How to Save Money When Buying College Textbooks

  • The rising prices of textbooks has prompted me to prepare this handout. There are ways to make the cost less and so I have decided to provide some tips.
  • Before you do anything else determine the ISBN of the textbook, the title, and the edition number.
  • Also be aware of any additional materials that might be packaged with the book.

    • Tips

    Tip #1: Contact the instructor and determine whether a previous edition of the text might be appropriate. If yes, you can usually save between 40-80% off the newest edition. This option is a 'save at the front' choice. By this I mean you will not be able to sell it back to the EvCC bookstore later, so all savings are a one time deal.

    Tip #2: Buy your textbook (as a used book) from the EvCC Bookstore. They work very hard to keep the prices down (the high costs are a primarily a reflection of publishers' policies). Also, sell your book back at the end of the quarter. You get 50% of the price of a new book (if they can buy it) and the next student has access to it.

    Tip #3: In the Parks Building, along the main corridor, is a Book Sell/Buy bulletin board. I would both check it for entries and consider posting your old textbooks there.

    Tip #4: Organize your time and resources so that you can spend time at the quarterly book buyback session. What you can do is note what books your fellow students are selling. If you find your book, offer $5 more than the vendor offers.

    Tip #5: Buy your book using the web site: http://www.addall.com I suggest this site as it searches many of the major online bookstores all at once and organizes the findings into a price comparison chart for you. Be aware that you need to have sufficient time if you plan to order this way and if you drop the class, you will have to wait until the end of the quarter to get your money back (assuming that the book buyback wants your book). I do not suggest this option for a once-a-year course, but if you know the course is taught often this can be a great option.

    Tip #6: Share a book with a friend.

    Tip #7: Borrow a book from a friend.

    Tip #8: Ask your instructor if they placed a copy of the text to the EvCC Library Front Desk Reserve. I do whenever I can. While you can not check the book out of the library, you can schedule time there to read the book. Very effective use of your time.

    Tip #9: Identify the name of the textbook publisher and go to their web site Often they sell the book for less (remember to calculate the cost of shipping). Only do this if you want a new textbook, they do not sell used books.

    Tip #10: Ask your instructors to consider creating custom books. Please, be aware that this is not always an option, but in some cases it is a viable option.