Back to School: Finding the Best Deal on College Textbooks
A Guide to Buying College Textbooks
Campus Bookstores
The campus bookstore is usually run by one of the larger book distributors such as Barnes and Noble. Most bookstores offer new and used textbooks. They may purchase your old textbooks from previous semesters and give you a credit toward this semester's books. Check the pricing on new and used books as campus bookstores do not always offer the best pricing. Barnes and Noble campus bookstores offer some textbooks in digital format. I'll talk about that a little later.
Online Options
There is a plethora of choices when it comes to locating textbooks online. Check Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Half.com, and Flat World Knowledge. Each retailer has their own bargains. The first three offer new, used and digital formats. Barnes and Noble offers textbook rentals and Flat World Knowledge offers inexpensive digital textbooks.
Amazon.com
Amazon offers students with a valid .edu email address free 2 day shipping on all items. The student must sign up for this service and they may be required to prove enrollment in a college or technical school. This is the same service as Amazon Prime but, they are offering it free to college students.
When comparing prices; take into account that guaranteed two day shipping on textbooks from other retailers will add up quickly. Most used textbook dealers ship by media mail to save on costs. Media Mail from the U.S. Postal Service can take up to 10 days to reach you.
New and used textbooks can be purchased from Amazon.com. They have some books in digital format that can be read on the top-of-the-line Kindle. I'm not convinced that this particular Kindle is worth the expense based on the limited number of books available.
Amazon will purchase your used college textbooks. They pay you in the form of an Amazon gift card.
Barnes and Noble
In addition to selling new and used textbooks, Barnes and Noble has textbook rentals and digital format textbooks available. They have a free downloadable program called NOOKstudy. It is a textbook reader which allows students to annotate, highlight and make notes directly into the digital format. NOOKstudy is available in PC and MAC formats. Digital copies of the textbooks must be purchased, there is a free 7 day trial on all digital textbooks so that students can return the digital copy if they drop a class within that timeframe. Having textbooks available on a netbook computer is much easier than lugging heavy textbooks around campus.
College savings through Barnes and Noble is available through Upromise. Members of Upromise will earn 3% on purchases made online through Barnes and Noble. Other Barnes and Noble savings are available through their discount card and via email offers.
Barnes and Noble will purchase used college textbooks. They send you a check for the books they buy from you.
Half.com
Half.com offers good deals on used college textbooks. They are a collection of different used book dealers using the website to sell their books. Check the ratings of any vendor you are thinking of buying from. Shipping is extra, so be sure to add that into your cost comparisons. Half.com is another venue for selling your used textbooks. If you sell your books on half.com, you receive money not a gift card.
Flat World Knowledge
Although they have a limited selection of college textbooks available, Flat World Knowledge is a great resource for low cost digital textbooks. Pricing varies depending on the format you choose for your textbooks. Some textbooks are available as audio books as well as in eBook format.
Textbook Rentals
Renting textbooks is a fairly new phenomenon. In some instances it is a way to get the best deal on college textbooks. Other times the price is so close to purchasing a used book that it is not worth the trouble. Just like all rental agreements, renting textbooks requires you return the books on time. Most companies pay return shipping. If the books you require come with workbooks, CDs or other accessories, these may or may not come with the rental book. Unlike other versions of textbooks, you will be charged fees if the book is damaged or written in.
Another caveat of renting is the length of the rental. There are 60, 90 and 130 day options. Make sure that the return date is after your final exam or you will incur late charges.
Chegg.com is a "green" textbook rental company. Renting is a "greener" option than buying new and Chegg will plant a tree with every textbook you rent. Upromise members receive 4 percent in college savings when using Chegg. Prior to each semester, Chegg offers a free extension of rentals to meet your class schedule. Chegg will purchase used college textbooks.
Another college textbook rental company is CampusBookRentals.com. If they have your textbook, their rental prices are reasonable. Books rented for the fall term are due back on December 21. Remember to include any shipping charges when comparing prices.
Determining the Best Deal
When looking for the best deal on college textbooks take into account all extra charges such as shipping or expedited delivery charges and rental fees. Used textbooks in good shape have resale value whereas digital copies and rented textbooks do not. Compare all costs, delivery dates and return dates for rentals before deciding on what is best for you.
Finding the best deal on college textbooks takes time and effort but it can save you 50 percent or more off of the price of purchasing new books at the campus bookstore. Scholarships, grants, financial aid and student loans only go so far. Getting the best deal possible on college textbooks helps keep finances under control.
Other articles you may enjoy:
Saving for College with Upromise
College Back to School: How to Stay Out of Debt
Sources:
Published by Lynda Altman
Lynda Altman is a freelance writer, blogger and researcher. Her experience includes published print articles in Family Chronicle Magazine, writing and researching for private clients, and writing online cont... View profile
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