How much could a measly book cost, anyway? You’d be surprised.
But don’t let the textbook buying time suck all your semester’s spending money away. Use these tips from the National Association of College Stores (NACS) to save on textbooks:
1. Buy used books when possible. They can save you 25% off the cost of a new textbook.
2. Consider renting or purchasing electronic texts. More and more college stores are offering these options, which give cost-conscious students temporary access to course materials for about one-third to half the price of buying a new text.
3. Find out if your campus bookstore has a page on Facebook. Become a fan and follow them on Twitter. Often the store will give advance notice of money-saving specials to followers or fans.
4. Be cautious of hackers, spammers, and phishers when purchasing course materials online from outside/unknown sources. Also, don’t forget to include shipping expenses in the total cost of the textbook.
5. Know your store’s refund policy, especially deadlines. This way, you won’t be disappointed if you drop a class.
6. Keep receipts. Most stores require them for returns. Also, textbook receipts are helpful during tax season when filing for the new American Opportunity Tax Credit. For details on what to do and how to apply for the credit, go to www.textbookaid.org.
7. Don’t write in or unwrap books until you’re certain you’ll be keeping them. Most sellers won’t offer full credit for books that have been marked or bundles that have been opened.
8. If you have a choice between buying a textbook by itself, or packaged with a study guide or software, make sure you need both parts.
9. When buying locally, consider paying cash or by check/debit card to avoid credit card fees and interest. But use a credit card when buying from online sellers in case disputes arise.
10. If you have questions, ask your college store professional!
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Let us know in the comment section of this post what from the above tips surprised you the most — what was new info for you.
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I didn’t know that you could rent electronic text. That is new to me and very helpful for when I go to college.
I think following the bookstores online is a great idea- I doubt I would have thought of that. The electronic texts are also a new concept for me- but I like the idea! I will definitely remember that when it comes time to buy textbooks.
#4 was most surprising to me. Last term, I tried buying books online, and while they were cheap, I realized I could have gone to a local used bookstore and saved more because the shipping expenses are so hefty! One of my books didn’t even get delivered because the seller was a scammer, but because I bought on Amazon, they didn’t charge me. That was also the term I learned to use a credit card instead of my debit card when online!
Like Ryan I also did not know that you could rent textbooks. So does that mean at some point you return them “in the original condition” to your source?