I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I learned a lot during the process. Here’s how my first experience went and what I’d recommend for anyone else thinking of doing the same.
Starting with Research
Since I had no idea where to start, I did some research. I googled "best places to sell textbooks" and found plenty of options: Amazon, Chegg, eBay, and a bunch of specialized buyback sites like BookScouter. I read reviews and compared a few platforms before deciding to list my books on more than one. Spoiler alert: some sites offered way more for certain books than others, so it was worth checking around.
Listing the Books: Easier Than I Thought
I was nervous about how long it would take to actually list my books, but it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Most platforms just needed the ISBN (that number on the back of the book), and from there, the details filled in automatically. All I had to do was confirm the condition of each book. A few of my textbooks had some wear and tear—highlighting, notes in the margins, bent covers—but I was honest in the descriptions, and it turned out that minor damage didn’t hurt my chances of selling too much.
How Condition Affects Price
One of the biggest lessons I learned is how much the condition of the book affects the price. I had two identical books, one in pristine condition and the other with some markings. The cleaner book got higher offers, while the other one sold for less. So, if you’re planning to sell textbooks in the future, try to keep them as neat as possible throughout the semester—it’ll pay off later!
The Waiting Game
I thought my books would sell immediately, but that wasn’t exactly the case. For the first week, nothing happened, and I started to worry that I’d done something wrong. Then, out of nowhere, one of my books sold. A couple more sold over the next two weeks, but a few still didn’t have any interest. I learned that patience is key when selling textbooks—it might take a little while for the right buyer to come along.
Timing Makes a Difference
Here’s a tip I wish I’d known earlier: try to sell your books right before the new semester starts. I listed mine at the end of the semester, but there wasn’t as much demand. Students are more likely to be shopping for textbooks in the weeks leading up to their classes, so next time, I’ll list them earlier to take advantage of the rush.
Shipping: Easier Than Expected
Shipping my books was another part of the process I thought would be a hassle, but it was surprisingly simple. Most platforms either provide a prepaid shipping label or calculate the shipping costs for you. I went to the post office, grabbed a few padded envelopes, and mailed the books without any issues. Plus, the buyer pays for shipping, so I didn’t have to worry about extra expenses cutting into my earnings.
Don’t Be Afraid to Lower the Price
After a month, I still had a couple of unsold books sitting in my listings. Instead of giving up, I lowered the price slightly—and that did the trick! The books that had been gathering dust finally sold within days. If your books aren’t selling, adjusting the price might be all you need to do to get some movement.
Final Thoughts
My first experience selling textbooks https://booksrun.com/ was a learning process, but it wasn’t nearly as hard as I imagined. By researching where to sell, pricing them right, and being patient, I was able to make some extra cash and clear out space on my shelves. If you’ve never tried selling your textbooks before, I’d say go for it! It’s a great way to make back some money while helping other students save on their books.
