How to Buy Cheap Used Textbooks Online

Along with tuition, textbooks are some of the most expensive items needed for higher education. Buying cheap used books online helps relieve this burden because you can usually save half the retail cost by purchasing a text that might have just a few dog-eared pages. Further, recycled books often contain the previous owner's beneficial notes and, better yet, you can help save some trees. Learn how to find the textbooks that you need and make your purchase.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get the name of the book's title, author and ISBN number before searching online. The ISBN, found on the back cover, is especially helpful because it is unique to the publication.

2. Search for Internet textbook retailers by using terms, such as "used textbooks" or "college texts." You can also find the desired titles on auction sites, such as eBay, or via sellers who specialize in used texts such as ValoreBooks.com.

3. Check the shipping location listed on the seller's website. If you need textbooks immediately, purchase from someone who is closer to you.

4. Review any retailer feedback left by customers to determine the seller's dependability. Feedback is generally provided as a link or via a star rating system. Consider any issues described, such as customer service or quality of the product.

5. Locate the books you need by using the search mechanism on the retailer's website. Read about the book's condition in the seller's notes, which are often found near the title, and review any wear or tear described.

6. Contact the book retailer with questions before making a purchase. Ask the seller if they only ship on certain days, and verify that they have the desired titles in stock. Use the contact methods, such as email or phone, provided on the site.

References

• Tips for Buying Books

Resources

• ValoreBooks
• eBay

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