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Originally Posted On: https://www.cheapesttextbooks.com/collegeknowledge/college-knowledge-about-textbooks/sell-your-textbooks-5-strategies-to-know.html

 

As the end of your quarter, semester, or even complete school year approaches, you know that you’re going to have some leftover textbooks hanging around your dorm and car. What are you supposed to do with them?

Some textbooks are useful after classes are over. You may need them in the future, or want to keep them for future reference materials. But what about the textbooks that you know you’re never going to want to use again?

When you know that you’re finished with them it’s time to sell your textbooks. Other people need them too, and as long as they’re still relevant, you’ll have no trouble finding someone who’s happy to take the books off of your hands if the price is right.

Not sure how to get started? No problem! We’re here to guide you. Keep reading to learn how to sell your textbooks the easy way.

1. Compare Prices

If you choose to sell your textbooks on a textbook buying and selling platform, you have the benefit of being able to check for the best prices.

Many textbook resellers will hang out on campus to seek out students looking to get cash for their books, but they don’t often have the best prices. They know that they’re the easiest option, so they don’t have to worry about being the best option.

Search the title or ISBN of your book online to see what people are willing to pay for it. This lets you know if it’s worthwhile to sell it, and if so, where you should focus your efforts.

2. Talk to People

If you want to try your hand at selling “in real life” first, ask around and do some networking.

You can start with your friends. If the textbook was for a class that everyone needs to take, it isn’t unlikely that someone else within your circle will need it (or they know someone else who will).

If not, talk to other people within your major (or within the major that the class is a part of if you’re not also in that major). People who aren’t as advanced in their college experience will need that book in the future, so they might be willing to take it off of your hands.

Don’t be afraid or nervous to approach people like this. Most people are trying to save money while they’re in school, so they’ll appreciate the effort.

3. Post Online

If you’re interested in peer-to-peer selling but you’re feeling overwhelmed with the idea of talking to people in person, post about it on social media.

Your personal social media page is a good place to start, but if you don’t have a large following, you can also see if your university or local area has a “buy and sell” page on Facebook (or any other social network site).

Beware of hagglers or scammers if you do this. One of the downfalls of peer-to-peer sales is that you don’t always know if the person you’re selling to is going to try to take advantage of your low prices and try to talk you down further.

Make sure you know the amount that you’re willing to accept, and don’t go below it.

4. Time It Right

Timing is everything when it comes to selling textbooks, but this timing varies depending on how you do it.

If you’re selling through an online platform, you have some flexibility. The platform wants the books and they can afford to wait until school starts again to make their money back. This is one reason that selling to resellers is so popular.

If you’re not, though, consider whether or not it makes sense to try to sell your books as the quarter or semester ends. Who’s buying books when classes aren’t set to start for a few months?

Most people don’t get their syllabi until the first week of classes, maybe before. It’s common for students to change their classes as well, meaning most don’t buy their supplies that far ahead of time.

It’s also possible that the edition of the book that you have now won’t be useful for a student who’s taking the class next year.

It’s a good idea to sell your book when classes start again (or right before) if you’re doing peer-to-peer sales. Not only are students more eager to pay because they need the book as soon as possible, but you have more people who already know that they need the book in question.

5. Make Sure It Can Sell

This is where things get complicated. As we mentioned, sometimes editions change year to year. Even with only a year’s difference, textbooks might no longer be relevant.

This doesn’t mean that it’s the teacher’s fault, but it also doesn’t change the reality.

Before you try to sell, make sure that there’s a need for your book. If your book is a small batch book written by one of your professors, you might be out of luck. If it’s a major textbook that requires an online pin, you’ll also have a problem.

This is another reason why selling through an online platform might be an easier choice. With these online platforms, you have access to people who may be able to use an older edition even if people at your university can’t.

It’s better still if you have a book that’s less common (but still necessary). There’s a higher demand and a lower supply of discounted books, so you’ll have an easier time finding someone in need.

Sell Your Textbooks With These Tips

Trying to sell your textbooks can be stressful, especially if you need the money. Whether you decide to sell your textbooks online or in person, you’ll discover that it’s totally worth it when you no longer have a useless book taking up space in your car.

Are you ready to sell your school textbooks? We want to help you get money into your pocket now! Check out our online comparison tool and start making money today.