Buying an Inexpensive Handheld Book Scanner - Book Scout Tools
Buying a handheld book scanner doesn't have to be expensive. I've been selling used books online for a few years now. Its very easy to get started book scanning.
What I mean by scanning is to take a used book, locate the barcode on the back and scanning it to retrieve the isbn number and return the price. Scanning Books will help you to avoid spending all day at a book sale only to find out when you get home that you bought boxes full of books that are being sold on Amazon for a penny each! OUCH! You don't want that to happen. Nothing could discourage you from succeeding at becoming a fulltime Bookseller more than that happening every time out.
When I first started selling books I had no clue about what devices people were using, what services they belonged to, did they need to have internet connection on these devices? Was this going to cost me another 30-40 bucks a month for that? (No.)
What I mean by scanning is to take a used book, locate the barcode on the back and scanning it to retrieve the isbn number and return the price. Scanning Books will help you to avoid spending all day at a book sale only to find out when you get home that you bought boxes full of books that are being sold on Amazon for a penny each! OUCH! You don't want that to happen. Nothing could discourage you from succeeding at becoming a fulltime Bookseller more than that happening every time out.
When I first started selling books I had no clue about what devices people were using, what services they belonged to, did they need to have internet connection on these devices? Was this going to cost me another 30-40 bucks a month for that? (No.)
High and Low End Models
There are places selling new Handheld Book Scanners for very high prices- $400 - $600 dollars(even more). They are expensive because they are high end models. Here are the lower end models which I use.
I use a Dell Axim X51 PDA with a Scan Card attached. Plus a 2 Gigabyte Memory Card installed. I also use ScoutPals service. If you've never heard of any of these things thats ok too. I didn't know what they were at the beginning either. The Scan card and Memory card simply slip right into your Dell Axim.
I use a Dell Axim X51 PDA with a Scan Card attached. Plus a 2 Gigabyte Memory Card installed. I also use ScoutPals service. If you've never heard of any of these things thats ok too. I didn't know what they were at the beginning either. The Scan card and Memory card simply slip right into your Dell Axim.
Dell Axim PDA
TIP: Look for them used or refurbished- BIG price differences! You can get a $400 Dell Axim for around $100 used or refurbished.(You can check the prices linked below. You may be surprised at the deal you can find.)
Socket Scan Card
The Card is easy to install too. It slips right into the top of your handheld book scanner.
You will need to download the free software for it and install it onto your Axim.
(When you join ScoutPal they can help you set up your book scanner- they are the best when it comes to customer service.)
Here's the link: http://www.socketmobile.com/support/downloads/
2GB Memory Card
Very inexpensive and very much needed for your portable book scanner! This should only run about $10 - $15 depending on how many Gigabytes you want and which brand you get. This gives you a lot more space to install apps etc.You need this because you will be installing ScoutPal's Amazon Database on this. And the amount of space on your Axim Pda isn't very much. A 2 Gigabyte memory card should be plenty. Piece of cake to slip right in and start using too!
ScoutPal....what is it?
ScoutPal is a monthly service for booksellers. You install their database of Amazon.com's Prices. You won't even need to be online when you are at a Sale. No wireless needed. Just install ScoutPal and when you scan an isbn/barcode with your handheld book scanner ScoutPal returns what it is currently being sold for on amazon.com.
So Scoutpal should be your only newly added monthly cost. I really don't like adding another monthly bill to my list of bills. But it is only about $10.00 a month and truly is the best and cheapest service around.
ScoutPal's Tech Support is top notch. They are there for you. Just be aware that they may try to sell you their hardware- and for a much higher price than this one here.
If you have any trouble setting up your handheld book scanner ask them for help.
I hope this article helps get you scanning books before you buy them. Good luck.
So Scoutpal should be your only newly added monthly cost. I really don't like adding another monthly bill to my list of bills. But it is only about $10.00 a month and truly is the best and cheapest service around.
ScoutPal's Tech Support is top notch. They are there for you. Just be aware that they may try to sell you their hardware- and for a much higher price than this one here.
If you have any trouble setting up your handheld book scanner ask them for help.
I hope this article helps get you scanning books before you buy them. Good luck.
All 3 items discussed in this article.
Check prices you might be surprised how low they sometimes are.
Selling Used Books Guides
Video: Handheld Book Scanner in action.
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Video: Take a look at ScoutPal's Service
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Video: Installing & removing your cards is easy
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How to Buy & Sell Books Online
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When it comes to your business it's better to get the right thing the first time rather then buying the cheapest thing and figuring out its NOT the right thing.
When it comes to your business it's better to get the right thing the first time rather then buying the cheapest thing and figuring out its NOT the right thing.
This UpMarket page written by
bookscannerguy
Ive been a bookseller for about 4 years now. I use a Handheld book scanner. And I sell on Amazon, Half.com and eBay. more »
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