Did you just step into the elevator when a overwhelming amount of “Textbook for Sale” signs jump into your face? Do you want to call the individuals selling the textbooks but are nervous you’re paying too much for the textbook? Maybe you compare all the different prices in the elevator posts, and then compare those to the YU Online Booksale Facebook page and you think you found a deal (read: cheapest overpriced textbook). While those may very well be the best prices you can get on short notice, don’t forget to check online too. Personally, I am a huge fan of comparison shopping online to see where I can get the best bang for my buck. I’d rather not have to constantly shell out $200 for a textbook. Unless that textbook is coming with a pair of Tory Burch flats, I’d rather look elsewhere.
Having trouble getting into the bargain hunting spirit? I have just the solution. Think of finding your textbook for the cheapest price as a game where you reward yourself (maybe with an Oreo Milkshake from Tiberias) for getting your textbook for the cheapest price possible. Start off by taking note of how much other students are selling their books for. Remember to also check the YU Online Booksale page on Facebook. Keep in mind that you can write on their wall the list of books that you’re looking for, then start checking textbook sellers’ websites. Don’t look at just one website; you should be checking at least 3-4— if not more.
I always check Chegg.com first. They usually have the best deal for renting textbooks. Renting can usually save you up to 50% off the original price, and you don’t have to worry about selling the rented textbook back at the end of the semester. Open a few more tabs, check sites such as Amazon Textbooks, Half.com, Barnes and Nobles Textbooks, and more. See who has the cheapest price. If you’re short on time, check Slugbooks.com— they compare sites and see which site has your textbook for the cheapest price.
Many textbook sellers now allow you to rent, buy, or download eBooks. If you’re attached to your iPad all day, then an eBook might be right for you, so it’s worth looking into that option as well.
Remember these few tips when considering what format of textbook to buy:
#1 The international edition of a textbook is similar to the regular edition. The only difference is that the page numbers will be different than the regular, American version. But if the price is right, then don’t hesitate to buy it.
#2 Renting textbooks is a great option if you’re in Syms. The textbooks for some classes may change every semester depending on the professor. Also, renting is usually 50% off the original price. The only thing you need to take into consideration is how many days the textbook can be rented for. You should make sure that the textbook can be rented through finals.
#3 eBooks are a great way to lessen the weight of your backpack by substituting the textbook with your tablet. Just keep in mind that if you’re a person who likes to study on Shabbos, then this isn’t a good option for you.
I’d like to share a personal shopping anecdote from last semester. I needed to buy Accounting Principles, ISBN #978-0-470-53479-3. Naturally, I whipped out my bargain hunting skills. Chegg offered $55.99 to rent, $195.00 to buy new, and $182 to buy used. Amazon offered $28 for the International Edition, $189 for a new copy, $135 used. Slugbooks (which, incidentally, I found from an advertisement on YouTube) offered $45.47-new/used, $48.84-rental, and $118 digital textbook. Finally, someone listed the International Edition from $60 on the YU Online Booksale.
I should’ve bought the used International Edition for $28 from Amazon, but I sacrificed an inexpensive price for convenience and bought it from the YU Online Booksale.
The price to pay for convenience? $32.
Although the International Edition isn’t as appealing as the regular edition (or so our professors tell us), it still has the same content. So figure that you could be spending at least an extra $10-$50 on each textbook if you don’t shop comparatively. Yes, it’s time-consuming, but each $32 adds up, and you can use that money to buy something much more rewarding than textbooks. Mani-pedi? That refreshing milkshake from Tiberias? You decide!
This same method applies to shopping for school supplies, too. Wouldn’t you rather save that extra $20 you shouldn’t have spent at Staples for a nice dinner at a restaurant? I have four easy tips on how to save at Staples:
Tip #1: Sign up for the Staples emails. I’ve gotten some great deals from their emails. Some of the best ones were: $5 off a $25 purchase and 15% anything you could fit into the reusable shopping bag that they give you for free.
Tip #2: Shop the Staples clearance section. This is by far my favorite aisle of Staples. They usually have products whose outer packaging is ripped but the actual product is in fine condition. Also, they’ll occasionally have tables in the front of their store with 25 cent-$5 dollar deals. Keep a lookout for those.
Tip #3: Don’t buy basic tools for full retail price. Staples has highlighters, pens, sticky notes, and more on sale at least every other week. Just wait for the sale and you’ll save up to 50%.
Tip #4: This is for advanced money savers: check out Office Max and Office Depot’s flyers for that week and compare their sales to Staples’ sales. If they’re a better deal than what Staples has, then all you have to do is bring a printout of the other store’s ad to Staples, and they’ll match the price!
So, come on and see how much money you can save.