2nd & Charles: Where to Buy and Sell Used Books, Media, and More in South Carolina

What 2nd & Charles is and where to find it in South Carolina

2nd & Charles is a used bookstore chain that buys, sells, and trades books, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, video games, and collectibles. The stores operate on a consignment and direct-purchase model, meaning you can walk in with items to sell or trade, and staff will evaluate them on the spot. South Carolina has locations in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, each stocked with rotating inventory that changes based on what customers bring in and what the store acquires.

The chain is known for its eclectic mix—you might find a first edition next to a recent paperback, rare vinyl alongside mainstream releases, and vintage board games near new graphic novels. The stores also carry new merchandise: blank journals, bookmarks, reading lights, and other items for readers and collectors. Unlike a typical used bookstore, 2nd & Charles functions as both a retail shop and a buying station, so the experience differs depending on whether you're browsing or selling.

Key Takeaways

• 2nd & Charles locations in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville buy books, records, games, and media directly from customers or accept items on consignment.
• Prices for used items are typically lower than new retail, but the store does not pay full value for items you sell—expect 30 to 50 percent of resale price depending on condition and demand.
• You can sell items in person by bringing them to a store, or some locations may accept shipments; call ahead to confirm your local store's process.
• Store inventory changes constantly because stock depends on customer donations and purchases, so the same item may not be available on your next visit.
• The stores accept items in good condition with readable text, intact spines, and no water damage; media must play without skipping or distortion.

How selling or trading items works at 2nd & Charles

When you bring items to sell, staff will examine them for condition, demand, and resale potential. They assess books for binding integrity, page quality, and whether the title is currently in stock or moving slowly. For media—records, CDs, DVDs—they check for scratches, warping, and playability. Video games must include cases and instructions when possible. The store will make you an offer on the spot, usually as a cash payment or store credit. Store credit typically pays more than cash, so if you plan to shop there, choosing credit can stretch your payout.

Consignment is another option at some locations: you leave items with the store, and if they sell, you receive a percentage of the sale price after a set period (usually 30 to 60 days). This route works well if you have rare or high-value items that may take time to find the right buyer, but it requires patience and means your items occupy shelf space while waiting. Not all 2nd & Charles locations offer consignment, so contact your nearest store to ask whether they accept it.

Condition matters significantly. Books with bent spines, water stains, highlighting, or loose pages may be rejected or offered a very low price. Records and CDs with visible scratches or skips will not be purchased. DVDs must play without freezing or distortion. The store is selective because resale depends on customers wanting to buy the item at a profit margin—damaged goods are harder to move.

What you'll find when browsing 2nd & Charles

The book selection spans fiction, nonfiction, textbooks, graphic novels, and children's literature. Prices run 30 to 70 percent below new retail for most titles, though rare or collectible books may be priced higher. You might find a mix of recent bestsellers and out-of-print titles on the same shelf, so browsing rewards patience. The store does not organize by publication date, so a 1990s novel sits next to a 2024 release if they're in the same genre or category.

Beyond books, the media section holds vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs across music, film, and documentary genres. Video game inventory includes older consoles and newer releases, with prices varying by age and rarity. Collectibles—action figures, trading cards, vintage toys—rotate based on what comes in. The store also stocks new items like bookends, reading accessories, and gift merchandise aimed at readers and collectors.

Because inventory depends on customer donations and sales, you cannot count on finding a specific title or album. If you're hunting for something particular, call the store to ask whether they have it in stock before making a trip. Staff can sometimes hold items for a short period if you ask.

Pricing and what to expect when selling

The store does not publish a price list because values depend on condition, current demand, and how many copies they already have in stock. A popular recent paperback might fetch $2 to $4 in store credit, while a rare hardcover could be worth more. Textbooks, which have limited resale windows, typically pay less than trade books. Records and CDs vary widely: a common album might bring $1 to $3, while a rare pressing or collectible vinyl could be worth significantly more.

Cash payouts are usually 30 to 50 percent of what the store plans to resell the item for, while store credit bumps that percentage higher—sometimes to 60 to 70 percent. This difference incentivizes you to shop at the store rather than take cash elsewhere. If you're selling a large collection, staff may make a bulk offer rather than pricing each item individually, which can be faster but may not maximize your return.

Bring your items in a bag or box for easy transport, and expect the evaluation process to take 10 to 30 minutes depending on how many items you have and how busy the store is. Staff will sort through everything, set aside items they're not interested in, and present you with a final offer for what they will take.

South Carolina locations and hours

The Columbia location sits in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with other shops and restaurants nearby. The Charleston store is in the downtown area, convenient to the historic district and waterfront attractions. The Greenville location is in the downtown core, close to restaurants and galleries. Each store maintains its own hours, which may vary by season or staffing, so checking the store's website or calling ahead before visiting is wise.

All three locations accept walk-in customers during business hours. Some stores may accept shipments of items if you live far away, but this is not standard across all locations—contact your nearest store to ask about mail-in options before packing anything up.

What condition your items need to be in

Books must have intact spines, readable text, and no water damage, mold, or heavy staining. Highlighting, underlining, and margin notes reduce value significantly. Dog-eared pages and minor shelf wear are usually acceptable. Dust jackets are a plus for hardcovers, though not required.

Vinyl records should play without skips or pops, with no visible warping or deep scratches. CDs and DVDs must not freeze, buffer, or skip during playback. Cases and artwork add value; loose discs without cases are harder to resell and may be rejected. Video games need working cartridges or discs, and original cases and manuals increase their worth.

If you're unsure whether an item is in good enough condition, bring it in and let staff decide. They may surprise you by taking something you thought was too worn, or they may decline something you thought was fine. The only way to know is to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell items online or by mail to 2nd & Charles?

Most 2nd & Charles locations prefer in-person sales, but some may accept shipments. Call your nearest South Carolina location to ask whether they take mail-in items and what their process is. If they do, they'll explain how to pack and ship, and whether they cover return shipping if they decline your items.

How long does it take to get paid if I leave items on consignment?

Consignment periods typically run 30 to 60 days. If your item sells during that window, you receive your cut after the store deducts their commission. If it does not sell, you can pick it up or authorize the store to donate or discard it. Ask your store's specific timeline when you drop items off.

Do you buy textbooks?

Yes, but textbook buyback rates are lower than trade books because they have a short shelf life and limited resale window. The store will evaluate them based on edition, condition, and whether they're currently in demand. Older editions or heavily marked-up books may be declined.

What if I find a book with a price sticker or library stamp?

Library books and books with institutional markings are generally not purchased because they signal the item came from a library discard or institutional source, which raises questions about ownership. Bring it in if you have one, but expect the store to decline it or offer a very low price.

Can I return something I bought if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by location. Ask at the register when you purchase an item, or call ahead to confirm the store's policy. Most used bookstores have limited or no return options because inventory is final-sale, but it's worth asking.