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By Winnie Ballard
Are you about to buy textbooks? Here are some differences between Amazon and the campus bookstore! Bookstore As you might have already experienced, the first week of school is very busy in the campus bookstore. You could be waiting in line for at least an hour just trying to get needed materials. What we all don't realize is that the bookstore is probably ran by one of the big 3rd companies out there who are running multiple bookstores across the country. They just rent the space on campus and hire students to help in the store. They have a high overhead which in turn translates to everyone having to pay more for books. Since a lot of people are getting their books at the same time, most likely the used books are probably all gone by the time you get there. This means having to buy the more expensive brand new books. When returning a book, the return period is only about 2 weeks. Amazon Just in case you didn't know, as an Amazon Prime member, you get FREE 2 days shipping on books and other prime eligible items. As a student, you can do a 6-month trial. Once your trial is up, you get 50% OFF of the regular prime membership. When you purchase your books online, it's very convenient since you don't have to leave the house and stand in line for hours. You'll get your books delivered straight to your door. You are more likely to be able to get used books as well. When returning a book, the return period is within 30 days from delivery. For your convenience here are some links to Amazon: Prime Student 6-month trial Search for books on Amazon's book category If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!
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By Winnie Ballard
If you've ever wondered if you need books the first day of class, the answer is no unless your professor said otherwise. The very first week of class usually consist of going over the syllabus and what to expect from the class. The professor will also let you know if you really need the book or not. If he/she doesn't say either way, make sure to ask! Some books on the syllabus might be listed with a code. This is the perfect time to ask if the code is needed. Read this blog I wrote about books that come with supplements like access codes. Once you find out which books you really need to use for class, click here to go to Amazon and get free 2 day shipping on eligible items. By Winnie Ballard
Binder version books are also called loose leaf or a la Carte books. These basically do not have the traditional paperback or hardcover bindings. Loose leaf versions are usually cheaper than the other versions since the publishers didn't have to spend as much money on putting a hard cover on it for example. They can also be more convenient by only taking one chapter at a time. This is definitely helpful if it's a big book or if you are already carrying too much for all the classes together. However, you do run the risk of losing a page. Taking them in and out of the binder may run the risk of damaging them as well. At the end of the semester, it may also be difficult to find a place who will buy back the loose leaf version. This may be due to the store not being 100% sure that all the pages are there. Or it may be due to the book needing a code with it or just the lack of demand. To search for the book you need, whether loose leaf or other versions, click here to search on Amazon. By Winnie Ballard
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. I like to describe it like the social security number of the book. Since books usually have several editions, the ISBN points to the exact book. It's a lot easier than just searching for the title and author. You may find the ISBN on the barcode or the copyright page. There is an ISBN 10 and ISBN 13. ISBN 10 has 10 digits and ISBN 13 has 13 digits. Both points to the same book. The ISBN 10 can end in a number or an x. The ISBN 13 is more popular throughout the world and it always starts with 978. A lot of times bookstores will cover the barcode with their own internal barcode which consists of other numbers. To prevent the need to peal it off and leave a sticky mark, you can just look inside the copyright page. Also please note that if you have a book with an access code, there will be 2 separate ISBN. One that's found on the book and one found on the access code. There's actually a 3rd ISBN which is the package/bundle ISBN for both the book and the code together. This is often the code given by the professor. You can use these numbers to search for the book on Amazon.
By Winnie Ballard
Should you buy or rent textbooks? Check out this video on some things to consider if you are debating on buying or renting books! Rent There may have been times when you debated if you should buy or rent the textbook needed for class. Usually renting the needed book is cheaper than purchasing it. If you are only using the book for one semester and don't plan to look at it in the future then renting it is a good option. Renting will also eliminate the problem that comes up if the publishers publishes a new edition which may result in losing your book's value. Buy If you need the book for multiple semesters then purchasing the book is a better option since the rental term is only for one semester. If you are planning on looking at or using the book in the future then purchasing it is a good option as well. You could also sell it at the end of the semester and hopefully get some extra cash before the semester break. You may be able to find the books you need to buy or rent at a cheaper price on Amazon! Search for books on Amazon's book category Prime Student 6-month trial If you have any questions, please leave a comment below! By Winnie Ballard
Does the book you need for class include an access code? At times the instructors post the required books with an access code. Access codes are supplements that can come with a brand new book. It's for a one time use only. A lot of the times the access codes are not even needed or used for class. A way to save money on these books is to ask your instructor if the supplement is really necessary for class. If it’s not needed, it's a lot cheaper to purchase the book without the supplements. At times the code all by itself can cost almost the same as a brand new book. Click here to search a copy of the book without the code on Amazon. By Winnie Ballard
Have you ever asked yourself if there's a way to get the book even cheaper? The answer is yes! One way to still own it and get it even cheaper is by sharing with friends or classmates. If you have several friends in the same classes as you, you can all split the cost of the textbook(s). You can each share the cost of the book and take turns to study and do homework. One can have it on Mondays, another person can have it on Tuesdays, etc. This way each person knows when to expect the book and have an equal share. You can even study together and form your own study group. However, keep in mind that before tests each person may want to spend more time with the book so plan accordingly. If you would rather have your own copy so you don't have to worry about those busy times, you can buy or rent the book on Amazon.
By Winnie Ballard
Are you about to buy textbooks? Here is one way to save money on textbooks! If you didn't know already, publishers publishes new editions every 2 to 3 years which makes the older editions lose value. At times they make minimal changes and then publish it again. That's why we see some books have 15 editions, etc. A way to save money on textbooks is to ask your instructors if you can use an older edition. This way you will be able to purchase a book at a cheaper price. There may be some changes or the pages might be a little off but your instructor should be able to guide you and get you to the right pages. You may be able to find the books you need at a cheaper price on Amazon so you should check it out! For your convenience here are some links to Amazon: Prime Student 6-month trial Search for books on Amazon's book category If you have any questions, please leave a comment below! By Winnie Ballard
If for some reason you cannot afford the required textbook, there is another place to find it for free! Your campus library at times may have one or two copies. Sometimes instructors reserves one or two copies of the required text in the library. They may allow you to check it out for 2 hours at a time. This will save you a lot of money by not having to buy one. However, keep in mind that before tests or when there's homework due, all the copies may be checked out so plan accordingly. If you would rather have your own copy so you don't have to worry about those busy times, you can buy or rent the book on Amazon. By Winnie Ballard
Have you seen books with stickers on them? Stickers can be found at the top and bottom of the page with the words "Used Book" and at times it's just a black tape. Some books may just have stickers covering the barcode. This is usually done by a bookstore to put their internal barcode. However other stickers are covering something else... Instructors Editions At times these stickers are hiding the words Instructor's Edition. Instructor's edition usually have instructor notes throughout the inside of the book. Complimentary Copies Complimentary copies, free copies, not for resale, etc. are some of the words being covered by the stickers. These are not for sale. They should not have been sold to you and you should not sell them. Please be aware of these when you are buying your next book. You should also check the books you have now to see if they have these stickers. Make sure you contact the seller right away if you believe you have gotten a book that was a complimentary copy. Click here to purchase your next books on Amazon. |
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