Where to Find Cheap Textbooks
With a bit of searching around, finding cheap textbooks is an easy task. There is a variety of options to choose from and students should explore all of these avenues before purchasing books from on-campus book stores. The information below discusses options and methods for finding cheap books. Get creative and post a few wanted ads online with your budget too. This may help you score a great deal on a required textbook.
Amazon
This online retailer has a warehouse of its own and also allows private sellers to create listings. The items listed on Amazon are available in both new and used condition in most cases. Keep in mind that a used book may have some highlighting or notes in it, but the cost will be nearly cut in half because it has been used already.
Craigslist
Search Craigslist both in your local area and where you’ll be attending college. This website allows users to create their own for sale ads. The prices are determined by the seller, but you have room to negotiate here. If you are on a very tight budget, message the seller and attempt to bargain with them a bit. You may end up getting a great deal on a vital book for school.
Used Book Stores
Most major cities and even some rural areas have used book stores. Some work on a consignment basis while others purchase the books outright. Resale shops purchase used textbooks from prior students at a low cost. This low cost is passed onto others, making it possible to purchase an entire college year’s books for half of the cost of new books. This is beneficial to those that would not be able to purchase the required items otherwise.
Signage at School
Look for signs posted in common areas at your school. Some students that have already completed a course will sell their old textbooks. Do not take the asking price to heart. Some textbooks are very costly, at $400 per book or more. Paying 50 – 60 percent of the original retail value is to be expected. When you notice these postings, contact the student immediately because there is only one of these available and generally, first with cash in hand wins.
Second-hand Stores
Second-hand stores such as Goodwill do take in textbooks. Although it is uncommon to find exactly what you need here, it is important to explore the option. This treasure hunt may leave you empty handed in the textbook department but you may find furnishings for your dorm room at a bargain price.
Family Friends
If your parents have friends whose children have already attended college and the same courses, the potential for obtaining the required textbooks for free is absolutely possible. In some cases, the cost will be minimal as the friend will understand the financial strain of college on a family’s finances. Sometimes, deals can be made to obtain an entire year’s textbooks for a couple hundred dollars.
Online Book Price Comparison Websites
Consider using a textbook price comparison website. All you have to do with this type of website is plug in the title of the textbook. All available listings, both new and used, all over the world are returned. This helps you to find the best available price for the book and saves you a lot of time and hassle in searching for required textbooks.
When to Start Looking for Cheap Textbooks
As soon as you have your course list, start looking for textbooks. If you waste time, you are going to end up paying full retail or finding a badly damaged used option. Of course you want to enjoy the last summer before adulthood really starts, but being responsible now for your future is more important. Ask your parents for help locating the best book prices while you are enjoying some time with your friends, working extra hours or gathering supplies for school.
There are so many resources available for cheap textbooks that if you choose to purchase a brand new textbook over an old one, you really are throwing money away. It does not matter if there are highlighting marks or notes in the textbook, they may just help you with your studies. Consider it a gift from the previous owner.
Amazon
This online retailer has a warehouse of its own and also allows private sellers to create listings. The items listed on Amazon are available in both new and used condition in most cases. Keep in mind that a used book may have some highlighting or notes in it, but the cost will be nearly cut in half because it has been used already.
Craigslist
Search Craigslist both in your local area and where you’ll be attending college. This website allows users to create their own for sale ads. The prices are determined by the seller, but you have room to negotiate here. If you are on a very tight budget, message the seller and attempt to bargain with them a bit. You may end up getting a great deal on a vital book for school.
Used Book Stores
Most major cities and even some rural areas have used book stores. Some work on a consignment basis while others purchase the books outright. Resale shops purchase used textbooks from prior students at a low cost. This low cost is passed onto others, making it possible to purchase an entire college year’s books for half of the cost of new books. This is beneficial to those that would not be able to purchase the required items otherwise.
Signage at School
Look for signs posted in common areas at your school. Some students that have already completed a course will sell their old textbooks. Do not take the asking price to heart. Some textbooks are very costly, at $400 per book or more. Paying 50 – 60 percent of the original retail value is to be expected. When you notice these postings, contact the student immediately because there is only one of these available and generally, first with cash in hand wins.
Second-hand Stores
Second-hand stores such as Goodwill do take in textbooks. Although it is uncommon to find exactly what you need here, it is important to explore the option. This treasure hunt may leave you empty handed in the textbook department but you may find furnishings for your dorm room at a bargain price.
Family Friends
If your parents have friends whose children have already attended college and the same courses, the potential for obtaining the required textbooks for free is absolutely possible. In some cases, the cost will be minimal as the friend will understand the financial strain of college on a family’s finances. Sometimes, deals can be made to obtain an entire year’s textbooks for a couple hundred dollars.
Online Book Price Comparison Websites
Consider using a textbook price comparison website. All you have to do with this type of website is plug in the title of the textbook. All available listings, both new and used, all over the world are returned. This helps you to find the best available price for the book and saves you a lot of time and hassle in searching for required textbooks.
When to Start Looking for Cheap Textbooks
As soon as you have your course list, start looking for textbooks. If you waste time, you are going to end up paying full retail or finding a badly damaged used option. Of course you want to enjoy the last summer before adulthood really starts, but being responsible now for your future is more important. Ask your parents for help locating the best book prices while you are enjoying some time with your friends, working extra hours or gathering supplies for school.
There are so many resources available for cheap textbooks that if you choose to purchase a brand new textbook over an old one, you really are throwing money away. It does not matter if there are highlighting marks or notes in the textbook, they may just help you with your studies. Consider it a gift from the previous owner.