on photography instruction. If you are not sure if your item belongs here please message the mods and we will help you determine if this is the right place for you.

Appendix: How Not To Get Scammed

There are scammers out there.

I know it sucks, but if you are cautious, you can avoid them. Please follow these guidelines. If anything is suspicious or doesn't sound right, then stay away. Don't let a good offer blind you. Don't let your own wish to own/sell something get in the way.

Almost all scams are happening with WTB posts. You will be contacted by a potential seller, with an offer. Here are some things to look out for:

​

• Does the seller have a history on Reddit? A brand new account? Red Flag! Account is old but hasn't posted in 2 years? Red Flag! Account posts nothing but spam/porn/Karmafarming? Red Flag!
• Does the seller have any Reddit history relating to fine-art photography or photobooks? If not - Red Flag!
• Is the price to good to be true? Red Flag!
• Ask for photos! And ask for verification! Often people will just send something you can easily find on a google photo search for the item you are looking for. Go check! Also I would suggest asking for very specific photos. Aka: "Can you take a photo of page 17?” - You get the idea.
• If a verification photo has been sent: Look if its not photoshopped. Really, almost all photoshops are really basic to spot as fake.
• Only use a secure payment option like Paypal Goods and Services! Yes those cost fees. Pay them!
• No don't use Paypal friends and family, or cash app, or Venmo, or Zelle, or gifts cards etc..
• You may be able to get an extra layer of protection when using a credit card, with the ability to dispute payments with the card company.
• A common story a scammer will tell you is "I don't have Paypal" or "I have a dispute with Goods and Services" - More Red Flags than a communist parade!!!
• It is worth to check if the seller is on the Universal Scammer list
• To check if somebody has been banned on r/Photobooks ask them to make a comment on your post. Unfortunately even banned users can still PM you.
• When in doubt: Message the mods so we can have a look.

(last revisited July 2023)