How to Buy Private School Textbooks for Less

Private school means hefty expenses for tuition, fees and uniforms. Add to that hundreds of dollars each year for textbooks. With several sources for used textbooks, you can save a bundle by buying gently used books and reselling them at the end of the year.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Check in with teachers and find out if they are using the same textbooks the next academic year. Contact parents with children in the current classes and arrange to buy the used textbooks.
2. Organize a book exchange at school where parents can trade used textbooks. Work with the school administration to set up the main event on registration day when the bookstore is open selling new textbooks. Consider setting up an uniform exchange, too.
3. Visit the American Book Exchange website for used and reduced-price copies of needed texts. Enter the title, author, publisher and/or the ISBN number to locate a text. Contact the seller to make sure the book is available and arrange to purchase it.
4. Check out the Alibris website, a network of individuals and small shops selling new and used books. Search for a specific title by entering the relevant information and then contact the seller to complete the transaction.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out online retail sellers and auctions like Amazon and Ebay.