Textbook Expense Tips

There are so many expenses when starting college that any money saved is very precious. After paying tuition, room expenses, supplies and clothing, purchasing books as cheaply as possible is definitely on the mind of the one writing the checks.

Many colleges have a used book store in-house where you can buy, sell or trade textbooks. The information about this store is usually provided in the pamphlets you received when enrolling but you can also call the school to ask the hours of the store and other information.

In the surrounding area of most colleges are stores which cater to college-age kids. One store you’re likely to find is a used book store. Students who have previously taken a certain subject will likely sell their books, when the course is completed, to purchase other books. In these stores you can find most any course-required book, along with literature recommended by particular professors. The books are priced according to their condition.

For books that seem nearly new expect to pay near full price. Books which have seen some usage can get you savings of fifty percent or more. Check to see that the book isn’t badly damaged. Missing pages are a definite reason to look at some other choices. Mildewed books aren’t a wise choice, and some people are actually allergic. Damage to the outer cover can easily be hidden by a book cover so try to choose books which are mostly marked down for their outside appearance.

Check the area newspapers for deals on books or run your own ad. Don’t wait until the next quarter is ready to begin – place the ad a couple of weeks in advance. Mention the particular book you are searching for and price you are willing to pay. Know in advance how much the book sells for new so you can get an idea of how much you should pay for a used copy.

Online book stores often carry textbooks for all different types of schools. Checking the bargain basement books for the specifics of the ones you need is a good place to start. Often these books are marked down simply because they won’t be in publication any longer or because there was once a price sticker on the book. Online book stores, as well as any bookstore, often purchase books by the lot, from the manufacturer. When too many books were originally made the bookstores can get a bargain-basement price on them. Usually the savings are passed on to the customer, who can save 25% or more on new books.

Visit yard sales in a college town, particularly ones that are near the colleges. Students who live nearby are the most likely to sell the books in a yard sale and you can get some great bargains that way. Rather than sell them for next to nothing, only to have the book store mark them up, some students opt to sell the books on their own, through various means.

Nearby flea markets are also a good location for used books to be found. In this age of technology some students even sell their books at online yard sales. Run a search for your town and the name of the book or just visit some bulletin boards online that cater to your town or school.