21 Best Places to Sell Textbooks
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Do you have old books lying around? Or old textbooks you know you will never use? Well, it may be time to clean out your bookshelf and make money while you are at it.
Selling college textbooks and books is easier than you think. Here are some options that we found to be easy and pay well for old books.
Top Sites to Sell Textbooks
Instead of walking down to your school bookstore, you might want to check these other places to sell books as well as textbooks to get more money that you can use towards your personal finance goals (for example, paying off your student loan).
1. BookScouter
BookScouter might be one of the best places to sell textbooks online for the most money because it compares the prices of 38 vendors at once.
All you have to do is enter the ISBN number, you pick the highest buyback price, and then you ship it for free. Once they receive your book(s), you get paid.
As each buyback vendor has different free shipping policies, you may decide to sell several books to the same merchant. This strategy can be handy if you have several low-price companion books.
Additionally, the platform lets you create price alerts if you’re waiting for a higher buyback price before you’re ready to sell it. You can view the price history to determine if you’re likely to fetch more if you sell your textbooks in the future.
Read our in-depth Bookscouter review.
2. Decluttr
Another way to sell books is through Decluttr. This site lets you sell your textbooks, books, video games, CDs, DVDs, and old smartphones. Their app makes scanning the book’s barcode or entering the ISBN easy.
They will offer you a selling price for all your items, and you can ship them for free.
You will get paid the day after your products arrive at one of Decluttr’s warehouses. This is a good way to make extra money from those textbooks you will never use again.
But, you can also de-clutter your dorm room and continue to use Decluttr in your working years by selling your old smartphones, tablets, and video game consoles.
Add coupon code CASH10 to your cart to get a 10% bonus for your old Phones, Consoles, iPads, MacBooks, DVDs, Books, and more today.
Read our full Decluttr review.
3. BooksRun
BooksRun gives you the option to sell your textbook directly to them, or they may give you other available offers. When you type in the book’s ISBN number, the book will either be added directly to your sell cart or you’ll see your other offers.
After you’ve chosen your buyer and checked out, you have five days to ship your book(s) with the prepaid shipping label you receive via email. After BooksRun receives your books, it takes 2-5 days for them to assess the order.
You’ll get the payment within four business days after the books are assessed. You can choose PayPal deposit or mailed check for your payment.
4. eCampus
eCampus can be one of the best places to sell used textbooks because of its rewards program that can save you money on future purchases.
They allow you to list multiple ISBNs and pay with a check, direct deposit, or store credit. You will get a selling price if you select the credit option plus 1 eWard point per textbook sold.
There are other ways to accrue rewards points, but 175 points earn a $5 eCampus gift card.
5. TextbookRush
In addition to textbooks, you can also sell electronics, games, and movies at TextbookRush. They have more than 1 million textbooks listed for sale in many different subjects, so chances are you can sell your textbooks to TextbookRush.
You can also sell your textbooks with their mobile app which can make it easier to enter the ISBN numbers. Shipping is free and you can get paid with cash, PayPal, or credit to TextbookRush.
Choosing the credit option can be your most lucrative option, as you receive a 5% payment bonus. Redeeming the credits can be easy if you’re still a student and need books or want to purchase entertainment products like games and movies.
6. BookFinder.com
BookFinder.com has been in the textbook buyback business since 1997 and has received many positive accolades from major publications such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Lifehacker.
They are very similar to BookScouter by comparing the prices of several vendors but with a more old looking website.
You can get free shipping, and they even buy textbooks back from Canada and the UK! To get started, just enter your ISBN numbers.
7. CampusBooks
CampusBooks is another site that has been around for about as long as the internet and is a pioneer in the textbook comparison niche.
You can sell nearly any book here. However, they won’t accept books missing supplemental material.
CampusBooks compares the prices from “dozens of buyback sites” to find the best deal when you sell your textbooks.
One tip they recommend is to sell in August or January to get a higher price due to stronger demand.
Shipping is free, and you can get paid with a check, PayPal, or store credit. They also have a mobile app to make selling textbooks easy.
8. ValoreBooks
ValoreBooks is another textbook comparison website that claims to compare the prices from hundreds of buyers. You can sell textbooks, novels, and other in-demand course materials in new or good condition.
Sold books are shipped for free, and you can get paid with PayPal or check.
If you are selling back multiple books to ValoreBooks, they only accept boxes that weigh 70 pounds or less.
Learn more by reading our ValoreBooks Review.
9. Sell Back Your Book
Sell Back Your Book buys your textbook directly from you. They are accredited with the Better Business Bureau and have paid millions of dollars in textbook buybacks. And, they have a mobile app that allows you to list your books quickly.
While they accept most books, their guidelines state they will not accept teacher or instructor editions, encyclopedia sets, or books without an ISBN.
Shipping is free with USPS Media Mail or FedEx Ground. You can be paid by check or via PayPal.
10. Barnes & Noble
You might not think of Barnes & Noble as being in the textbook business, but they will buy your used textbooks.
There is a $10 minimum to sell your textbooks with Barnes & Noble.
Orders are shipped via the Postal Service. After receiving the book, they will pay you with a check or PayPal.
They only allow you to enter one ISBN number at a time. If you have multiple books to sell back, it can take a few extra minutes to list them individually using Barnes and Noble.
11. Amazon
Amazon is a leading seller of new & used textbooks. They also sell & rent textbooks and are willing to pay you up to 80% of the purchase price.
If you don’t like Amazon’s trade-in price, you can always sell your books as a third-party listing. You can get paid with Amazon gift cards in addition to cash.
It’s possible to get a higher selling price by selling the book yourself than that offered by a textbook buyback site.
Just keep in mind that Amazon will keep a small commission of approximately 15%, and you are responsible for paying shipping costs. You do get a small shipping credit, but it still might not be enough to offset the cost of postage & packaging materials.
12. CollegeBooksDirect.com
CollegeBooksDirect.com accepts books in good condition, which means you can sell used textbooks on the site. Of course, you can receive more if the book is still in new condition.
You list your book starting with the ISBN, title, or author’s last name and can get paid by check or PayPal. They currently accept over 440,000 titles and are one of the smaller textbook vendors.
This vendor offers a prepaid USPS shipping label, making it easier to find a dropoff location.
13. TextbookX
TextbookX is similar to Amazon. You list the book as a TextbookX seller and get paid when somebody buys it. The sales commission is 15% of the selling price plus $1.50. You do receive a small shipping credit to offset shipping costs for USPS Media Mail.
If you wish to receive immediate payment, you can see what the “Instant Offers” buyback price is. Your proceeds are likely to be less than waiting for a buyer, but you’re at least guaranteed to make a sale, and you make money now.
Payment options include PayPal or store credit. You will receive a 5% bonus if you choose store credit.
14. AbeBooks
You might give AbeBooks a try if you have a rare or vintage book with no ISBN or are trying to sell an international edition. They will buy your textbooks directly from you and offer free shipping via FedEx.
This platform can be an excellent option if you sell unique books, such as novels for an advanced lit class. The platform can also be great for Sparknotes and international editions.
AbeBooks is an Amazon subsidiary. To streamline your earnings, you may also decide only to list them on the better-known retail giant to deposit your earnings in the same account and potentially receive Amazon credit instead of cash.
Sell College Textbooks Near You
There are actually places near you that buy college textbooks. Try one or more of these options if you don’t want to hassle with selling your textbooks online.
15. Advertise on Campus
Your campus might have a bulletin board in the academic department, library, or student center where you can advertise your used textbooks.
This can be a good option since professors often require the same textbooks the next time that class is taught.
By strategically pricing your used textbooks for less than the college bookstore and online vendors, you can get top dollar for your books. And it saves you the hassle of having to mail them off and waiting to get paid.
16. Half Price Books
Half Price Books is a popular local neighborhood bookseller and buyer. They limit their hours when you can take your books in to sell.
One tip I learned is that they tend to give better offers when you sell them your used textbooks during the week rather than on the weekend. This is probably due to the fact they get slammed on the weekends.
Receiving store credit instead of cash increases your earning potential. The store sells many genres of books, puzzles and collectibles that can be more valuable to you.
17. Have a Garage Sale
One of my favorite ways to sell books is through my bi-annual garage sale.
My neighborhood has over 1,000 houses. Twice a year, we have a garage sale. I typically set up a special section on my driveway just for books.
Many communities let you advertise your garage sale through an online newspaper or selling app. Be sure to mention what type of textbooks you’re offering to potentially reach more buyers mapping out their shopping stops.
18. Use Facebook Marketplace
Your local Facebook Marketplace is perfect for selling books. Some neighborhoods even have a buy-and-sell page. The easy part is that most neighbors offer a PPU (Porch Pick-Up).
When I sell books, I typically leave a bag of books on the porch and have the buyer pay me with Venmo.
As Facebook is the largest social media network in the United States, you can reach plenty of textbook shoppers. There are no fees for local sales, but charges apply if you ship your sell your used books to the buyer.
19. OfferUp
OfferUp is another app that allows you to buy or sell items locally. You can use the shipping feature with OfferUp yet it is a little pricey.
The app is offered for iOS and Android phones. Simply post a photo of your books, then use the app to communicate with buyers.
Local sales are fee-free, and you can offer porch pickups for additional convenience. This platform is one of the best for reaching potential buyers that don’t use Facebook.
20. Craigslist
Craigslist can be a place to sell your textbook; you just have to find the right buyer to get the most money.
Because of this, you are probably better off selling through the sites above unless you prefer to sell the textbook locally.
21. eBay
eBay can be a great place to sell your used college textbook. One good thing about listing on eBay is that they make the process easy.
When you enter the UPC code of the textbook, they then pull in the information for that book, like the publisher, pictures, etc.
With eBay, you can set it up for local pickup only or ship it internationally if you prefer not to meet people in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions about how to sell your used textbooks, these answers might be able to help.
How Can I Sell Old Antique Books?
Yes, we suggest you call ahead to see if the stores listed above are taking antiques. They may require a certain condition for you to sell your books.
What Condition Do My Books Need to Be In?
Make sure to read the fine print with each store. Some will let you send your books in and then evaluate the condition.
Can I Send My Books in Bulk?
Yes, but check with each company to find out how to sell your used books in bulk.
Best Places to Sell Textbooks – Summary
There are a few options for selling your textbooks for the most money.
You can sell your used books on-campus (without the bookstore) or as a third-party online seller, sell directly to a buyback company, or compare online prices from a buyback comparison website.
You will most likely make more money by bypassing your campus bookstore the next time you sell textbooks.
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