I started using Green Metropolis having read about the site online. Having been with them quite a whileI thought I would share my experiences. The web site is very straightforward to use and has green writing on a plain white background. I assume this is to stress that it has Green' aims. There are the odd splashes of colour from the pictures of book covers also. is
As the homepage states, by recycling books we can prevent further loss of trees and woodland in the production of paper for books. Also, for each book resold via greenmetropolis the site will donate 5p to the 'Tree For All' campaign, run by the Woodland Trust. Presumably as with all these things there will be negative implications for book publishers, tree fellers, paper producers and the like but we won't go down that road. After all, these days we are all so environmentally friendly, or attempting to be, that recycling has to be good.
You can browse the site looking for books to buy by simply entering details of the book, including its ISBN which is the number on the back of the book usually above the bar code. The tabs on the homepage enable you to find a book, sell a book, create a wish list for books, view your basket if you are purchasing and view your account. If you have a book, or books, on your wish list as soon as that book is registered on Green Metropolis they will email you with the details.
Registration is easy and straightforward. You give the obvious details of your name, address, email address, and banking information details and create a password. A confirmation email will provide you with a link. The site also has FAQ, contact information, help services and enables you to buy a Green Metropolis E gift voucher, for on-line use.
Once you are a member it is easy to list any books you wish to sell.
1- List the ISBN and tick the book condition' box for as new, excellent, good or acceptable.
2- Press add the book.
3- The details of the book appear on screen. If your edition varies slightly you can add a comment.
4- The system will have decided if the book needs a postage payment adding due to its size. This will have been determined by the ISBN which shows if it is a paperback, hardback or whatever.
5- You get 3 pounds for your book sale but, on this page, if you feel the book is not worth quite that much you can opt to reduce this by 1 discount.
6- Click to add your book and sit back and wait.
This can be a pain as there a lots of books listed. You may find that your book has lots of copies listed. Still it costs nothing to have your books for sale. Eventually some or all will sell.
When a book sells.
1 - You will get an email informing you that a buyer wants one of your books, more if you are lucky.
2 - There are instructions for packaging the book up. You will need to send the book within 2 - 3 days.
3 - If you know that you are going on holiday enter your holiday dates on the site before you go to save any problems.
4 - Print of the details and enclose. Alternatively you can write them to save on inks.
5 - When your book was sold the money would have gone straight into you Green Metropolis account.
6 - After the book is sent there is up to 7 days for the money to clear and the buyer to receive their book.
7 - You can then claim your money. Either to your bank or, if you are feeling generous, donate it to the Woodland Trust through the site.
I have not bought any books yet but I would imagine it is the same process in reverse, and just as straightforward .
Viewing my account.
There are three headings which each have four sub-headings.
My Books - View book orders, view or update books, sell a book and reply to a question.
My Account - Change email address, change password, holiday settings and amend address here if necessary.
My Money - View bank account, credit account, cash in or donate and change bank details.
Just what do you get paid ?
As I have already said each book is basically 3 pounds. Postage is paid by the seller and should be second class. If a book is larger, or hardback, there is the possibility to add postage onto the price and these amounts can be found in the help menu. The help menus are thorough but user friendly. So my most recent sale of an insight travel guide made me 5.
Recommendation.
I find this site really easy to use. Unless you are selling something unusual you may find that your books sit there for quite a while. This can be a nuisance but it does not cost you anything. If at any time you change your mind you can cancel your membership, just withdraw or amned your books. It can be a really useful site also for finding much desired books at a good price. However, you will need to research the ISBN first.
The amount, be it small, which is donated to the Woodland Trust is a great bonus and compliments the recycling fully. Overall greenmetropolis is a useful website.