Paying for college textbooks for my daughters almost gave me heart
failure. To help with the crunch I put together this list of where to
rent or buy cheap college textbooks online. Prices have skyrocketed
since my college days. Books were never inexpensive but the school
bookstore usually had quality used books available at good prices. That
isn't so anymore.
These days every penny counts. Here are a few places where you can
rent or buy cheap college textbooks online. Most sell at least some
eBooks or other books. Several of these stores make it possible for your
college students to sell their used books. That's a combination that
this parent loves.
Alibris.com
This online company has the total package. At you can buy, rent or
sell college textbooks. Alibris makes it easy to search for books by
category or title and author. You can even search by ISBN to be sure
that you get the right textbooks for class. Selling used textbooks is
easy. Create an account, list the books and the store is opened in just a
few moments.
Amazon.com
Is there anything that you cannot purchase at Amazon.com? Used college
textbooks are just the beginning. This is not a rental store but used
books can be bought and sold. Once your online store is set up listing
your old college textbooks online goes quickly.
Ebay.com
When it comes to buying and selling cheap used items online eBay has
to be king. Search by category, title and author. Online rent options
for textbooks is unavailable. I tried searching by ISBN for used books
but had much better luck with title and author and then comparing the
ISBN. Setting up an eBay store doesn't take long. PayPal is the online
payment processor of choice for most buyers and sellers. If you don't
already have an account it only takes a few days to set one up.
Textbook.com
This online company advertises the most choices for used books at the
best prices. College students can search by category, title, author,
ISBN and even keyword. At Textbook.com you can buy cheap college books,
rent, download eBooks and even sell your old textbooks. Instant quotes
on books help sellers decide if listing is right for them or if a trip
to the college bookstore will work better.
Craigslist.org
College students may sell or buy cheap used textbooks online. Listing
online is quick and simple. Searching by textbook name and category may
be the easiest. ISBN searching for used books is next to impossible. It
takes about a minute to open an account and sell your used textbooks.
Renting isn't usually an option.
Freecycle.org
This online movement is dedicated to keeping used items out of
landfills. Groups are in almost every major city and rural areas. As
with other items, used books cannot be sold, rented or purchased.
Freecycle is hit or miss. It is for students who want to give used
college textbooks away online or try to pick up used college textbooks
for free.
Chegg.com
Sell your used college textbooks directly to Chegg.com. College
students can purchase cheap used textbooks, sell or rent. Enter the ISBN
and condition of the books online and get a quote instantly. Shipping
to Chegg.com is free. Payment is given after the books are received by
the online company. It may be one of the most convenient places rent or
buy cheap college textbooks online.
