Benefits to Purchasing Used Textbooks

Are you getting ready to head back to college? As a college student, you will be called upon to make a variety of different decisions on a regular basis. One of the decisions you will need to make is whether you will purchase new textbooks or used textbooks. While it may be tempting to purchase new textbooks in order to enjoy books that are in pristine shape, there are many benefits to purchasing textbooks that are used. Here is a look at a few of the benefits of purchasing used college textbooks.

Benefit #1: Save Money

Perhaps the biggest benefit to purchasing used textbooks is the fact that you can save a significant amount of money when you go this route. Depending upon the type of book you are purchasing, used textbooks can be as much as half off the price of the new book. In addition, if you start shopping early and do some comparison shopping, it is possible to find a used textbook that is in excellent condition.

Benefit #2: Help the Environment

Another benefit to purchasing used textbooks is the fact that you are helping to reduce your carbon footprint. The reality is that printing off new textbooks takes its toll on the environment. Not only does it require cutting down more trees, the process of creating new textbooks adds more pollution to the air and to the water. In addition, once all of the books are replaced with newer additions, all of the old books are tossed into landfills and further contribute to the pollution. When you purchase used textbooks, you reduce the number of new books that need to be produced.

Benefit #3: Enjoy the Same or Similar Resell Value

Most people resell their college textbooks after their course is over. Whether you buy a new textbook or a used textbook, you will likely get the same or similar resell price. If you sell your book back to you college bookstore, for example, the store will likely pay a flat rate for the books. Even if you sell your book in other ways, the buyer doesn't care whether or not the book was new when you purchased it. All he or she really cares about is the current condition of the book. If you take your time and purchase a book that is in good condition and if you take care of it while you are using it, you will enjoy the same resell value as someone who purchased the book new.

Benefit #4: Use the Notes Inside

Some people enjoy purchasing used college textbooks because of the notes that are written inside by other students. Sometimes, the notes that are written inside actually provide valuable insight or information. But, if purchasing used textbooks is not your style, you can still save money on your purchase by buying searching online for the best new book price. Either way, searching online for the books you need is usually the best route to take when searching for the lowest prices possible.