One of the best ways to cut the cost is to buy used textbooks instead of buying them new. This way a student can more comfortably take a class and use some of that extra money for other things. A question may come to mind as to where to purchase used books.



Most students are buying them online because it is faster and easier than hunting for them at the bookstore or other local bookstores. Going online can be daunting though because there are so many choices. Here are five places that you can go for best value, and these are in no particular order. However, they all have at least a four star rating (out of five stars):

1. Amazon -- most people will start at Amazon because they always have books discounted. This is true for some textbooks, but not for all. You can start here and use them to comparison shop other places.

2. BestBookBuys -- this is a great site for finding books because they have a search feature that allows you to comparison shop some of the major stores. The comparison tells you things like the condition of the book, the rating of the store and how long it will take.

3. Half -- this is a site from eBay and the information reads pretty much like Amazon. At this sight however you can save between 20% and 90% depending on the book you need.

4. TextbooksRus-- If you want used textbooks really cheap, try this site. In a search for Philosophy or Psychology (without a particular book) we were able to find books between $1.00 and $5.00.

5. Powells -- Powell's discounts all of their new books so they are less than the market value. You can find books for about half the price as the new price.

When you are purchasing used textbooks it is important to get them before your class starts if possible. Many professors are now putting their syllabi on their personal pages or on college pages listed by class. Used textbooks can take up to two weeks to arrive when they are in stock, so you will want to have them when classes start.

Usually when you look at the information on these books you will be told the condition which can be fair, good or excellent. You will have to decide how much damage you are willing to take for the price you are willing to pay.

Used textbooks are a great way to find the books you need and let's face it, when gas and food prices are high; it's nice to know you can save money somewhere!