It may not even be the Fourth of July yet, but recent high school graduates and returning college students alike are already thinking about dorm life, exciting new classes, and where they might find the best deals on those terribly expensive college text books. A single text book can easily cost from $75 — $200. When you consider that most college students enroll in at least 12 semester hours of coursework each semester, that’s at least four classes: right there, you’re looking at at least $300, and as much as $800. Throw in the fact that many classes require more than just one book for the course, and the prices can become even more astronomical.
Thankfully, the school book store is not the only place to get those required texts. With a little knowledge from students who have gleaned this valuable information from fellow students, you can find several ways to save money by buying textbooks online. Here are some of the top rated places to shop:
Half.com, a subsidiary of eBay, accommodates students with books to sell or books to buy. Got an old biology text book laying around in your closet? You can sell it on Half.com and at least get a little something back for what you paid for it. And if you need the next book, it’s very likely someone on Half.com has just what you need. Used books cost a lot less than new ones. Just be sure to double check the ISBN number so that you get the edition that is right for your class.
Amazon.com offers buyers of used books the opportunity to hook up with independent sellers, and the result is a lot of competitive prices for good quality used textbooks. Amazon has been around for a long time, and is a name most people trust when it comes to online shopping. Give Amazon a try if you can’t find what you need at Half.com.
TextbookX.com has a cool Facebook app that lets people conduct buying and selling directly through their Facebook profiles. It’s incredibly easy and is one of the best kept secrets among rising college freshmen and experienced seniors alike. The main interface begins by asking for the textbook’s particular ISBN number, so you will never accidentally get the wrong edition of a book.
