Saving on Textbooks - Rent textbooks

As you decide your book options for the semester, you think about the hassle of buying and then selling  your textbook. You've heard how some students get offered $5 for a book they paid $250 for only 4 months earlier, and you'd rather not be one of those examples. Then, you see that the bookstore offers textbook renting for a better deal. The only thing holding you back is the price tag at the bookstore. However, the idea of buying a book for a high price and not being able to sell it is pushing you back to renting from the bookstore.

Well, I am here to say that we can eliminate the bookstore entirely by going online*. There are benefits and drawbacks to this though, which I shall explain. From friends to acquaintances to shocking stories, there have been those to rent a textbook that was in such horrible condition, it was missing entire chapters, sections, assignments, ect. This is only a slight risk in reality and only if you rent used textbooks. Also, most online companies offer a 30-day money back guarantee if you aren't satisfied with the copy you received or are otherwise not satisfied. That is what is so great about private online stores: their customer base must be more than satisfied for their company to do well. Campus stores have a steady flow of customers so they don't feel the repercussion of a few bad reviews. There is always a student around the corner to buy a book at 200% of it's actual value.

I have already highlighted one benefit, one being higher customer service. They want you to come back for the next 7+ semesters to do business. The want you to turn into a repeat customer. That's a good thing. Another bonus from going online and finding your books is that you will save so much money! Just try it if you haven't; the prices are unbelievable.  Some companies will not charge shipping at all, for return as well. One company in particular, Campus Book Rentals, has added a wonderful option to add a textbook that you own into their database and rent it out to make more money on it during school. You will have to visit the site to get the fine details but the reviews from that company are great, if not stellar.

And, none of these stores charge you for highlighting in your textbook! You are actually allowed to deface their property for your learning. At first, this seemed like an odd idea but in the long run, it makes sense. Highlighted sections that students noted advice future book borrowers to take note of those special sections. And, if you are the one breaking in the pages, be sure to do the same because it's not an allowance, its almost a rite of passage. There wasn't a single book I didn't come across that didn't have some section highlighted. It's as nostalgic as finding old carved initials in a study in the far back of the library.

So, save yourself some money and rent a textbook. You might find that you will be in a few thousand dollars less debt when you get out.


If you have any questions about the process, just comment below and I will get back to you immediately.

Thank you for reading and feel free to share with friends, family and anyone you think wants to save a few thousand dollars!



*abebooks.com, bigwords.com, alibri.com, textbookrentals.com, campusbookrentals.com