by: Bob Jones
Reduce the cost of college textbooks with Used College Textbooks. - No shocker here: 80% of textbooks sold each year are used, but here are some important details to save even more:
Make sure the book you are looking at is the correct version or release by using the ISBN to verify. Check out the campus bookstore; this will establich you local maximum price, plus you can get the ISBN confirmed.
Ask your professor if an older version is OK. It could be as much as half the price. Don't go back more than one edition. Use the index to find the information in your previous edition when the instructors tell the students with the new (expensive) book what pages to read.
There is no suggested retail price on used textbooks, so shop around. However, used textbook inventories change quickly, so use a real-time quick comparison tool to quickly locate the lowest college textbooks.
Buying from individuals on marketplaces like Amazon Marketplace and Half.com may be cheapest but look at the location of the seller and shipping methods offered. Media Mail can take two weeks from coast to coast. Follow up after the purchase to make sure it has been shipped.
Check the bulletin boards at school for used book ads or buy used books from students in the classes ahead of you. Watch for organized textbook swap parties.
Order your books EARLY! The best deals go fast.
Consider the resale value as you use the book. Textbook care affects its condition and resale value. Reduce overall cost by maximizing resale value.
Put you book on the market ASAP after finals. Don't jump the gun and list too early; most services require you to ship the book within two days of its sale.
Copyright 2005
Permission is granted to republish provided source credit with link to http://www.cheap-textbooks.com is included.