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How to Get the Most Book for Your Buck

You spend $400 or more each semester on textbooks; here are some tips on how to save money when buying textbooks.

College students believe that textbooks are overpriced. However, the price of textbooks is not determined by the store, but by the publisher. Campus bookstores generally earn less than four cents of net profit from each dollar spent on books.

In fact, bookstore managers say they want students to get the highest value from textbook dollars because satisfied students are more likely to shop in the bookstore throughout their academic careers for supplies, apparel and gifts.

No one can make the experience of textbook buying painless, but you can save a few dollars and limit aggravation if you follow these tips on how to get more book for your buck.

• Buy used textbooks whenever possible. New texts cost about 30 percent more than used texts. Examine the book carefully, and select one in good condition.
  
• The supply of used books is best when classes start. If you wait too long, you may have no choice but a new text. If possible, buy your books on or before the first day of class.
  
• Check the bookstore's return policy. Most will provide a full refund on new books for a limited time after the start of classes or date of purchase.
  
• Save your receipts. If you drop a course and want a full refund, the bookstore will want to see the receipt.
  
• Write nothing, not even your name, in a new textbook until you're positive you will keep it.
  
• Because of supply issues, last-minute textbook changes and refund issues, be careful about buying books online from anyone other than your campus bookstore Web site. Your campus bookstore lets you find it, see it, buy it and return it now without a four-day wait and without shipping charges
  
• After final exams, sell your textbooks back to your college store as soon as possible. Keep only those you know you will use again. If you wait, a new edition may eliminate the value of your book.

Students across the United States spend an average of $400 a semester buying course materials at their campus bookstores. These academic purchases represent $7.2 billion in annual buying power to bookstores. With that much money at stake, a bookstore will not arbitrarily raise prices and risk alienating students. It simply won't work.

The campus bookstore is in business to meet the needs of its customer, you, the student, and to help you get the most book for your buck.