Making the Green: Buying and Selling Textbooks Online
One pass through a bookstore shows college textbooks aren't cheap. Even used copies can run over $100 per book. On average, a student spends $900 a semester on textbooks. Returning books at the end of the semester doesn't recoup that. Often, a $100 used textbook at the beginning of the semester is only worth $20 at the end - and the campus bookstore resells it again. Many students don't realize that they're not required to buy their books on campus - but there are other options.

Students are transitioning from on-campus bookstores to online stores - because buying and selling textbooks online saves money. Almost 10% of all college textbooks are bought online. Online textbook sites offer more choices on where and when to buy or sell books and control over what students pay.

Make a Deal: Tips for Buying
Online bookstores are cheaper even for new texts, and as much as 95% lower for used textbooks. Textbooks from sellers in other states don't have a sales tax, saving almost 10% on the cost of books. There's more time to browse for deals since books can be bought anytime, not just in the couple of days leading up to the semester. The major drawback to buying online is the cost of shipping back a return, plus delays getting the refund and replacement. But that can be offset by finding the right books on the right site.

Find sites which focus exclusively on textbooks. These have bigger selections and better prices. Comparison shopping sites compile lists of all available online sellers, which makes finding a deal easier. Some provide bulk-buying options to find the best total price for a complete book list. A site must offer a good return policy (30-day, full money back), secure payment methods, and good shipping options and rates.

- Tip 1: Shop around. Use comparison shopping sites to find the best deal. Definitely go to sites specializing in textbooks.

- Tip 2: Get only the required reading. Not all of the books on the professor's list are required for the class, and it saves money not buying recommended books.

- Tip 3: Buy off-season. Textbooks are mostly sold at the beginning of semesters. If the book list for a class is already available, buy textbooks in May and June, when there are more sellers and fewer buyers.

- Tip 4: Get international editions. The same textbook sold in Canada or Britain is significantly cheaper than its American counterpart, even though the content is the same.

- Tip 5: Check ISBNs and edition numbers to get the right text.


Get a Good Return: Tips on Selling
Selling textbooks online is more profitable even than buying online. Textbooks sell online in a couple of weeks for a lot more money than returning books to a campus bookstore. About a quarter of online textbook stores offer immediate buy-backs at a predetermined amount, similar to returning it to campus bookstores, so even cautious sellers get more money.

Look for a reputable site to sell textbooks. The site should have reasonable commission rates, and it should always be free to list your textbooks. Look for safe payment options through a site like PayPal or direct payment to a credit card.

With tools to get better prices by reaching more buyers and by letting you decide when the time is to sell, selling textbooks online is easy. Just remember three things:
- Tip 1: Price it right. Check what other sellers are charging, and price accordingly. Comparison shopping sites show what the same book is selling for at multiple locations.

- Tip 2: Keep textbooks in good condition. Keep CDs that come with the textbook. Keep it looking nice, with no creased pages, heavy marks, or cover damage.

- Tip 3: Wait to sell at peak times, from late July to September and January.

Closing the Deal
Campus bookstores are convenient - but they don't offer the best deal to college students. Online textbook sites have sprung up as independent alternatives to make textbooks more affordable, with better choices on prices and selection, more money back when the school year ends, and features like bulk-buying, comparison pricing, and instant buybacks to make buying and selling textbooks easier and more profitable.