How to Buy a Cheap Book
From LoveToKnow Buy
Learning how to buy a cheap book—new or used—is very easy. In this guide, you'll find local spots to check locally as well as a few online sites. In no time, you'll have greatly expanded your book collection—without breaking the bank.
How to Buy a Cheap Book: Used
Finding used cheap books for sale is as easy as walking in to your local Goodwill store. You can often find past bestsellers for as low as $2. Be prepared for a variety of conditions as there's no strict group of standards a book has to meet to make it on the shelf since they're donated, not purchased.
You can also go to used bookstores, of course. They are generally cheaper than the average bookstore even if you're simply wandering in and prepared to pay cash exclusively. However, if you have a stash of books you'd like to trade in at the store, you can get an even better deal. Many used bookstores won't let you simply exchange your books for books from their shelves, but you will receive store credit that can count toward a percentage of your purchase. You'll still have to pay some cash for your purchase, but not the full price.
Library sales are another great place to get cheap books. The selection won't be as great as that at a used bookstore or even at a Goodwill store, but the prices tend to be very low. The books may have markings and the condition of the books will vary. If you are fine with purchasing less than pristine books for your collection, this is a viable option. Check with your local library to find out when they'll have books for sale.
New is Trickier, but Possible
If you're looking for a book as a gift but you don't want to spend a lot of money or you're simply choosy about the condition of the books on your own shelves, you still don't have to pay full price. Here, find out how to buy a cheap book that's new or like new, online:
Half.com: This site is affiliated with eBay but it focuses on media. You can purchase books here in all conditions. Books are organized by their condition and you'll find feedback ratings for each user as well. If you're searching for cheap textbooks, this is a good place to start.
Amazon.com: If you’ve ever visited Amazon.com, you'll know that when you search for a book you often see that there's a brand new price, then a "Buy New and Used" price. There is also a Kindle version of most books, which is an electronic version. The Kindle device operates much like a cell phone—so you never have to find a WiFi "hotspot" to have access to your books.
eBay.com: This site sells a little bit of everything and you can generally find anything you're looking for, rare books included. In most cases, you'll be bidding against other interested buyers, though you can find stores that offer a "Buy It Now" price and avoid the hassle.
Special Deals and Offers
Bookstore chains are competitive with one another, from discount cards to online specials. Sometimes you have to pay for a membership card, but if you buy large quantities of books from major bookstores throughout the year, you may be able to save so much that the membership pays for itself—and saves you enough to say you got "cheap books."
The Amazon.com Rewards Visa: Amazon often changes the deal you get when you sign up for their credit card. Offers have included free two-day shipping for a year and money back.
Books-a-Million: This program is called the Millionaire's Club Membership. When you sign up online as part of an order, you'll automatically get an extra ten percent off of your online orders for a year. Otherwise, you'll receive ten percent off all online and in-store purchases.
Barnes & Noble: Save on pre-orders here. By signing up for a membership card, you'll receive forty percent off hardcover bestsellers, twenty percent off adult hardcovers, and ten percent off of almost everything else. You can also get special offers in your email when you sign up with an email address. In addition to the membership card, there is a Barnes & Noble Mastercard; when you sign up there, you may receive a special offer, such as a discount, money back, or a gift card.
Borders: When you sign up for a Borders Reward Card, you get email offers, forty percent off of hardcover bestsellers, and $5.00 in Borders Bucks for every $150.00 you spend online or in the store (some restrictions may apply).
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