One smart way to make money as a college student is by selling your used textbook. Except for those precious textbooks you want to hold on to, you can sell the old books that might never come in handy to you instead of allowing them to sit in your rag-gathering dust.
You don’t need to get overwhelmed navigating different bookshops to sell your used books. There are some commendable platforms where you can get the best prices for your used textbooks.
We will connect you to the best places, and you’ll be shocked at how much you’ll make. Carefully follow our step-by-step guide and learn how to sell your used books online.
By selling your used textbooks, you can save money instead of going for student loans, which might take a long time to pay off. You know what happens to college students when they don’t repay their student loans, right?
Table of contents
Can I Resell My Used Textbooks?
Yes, you can resell your used textbooks. Many students choose to sell their used textbooks after completing a course to recoup some of the cost. Here are some tips to help you successfully resell your used textbooks:
- Sell your textbooks as soon as possible: Textbook prices fluctuate and decrease rapidly, so it’s important to sell them as quickly as possible to get the best price.
- Keep your textbooks in good condition: The better shape your books are in, the more money you can get for them. Avoid writing or highlighting in your textbooks, and keep them in a protective cover to prevent damage.
- Research the market: Research the current market value of your textbooks to ensure that you are pricing them competitively.
- Consider selling online: There are many online marketplaces where you can sell your used textbooks, such as Amazon, eBay, and Chegg. You can also consider selling them through textbook buyback programs offered by online retailers like Barnes & Noble and TextbookRush.
- Sell to other students: Consider selling your textbooks directly to your school or university students. You can post advertisements on campus bulletin boards, social media, or through online classifieds.
Why Resell Your Used Textbooks?
Before you start, you may wonder why you should sell your textbooks.
If you cherish books that will be valuable to your education in the future, you may want to keep them.
However, other textbooks have nothing to do with your specialization or that you know will never open again.
If you have them, selling them will bring many benefits, including:
An Opportunity to Free Up Some Space
Books take up space and collect dust effortlessly. If you want a more spacious living space, selling your old textbooks can be a great way to tidy up your room.
Also, if you’ve ever had to move, you probably know that books aren’t fun to handle. Unless you’re a weight lifter, you’ve probably discovered that books are good exercise for moving out. So why not sell them?
You Will Save Money
It never hurts to have more money. Selling your textbooks can already be a great way to do it. Not only can you put the books in the hands of someone who needs them, but you can also help your savings account.
Extra Funds to Buy New Textbooks
If you still have a few semesters before graduation, consider using the proceeds from selling your current textbooks to buy new ones.
It is a wise financial decision and saves you from using additional hard-earned dollars that could be spent on other essential activities.
Extra Funds to Go Towards Paying off Debt
Paying off your debts, if you have any, should always be a priority regarding financial well-being. Doing it with a secondary income will allow you to advance quickly.
Any additional dollars you use to pay off your debt now will save you a ton of money on your future interest costs. Although the funds from the sale of your textbooks don’t show up far in advance, they can help you cover one or two monthly loan payments.
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How to Resell Your Used Textbooks?
First, there are many ways to resell your used textbooks, each with advantages and disadvantages. Regarding the drawbacks, there are ways to resell your used books and make a good profit. If you follow these steps to sell your used textbooks, you will be glad you did.
Sell Your Used Textbooks Online
Many students buy textbooks online to save money. If you already have used books, you can use these online sites to sell your used textbooks to other students.
For example, websites like eCampus make it easy to compare redemption prices so they don’t scam you. Selling used textbooks online is also very simple. Just enter the book information, wait for it to sell, and make your profit.
Sometimes sending textbooks can be inconvenient if you don’t live near a post office. The good news is that some websites will pay your shipping costs.
Sell Used Books Directly to Students
Some of your subclasses must obtain the same textbooks you purchased last semester. You can resell your used books directly to these students. By doing this, you can make a profit by eliminating the intermediary who will want to take some cut from your money.
However, one disadvantage of selling your used textbooks to the student is that finding a buyer can be challenging. Even students who want to save money may feel uncomfortable paying for books. Students may also drop certain classes. When this happens, they may ask you for a refund. You don’t have to pay them back, but it’s an embarrassing conversation that can make you look like a bad boy on campus.
Auction Textbooks Online
Use auction websites for advertising and selling your old textbooks. Of course, you should be thinking of eBay here.
For instance, if you have a popular textbook, you can profit from the buyers who bid on each other.
But sometimes, students using auction sites hope to save money; they often don’t want to pay the total value of their textbooks.
Sell Used Textbooks to the College Bookstore
Most college bookstores will buy used textbooks again, especially if teachers plan to use the exact text next semester.
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One thing you will stand to gain from selling to the College bookstore is that they will often pay you in cash in minutes. Some people think that convenience is worth more than money.
However, you might lose if you sell your books to a bookstore. Just don’t expect to make a profit. College bookstores have to earn money by reselling the books they buy. This encourages them to pay as little as possible.
You Can Rent Your Textbooks During the Semester
You can rent your used books instead of reselling them.
The truth is that students are willing to spend more money on textbooks when they need them. By renting your readers during the semester, you can get money from students who have yet to plan. You can also earn more money by renting your books multiple times.
However, one disadvantage here is that there is no guarantee that you will get your books back. Even honest people can forget to return them when they are done. This means that you will have to waste time finding them.
With some planning, it is possible to profit by reselling your textbooks. Which method is best for you?
Where Can I Sell Used Textbooks Near Me? Best Places
Suppose you like selling your used textbooks online but still prefer to sell your books in person. There are many methods to market your textbooks. Here are some better places to sell your textbooks offline.
If you live in a university city, you can quickly sell books. The best time is the start of the new semester. Everyone will need books, and their books will be there for the ransom and at a much lower price.
Half Price Books
Over the years, rumors of the death of the traditional bookstore have spread like wildfire. Big names like Borders have shut down, and Kindle has threatened to dominate the book space. But it doesn’t end until it ends for bookstores, and many are still in full swing.
Half Price Books is one of these brands that has experienced strong growth since 1972. With more than 120 stores across the country, the company is the largest family bookstore in the country that sells used textbooks, music, movies, games, and collectibles.
The process of selling your books to them is easy.
All you have to do is bring your old books to your local Half Price Books store, and they will pay you back. The main factors you consider when buying your used books are 1) condition and 2) supply and demand. After viewing the book in person and accepting it into your inventory, an offer will only be made.
2nd and Charles
2nd and Charles are found nationwide in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas. Please bring your items, and leave them there for the staff to review and evaluate. You will receive an SMS or email notification when they are ready.
You will receive cash or store credit payments if your books are accepted. They offer more store credit, but it’s a great way to earn money now if you need it.
OfferUp
With OfferUp, you can sell items both locally and online. You must activate the “Sell and Ship Nationwide” feature to sell online. A 12.99% service charge will be charged for items shipped.
OfferUp is available as an application for iPhone and Android and on the desktop. Immediately find your location to see what’s closest to you. You can communicate with buyers directly through the app, and users can rank each other. Weak notes or a missing profile picture may indicate red flags.
AbeBooks
AbeBooks is a great place to resell your textbooks, but it requires a little more work than other places on this list.
You create your store, send products, and run your store. However, they have reasonable prices as a result.
Local Used Bookstores
If you have a used bookstore near you, see if they buy textbooks. If located near a university campus, these stores often offer popular books.
You must take your books to the store and wait a few minutes to discover their value. Still, it’s a good option for those without a car but a bookstore within walking distance.
Where to Sell Used Textbooks Online?
If you have already attended college in person, you can resell your books at the college bookstore at the end of the semester. But did you know that you can also sell your used textbooks online?
You can and often do get a better return on investment than at the physical bookstore. We’ve put together 10 of the best place to sell your used textbooks online. You’ll want to check with them before selling your used books offline.
#1. BookScouter
BookScouter works with 42 purchasing providers and compares all prices offered based on their titles; search by ISBN. You can review the seller’s comments before choosing the supplier to sell your user manual.
It ships free with them, too, and they have a mobile app available for Android and iOS that makes it even easier to check out book rebuy deals.
#2. BookFinder
BookFinder has been around since 1997 and is proud that it has been featured in August publications like Forbes and The New York Times. They are also associated with buyers who buy over a million titles.
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All you need to do is enter your ISBN on their site, see each offer for your title, and choose the best one. Nor does it pay to ship; its buyers do.
#3. Chegg
Chegg is proud to offer some of the lowest prices on textbooks and buy used textbooks. As with any redemption process, start by entering the ISBN of your book and find out how much they will pay.
If you decide to sell, they provide you with a shipping label to print and use. Also, you can expect payment after receiving your book or in approximately 10 to 15 business days.
#4. Cash4Books
Cash4Books buy textbooks in more than 15 areas, which you can explore on your site. Or type the ISBN of your used textbook to get started. They do not charge fees for their service and will pay for the shipping of their books.
It takes approximately 13 days to receive your payment after submitting your transaction and receiving instructions on publishing your books. You will receive your compensation in the form of a check or PayPal payment.
#5. TextbookRush
When you sell to TextbookRush, you start by searching with the ISBN of your used book to see if they are currently purchasing copies of your manual.
If that’s the case, you’ll need to verify that you have an edition of the student book in the United States.
However, if you have another, you can follow a link to see if they buy your particular version of the book. If not, they’ll sell your book, give you a prepaid shipping label, and then pay you in cash, Paypal, or store credit.
Once you get a quote for your book, that quote is valid for seven days.
#6. Amazon
You can sell your books on Amazon using an individual Marketplace seller account. Please note that you can sell up to 40 books this way.
You create a list for the book you need to sell, including identifying the condition of your book and setting its selling price, then waiting for a buyer.
For some books, Amazon may offer exchange prices where you can sell your book to them to get credit from Amazon.
#7. Decluttr
Decluttr takes your unwanted movies or video games and buys used manuals. You can use the site’s search bar and enter barcodes to determine how much they will pay for each item. Or you can download their app and scan barcodes using your phone’s camera.
If you decide to sell them, they will pay the shipping costs and insure the package. They spend the day after you receive your item at their warehouse and check it. You can receive your payment via PayPal or limit, or direct deposit, or you can do it at a charity.
#8. eCampus
There are two ways to sell used textbooks on eCampus.com. First, you can participate in their standard buyback program – enter the ISBN of your manual into your search bar and get a deal. If you agree, you will be paid by check, direct deposit, or PayPal.
You can also receive a bonus if you receive store credit instead of cash. The second way to sell your textbooks is to register with their Marketplace and list your book for sale there.
All your customers will see your ad, and eCampus.com only takes 15% off when you make a sale. They will also credit you to help cover shipping costs when you drive a deal.
#9. CampusBooks
CampusBooks.com is another comparison site – enter your ISBN to compare purchase prices in your used textbooks. Once you have selected an offer, your sale ends on the merchant’s website.
Many merchants offer free delivery, and the payment method depends on the merchant in question.
CampusBooks.com is a facilitator to put you in touch with other merchants, and they give you great tips to help you get the most out of your used books.
#10. Bookbyte
Bookbyte buys second-hand books directly from you as long as the books meet the resale conditions. As with any other reselling site, enter the ISBN of your book to find out what they are paying for this title or if they accept it.
If you like its price, please accept it, send your book to them, and they will pay you 4-14 days after shipment. They pay by check or PayPal, and they also pay to ship.
How to Make Profits When You Sell Used Textbooks Online?
Reselling your textbooks does not guarantee you will get the exact money you bought the book. Most times, you get to earn very little from reselling your used textbook. Making low tends to discourage college students who want to resell, especially when they discover the stress involved.
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But there are ways to present your textbooks, and you will profit from them. Hence, if you want to maximize your profits by selling a book, you can do it in a few simple steps:
Take Great Photos of Your Textbooks
Perfect photos bring a book to life for a potential customer.
If you have used textbooks you sell online, ensuring you have clear, bright, and well-organized photos is essential. You don’t need sophisticated equipment – your phone will work.
But the key is to capture the book from multiple angles and show that it fits the details of the description are included.
Make Sure it is Clean.
Books that have been sitting for a while can still be cleaned quickly. If your books have been sitting on a dust collection rack (literally), you can start by simply blowing the dust off the edges.
If the dust persists, use a soft toothbrush or an old towel to do the heavy lifting.
Interiors may also need a facelift. Often with textbooks, you may occasionally write with a pencil that leaves sketch marks. An eraser can easily remove smudges and pencil marks to give pages a fresh, clean look.
During the semester, be careful not to eat or drink around the book to minimize the risk of spills and stains on the book.
Be Clear about the Conditions of Your Books
Today, transparency is everything. If you want to make a big sale, the more honest and straightforward the book’s status is, the better. People love details to know exactly what they are getting.
Does the book have a coffee stain in the middle? Be sure to include this.
You want to ensure the buyer is satisfied with your purchase, and if you plan to sell other books in the future, your favorable opinion of this sale will make a difference.
Protect Your Textbooks Properly
A book must be well protected, especially a paperback, or its pages can easily tear at the edges.
When you buy new books, protect them from wear and tear.
A book must be handled carefully to avoid becoming vulnerable to tears or wrinkles.
The best way to protect yourself from this is to ensure your books are adequately secured against a hard surface, either in your purse or when you bring them home.
Alternatives to Reselling Your Used Textbooks
Don’t want to sell your textbooks but wish to use them for a good cause? Or maybe you can’t get a good enough deal on your previous editions to make the sale worthwhile?
Here are some excellent alternatives that you can try:
Donate your Textbooks to your Local or Schools Library
Libraries generally accept new and used book donations to replenish their shelves or sell at fundraising events.
Not all books are accepted, but if the library believes your books would be helpful in your collection, it is likely to get the donation.
Donate your textbooks to Goodwill.
Another great place to donate your used books is to your local Goodwill.
Goodwill accepts donations of almost all items, including textbooks, and then sells them to the public.
What is the best to donate to Goodwill? You do it well for your local community. The money from the sale of items is used to train and provide services to people in your community.
FAQs
We’ve put together 10 of the best companies you’ll want to check with before selling your used textbooks offline.
1. BookScouter
2. BookFinder
3. Chegg
4. Cash4Books
5. TextbookRush
6. Amazon
7. Decluttr
8. eCampus
9. CampusBooks
10. Bookbyte
If you are in a similar situation, here are ways to recycle your old books.
1. Donate to your local library. Bring your gently used books to your local library
2. Donate to a local charity
3. Make some gift tags
4. Recycle your unusable books
5. Sell them or give them away online
6. Make a “Free Books” box
First, there are many ways to resell your used textbooks, each with advantages and disadvantages. Regarding the drawbacks, there are ways to resell your used textbooks and make a good profit. If you follow these steps to sell your used books, you will be glad you did.
1. Sell Your Used Textbooks Online
2. Sell Used Books Directly to Students
3. Auction Textbooks Online
4. Sell Used Textbooks to the College Bookstore
5. You Can Rent Your Textbooks During the Semester
In Conclusion
Choosing the best place to sell used textbooks online and the best way to sell them depends on where, when, and how easy it is.
Also, many people prefer to use it online to reduce the hassle of going to places and selling it on online portals. Some people like to go to the store and sell them for quick cash.
This guide on how to sell your used textbooks will proffer solutions to your questions.
References
- theworkathomewife.com – 10 Of The Best Places To Sell Your Used Textbooks
- clevergirlfinance.com – The 12 Best Places to Sell Your Used Textbooks For Extra Cash
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