Buy Back Manager

Books A Million; Matthews (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health coverage

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Employee discounts on books and more

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Books-A-Million, at the 2nd & Charles buyback counter in Matthews, NC, seeks a full-time Buyer to evaluate items, make fair offers, and provide exceptional service. You’ll help customers, keep inventory accurate, and ensure smooth store operations while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for every guest.

The role emphasizes knowledge of books and pop culture, fast trade processing, and a collaborative team environment in a retail setting.

Qualifications

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Successful completion of all required background screenings is required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and merchandise traded items at the buyback counter to support fast sale.
• Provide fair and confident offers and maintain accurate trade records and inventory.
• Deliver friendly, efficient customer service and uphold store merchandising standards.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Customer service orientation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

US:NC:Matthews | Retail | ACTIVE FULL TIME

Description

Job Description

About the Job

Love books? Good. That's where it starts. At 2nd & Charles, every item has a story, and Buyers are the first to hear it. Working at the buyback counter, you'll evaluate the books, music, movies, games, and collectibles customers bring in and turn them into discoveries for the next customer. You don't just buy books. You believe in them. Enjoy the thrill of discovering what's inside every box that comes across the counter? Ready to be part of a store where every shift turns up something new? This is an hourly role based in one of our 2nd & Charles retail store locations.

Role Summary

A passion for books is the foundation here, and you'll bring that energy to the buy counter every day. The Buyer takes ownership of the buyback experience from the first greeting to the final offer—evaluating and taking in used product from customers, making fair and confident offers, and providing exceptional service to every customer in a friendly and helpful manner. You'll know books and the other merchandise in our store, and you'll use that knowledge to spot what's worth buying and what customers are looking for next.

Role Responsibilities

Buyback

• Be the first to meet every item that comes through the door. Evaluate, process, and merchandise product efficiently, so traded product reaches the sales floor fast and becomes someone else's next discovery.
• Protect the accuracy behind every trade by researching and inputting product and customer information carefully and organizing received orders, so nothing gets lost between the counter and the shelf.
• Make the offer with confidence. Provide quotes to customers for the purchase of product and authorize its intake into store inventory, handling every trade with care, honesty, and integrity so customers trust the fair trade they count on.

Customer Experience

• Make trading in books the easiest, friendliest part of a customer's day. Welcome every customer with genuine warmth, share your love of books, and keep every buyback experience so fast and friendly that customers come back with their next stack.
• Bring genuine excitement to every customer interaction by highlighting customer benefits and company-sponsored programs—like Sales Promotions and Text to Mobile—that add value to their experience, just as naturally and enthusiastically as you'd recommend a great book.

Store Operations

• Make every shelf tell a story. Maintain merchandising standards in your assigned area according to company policies and procedures, so customers always find something new worth picking up.
• Create a space customers want to linger in by keeping it clean and welcoming, including dusting, vacuuming, cleaning restrooms, and pitching in on the general maintenance of the building.

Additional Responsibilities

• Every shift is different, and great stores run on teammates who are willing to jump in wherever they're needed. Be someone your team can count on—pitching in on the sales floor and at the register, receiving new shipments, and helping wherever the store needs you.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Role Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Successful completion of all required background screenings

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous buying, retail, or customer service experience — understanding customers, products, and trends while taking ownership of the details that create a great trade experience.
• Product knowledge — with the ability to research market trends and spot what's worth buying.
• A genuine love of books, reading, and pop culture — with the curiosity to know what's new, what's trending, and what customers are bringing to the counter.
• Strong communication and connection skills — creating warm, genuine interactions with customers and teammates through thoughtful listening and clear communication.
• An ownership mindset — taking initiative, staying organized, and confidently balancing multiple priorities to keep work moving.
• Comfort with technology and transactions — using computers and cash registers accurately while staying curious and willing to learn new systems and processes.

Work Environment & Expectations

Physical requirements:

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Must be able to use hands/arms to operate a keyboard and telephone for repetitive motion activities
• Must be able to lift or team lift objects up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance
• Must be able to communicate using speech, sight, and sound with or without an assistive device
• Must be able to stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, or crouch while performing daily activities of the job

The Perks

At 2nd & Charles, we're in the business of connecting people with stories—but our story starts with our associates. We believe that when our people feel supported, valued, and cared for, they're empowered to do their best work and create exceptional experiences for our customers.

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive pay with opportunities to earn performance-based incentives that recognize your contributions.
• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts to help you care for yourself and those who depend on you.
• Financial Protection: Life insurance and disability coverage that provide peace of mind when you need it most.
• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to help you invest in your future with confidence.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off so you can recharge, celebrate life's moments, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Employee Discounts: Special discounts on books, gifts, toys, collectibles, and more—because we believe the things you love should be a little more accessible.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling, resources, and support for you and your family whenever life brings unexpected challenges.

Benefit availability and eligibility are based on applicable requirements, including hours worked, employment status, position, and other plan-specific eligibility criteria.

When you join 2nd & Charles, you're joining more than a workplace—you're becoming part of a team that believes in supporting one another, celebrating successes, and growing together as a community. We're proud to invest in our associates because when you thrive, we all do.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Books-A-Million is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.