Shop Canadian, Yes Even on Amazon!

In the current economic and political climate, for many proud Canucks, buying Canadian has taken on a whole new meaning. Nobody likes a bully, and more and more Canadians are putting their wallets where their mouth is - and buying Canadian. But did you know, contrary to popular belief, Amazon isn't just an American marketplace—it's a vibrant platform where Canadian entrepreneurs, book lovers, and community-driven sellers are making their mark.

What does this mean for you? 

→ Why buying Canadian used books on Amazon makes a bigger impact than you think

→ How small Canadian sellers thrive using Amazon's platform

→ The surprising eco-benefits of choosing used books

→ Simple ways to ensure you're supporting local Canadian sellers

1. Why Your Used Book Purchase Matters More Than You Think

Every book bought from a Canadian re-seller on Amazon:

✔ Supports small businesses – Your dollars are not completely sucked up by a giant corporate American vacuum cleaner. When purchased through Amazon they take a 15% commission, all other fixed fees go to pay for the logistics and shipping (including paying Canadian taxes, Canadian warehouse workers, and Canadian delivery drivers).

✔ Keeps money in communities – Many sellers reinvest profits locally. Others, like ourselves, source our books from many local charities. This adds thousands of dollars a year into organizations that provide vital services.

✔ Cuts environmental waste – Buying used books is great for the environment. Each resold book prevents approximately 4 pounds of carbon emissions. The global second-hand book market is projected to be worth $23 billion by 2034!

✔ Creates jobs – From warehouse workers, delivery drivers, and local hires, success for local re-sellers means more local Canadian job opportunities. Many hands are involved once you click "buy" - Canadians working in Amazon warehouses across the country work hard to store and deliver your books safely and on time.

 

2. How Small Canadian Book Re-sellers Thrive on Amazon

Canadian independent booksellers can list their used books on Amazon.ca and choose to have Amazon handle storage, packing, and shipping through FBA (Prime). Here's the breakdown:

When you purchase a used book from a Canadian FBA seller:

Amazon takes fees for their services (typically 15%+ fixed cost)

The remaining revenue goes to that Canadian seller

Your purchase helps small operations reach wider markets

These dollars get re-invested in the community. Many sellers, including ourselves, frequently source inventory from local charities, turning your purchase into a double act of good.

 

3. The Eco-Friendly Choice: Why Used Books Matter

♻ Environmental benefits:

Saves 4 lbs of CO₂ per book (no new paper needed)

Reduces deforestation (fewer new books = fewer trees cut)

Diverts books from landfills (over 320 million books discarded annually in North America)

📌 Did you know? If every Canadian bought just one used book this year, we could save over 140 million kg of CO₂!

 

4. How to Support Canadian Book Re-Sellers on Amazon

1.  In the details section it should say where the item ships from
2.  Look for "Fulfilled by Amazon" from Canadian sellers
3.  Check seller profiles - many share their Canadian identity.
4.  Be sure to leave reviews if your experience is positive.

 

Your Impact Matters

By choosing to buy from Canadian sellers your not only sending a message that Canada can take care if itself, but your also:

✅ Supporting local, Canadian economic growth

✅ Reducing environmental waste

✅ Accessing affordable, quality books

✅ Helping small businesses-and the community around them

 

 

Our Canadian Book Re-Sellers Story

It began with an idea and Jennifer's signature skeptical look over the steering wheel in Calgary traffic. What started as a small book reselling experiment grew into a purpose-driven business. Today, we carefully source our inventory from Canadian thrift stores and charity shops, keeping dollars circulating locally while giving books new life. Every purchase helps reduce waste (saving 4 lbs of CO₂ per book!) and supports Canadian jobs - from warehouse staff to delivery drivers. We've learned this business isn't about quick profits, but about sustainable growth and community impact - one carefully curated book at a time.

You can find us on Amazon as Jen and Ryan Books, or we also have a website where our books are listed you can find us here:

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