Frequently AskedQuestions
Everything you need to know about Rare Reads
Getting Started
Q.How does Rare Reads work?
Rare Reads uses advanced AI and computer vision to identify books from photos, then cross-references multiple market sources to provide accurate appraisals. Simply snap a photo of your book, and our system will identify it and provide valuation information.
Q.Is Rare Reads free to use?
Rare Reads offers both free and premium tiers. Free users get limited monthly appraisals, while premium subscribers enjoy unlimited appraisals, detailed reports, collection analytics, and priority support.
Q.Do I need to create an account?
Yes, an account is required to save your collection, track your books, and access appraisal history. Sign up is quick and easy using your Google account.
Book Appraisals
Q.How accurate are the appraisals?
Our appraisals are based on real-time market data from multiple sources including auction results, dealer listings, and historical sales. While we provide highly accurate estimates, actual values can vary based on condition, market demand, and where you sell. For insurance or legal purposes, we recommend getting a professional appraisal.
Q.What factors affect a book's value?
Key factors include: edition (first editions are most valuable), condition (mint condition commands premium prices), dust jacket presence, author signatures, scarcity, demand, historical significance, and provenance. Our AI considers all these factors when generating appraisals.
Q.Can Rare Reads identify any book?
We can identify most books published after 1800, with the best results for books with ISBNs. For older or obscure works, results may vary. If automatic identification fails, you can manually enter book details for valuation.
Q.What if I disagree with an appraisal?
Appraisals are estimates based on available market data. If you believe an appraisal is incorrect, you can provide feedback or contact our support team. We continuously improve our algorithms based on user feedback and new market data.
Collection Management
Q.How do I organize my books into collections?
Navigate to the Collections page and create custom collections based on any criteria you choose—by author, genre, value, or personal themes. Simply add books to collections as you appraise them or later from your library.
Q.Can I export my collection data?
Yes! Premium subscribers can generate detailed PDF reports of their collections, including valuations, photos, and condition notes. You can also export data for insurance purposes or personal records.
Q.What happens if I delete a book?
Deleted books are moved to a trash folder where they remain for 30 days before permanent deletion. You can restore them during this period if deleted by mistake.
Technical Questions
Q.What image format should I use for book photos?
We accept JPG, PNG, and WEBP formats. For best results, take clear, well-lit photos showing the title page and copyright page. Avoid glare and ensure text is readable.
Q.Does Rare Reads work offline?
Book scanning and appraisals require an internet connection. However, you can view your previously saved collections offline through our mobile app.
Q.Is my data secure?
Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption for data transmission and storage. Your book collection data is private and never shared with third parties. Read our Privacy Policy for more details.
Q.Which devices are supported?
Rare Reads works on any modern web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) on desktop, tablet, or mobile. We also offer native iOS and Android apps for the best mobile experience.
Buying & Selling
Q.Does Rare Reads buy or sell books?
No, we are an appraisal and collection management tool. We don't buy or sell books directly. However, we can help you understand your books' values so you can make informed decisions when buying or selling through other channels.
Q.Where should I sell my rare books?
Options include auction houses (for very valuable books), specialized rare book dealers, online marketplaces like AbeBooks or eBay, and local antiquarian bookshops. The best venue depends on the book's value and rarity.
Q.How do I find reputable book dealers?
Look for members of professional organizations like the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) or the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB). These dealers adhere to professional standards and ethics.
Account & Billing
Q.How do I upgrade to premium?
Visit the Billing page in your account dashboard. Choose between monthly or annual plans (annual offers significant savings). Payment is secure and processed through Stripe.
Q.Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes, you can cancel anytime from the Billing page. Your premium features will remain active until the end of your current billing period, then your account will revert to the free tier.
Q.Do you offer refunds?
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions. Monthly subscriptions are non-refundable, but you can cancel at any time to prevent future charges.
Q.How do I delete my account?
Contact our support team to request account deletion. All your data will be permanently removed within 30 days in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our support team is here to help.
Contact Support