Bangladesh has a big reading culture, from Bangla fiction and Islamic books to admission guides, children's books and imported English titles. Many book lovers now buy online, especially those who live far from Nilkhet, Banglabazar or a good bookshop. That opens the door for small online book shops, including sellers who specialise in a niche or in used books.
Books are a long-tail business: lots of titles, each selling a few copies. An online book shop in Bangladesh works best when readers can search, browse and order easily.
Pick your niche
Large online bookstores already sell almost everything, so small sellers win by being specific:
- Used and rare books: second-hand copies, out-of-print titles and collections.
- One genre: thrillers, poetry, Islamic books, children's books or self-help.
- Students: admission guides, class books and university texts, which follow the academic calendar.
- Imported English books: for readers who want titles not easily found locally.
A clear niche also makes your page name and content more memorable. Try the shop name generator for ideas.
Sourcing
- Buy from publishers, distributors or wholesale book markets such as Banglabazar and Nilkhet in Dhaka.
- For used books, buy collections from readers, students finishing their courses or estate sales.
- Be honest about prints. If a book is a local reprint rather than the original publisher's edition, say so. Many readers care about this, and some reprints raise copyright issues, so be careful what you stock.
Listings that answer questions
For each book, write:
- Title, author, translator if any, and publisher.
- Edition and year, and the number of pages.
- Cover type: hardcover or paperback.
- For used books, the condition: like new, good, or with notes or highlighting, plus clear photos of any damage.
- A short summary in your own words.
Photos should show the real copy, especially for used books: front cover, back cover, spine and a sample page. Our guide to product photography with your phone explains simple lighting.
Pricing with COD and delivery
Books are relatively heavy for their price, so delivery cost matters. For example, a novel that costs you ৳280, sold at ৳380 with ৳20 packaging, leaves ৳80 before ads and returns. One returned parcel can wipe out the profit from several orders. Ways to make the numbers work:
- Encourage bundles, like a series, an author's collection or a "3 books" offer.
- Set a free delivery threshold only above a total your margin can carry.
- Charge delivery fairly with separate Inside Dhaka and Outside Dhaka rates. Check the current weight-based rates with your courier.
The profit calculator helps you test these numbers.
Packaging
Books get damaged by water and bent corners. Wrap each book in plastic, then use cardboard or a sturdy envelope. For rare books, add extra padding. A small bookmark with your page name is a cheap, memorable touch.
Policies
- Returns for wrong or damaged books reported on delivery.
- What "good condition" means for used books.
- Pre-order terms for books that aren't in stock yet, including expected arrival time.
- How you pack and protect books, so readers know what to expect when the parcel arrives.
Marketing on Facebook
- Book reviews, reading lists and quotes perform well in reader groups.
- Post new arrivals and restocks regularly.
- Run pre-orders for upcoming releases, especially before the Ekushey Boi Mela in February, when interest in new Bangla books peaks.
- Share your store link so readers can browse your whole catalogue, not just the last few posts.
Messenger and comment auto replies are coming soon to EasyMall. Today, the AI chat assistant can answer questions on your store website using your uploaded book list.
Seasonal demand
Book sales follow the reading and academic calendar. February brings Boi Mela interest. The start of school and admission seasons brings demand for guides and class books. Eid and Ramadan bring demand for Islamic books and gift sets. Year-end is a good time for reading challenges and bundles.
Start your book shop
EasyMall gives you a free ecommerce website on yourshop.easymall.app with unlimited products, categories, stock tracking and cash on delivery checkout. Sign up in about two minutes, add your first titles, and share your store with readers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell used books on EasyMall?
Yes. List each used book as a product with its own photos and condition notes, and set stock to 1 for single copies so it shows as sold out after an order.
How do I handle a large catalogue of titles?
Use home page sections and collections for genres, authors or classes. You can list unlimited products, and you can upload your full book list so the AI chat assistant can answer availability questions.
How do I keep delivery costs reasonable for books?
Encourage bundles, set a free delivery threshold only where your margin allows, and charge separate Inside and Outside Dhaka delivery fees. Check weight-based rates with your courier.
Should I sell reprinted books?
Be careful. Some reprints raise copyright issues, and many readers want original editions. Always describe the edition honestly.
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