How Does the Second-Hand Book Business Really Work? with WeBuyBooks Co-Founder Mike Lane

How Does the Second-Hand Book Business Really Work? with WeBuyBooks Co-Founder Mike Lane

From New Books in Economics by Marshall Poe

June 12, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

Mike Lane discusses the economics of the second-hand book business and the future of the book industry.

Today I’m speaking with Mike Lane, Managing Director and co-founder of WeBuyBooks about the economics of the second-hand book business. WeBuyBooks is one of the UK’s largest second-hand book dealers. Mike talks about how he got his start in the book industry, which books sell and which don't, and what the future holds for the book industry more broadly. Mike also discusses other second-hand business lines in CDs, DVDs, and Legos. Visit WeBuyBooks.co.uk and use code NBN15 for 15% extra on your first offer. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

People in this episode

Host: Marshall Poe

Guest: Mike Lane

Topics covered

  • second-hand book business
  • economics
  • book industry
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • Legos

Keywords

  • second-hand books
  • WeBuyBooks
  • book selling
  • economics
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • Legos

Sponsors

WeBuyBooks

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: WeBuyBooks, New Books Network, WeBuyBooks.co.uk

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