So what options do you have for selling college textbooks once the semester is over?
We found 15 places for you to sell textbooks online and in person for easy money- plus threw in a few work-from-home jobs for students so you can make money in other ways too!
Now, let’s go over some of the best ways to sell textbooks so that you can get the most money for your old books and make some extra cash for next semester.
Quick Picks
If you’re looking to sell your old textbooks and make money in other ways, here are ways to make quick cash for you:
- Best Textbook Selling Site: Sell Back Your Book
- Best Overall Selling Website: Decluttr
- Best Paying Job: Proofreading
- Fastest Money Maker: Swagbucks
- Best Freelancing App: Steady
How To Sell Textbooks
You can spend a significant amount on textbooks each semester. In 2022, college students spent over $1,200 just on textbooks.
Selling used textbooks can be a great way to make some of that back and save space in your bag when classes are over.
Here are a few tips to help you get the best price when you sell your college textbooks to other students:
1. Decide What Textbooks You’ll Sell
When selling college textbooks, the first step is deciding which ones to part with. This can be difficult, especially if you have many of them and don’t know if you’ll need them for references in other classes.
You can ask older students or professors if the book will be needed again, and you could hold onto it for a little while if you’re unsure. Other than that, sell any textbooks you don’t think you’ll ever use again.
2. Check Textbooks For Wear & Tear
Before you sell your old textbooks, it’s essential to check the book’s condition for wear and tear. A few small tears or stains may not be a big deal, but if the book is in bad shape, you may not get as much for it.
Here are a few tips on how to check your textbooks for wear and tear and get the most for your textbook:
- Inspect the cover for any significant damage, such as large tears, water damage, or missing pieces.
- Check the pages for any writing, highlighting, or underlining. While some people don’t mind a little bit of this, others may not want to buy a book with notes.
- Look for any signs of mold or mildew, which can indicate water damage.
If you find that your textbook is in good condition, you’re one step closer to getting top dollar for it!
3. Get Price Via ISBN
If you want to get the best offer for your old books, it’s essential to know how to sell textbooks via ISBN. You can include other additional information, but people want to know they’re getting the right book and a website wants accurate inventory.
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number and is a unique number that identifies information about each book, such as the title, author, edition, and publisher. You can usually find the ISBN on the book’s back cover or the first few pages inside.
To get started, search for the ISBN of the textbook you want to sell on a comparison site like Textbooks.com. This will show you a list of prices offered by different buyers. You can then use the information from your ISBN search to price your used textbooks competitively.
Remember, the goal is to get the most for your textbooks, so don’t be afraid to shop around for the best amount offered for the book.
4. Pick Where To Sell Used Books
When selling textbooks, there are a few different options to choose from. Sellers can sell their books online or in person. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks.
- Online. Selling textbooks online is the most popular option. Sellers can reach a larger audience and often receive a higher price than they would if they sold the books in person. However, online selling can be time-consuming, and fees are often associated with listing and selling items.
- Campus Bookstore. Your college bookstore is usually the best place to sell textbooks in person. They will usually offer a lower price than the book is worth, but it is convenient and easy.
- Buyback program. Many textbook companies and websites offer buyback programs. These programs allow sellers to send in their books and receive a gift card or cashback. You may get less money with this option online than selling on your own, but it’s usually a quicker sale.
Where To Sell Textbooks
Selling textbooks is a great way to make more cash to save for college.
There are several sites that you can use to sell textbooks online. The best site to use will depend on the condition of your books and how much you want to get for them.
1. Second-Hand Bookstores
Have a bunch of textbooks taking up space on your shelves? Take them to your local second-hand bookstore and turn them into cash! It’s a great way to get paid the same day for every book sold.
Second-hand bookstores are always looking for new stock, and your textbooks might be in high demand this school year.
2. Sell Back Your Book
Sell Back Your Book is one of the best places to use to sell your textbooks. It’s easy to use- you can search for a single book’s ISBN or enter up to 20 ISBNs at a time. Remember that they don’t buy old textbooks, instructor’s editions, teacher’s editions, or books without an ISBN.
If you accept their offer to buy, ship your books to them. Shipping is free through FedEx, but you can choose a different shipper. Once they receive them, they pay you within three business days of receiving your book.
3. Decluttr
Think about how much time and hassle you’ll save by using Decluttr to sell your textbooks. All it takes is a few clicks of the mouse.
First, input an ISBN or scan any book with its app – then send them off quickly from this marketplace site that makes buying new books as simple (and profitable) as ever.
You can also sell other items on Decluttr, they’re known for buying electronics, so sell your old cell phone, laptop, and more here to pad your wallet!
4. Amazon
Amazon is an excellent option for selling your textbooks and other books. You can list your books for sale on the site, and buyers will be able to purchase them from you directly.
You just create a listing for your textbook and wait for people to buy it!
5. Facebook Marketplace
School is over, and now it’s time to sell all those used textbooks taking up space on your shelves. Thankfully, Facebook Marketplace is here to help you unload them quickly and easily.
Just take a few minutes to create a listing on the marketplace, including some photos of the books and a description of their condition. Then set your price and wait for buyers to start messaging you.
6. Half Price Books
To sell your books with Half Price Books, take them to your local store. After inspecting the book’s condition and considering the supply and demand, they will make you an offer. Payment is made in cash so that you can sell and leave quickly.
7. eBay
Selling your textbooks and other books on eBay is a great way to get rid of them and make a little extra.
You can usually get a higher price selling online on eBay than you would through other methods. Just be sure to research shipping costs before you list your textbooks to avoid losing on the deal.
8. Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble website is not only a great place to find and buy textbooks, but it’s really easy to resell your textbooks with Barnes & Noble!
Just enter the book’s number and see what you can sell it for. They make an offer if your textbooks are valued at more than $10.
9. BooksRun
BooksRun is a great option to use for selling textbooks! It works just like other sites selling textbooks. They accept a wide range of textbooks, so you’re sure to find a demand for just about any used textbooks you sell. You usually get paid within 4 days via check or PayPal.
10. Student2Student
Student2Student connects people on campus with people who are buying and reselling textbooks. Once you’ve agreed to a sale, you’ll meet up with the buyer on campus, they’ll pay you, and then you’ll go about your day, safe and simple.
11. BookScouter
If you’re looking to get the most for your used books, Bookscouter is an excellent option. With Bookscouter, you can search over 30 different book vendors at once and compare their offers.
This makes it easy to find the highest offer and get the best prices for your books. Plus, shipping is always provided, so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs.
12. Bookbyte
Bookbyte is making it easier to get rid of old books. Bookbyte offers a program where you enter the information about your used textbook, accept their offer, and send the book to them! They also provide a prepaid shipping label for any textbook valued at $10 or more.
13. Valore Books
Valore Books is the most convenient way to sell your used textbooks. They provide you with an instant quote, then you ship it off to them- it’s quick selling! Once they receive your textbook and inspect it, they will pay you by check or PayPal.
14. GoTextbooks
Get an instant quote for your textbook, accept it, and ship your books to GoTextbooks. No listing, no waiting for a buyer! Shipping is free- print out the free shipping label and take the package to your UPS store. Once they receive your books, they will inspect them and issue payment within 2 to 14 days.
15. eCampus
The process is simple: list your textbook on eCampus, and when it sells, they’ll pay you via PayPal, direct deposit, check, or store credit. Best of all, there are no listing fees or hidden charges- eCampus takes a 15% commission on each completed sale.
Money-Making Ideas For College Students Or Grads
It’s no secret that college can be expensive. Many are strapped for cash between tuition, books, and living expenses.
College students always look for side hustles to make a little extra besides selling textbooks, and we are here to deliver!
You can sell your stuff, freelance, write, and more:
1. Blogging
One of the best things about blogging is that you can do it anywhere. Whether studying for finals in the library or taking a break from your internship, you can turn your blog into a money-making blog as long as you have a laptop and an internet connection.
Once your blog is up and running, start sharing your unique perspective on the world and make an income through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and more. BlueHost is a popular option for bloggers and is pretty easy to use.
Check out our Start Your Blog Boot Camp for everything you need to know about starting a successful blog.
2. Proofreading
Proofreading can be a lucrative career that is in high demand where you read and point out errors in work or problem spots that need work. You can start with no experience, but we found that there are some great courses that can teach you the ropes plus help you start this side hustle
Proofread Anywhere offers a free workshop that teaches you the basics of proofreading and how to start your own business.
And there’s no need to worry about finding clients once you become a proofreader– plenty of services connect businesses with freelance proofreaders.
3. Freelance Writing
There’s never been a better time to become a freelance writer. With the rise of content marketing, businesses are increasingly turning to freelancers to produce high-quality content.
And thanks to the Freelance Write From Home eBook, it’s easier than ever for college grads and students to start making money by writing. The Freelance Write From Home eBook has everything you need to get started as a freelance writer, from tips on finding clients to advice on pricing your services.
4. Survey Apps
Some apps will pay users for their opinions on various products and services.
Some of our favorite survey sites are:
- Swagbucks Surveys ($10 bonus)
- Inbox Dollars ($5 bonus)
- MyPoints
- Survey Junkie
- Pinecone Research
- Opinion Outpost
- Lifepoints
While the earnings from some side hustle apps may not be enough to cover tuition, they can certainly help with day-to-day expenses.
5. Freelancing Apps
And with the flexibility to set one’s hours, becoming a freelancer is the perfect way for college students to earn extra money. So if you’re looking for a way to make some money on the side, check out these freelancing apps:
Key Takeaways
With these websites, you’ll be able to sell your old books and start the new school year with some extra cash in your pocket.
We hope this post helped you add a side hustle to make money in college too.
Textbooks are expensive, so why not sell books and get paid some money back for them? Check out Sell Back Your Book and see how much your textbooks are worth!
