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Students’ textbook costs are high. Math, science, and engineering texts are very expensive. These textbooks often cost $200 or more. Think you can resale these pricey books to recoup your costs? Nevermind. Even in perfect condition, reselling a textbook at the end of the semester nets cents. What are some alternatives for students who pay $1000-$1500 for a semester’s worth of textbooks only to receive an insulting buyback price?
1) When possible, buy used textbooks. Check if your college bookstore has used copies of your books. Buying used textbooks is cheaper than new. The longer you wait to acquire books, the smaller the variety. You may just find a damaged, heavily highlighted textbook, or there may be none left. You’ll have to buy an expensive textbook.
2) Visit online bookstores Websites sell used textbooks at lower prices than the campus bookstore. Online searches reveal several resellers. ISBN number comparison is a valuable tool when buying old textbooks. How do I find an ISBN number? ISBNs identify all commercial books with 13-digit codes. It’s written over a barcode on a book’s back cover. Visit your college bookstore’s website and search by course number and lecturer to find the ISBN number. The webpage should return the required textbooks’ ISBNs. You can look for your textbook by ISBN on the reseller’s website. This guarantees you get the right textbook edition. Search multiple resellers’ websites for the greatest price.
3)Online textbook rentals Renting textbooks can save up to 75% of the cost of buying new textbooks, and you don’t have to resell them. This new alternative for students is great because rental books are in great condition. Renting has downsides. Some vendors charge students for shipping, which is pricey for bulky textbooks. If books aren’t returned on time, renters suffer penalties. Last-minute textbook rentals aren’t suggested due to shipping time. If you wait too long to rent, you may start the semester without textbooks.
4) Explore e-books Digital textbooks are rising. E-textbooks are subscribed, then online access is allowed for a set time. E-textbooks are environmentally benign because no trees are sacrificed. At least one state (California) only buys math and science textbooks in this format for public schools. The quantity of e-textbook titles is currently limited.
For the best selection, buy used textbooks early from your college shop or an internet reseller. Use your textbook’s ISBN to find the correct edition online. Next semester, consider renting or subscribing to e-textbooks. These tips can help you save money and avoid bookstore queues.
