Used Textbooks: Why And Where To Buy Them

Updated: October 22, 2023
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Reading Time: 8 Min
Used Textbooks: Why And Where To Buy Them

 

Buying textbooks for college or university is always a big deal. Students have to do this every year before the semester starts, and they often have to spend lots of time and money on this matter.

 

While traditionally, students buy new textbooks from trusted retailers; now, other options can be considered. One of them is to buy used textbooks instead of new ones. In this article, a professional academic writer from a trusted paper writing service students use to write my assignment for me will tell you why you should opt for used textbooks and where to look for them.

 

Why Should You Opt For Used Textbooks?

 

If you are a freshman, you might not yet understand the big deal with buying textbooks. However, every experienced student knows that this is one of the largest expenses in college. Though many students don’t see it coming, the cost of textbooks can go beyond $1,000. Not to mention that there are certain science majors where a book can cost around $500. So the first and most weighty reason to use is to save money.

 

Used textbooks are usually much more affordable than new ones. This fact makes them a less costly option for students on a tight budget.

 

Another big reason is environmental friendliness. Buying used textbooks is an environmentally responsible choice, as it helps reduce the demand for new books and the resources needed to produce them.

 

On top of that, there are many other, smaller reasons to buy used textbooks. Namely, they are more widely available. Sometimes, buying used is the only way to access some out-of-print or rare books.

 

Overall, buying used textbooks can be a smart choice for students looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact while still having access to the materials they need for their coursework.

 

Top 6 Platforms To Shop For Used Textbooks

 

If you also want to save money and make a positive change for the planet, you must be wondering where to buy used textbooks. The good news is that there are plenty of sites like that. Not all of them are equally good and trustworthy, so you might need to spend some time to find everything you need.

 

To help you get on the right track, an expert from one of the top paper writing services has listed some of the best options.

 

Amazon

 

We bet that each of you knows it. Amazon is one of the largest online marketplaces in the world. In 2022, its net sales amounted to nearly 513.98 billion dollars. So, if there is a perfect place for online shopping, that’s Amazon.

 

Luckily for you, Amazon has a vast selection of products on sale. This also includes used textbooks. The textbooks offered on this platform come from individual sellers and third-party merchants, and there are plenty of options for all subjects and majors.

 

Chegg

 

The next platform on our list, Chegg, is not exactly a shopping platform. It’s a popular online textbook rental company that lets students rent the needed materials for the period. Thanks to its affordable rental rates, Chegg helps students save up to 90% of the total cost of their textbooks.

 

Okay, but what about buying used textbooks? Although Chegg is known as a rental company, it also allows you to buy used textbooks. They offer excellent prices and a wide selection of books so that you can try this platform.

 

eBay

 

After Amazon, eBay is the second most popular online marketplace worldwide. The platform has 135 million active users and 1.9 billion listings in 300 customized Store categories.

 

Just like Amazon, eBay has a large product category dedicated to books. Besides selling new products, it has thousands of listings for used products sold by individuals and retailers.

 

ValoreBooks

 

The next platform is a specialized online marketplace solely for buying and selling used textbooks. Although it’s not as widely known as Amazon or eBay, ValoreBooks is a good place to shop for college textbooks.

 

Currently, the site features over 9 million textbooks for all academic levels and all subjects. They also offer very competitive prices. And there is a rental option available too.

 

Campus Book Rentals

 

Like Chegg, Campus Book Rentals is an online rental company for students. The platform was created in 2007 and has already gained a good reputation. It boasts many active users from all across the US and millions of used textbooks for all disciplines.

 

Although the primary service of Campus Book Rentals is textbook rental, the platform also offers you to buy the needed materials at pocket-friendly prices.

BookScouter

 

The last one on our list is BookScouter. This service isn’t like any other on this list. In a nutshell, BookScouter doesn’t rent or sell used textbooks. Still, it’s a nice platform to have at hand for a student.

 

BookScouter is a platform that helps you discover the best textbook deals. The platform lets you compare new and used textbook prices from multiple book retailers, including textbook buyback programs from college bookstores. With its help, you can make shopping for textbooks much more informed and pleasant. And it will help you save lots of money.

 

The Bottom Line

 

These days, being a college student is very expensive. And while you can’t influence the cost of your tuition, fees, and room and board, you can save money on other things, such as textbooks.

 

As you now know, there are two weighty reasons to buy used textbooks instead of new ones: it saves you a lot of money, and it helps you make a positive change for our environment. Luckily, after reading this guide, you know where to shop for used textbooks to get the best deals. Check out all platforms from our list and compare prices and shipping costs to save more!