Where to Sell Your College Textbooks?

There are many ways you can do this, but some ways are better than others. I will breakdown the many different ways that students tend to sell or buy their textbooks.

1. College/University Bookstore

Some students opt to sell their textbooks back to the bookstore because they can get possibly fifty percent back for their book. This is not always true. Depending on the demand for that particular book, the bookstore may only give you back a small percentage of the total cost. At the same time, they will probably resell your book at the original purchase price or higher and you will be left with pocket change. This is not a smart way to buy/sell your textbooks. You are limiting yourself and being swindled and ripped by the bookstore.

2. Friends

Of Course, your Friend is important and you would do anything to help him/her out. But, guess what? Your friend probably wants your book for nothing or would pay very little for it. Depending on your financial situation, you may do this with little thought or are the type of person who is very giving. If you are the latter, then good for you. But, if you are the former, then you could use some extra money because college students need to eat, buy clothes, go out, etc. Therefore, you should probably reserve this option only if you are generous and want to help your friend or are financially secure and already get plenty of money from your parents.

3. Keep Them at Home to Collect Dust

Now, this is not very smart. First of all, your friend could have used that book or at least you could have sold it when it was in high demand and made a nice return on your initial investment. Unfortunately, by allowing the book to collect dust, it loses value and people don't want raggedy books or books that look aged. Even though it would be classified as used, some people may not want it. YOU SHOULD NEVER DO THIS.

4. Sell Online

This is the intelligent option. Because selling it online gives you the ability to participate in a large marketplace and gives your book a bigger audience. Think about it, when you go to the bookstore, they tell you what they think the book is worth. Your friend wants it for free, most likely. You sell it online and you allow a possibility of millions of students around the globe to view your textbook. Your $120 textbook can now sell for possible $85 or more depending on its condition. This is a 70% return on your initial investment in the textbook. The bookstore was offering 50% depending on demand for book and your friend was looking for flea market prices. Some of the online websites that allow students to sell their textbooks and other stuff include:

1. sKoolBoY- Sell Textbooks and Stuff for Free
2. Amazon
3. Half.com
4. Textbooks.com (This type of website and many others do exactly what the bookstore does by offering to pay for the book, which is not something you want.)

Remember, you don't want others do dictate the price of your book or decide whether it is worth this or that. We live in a free market and your book might be worth more or less to someone else. So why not give yourself the opportunity to test the market and get a very good return on your initial investment on the textbook.