At the end of the semester, you don’t need most of those crazily expensive textbooks any longer. What can you do to them to get at least a fraction of the price you paid? Or maybe, there’s a way to sell used books more profitably? There’re a few options. In this article, we’ll look at several places where to sell textbooks, and you’ll be able to compare and choose the best one.
Contents:
- College Bookstores
- Bookstore Chains
- Online Marketplaces
- Book Buyback Vendors
- Price Comparison Platform
Where to Sell Textbooks: College Bookstores
1. Your College Bookstore
The most obvious option is to bring your used textbooks to the college bookstore. All colleges have bookstores, and all of them have a textbook buyback program of sorts. However, there’s a catch.
For one thing, you’re likely to get a very moderate offer, as bookstores never pay much for used textbooks.
For another, they don’t accept everything. Depending on the state of their stock, demand, and a range of other factors, you may be rejected.
Besides, you have to check their working hours, terms, book condition acceptance terms, and so on—and still, they may not take your books. Therefore, by all means, keep this option in mind but remember that there are better ones.
If you want to sell your textbooks to the college bookstore operated by Follett Higher Education Group, go to the bottom of the website and click “Sell Your Textbooks.” For instance, check out the buyback program terms at the University of Texas San Antonio bookstore.
If you want to sell your textbooks to the university bookstore operated by Barnes & Noble College (e.g., the Texas Southern University bookstore), check out the buyback program terms under the link.
As you may see following the links, you can’t get the quote for your books in advance; you have to come in person.
Bookstore Chains
You can also check local bookstore chains—some of them accept textbooks along with fiction and classics. We’ll be further reviewing each option on the example (if applicable and available) of Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis (ISBN13: 9780123852434).
2. Barnes & Noble
You can try checking Barnes & Noble first. They still offer a textbook buyback program through their website, where you can sell your used textbooks.To participate in the program, you also must have at least $10.00 worth of books to sell. However, at the moment, it seems like Barnes & Noble is very picky about what they accept. For many ISBNs we tires, they returned the “Unfortunately, we’re not currently buying this item.” response. Here’s one of the examples where we could get a quote:
There isn’t much information about textbook buybacks on their website apart from what’s given on the Sell Your Textbooks page. There’s nothing about the terms or the cost; we’ve only found that the “Textbook Buyback Program checks normally arrive within 2-3 weeks from the time we receive your package.” So we recommend contacting them in advance and asking in detail (especially if you want to sell textbooks in-store).
3. Half Price Books
This bookstore is more elaborate about its textbook buyback program. They accept new and used textbooks in a wide range of subjects, including science, math, history, literature, business, and more. However, keep in mind that they will only accept textbooks in almost new or very good condition with minimal signs of wear. To learn more about the program, visit their Stuff We Buy page. Read our Q&A about Half Price Books in more detail.
4. Thriftbooks
Thriftbooks is one of the large booksellers specializing in used books; however, they don’t seem to be accepting used books or textbooks. They buy used books in bulk. However, you can contact them for more information.
You can also check local bookstore chains and individual booksellers in your area. We have guides on bookstores in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston.
Online Marketplaces
5. Amazon
Amazon is the world’s largest online marketplace where one can buy and sell books. It used to buy back textbooks. However, the Amazon textbook trade-in program, which was popular among students, was shut down without notice or explanation in 2020.
Currently, the only way to sell books on Amazon is to become an Amazon seller (FBA or FBM). Many students do so not only to sell textbooks but all sorts of books; however, this option has both pros and cons. For one thing, you get full control over your sales and profit; for another, you have to put a great deal of effort into an entire selling process, face severe competition, handle shipping costs, etc. We’d say that it’s a good idea for a side hustle, but if you just want to get rid of some of your used textbooks occasionally, there’re better alternatives. Check out our guide on how to sell textbooks on amazon for further information.
Here’re the offers from Amazon sellers, available for Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis:
6. eBay
The same goes for eBay. If you want to sell a few textbooks, you can try it. The first 50 listings on eBay are free; for every consequent sale, you’ll have to pay a small fee. However, keep in mind that you’ll be handling the shipping costs yourself.
You’ll also have to wait until someone makes a good bid or sell your textbook to a person with the highest bid, or wait until someone agrees to pay your fixed price. Besides, you have to ship it yourself.
And another note about eBay and textbooks: if you decide to become a seller, be prepared to figure out the marketplace’s fairly complex processes since selling on eBay isn’t as easy as a few clicks.
Here’re the offers from eBay sellers, available for Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis:
7. AbeBooks
AbeBooks is yet another large bookselling marketplace you can check. This is what they write on their Start Selling page: “We facilitate the sale of books, art, and collectibles by connecting sellers with buyers all around the world.” However, this mostly refers to those who want to become a marketplace seller who lists, manages, ships, etc., the items themselves.
AbeBooks provides the benefit of getting your item automatically listed on its six international websites. They also have a link to their buyback service for those who “have a few books to sell, including textbooks,” which leads to either TextbookRush (textbooks specifically) or Ziffit (all sorts of books). So, basically, if you have a few used textbooks to sell, you should probably check TextbookRush directly.
Unfortunately, at the moment, Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis isn’t accepted for buyback:
8. Facebooks Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an alternative that you may consider, especially if you want to sell something locally. All in all, it’s a popular destination for buying and selling various items, largely due to its user-friendly interface and extensive reach.
Its main advantage is in its ability to connect local buyers and sellers. Besides, they have a transparent and flexible pricing policy. However, you may not get the best offers, as people tend to look for lower prices, and you will hardly be able to get 70% of the cost of your chemistry textbook.
You can also check Facebook groups where students meet and exchange textbooks and other things.
Currently, we’ve found one offer for Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis on Facebook Marketplace:
Book Buyback Vendors
Nonetheless, you have all the chances to sell your used textbooks fast and at good prices on book-buying and book-reselling websites. Their best advantages are fast shipping and competitive price offers.
9. BooksRun
Minimum buyback order amount: $10
BooksRun is an online bookstore where you can sell your textbooks. They buy and sell all sorts of books, including textbooks. BooksRun has a minimum buyback order amount of $10. To understand how much you can earn for your textbooks, you need the book’s ISBN. You’ll get free shipping and payment within 4 business days after order processing.
BooksRun is popular among students and other customers alike. You can check their 10,495 Customer Ratings and Reviews on ShopperApproved. They also have a very strict counterfeit policy, so make sure you’re sending them an original textbook; otherwise, you won’t get paid, and the textbook will be confiscated. Check their Buyback Condition Guide and article On Counterfeit Textbooks for more information.
Here’s a current BooksRun offer for Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis:
10. Sell Back Your Book
Minimum buyback order amount: $7.50
Sell Back Your Book is a book buyback website where you can also sell your used textbooks.They’ve been on the market since 2008, and right now, their “focus is to provide you the best place to sell back your books for the best market value.” They accept a wide range of book genres, provided they are in good condition.
SellbackyourBook has a minimum buyback order amount of $7.50. Their buyback process is similar to the one of BooksRun: you add the textbooks you want to sell to the cart, get a quote, accept, ship your books, and get paid. Expect your textbooks to be thoroughly inspected upon arrival at their warehouse, as they can be down priced in case of damage or based on other factors. In some cases, if there is an issue with the condition, they may ship certain items back to you without payment.
All in all, SellbackyourBook has a 4.5 rating and 30,694 reviews on Trustpilot; you can check what people say about it.
Here’s a current SellbackyourBook offer for Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis:
11. TextbookRush
Minimum buyback order amount: $15
One of the surest ways to sell your textbooks is to go to TextbookRush. Their buyback process is very straightforward. You will get the shipping covered and be offered to pay in cash, store credit, or PayPal. With the store credit, you will receive 5% more on your buyback order. Note that a buyback must total at least $15 to be accepted.
They’re also very strict about counterfeits, so make sure you read their Anti-Counterfeit Best Practices Policy for more information on how they handle counterfeit textbooks. Here are their packaging guidelines and shipping guidelines for you to learn all about their buyback process.
TextbookRush has a 4.4 rating and 15,964 reviews on Trustpilot; we recommend checking it to see what quotes they can give for your textbooks. Also see TextbookRush reviews on BookScouter.com.
Here’s what TextbookRush offers for Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis:
12. eCampus
Minimum buyback order amount: n/a
eCampus also provides good buyback offers not only for textbooks but also for fiction and non-fiction. They don’t accept “books of questionable origin such as international editions, desk copies, counterfeit or any other suspicious origins.” They also have free shipping and several payment options (PayPal, check, direct deposit, or in-store credit with a bonus).
More popular for its textbook rentals, eCampus should not be ignored if you have a few textbooks to sell. If, at the moment, they don’t buy particular titles, you can try selling your textbooks on the marketplace. We’ve only found the information about the minimum order amount—$35—that guarantees free shipping; however, it’s unclear whether there’s a minimum order limit or not.
There’s a note, however, that “Quantities of 10 or more of a single title require authorization.” The quotes you can expect for your textbooks can change as book demand changes: “The price we offer for a used book is based on its future value. The most important determining factor is whether a book is being reused from semester to semester. Demand for the book and how many copies we currently have in stock also determine value.”
eCampus has a 4.1 rating and 2,311 reviews on Trustpilot; however, be careful when you go through the eCampus reviews, as many negative ones refer to the rental we recommend checking it to see what quotes they can give to your textbooks.
At the moment, eCampus doesn’t accept Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis:
13. ValoreBooks
Minimum buyback order amount: n/a
ValoreBooks is one of the largest online textbook marketplaces, and according to various reviews, it has a high customer satisfaction rating.
The marketplace offers free shipping with prepaid labels and competitive prices. They track the book and estimate when you’ll receive payment. In addition to textbooks, you can also sell other books, fiction and non-fiction. However, ValoreBooks don’t buy International, Teacher, Evaluation, or Instructor editions.
Check their Minimum condition requirements and ValoreBooks reviews before you send them your textbooks.
ValoreBooks’ offer for Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis seems to be the cheapest of all:
14. Ziffit
Minimum buyback order amount: n/a
Last but not least, Ziffit is another free resource to sell your used textbooks. This is how they describe their mission: “Our aim is to rehome the books that we buy so that they can be read over and over again.”
You can either use their website (enter the ISBN) or a free mobile app where you can instantly scan your books to see how much you can get.
They accept a wide range of titles, offer payment by bank transfers or PayPal, and can boast a 4.5 rating and 33,255 reviews on Trustpilot.
So, you should definitely keep it in mind when it comes to selling textbooks. You may not get much for every book; however, chances are you’ll be offered way more than you would at a college bookstore.
Here’s what you can get from Ziffit for your copy of Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis:
Price Comparison Platform
15. BookScouter
Finally, we recommend checking BookScouter. Let’s even put it that way: it’s a recommended starting point for anyone looking to sell their books. It’s an online price comparison platform that provides up-to-date information on book prices. With over 30 vendors integrated with the platform, BookScouter allows you to simultaneously compare the price offers of various book buyback sites.
Here’s how you can see all the best (and all available) offers for Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis in one place:
What’s great about BookScouter is that you don’t have to manually check sellers’ websites one by one. Instead, you enter your textbook’s ISBN and get all price offers available at the moment.
In the example, you can see there’re better offers from the vendors we haven’t reviewed manually. Besides, the prices are updated regularly, so you always get the most recent information. You can compare multiple offers for your textbook and choose the one that has the best value.
BookScouter works only with trustworthy websites vetted by the platform, so there’s no need to worry about getting scammed. Besides, you can read the information and reviews from previous sellers, so you can decide which vendors you want to do business with.
Conclusion
We hope that now you have more information about the places where to sell textbooks and will be able to do so at the best prices.
We recommend checking BookScouter first; however, by no means discourage you from visiting your local college bookstore or a local bookselling chain store.
In the end, having multiple options is the key, so happy selling!
