The costs of college continue to rise, and one expense that many students don’t anticipate is the price of textbooks. College textbooks are not cheap, and many students are surprised to find that they end up spending hundreds of dollars on books alone each semester.
If you’ve ever found yourself shocked and dismayed by the price of textbooks, then you may be in for a pleasant surprise. There are many websites that will pay you cash to take those used books off of your hands once the semester is over.
Of course, you won’t recoup your full initial investment. But selling your textbooks online allows you to get those used books off of your bookshelf and put a little money back in your pocket.
Best Places to Sell Textbooks Online
If you have used textbooks you’re looking to get rid of, there are plenty of options available. Here are 10 popular sites that buy used textbooks for cash:
1. Decluttr
You can use Decluttr to sell a variety of different items, including textbooks. After you download the app, you’ll use it to scan the book’s barcode. Within minutes, Decluttr will let you know how much they’ll pay you for the textbook.
Once you’ve agreed to the price, you’ll print off a mailing label and mail your items in. You’ll receive the money after Decluttr receives your books.
The site does reserve the right to pay less if the items are not in the condition you described. However, there’s really no downside to using Decluttr. It’s a great way to get paid to get rid of items you didn’t need anymore, and shipping is free.
2. BookScouter
BookScouter gives customers the option to buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the right price. You can sell your books directly on the site or by downloading the company’s mobile app.
To get started, you’ll enter ISBN number and BookScouter will connect you to companies that are buying used textbooks. Once you have a list of companies that are buying textbooks, you can view their vendor ratings and find the pricing that’s right for you.
One of the advantages of using BookScouter is that shipping is free and you will often get paid the same day your books are received. That makes it one of the best options on this list.
3. FacultyBooks
FacultyBooks will pay for college textbooks, instructor editions, and study guides. To get started, you’ll enter the ISBN number and receive a quote on the FacultyBooks site.
If you agree with the quoted price, you’ll ship your books to the company for free. You can even request the company to send you free boxes and packing material. Once your books are received, you’ll be paid via check, PayPal, or direct deposit.
4. Cash4Books
Cash4Books will pay cash for used college textbooks. Like many of the other sites on this list, you’ll get started by searching for your book, receiving a quote, and then shipping the books for free.
The company will pay you by check or through PayPal, and Cash4Books is even willing to pay the PayPal fees for you. Most payments are issued within 13 days of the day you mail in your books, but you may receive the money faster if you live on the West Coast.
5. eCampus
Like many other companies, eCampus lets customers buy, sell, or rent used textbooks. What differentiates eCampus from other sites is that the company allows sellers to list their books and choose their own prices.
This makes it easier for you to earn the full value of the books you’re selling. However, you will have to pay for a portion of the shipping and the company takes a 15% commission off of every book sold.
6. ValoreBooks
ValoreBooks has a similar business model to many of the other sites on this list. After you search for ISBN number, you’ll receive a quote which you can either accept or reject. Once you’ve accepted the offer, you’ll print off the mailing label and mail in your books.
There is a minimum $15 order required, so you will likely need multiple books in order to qualify. Once the books are received, you’ll be paid by check or through PayPal.
7. TextbookRush
You can use TextbookRush either by visiting the site online or by downloading the company’s app. Once you’ve accepted the company’s offer for your books, you’ll print off the shipping label and mail them in for free.
One of the unique things about TextbookRush is that in addition to payment, they give you the option to receive store credit. If you choose the store credit option, you’ll receive an additional 5%.
If you’re still in college and planning ahead for upcoming semesters, this may not be a bad option.
8. BookFinder
BookFinder is similar to BookScouter in that it shows you multiple vendors that are willing to purchase your books. Once you’ve searched for the ISBN number, BookFinder pulls from popular sites like Amazon and BooksRun. Shipping is always free, and this site is available to sellers in the U.K. and Canada as well.
9. BooksRun
You can either sell your books directly to BooksRun or choose from another vendor. After you search for your books, you’ll be shown multiple offers directly within the site.
Once you’ve selected an offer and printed off your mailing label, you have five days to mail in your books. Once your books are received and evaluated by BooksRun, you’ll receive a payment within four business days.
The site will pay you by mailed check or through PayPal.
10. Student 2 Student
Student 2 Student allows you to sell your books locally and online. Once you’ve entered the ISBN number, you’ll receive options for online vendors and local schools that are interested in buying your books.
If you choose to sell your books locally, then the service is completely free. And you’ll receive the money in cash at the point of purchase. Student 2 Student is a good option if you’re looking for local bookselling options.
Bottom Line
Selling used textbooks is a great way to clear out some space in your home and earn a little extra money at the same time. After all, when you’re paying your way through school every dollar counts.
Make sure you consider multiple options on this list and see which site offers you the best price for your items. You may have to sell your books on multiple sites to get the most money back, but it’s worth the time and effort.
And make sure you don’t wait too long to try to sell your books since many sites won’t accept books once they become too dated. Ideally, you’ll sell your textbooks as soon as the semester is over.
