FAME 30 Years fo Helping Maine People   
FAME's 5 on the 5th
July 2013

5 Tips for Saving Cash on College Textbooks

 


1. Shop early!
Colleges begin releasing their required textbook lists months before classes begin. This list includes the book title, author, edition, and the unique ISBN number designated to each text. Knowing what books are needed ahead of time will allow you to explore all your options to find the best deal!

2. Compare Prices

Don't assume that the first price you see for a book is the only price out there. Take the time to visit your college bookstore as well as other textbook sellers such as Amazon, half.com, and Barnes & Noble. Or use websites that scour the web for the best prices on new or used books and offer side-by-side comparisons like BIGWORDS, DealOz or campusbooks.  

3. Buy Used
Used books are exactly that, books that someone has used before you. This can mean battered covers, creased or torn pages, and notes made in the margins. It can also mean savings of up to 90% off new book prices. When buying used texts online, make sure the seller has a good reputation and that you have matched the ISBN number for the book you need.
 
4. Consider E-books 

A growing number of publishers have made their textbooks available as e-books. E-books can be purchased through online book retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble and can be downloaded to your laptop, e-reader, or even your phone. E-books may come with a smaller price tag than a new hardcover text. If you choose to go this route, be sure to read the terms and conditions of each text. Some publishers and sellers set print limitations or expiration dates for e-books. This limits your freedom to use the text as you choose and you may need to repurchase an expired e-book if you need to retake a course.

5. Rent
Many campus bookstores as well as online retailers like Chegg and BookRenter rent textbooks. Renting can be a great way to save money on books, but keep the following in mind. Check the return policy; a flexible return policy is critical if you end up dropping a course. When you rent a book you are typically not allowed to mark in it and you must return it in good condition. Finally, if you rent from an online retailer, consider shipping costs as part of your overall price.  
 
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