Where to Find Used Textbooks

If you are in a slump and a bit depressed because you checked on the books you need for your classes and the total bill is about 0, you can help yourself find a better deal by purchasing a used textbook.

Many students today have entered the used textbook market because they can often find their books for half the cost as they would find them new. Many students get rid of their books at the end of each semester which makes them available to students who haven't taken the class yet. Students from all over the world are selling their books back.

When you are looking for your textbooks there are two places to start for used textbooks - the college bookstore and any college bulletin board. The bookstore will give a percentage of the total cost back to the student depending on when they return the book. The primary factor that governs the amount of money that the bookstore gives back is whether the professor is going to use the same book for the next semester. Often, professors change the editions and the student looses.

Students who sell used textbooks on bulletin boards can be assured of getting a fair price for their book and the edition may not matter as long as it's not too old. So, both of these suggestions are good for students.

All professors accept a used textbook as long as it is the same edition that they have requested. They usually won't give you credit if you have the wrong textbook and give the wrong answers on the test because of it.

One other thing to think about when purchasing a used textbook is that some come with supplements. For instance, they may come with a CD, charts or study guides and often these are missing from used copies. Check your syllabus to see whether your professor has made specific assignments from any of these materials. If they have, you will need to make sure the used copy includes these other pieces.

There are thousands of bookstores online that also sell used textbooks. You can do a search for "used textbooks" or "how to buy used textbooks" and you will be overwhelmed by all the opportunities. The best thing to do is compare the prices in each to see your best option.

Something to think about when you are purchasing used textbooks is the amount of damage that you can handle. Some books will be tattered, some will have highlighting and some will look like they have never been used. Of course, the better the condition, the more the cost, but you can still get a discount on these.

Once you have purchased your books, think about selling them back to the same store or another one at the end of the semester. This way you can make a profit at both ends.

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