When bidding and buying on eBay, timing matters. Prices can fluctuate and trend over time, during particular seasons, depending on how well individual auction listings are written and promoted, and even depending on what day and time of day an auction ends. The good news for those looking for a bargain on eBay right now is that prices and demand overall are lower on eBay because of economic factors. You can often pick up a brand new cookbook for a little over, or even under, wholesale prices.


Generally speaking, because of demand, prices are highest in the three weeks before Christmas (last Christmas being soft because of the economy), and there are also price spikes in the weeks before Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Its been my experience that demand for cookbooks is lowest during the summer months — after all, people are less likely to want to cook during hot summer months. So if you can, buy your family and holiday gifts during the summer. If that is not possible, try to make your purchases for Christmas before Thanksgiving, for Mother’s Day in early April, and for Father’s Day between the Mother’s Day weekend and the end of May, the earlier the better. Whenever possible, you should also try to make your purchases early because media mail will often take longer to ship than eBay claims, the package could be misrouted or damaged in transit. In addition to trying to get the best price, you should try to allow extra time to deal with the unexpected .


Recommendations for Best Times to Buy Cookbooks on eBay

  • Summer: Slow season for cookbook sales - Best time to buy cookbooks
  • Christmas: Best to buy BEFORE Thanksgiving
  • Mother’s Day: Best to buy in early April
  • Father’s Day: Best to buy in mid May



To contact the author with your questions and suggestions, please email her at:
info@cookbookauctions.com