Selling Back Books
Now that Fall semester is over and finals are completed it is time to sell those hefty textbooks. I always have mixed feelings when walking into the bookstore, due to the more common than not agony inflicted from there depreciating value but every now and then I walk away feeling good about the exchange as well as the instant cash-in-pocket. Textbooks are like a black hole which seems to always leaves your bank statement in the red. Nevertheless this moment is much appreciated, especially during the fall semester, when the holiday season rolls around and the season of gift purchasing is in full swing. There are a few places at the U that you can sell your books. There is the obvious places like the University bookstore at Coffman, on East Bank, or the Student Center on the St. Paul campus. I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon a store that gives better than average return for those heavy books. Its called Oak St. Bookstore. More often than not I receive 50% or better from them of what I originally paid for each book. They also tend to provide incentives like raffles, additional cash back, and/or itune music cards.
Recently I have learned from a friend a easier way to deal with the daunting prices of textbooks; its called renting. Renting textbooks can be a lot cheaper and more convenient, however I have always been wary of using this service. I worry about things such as rental sharks; those who will take your money and find reasons to not give it back, or other types of scams. On the other hand, when you know what you are doing and what companies are safe this can be one way of reducing a substantial cost from your education bill. Stay tuned to hear more about how this system works, who to use, and what you can look for in return.