How to Buy Books at a Discount

Many people spend hundreds of dollars on books that they will read once and then let sit on the shelf. This is a tremendous waste of money and natural resources, but there is a better way. There are many ways to buy books at a discount, but this is a surefire one that has worked beautifully for countless people.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Internet
• Credit card
• Valid mailing address

1. Go online to Amazon and click on "books." At the next page, type your desired title into the search bar just to the right of the word "books."
2. On the next screen, titles of books will pop up based on your search. It is recommended that you click the title and read the summary of the book to make sure you have selected the one you want. Pay close attention to the format as well: audio, hardback, paperback, mass market paperback, and so on.
3. Once you're sure you have the correct book, direct your attention to the box on the right side of the screen that says "Quantity" and "Add to Shopping Cart." Just below this box will be another that says "More buying choices." In this box, there will most likely be the option to buy the book new or used from a third party seller. Click on the "Used and New" link. It will tell you how many new and used copies they have and at what price they start. For example, Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild" may have "50 new and used from $7.44." This simply means that there are 50 copies to choose from third party sellers with the lowest price at $7.44.
4. The next page you see will show you all the copies available from third party sellers, what condition they are in, where they ship from, and so on. Select the copy you want at the price you want and add to your shopping cart. From there, follow the directions to proceed to checkout. If you already have an account with Amazon, sign in and follow the directions. If you don't have an account, you will be prompted to create one to complete your order. From there, follow the simple instructions to register and buy your book.

Tips & Warnings

• When selecting the copy you'd like to purchase, eHow recommends checking the condition of the book (It's much more desirable to buy a book that is in "New" condition than one that is in "Fair" condition).
• eHow also recommends that the customer take into consideration the location of the seller (a buyer in California would get their book faster if they bought from a seller in Nevada than one in Florida, for example).
• Additionally, it is wise to check the customer satisfation rating of the seller. It is much safer to buy from a seller who has a 99 percent positive rating from its customers than one that has an 80 percent positive rating. If you're wondering why a seller has a certain rating, simply click on the rating to read the customer reviews of the seller. Make sure you pick one that is consistently good, with quick deliveries and a high positive rating.
• While rare, it is possible for sellers to send the book after the two week period that they are supposed to, or to not send the book at all. If, after two weeks, you don't receive your book, go to your account, click on "Orders placed in the last six months," find the book you ordered and click "View Order." From here, you will be taken to a page that gives you a summary of the order, at the top of this summary there is a box that says "Problem with this order?" Click this box. From there, you will be given the option to contact the seller (this is recommended first) or to file a claim with Amazon. If the seller is uncooperative, it is recommended that you file a claim. Amazon will reimburse you and you will have the option of leaving negative feedback for the seller so that other buyers are aware of the risk.