There are few experiences that cause the brand of aggravation that comes along with trying to sell your textbooks back at the end of the semester. Little did you know, that organic chemistry book that set you back $300 is changing editions, so the campus bookstore will only give you back $8. We’ve all been there. Let’s look at a few ways to keep from calling your mom crying after getting rid of your books.
Take care of your books.
Just by owning the book, it is diminishing in value. Used books sell for about half what new ones bring in. All the wear and tear only makes things worse. So don’t leave your books under a pile in your dorm. And maybe you should try using sticky notes instead of highlighting, so you can easily remove them at the end of term. It’s like you were never there.
Sell them to someone you already know.
Find a buddy within your major, who is taking the course that you just aced. No, this isn’t dishonest. Trust me, you can charge them less than the bookstore would and still make significantly more than you would be selling them back wherever you bought them. Everyone wins...except, of course, the campus bookstore.
Make sure to sell early.
Did you even pay attention in Economics 101? This is basic supply and demand. The more copies of a book are on the market, the less people are willing to pay for them. Make sure that you are one of the first to sell so you can get your money’s worth. Many campus bookstores only have a specific number of each book they are willing to buy back, anyway.
Do your research.
Look online and see how much other people are charging for your books. This will give you a good idea of what to expect, and it will let you know when you are being ripped off. You’ll be screaming later if you find out that you could have gotten so much more for your books, had you sold them elsewhere. Don’t put yourself in that position.
Keep an eye out for strangers on campus during Finals Week.
There will often be alternative buyers who set up tents around campus as the semester is coming to a close. Many of them will give you fair prices and offer cash payouts. This is often the simplest option, as you can actually sell your book on your way home from the final exam.
And of course, sell online.
This is the best way to make sure that you get a good deal. You can look at what different people are charging and you’ll be able to choose who you want to sell to. If you opt for an auction site, such as eBay, then you take the chance of walking away with even more than you paid in the first place.
Tip: make sure you know whether or not the website will be covering the cost of shipping before you sell.
