Joining the PBFA - the criteria

If you are a seller of antiquarian and/or secondhand books, you may wish to think about joining the PBFA.  You may be a full time or part time bookseller, with a minimum, verifiable trading history of at least two years.  These two years should have given you:

Knowledge of the terminology used in the trade, the necessary skills for identifying the condition of books that you buy or sell, a commitment to high professional standards, and a thorough understanding of the ethics and etiquette of the trade.  

You will be asked to provide the names of two sponsors, who are current members of the PBFA and who have been full members for at least four years. This is normal procedure for most professional organisations.

Joining the PBFA - the benefits

Free publicity

• Inclusion in printed fair catalogues and regularly published directories of members such as the colourful, free and very popular Directory of Antiquarian and Secondhand Bookshops
• Listing on this site
• Referrals from members and the public

Exhibiting at PBFA fairs - including many of the most successful in the UK.

Financial benefits

• Heavily discounted Parcelforce rates for UK, European and worldwide services, with costs reduced by up to half the published tariff.
• Booksellers insurance – professional and specialised, at very competitive rates.
• Preferential Merchant Services facilities (for credit card processing).
• Membership of our own Credit Union.

Welfare

The PBFA has its own Registered Charity dedicated to helping members and their dependants discreetly and confidentially. The PBFA also has a network of voluntary regional welfare officers.

And finally - PBFA members have a well-respected position in the trade and are required to uphold our Code of Practice.

How to apply

If you have been trading for two years and can provide the names of two existing Full Members of the PBFA who know you, have traded with you for at least two years, and are willing to sponsor your application, then email info@pbfa.org or call (+ 44) 01763 248400 and we will send you an application form and information pack.  

From 2012 the annual subscription to the PBFA will be £190*, inclusive of VAT, if resident in the UK (although we welcome applicants from anywhere in the world). There is an additional once-only joining fee of £50 plus VAT.

* £180 until December 31st 2011.

Applying for membership does not guarantee acceptance.