How to Compare Cheap Textbooks

Purchase textbooks online to save money.

College textbooks are an unavoidable necessity for millions of college students across the country. According to Florida Times reporter Diana Middleton, students can save a little by buying used textbooks at college bookstores but the cost will still be high. Buyers may get a better deal by shopping online.

Shop for the Lowest Price

Use a comparison shopping site such as Priceviewer, Dealoz or Allbookstores to quickly find the lowest price on used textbooks. For example, go to Allbookstores.com and type the title or ISBN number of the textbook you are looking for. Click to see a list of prices and vendors.

Condition Matters

The cheapest price does not necessarily translate to the best deal when purchasing used textbooks. A book with torn or missing pages or water damage probably won't be a bargain. Keep shopping if the condition of a low-priced textbook is poor.

Buy from Trusted Websites

Websites like Amazon.com and eBay.com provide sellers with performance ratings as well as dependable customer service in the event of a lost shipment or other dispute. Choose a seller with a high rating to assure a seamless transaction. Compare shipping costs and shipping options as well.

Make a Final Decision

Compare textbooks by price and condition. Then make sure that the vendor has a good reputation. Make a final choice based on personal preferences after taking all factors into account. Finally, select a vendor with the best shipping options if time is a factor.

References

• CBS Interactive Business Network: "Education has never been cheap"

Resources

• AllBookstores.com
• Price Viewer
• DealOz