16 Best Places To Sell Used Textbooks for Cash in 2023

Last updated Jul. 3, 2024 by Peter Jakes

16 Best Places To Sell Used Textbooks for Cash in 2023

In today’s academic landscape, textbooks are an essential but expensive requirement. As the cost of new textbooks continues to rise, many students are looking for the best platforms to resell their used textbooks for cash once the semester ends. Fortunately, there are several reliable avenues to explore. This article outlines the 16 best places to sell used textbooks in 2023, providing you with a comprehensive guide to turn your old academic materials into cash.

1. Amazon

   • Pros: High volume of buyers, competitive prices.
   • Cons: Listing fees, competition can lower prices.
   • How to Sell: Create a seller account, list your textbooks with detailed descriptions, and handle shipping when sold.

2. eBay

   • Pros: Wide reach, auction settings.
   • Cons: Requires effort in creating listings, final value fees apply.
   • How to Sell: Set up a seller account, list your books, choose between auction or fixed price, and ship when sold.

3. Chegg

   • Pros: Textbook buyback feature, free shipping labels.
   • Cons: Price quotes can vary, limited to textbooks.
   • How to Sell: Obtain a quote, mail books with provided label, receive payment via PayPal or Chegg credit.

4. BookScouter

   • Pros: Compares multiple buyback companies, free shipping.
   • Cons: Comparisons can be overwhelming.
   • How to Sell: Search your ISBN, choose the best offer, ship your books for free, get paid via check or PayPal.

5. TextbookRush

   • Pros: Buyback offers for a range of books, pays for good condition books.
   • Cons: Value depends on book condition.
   • How to Sell: Enter ISBN, get a quote, ship for free, and select payment method.

6. Campus Books

   • Pros: Aggregates prices from multiple vendors, instant quotes.
   • Cons: Not always the highest payouts.
   • How to Sell: Search ISBN, compare offers, accept and ship for free, get paid through various methods.

7. BookFinder

   • Pros: Comprehensive price comparison tool, free service.
   • Cons: Manual process to complete sales.
   • How to Sell: Run an ISBN search, compare offers, choose the best deal, and follow their respective selling instructions.

8. ValoreBooks

   • Pros: Good buyback prices, free shipping.
   • Cons: Some restrictions on accepted books.
   • How to Sell: Enter ISBN, get a quote, print shipping label, receive payment via PayPal or check.

9. Decluttr

   • Pros: Accepts a variety of media, quick payment.
   • Cons: Not focused solely on textbooks.
   • How to Sell: Scan ISBN with app, get a valuation, ship for free, and receive payment through various methods.

10. Powell’s Books

    • Pros: Well-established bookstore chain, fair prices.
    • Cons: Limited to specific books.
    • How to Sell: Online buyback program, ship for evaluation, receive payment via PayPal or store credit.

11. TextbookX

    • Pros: Student-to-student marketplace, competitive pricing.
    • Cons: Transactions may take longer.
    • How to Sell: List your books, wait for a buyer, ship the book, and get paid.

12. eCampus

    • Pros: Guaranteed buyback, offers for new and used books.
    • Cons: Somewhat lower payout.
    • How to Sell: Input ISBN, get an offer, print shipping label, and receive your money through check or direct deposit.

13. BookByte

    • Pros: Simple process, free shipping.
    • Cons: Prices can fluctuate.
    • How to Sell: Enter ISBN, receive a quote, ship books, and get paid.

14. SellBackYourBook

    • Pros: Quick turnaround, instant price quotes.
    • Cons: Can be selective about accepted books.
    • How to Sell: Get an instant quote by entering ISBN, ship for free, and receive payment via PayPal or check.

15. Barnes & Noble

    • Pros: Trusted brand, in-store buyback options.
    • Cons: Limited by geographical location for in-store buyback.
    • How to Sell: Online buyback program, ship for free, receive payment via PayPal.

16. Student 2 Student

    • Pros: Direct sales to peers, usually higher prices.
    • Cons: Requires bit more effort and time.
    • How to Sell: Connect with buyers on campus or online communities, arrange for sale.

FAQs

Q: What condition does my textbook need to be in?

A: Most platforms require textbooks to be in good condition, free from excessive marks, tears, or water damage. Keep your books in great shape to get the maximum value.

Q: Can I sell international edition textbooks?

A: It depends on the platform. Some platforms accept them, while others may not. Always check the guidelines of the specific site before listing.

Q: How long does it take to get paid?

A: Payment times can vary from instant (such as PayPal transfers) to a few weeks (such as checks). Always check the payment terms on the platform you choose.

Q: Are there any fees involved?

A: Online marketplace giants like Amazon and eBay charge listing and seller fees, while dedicated textbook buyback sites usually don’t. Verify the fee structure before committing to a platform.

Q: Is shipping free?

A: Many buyback sites offer free shipping, while others may require you to cover the costs. Always read the fine print when choosing a buyback option.

Q: What if my textbook isn’t accepted?

A: If your textbook isn’t accepted on one platform, try listing it on another, or consider donating it or recycling it as a last resort. Different platforms have different acceptance criteria.

By diversifying your platforms and keeping your textbooks in excellent condition, you can easily maximize your cash returns on used textbooks in 2023.