Save Money When Purchasing College Textbooks

When it comes to going to school, there are numerous expenses that you must overcome. In addition to tuition, transportation and possibly housing costs, you will also need to pay for the textbooks that are required for the classes you will be taking. Fortunately, there are ways for you to reduce the overall cost of purchasing your textbooks. Here's a look at just a few.

Contact the Professor Ahead of Time

In many cases, you can find out what books will be required for the class before the requirements hit the campus bookstore. If you already know who your professor will be, contact that person and ask him or her to tell you what books will be needed for the class. This way, you can purchase the books early before the mad rush. If you plan on purchasing used books, making the purchase early can help you get the best price possible. In addition, buying early makes it easier for you to purchase high-quality use books, which will help you enjoy a higher resale value when it becomes your turn to sale.

Find Out if Add-Ons are Necessary

Many college textbooks include add-ons such as CD-roms and workbooks. Find out if these add-ons are necessary for the course you will be taking. If not, you can save yourself some money by purchasing used books without these unnecessary additions.

Use a Rewards Credit Card

You can also help reduce the cost of your textbooks by purchasing them with a rewards credit card. If you repay the credit card after the billing cycle is complete, you will not have to pay any interest on the purchase. You will, however, receive cash back or other rewards for the purchase. What could be better than making money with your textbook purchase?

Do Some Comparison Shopping

Prices can vary widely from one seller to the next. Therefore, it is in your best interest to do some comparison shopping. The more you shop around for the best price, the more likely you will be to find a good deal. At the same time, once you do find a great deal, be sure to snatch it up quickly. Otherwise, if you wait too long, the textbook may be sold to someone else before you get the chance to make the purchase. Make sure to look online when shopping for used textbooks, as this is where most of the best deals can be found.

The bottom line is that going to college is an expensive endeavor. Even if you are receiving financial aid, it is essential for you to find ways to make your dollars stretch further. By keeping these simple tips in mind, you will get the best prices possible and will have money leftover for the other purchases you need to make in order to enjoy a successful college experience.