Trade-In Program
Turn Your Finished Adventures Into New Ones
Books deserve more than one reader.
Trade your gently used books, games, movies, and media for store credit at The Ink Crypt. Every accepted item helps keep great stories, unforgettable adventures, and hidden treasures circulating through our community.
Whether you're clearing shelf space or searching for your next favorite read, our trade program makes it easy to turn yesterday's adventures into tomorrow's discoveries.
Store credit only. Credit may be used toward eligible purchases in accordance with our trade policy below.
White-Glove Trade-In: We Come to You
No box. No shipping label. No waiting on an email to find out what your books are worth. Most trade-in programs make you pack everything up and mail it off, then wait days for a verdict. We do it differently: a member of The Ink Crypt team comes to your door, evaluates your collection with you in person, and hands you store credit on the spot.
Here's how it works:
Pickup appointments are currently available within 100 miles of Pittsboro, NC. If you're outside that range, reach out via Contact and we'll let you know if we can still make arrangements.
1. Schedule a pickup appointment using the link below.
2. We come to your location at the scheduled time and go through your books, games, movies, and media together — in person, not through a screen.
3. Accepted items are exchanged for store credit before we leave. No shipping, no waiting, no guessing.
As The Ink Crypt grows, we'll add in-store trade-in appointments too — but face-to-face pickups aren't going anywhere. It's simply how we prefer to do business.
Have a large collection? Mention the size when you schedule your pickup so we can plan enough time for a thorough evaluation.
What We Accept
Books
✓ Fiction & Nonfiction
✓ Paperback & Hardcover
✓ Children's Books & Young Adult
✓ Comics
✓ Graphic Novels
✓ Manga
✓ Textbooks
✓ Cookbooks
✓ Blank Books & Journals
✓ New Books
✓ Audiobooks (All Formats)
✓ Book Club Editions
Movies & Media
✓ DVD
✓ Blu-ray
✓ 4K Ultra HD
Gaming
✓ Video Games
✓ Select Computer Games
✓ Video Game Systems
✓ Video Game Accessories
✓ Video Game Guides
✓ Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
Electronics
✓ E-Readers
What We Do Not Accept
✗ Encyclopedia Sets
✗ Lab Manuals That Accompany Specific Textbooks or Classes
✗ Library Books or Media (Current or Discarded)
✗ VHS Tapes
✗ National Geographic Magazines
✗ Reader's Digest Condensed Fiction
✗ Reader's Digest Magazines
✗ Ring-Bound Books
✗ Partial Sets (CDs, books, videos, and game collections must generally be complete)
✗ Solutions Manuals for Specific Textbooks
✗ Stapled Publications (accepted only in very limited circumstances)
✗ Study Guides for Specific Textbooks
✗ Custom-Printed Textbooks
✗ Textbooks Issued by Schools or Institutions
Condition Requirements
To ensure a great experience for future customers, all items must be in clean, sellable condition.
Books
Books should be:
• Free from excessive water damage
• Free from mold or mildew
• Free from missing pages
• Free from excessive writing or highlighting
• Have intact covers and bindings
Discs
Discs should be:
• Free from deep scratches
• Playable and functional
• In good overall condition
Packaging
Whenever possible, original packaging should be included. Items missing essential packaging, manuals, inserts, or cases may be declined or receive reduced credit.
Hardware & Electronics
Gaming systems, accessories, and e-readers must:
• Power on properly
• Be fully functional
• Include necessary components
• Be free from major physical damage
Trade Values & How Store Credit Works
After evaluating your items, we will offer store credit based on:
• Current demand
• Condition
• Completeness
• Inventory needs
• Market value
The amount of store credit offered is not negotiable.
We do not offer cash payments for items.
Trade Credit Rules
Store credit may be used only toward the purchase of used merchandise available through The Ink Crypt.
When making a purchase, store credit may be applied to a maximum of 50% of the total purchase price. The remaining balance must be paid using another accepted payment method.
Example: If your purchase total is $20.00, a maximum of $10.00 in store credit may be applied, and the remaining $10.00 must be paid separately.
Store credit has no cash value, is non-transferable, and may not be redeemed for cash.
The Ink Crypt reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue its trade-in program and store credit policies at any time without prior notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the pickup appointment work?
We don't do mail-in trade-ins or shipping boxes. Instead, someone from our team comes to you — we'll go through your collection together, talk books, and hand you store credit before we leave. It's more personal than dropping a box at the post office, and you'll know exactly what you're getting on the spot.
Can I trade large collections?
Absolutely. When scheduling your pickup appointment, let us know you have a large collection so we can plan enough time for a thorough evaluation.
What happens if my items are not accepted?
We'll gladly return any items that do not meet our acceptance criteria.
Still Have Questions?
Visit our FAQ or contact us and we'll be happy to help.