Top Ten Tips - Buying And Selling College Textbooks
By Tip Diva | Dec 11, 2007
Categories: Amazon.com, Books, Budget, Cheap, College, Ebates, Education, Facebook, Half.com, Internet, Money, MySpace, Online Auctions, Savings, School, Selling, Shopping, Social Networking, Student, Textbooks, Tips, University, Web, Web Search, Websites, eBay
As you study for your final exams and get ready to take a holiday break, also remember that it’s time to sell the college textbooks you used this past semester and buy books for next term’s classes. Here are tips on getting the most out of buying and selling your textbooks:
- Go To The Bookstore Early To Collect ISBNs - Go to your college’s bookstore before classes start, if you can. By that point, you probably know what course numbers you’re taking, and you’ll be able to get a list of the professor’s required textbooks. Get every book’s ISBN (International Standard Book Number), which is usually a 13-digit number above the barcode or inside the first few pages of the book. This is an important number in helping you find cheap textbooks - you don’t want to search by titles, because there can be many different editions of the book. The ISBN is unique to the edition.
- Buy Your Textbook Online - Armed with the mighty ISBN, hop online and browse sites like eBay, Half.com, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble for your textbook. Compare prices, but also be aware of shipping charges and shipping times. Give yourself enough time to order books before needing them for class. Also try Ebates for additional cashback on your textbook purchases.
- Search PaperbackSwap.com As Well - Use the ISBN number to search for your book on PaperbackSwap.com, a website that lets you list and swap books for next to nothing. Basically, if someone orders a book from you, you get a credit that you can use to order a book from someone else. You can also buy credits for $3.45 a piece.
- Post Messages On Your School’s MySpace And Facebook Groups - Your school most likely has student-created community groups on MySpace and Facebook. Post a message that you’re looking to buy books for certain classes. Many times, another student will have that book and be willing to sell it to you for a good price.
- Buy An Older Edition - Many times, there is little variance between the content of an older edition of a book and the newest edition. However, there’s usually a significant variance in price. If you don’t mind differing pages or switched-around chapters, go for the older edition.
- Use A Library Copy - If you go to the library early enough, you may be able to borrow a copy of the textbook for the semester. The library may also have a reference copy you can use in lieu of borrowing one.
- Check Other College Bookstores And Used-Book Stores - If you’re having trouble finding a book in your college bookstore or want to compare prices, check around other local colleges’ bookstores or used-book stores. ISBNs will come in handy yet again for locating copies.
- If You Know Your Professor Will Use The Same Textbook Next Semester, Hold On To It - Many times, a professor will use the same books from semester to semester - especially if he or she is the author of a book. Sell it to a student taking that class.
- Sell Your Textbooks Online - After you’re finished with your textbooks, you can sell them on many different websites, including the ones mentioned above. However, if you’re going to sell online, make sure that: the books are in decent condition; that you describe the book’s condition accurately; and that you are able to ship the books within the required timeframe. You may even want to post ads on Facebook or MySpace. Just make sure you list them by peak textbook-buying season, which is right before the semester starts. Tip Diva always lists hers in July and December.
- Sell Back Your Textbooks To Your College Bookstore Or Used Book Store - You may not get as much money back as selling the textbook online or directly to someone else, but at least it’s some money back. Just make sure the book is in a good enough condition to get the maximum value back.
Other Tips To Check Out:
Hey, I found another site that takes out the middle man as well. Its called http://www.college-etrade.com. The site allows students to buy, sell, or trade items with others at their college. Its free to make an account. Its wroth checking out!