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How to Buy College Textbooks for Cheap
by Remy Lo
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Overview
Paying for college textbooks can strain your budget and even cause sticker shock. The cost of textbooks can quickly pile up, leaving you unable to fulfill your purchase lists. Although it can seem tempting to avoid purchasing the more expensive textbooks, doing so can hurt your chance of academic success. Learning how to buy college textbooks for cheap can ensure you're adequately prepared for your courses, without sacrificing your grades.
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Step 1
Visit both college-owned and independently run bookstores. Take advantage of the savings provided when students no longer need their textbooks. Bring your book list with you, as purchasing multiple textbooks at once often leads to discounts. Survey used books before buying them to ensure they're in adequate condition. While you can easily overlook imperfections such as book-eared pages, imperfections such as missing pages and excessive highlighting, may be cause to select other purchase possibilities.
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Step 2
Search for cheap textbooks online. Scouring both general book sites such as Books-A-Million and targeted textbook sites such as Campus Books, gives you access to increased savings. Compare the cost of both new and used textbooks using the author, title or ISBN for each desired textbook. Examine the book condition and seller rating prior to making online purchases, as returns policies vary. Consider shipping costs as high amounts can lessen your overall savings.
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Step 3
Cut out the traditional middleman. Purchasing college textbooks directly from other students can be a cheaper alternative to using bookstores. Shopping at a student co-op can help you save money on needed textbooks, and you make money on textbooks that you no longer need. Respond to postings about used textbooks, which often appear on campus bulletin boards and in student newspapers and bulletins. Posting a classified ad requesting specific used textbooks can increase your chances for success. Spread the word with classmates, professors and friends regarding your need to purchase used college textbooks.
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Step 4
Join bookstore savings clubs. Read the rules of club participation including specific reward benefits. For example, some books clubs offer tiered savings packages applied to any media purchase, while others offer discounts for bundling media purchases in specific categories. Keeping track of upcoming sales can alert you to optimal purchase times. Consider joining more than one book club for the ability to compare savings.
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Step 5
Buy older edition textbooks. This is especially helpful for textbooks that aren't the primary reference for course lessons. Search bookstores, online and with peers to access older-edition textbooks. Note that the resale value for older edition textbooks can be substantially less than their newer editions.
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- Starting your textbook search early can help you avoid paying higher prices associated with last-minute shopping.
Shopping around for the best bargains at multiple locations can help you save money.
Check with campus students to find more information regarding student book co-ops.
- Starting your textbook search early can help you avoid paying higher prices associated with last-minute shopping.
- Shopping around for the best bargains at multiple locations can help you save money.
- Check with campus students to find more information regarding student book co-ops.
- Avoid buying college textbooks without first inspecting them.
- Avoid buying college textbooks without first inspecting them.
