ThriftBooks: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

ThriftBooks says its story began in 2003 with a pickup truck, a storage unit, and one listing on Amazon. The company now describes itself as the world's largest online independent used bookseller, offering used and new books through its website and a ReadingRewards loyalty program. Public reference sources describe ThriftBooks as a privately held company with private equity ownership and list its headquarters in the Seattle, Washington area.

ThriftBooks states that it sources books from libraries, donations, its BuyBack program, and resale partnerships, and that every book it sells is hand-graded by a person before it ships. Through ThriftBooks Cares, the company donates books to schools, nonprofits, and communities, and it runs a profit-sharing program with libraries. Public references also describe warehouses in several states, where inventory is processed and orders are packed for shipment.

Work at ThriftBooks spans a wide range of roles. Its careers page says every team member plays an essential role, whether building software that helps find the right books or packaging a book for its journey to a customer's door, and its about page credits an award-winning customer service team. ThriftBooks also warns candidates that it will never ask for a wire transfer and that job offers should only be accepted if the candidate applied directly through ThriftBooks.com.

Company culture and employee programs: ThriftBooks lists free books to take home, paid holidays, personal and compassionate time with schedules planned alongside a manager, and group medical plans for full-time corporate employees among its benefits. Its careers page also states that ThriftBooks is an E-Verify employer. Benefits, schedules, and eligibility may vary by role, location, and whether a position is corporate or warehouse-based, so candidates should confirm specifics during the hiring process.

Yes. Employers in the online retail and e-commerce industry, including ThriftBooks, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks on job candidates, provided they follow applicable federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, background screening is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which sets requirements around candidate consent, disclosure, and adverse action. State and local laws may add further requirements depending on where the job is located.

ThriftBooks is generally reported to conduct background checks for some roles, though the company has not published a detailed screening policy. That would be consistent with common practice among online retailers and warehouse employers, where employees handle inventory, customer orders, and company systems. The scope of any ThriftBooks background check may vary by role, location, and whether the position is corporate, customer service, or warehouse-based.

The ThriftBooks hiring process typically starts with an online application submitted directly through ThriftBooks.com. Candidates for corporate roles may complete a phone screen and one or more interviews, while warehouse and customer service hiring may follow a shorter process, depending on the location. Candidates who receive a conditional offer are usually asked to consent to a background check and to complete work-authorization paperwork, and ThriftBooks states that it is an E-Verify employer. Exact steps may vary by role and location.

A ThriftBooks background check can take a few business days for many candidates, and longer when records span multiple jurisdictions. Turnaround depends on the types of searches ordered, how quickly courts and past employers respond, and the candidate's history across states. Candidates who want to understand typical timelines in more detail can review background check turnaround times.

A ThriftBooks background check may include criminal history, identity, and employment checks, with other searches added depending on the role. The specific components are determined by the employer. For a role at an online bookseller like ThriftBooks, a check may include some or all of the following:

Candidates should review any disclosure and consent forms provided during the hiring process to understand which searches will be conducted for their specific role.

ThriftBooks has not publicly stated a drug testing policy, so whether a candidate is tested may vary by role and location. Employers with warehouse and fulfillment operations sometimes require a drug screen for certain positions, typically after a conditional offer. Candidates who receive a conditional offer should review the paperwork they are given to see whether testing applies to their position.

The lookback period for a background check depends on the type of search and the laws of the state or country where the candidate lives or worked. In the United States, the FCRA generally limits consumer reporting agencies from reporting most negative information older than seven years, with certain exceptions for higher-salary positions and specific record types such as convictions. Some states have stricter limits. Candidates with records in multiple jurisdictions may see different lookback windows applied to different searches within the same report.

ThriftBooks has not published a detailed policy on candidates with felony records, and decisions are typically made on a case-by-case basis. Factors that may influence a decision include the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and the duties of the specific role. Many states and cities have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history during the application process. Candidates are encouraged to answer questions honestly and be ready to discuss their background if asked.

Candidates are typically asked for written consent and accurate personal details before a ThriftBooks background check begins. The consent is usually part of a disclosure form provided during the hiring process. Candidates should be prepared to supply their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address history, because accurate information helps ensure searches cover the right jurisdictions and can prevent delays. Work-authorization documents are a separate step from the background check.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a US federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent before running a background check, provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights if they intend to take adverse action based on the results, and allow the candidate an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information before a final decision is made. For a detailed overview of how the FCRA applies to background checks, visit Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Warehouse and fulfillment roles at ThriftBooks may involve a criminal history check along with identity and employment verification, though the company has not published specifics. Because warehouse employees handle inventory and customer orders, employers in this industry commonly focus on criminal history, identity, and work history. Drug screening may apply to some safety-sensitive positions. The mix of searches may vary by role and location, so candidates should read the disclosure form for their specific position.

ThriftBooks states on its careers page that it is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is a federal online system that employers use to confirm that new hires are authorized to work in the United States, using information from Form I-9. It is separate from a background check, which looks at records such as criminal history and past employment. Candidates are generally asked to complete work-authorization paperwork after accepting an offer.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what ThriftBooks may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.