5 Tips for Buying the Cheapest Textbooks Online: Part 2

A college student has many woes, and an empty wallet is a common one. Between juggling studying, pledging for that frat, and partying, a college student can burn cash like no other. This is especially true for those staying at a dormitory and living away from home. Students can save money by being smart and buying textbooks online. I know this has personally saved me hundreds of dollars per semester. The following is Part 2 of my guide to getting the best deals on textbooks and getting the most out of your money.

1. Free shipping. Look for sellers who offer free shipping when you are searching for books. Despite shipping costs being around four dollars or less in the US, many sellers are keen on offering shipment for free to potential customers in order to solidify the sale. This is the equivalent of a 5% discount on an $80 book or an additional 10% off of a $40 book.

2. Shop around. I know this seems like common sense but you'd be surprised how many people overlook this simple money saving method. A smart shopper will compare different prices from, at the very least, three different sellers. If you would like to make a comparison between online booksellers, visit Bookfinder.com. Bookfinder.com is a useful tool if you want to compare prices on many different books from various sellers.

3. Buy locally. Find out where the seller is located before buying your book. The closer the seller is to your location, the cheaper the shipping price will be. Another benefit of buying locally is receiving your merchandise more quickly.

4. Sell the textbooks that you don't use anymore. Most likely the online bookstore that you bought your books from is more than willing to repurchase them. Simply go to their site and look around for a buyback operation. Usually, the shipment of the books will be free and payment will be immediate after reception.

5. Take care of your textbooks. Do not use your books as umbrellas or food trays. Refrain from doodling your crush's name on the pages, actually, refrain from doodling on your books altogether. Use a notebook if you have an artistic urge. Always remember, the better the quality the higher the value of the book. Used books will sell and the condition dictates how much they will sell for. So take care of your stuff!

Follow these tips and enjoy your fatter wallet! Remember to check out Part 1 of this guide if you haven't yet. View my profile page here!