How to Save Money Buying Textbooks
- 1). Find out in advance of your class start date which textbooks your professors require for class and which may be optional. Email the professor as soon as possible, politely introduce yourself and ask which materials will be needed. Be sure to specifically ask for the book title, author, and ISBN number.
- 2). Another way to obtain the book details is to obtain a printout of your course schedule and compare the listing to the labels at the campus bookstore. You may also be able to ask an associate for assistance in finding the correct shelf locations. Be sure to bring a pen and paper to jot down the discovered authors, titles, and ISBN numbers.
- 3). Now that you know the details of which textbooks are required for class, avoid purchasing your books at the campus bookstore as this is the most expensive place with the highest markup. Your first alternative should be to try and find someone who has recently completed the course and request to trade or buy the book directly from them. Ask upperclassmen or make a quick post on a campus chat-room to help spread the word.
- 4). Check your campus and city libraries for reserved and public copies of the textbooks you need. This option is particularly useful if you are taking humanities classes where course requirements may include common literary works.
- 5). Increase your book finding network and purchase your books used on-line from other students at a substantial discount. Search for on-line used textbook marketplaces or view the links below for a listing of valuable on-line resources.
- 6). After your courses are completed, resell the books to others on campus or through the same websites you searched originally. Do not sell the book back to your bookstore as they provide the least amount to recoup your investment.
How to Save Money Buying Textbooks
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