Where Can I Buy Used College Text Books?

by Yu Qing

Overview

Textbooks are expensive for a college student with little or no income. Unfortunately, it is necessary to purchase textbooks to do well in your classes. To save money, purchase used textbooks instead of new ones. Not only will you be saving money, but you help the environment because you're recycling a previously used item. You can buy used college textbooks at your university bookstore, through a former student, or online.

College textbooks.
University Bookstore

Your university bookstore offers used-textbook options for students who prefer to spend less. Professors order required textbooks for their classes through the campus bookstore. The bookstore arranges textbooks by class. Usually, used textbooks are available next to new ones. If there aren't used versions available for a particular textbook, ask a sales representative for assistance. There may be some in storage. Ask about the return policy for used textbooks in case you drop the course and need to return them. The return policy for used textbooks may be different from that of new textbooks.

Students

Students who have already taken the class usually want to get rid of old textbooks. Ask students in your university department, friends or acquaintances who have taken the class, or those who know of people who have. When you find someone, ask whether he will sell his used textbooks to you. If you've taken a class he will take, you might be able to trade your textbooks. Some colleges such as the University of California at Berkeley have websites (Comegetused.com) where students post listings of their used textbooks. Students can contact one another through the website and arrange a time and place to conduct the transaction.
Online

Websites such as Amazon.com or Half.com sell used textbooks through many sellers. You may find cheaper prices for your textbooks online than by purchasing through the campus bookstore. To search for your textbook, enter the ISBN number. Search results yield textbooks that vary in condition and price. Conditions range from "acceptable" to "like new." Read the descriptions of the textbooks and consider whether you would rather pay more for a textbook that is "like new" or less for one that is merely "acceptable." Before purchasing, note the seller's rating, which is shown next to the user names. It is advisable to buy from a seller whose ratings are higher to make a safe purchase.

Overview