One of the most effective ways to make money for college students is by selling used textbooks. Naturally, it is best to save valuable books which you will need in the future. This article refers to those textbooks that do not relate to your specialty, are outdated, or you know for sure that you will never open them again. It’s much better to fill your pockets with extra coins than to collect dust on the bookshelves in your room. Selling textbooks is great if you want to free up extra space, make or save money, start a business, and pay some of your college expenses.
Let’s look at what ways you can make money from your textbooks. Then, follow our step-by-step strategies carefully and learn how to sell them the fastest way.
Table of Contents
Strategy One: Sell textbooks online
Many students try to look for study material in online stores at a lower price to save money. Therefore, it is to them that you can sell your textbooks through various platforms.
For example, on sites like BookDeal, it is effortless to compare prices for different products, determine the need for what you are selling, and most importantly, determine the most suitable price tag. Selling books on this website is very practical and quick. You need to enter reliable information about the product being sold, get a client and wait for your profit.
In addition, you can find potential buyers on social media and student forums by posting particular ads. But be patient, as your client won’t show up right away!
Strategy Two: Sell your textbooks directly to the students at college.
Students younger than you will need to buy the same textbooks that you had last semester. You can resell your used material directly to these people. Thus, you will significantly increase your profit by eliminating the middleman who would receive his share of the sale.
However, finding such students directly is very difficult, especially if you have many books in your hands that need to be sold. Moreover, consider the risk that such students may always demand a refund for the textbook if a student decides not to attend classes or has found a book at a better price. Naturally, you should not return anything, but you cannot avoid the awkward moments that hit your image. Moreover, this method of selling, although more profitable, takes more time.
Strategy Three: Sell your textbook in bookstores.
You may also consider selling books in bookstores. But for that, your textbook must be in good order, so be sure to tidy it up. Usually, such stores buy used books for sale and charge meager prices. Therefore, they can pay you very little, albeit straight away. This method is more suitable for those who want to sell books as quickly and conveniently as possible, without really thinking about profit.
Strategy Four: Give your textbook for rent.
If the textbook you are selling is too expensive and you cannot find a buyer or think you will need it in the future, the best option is to give this book on loan for a month or a semester. It is a faster and more practical way. Therefore, you will not need to say goodbye to the textbook forever, getting an opportunity to earn money on one textbook several times. However, be careful with whom you give the book. You can even prepare a minor contract with conditions, such as a fine for non-return or damage to the book.
Strategy Five: Recycle your textbooks
If your textbooks are already in poor condition or outdated, you can turn them in for waste paper. You will earn a penny, but on the other hand, you will significantly help the environment, since new books will be made from your paper raw materials!
Special tips for textbook sellers
- It is best to sell textbooks at the beginning of the semester when many students have not yet had time to buy them in stores.
- The appearance of the textbook affects the price as much as the year of publication.
- You can not only sell your used books but also resell them in online stores.
- If you do not want or cannot sell the books you do not need, you can donate them to libraries, charities, or donate to your friends.
- Before selling textbooks, be sure to consider whether you will need them in the future.