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Valore Books vs BiggerBooks

Wednesday, December 4th

2024 College Textbook Store Reviews

Valore Books Review 4.5 Star Rating

Valore Books

4.5 Star Rating
  • Established in 2002
  • Marketplace model encourages competitive pricing
  • 20,000 sellers
  • Competitive buyback prices and free shipping for sellers
  • Price-matching on rentals and flexible rental term structure
  • "A+" grade from the Better Business Bureau
  • Positive customer reviews for fast deliveries and low prices

Valore Books, an online marketplace established in 2002, specializes in affordable textbooks for students, with over 20,000 sellers and competitive pricing. The website has features like seller-friendly policies, price-matching on rentals, and an average annual saving claim of $500 for students. They receive high marks for customer service, evidenced by an "A+” grade from the Better Business Bureau, and positive customer feedback on delivery and pricing. Overall, Valore Books is highly recommended for students seeking inexpensive college textbooks.

BiggerBooks Review 2.5 Star Rating

BiggerBooks

2.5 Star Rating
  • In business since 2001
  • Daily coupon codes
  • Textbook rentals for different periods (Semester, Quarter, Short Term)
  • Buyback program
  • Free shipping for orders over $59
  • Refunds available for 25 days after purchase

BiggerBooks, a player in the textbook field since 2001, offers features like daily coupons, various rental periods, and a buyback program, but falls short on competitive pricing and customer satisfaction. Their Daily Deal and email list promise savings, yet a price check revealed higher rates compared to competitors, even for rentals. The buyback option is strict; books not meeting guidelines are destroyed, not returned. Free shipping starts at $59, returns incur a restocking fee, and supplemental materials aren't guaranteed. Multiple low-star reviews cite unfulfilled orders, leading to a below-average ranking for BiggerBooks.

Where Can You Find the Cheapest College Textbooks?

Picture this: Emma is a sophomore majoring in Economics. A new semester is approaching, and she's been handed her list of required readings. Instead of braving the long lines at the campus bookstore and potentially paying high prices, she turns to online college textbook stores.

In a matter of minutes, she's located every textbook she needs, some at heavily discounted prices or even available for rent. Not only does she save money, but she also saves time, making her semester preparations smooth and hassle-free. Right on, Emma!

The Best College Textbook Stores Compare College Textbook Stores Compare College Textbook Store Reviews What are the best College Textbook Stores Best College Textbook Store Reviews

College Textbook Store FAQ

You'll probably find a mixture of both. At some schools, you can choose whichever format you prefer (and, according to The New York Times, 50% of students prefer a print textbook!).
You won't be surprised to hear that books can be free, like certain open source online textbooks, but some can cost as much as $1,000 or more! The College Board recommends that students plan on setting aside $1,200 each year for textbooks and course materials.
Your campus bookstore will likely be selling the textbooks at full retail value, or maybe even with a bit of a markup. And, even if they offer used books, you'll be competing with everyone else at your school to get a copy. Shopping online lets you get the exact same books for the best available price.
Absolutely. Most online textbook stores make it easy to determine the condition of any title you need, and you can even get them in new or like-new condition - at a fraction of the price you'd pay for a brand-new text at your college bookstore.
That depends on the textbook store you use and how quickly you need the book. Many providers offer free shipping for economy shipping, with options to upgrade if you want to get it faster.
Yes! Both print and digital textbooks can be rented through many textbook stores. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before choosing the rental option: you'll want to know if you're allowed to mark up the book or save any of your digital notes, when your rental period will end, and any instructions you'll need to follow to return the textbook when the class finishes.
Most textbook stores know that students may buy a textbook they wind up not needing: classes get cancelled or dropped, the wrong edition is ordered, and so on. You typically have a risk-free return period of anywhere from 14-21 days from the purchase date, so you'll need to time your purchase carefully (ordering enough in advance that the title is available, but not so far ahead that you can't return it once the class starts).
Without a doubt. Some textbook stores have been in business for a decade or more, with excellent customer ratings and a strong reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Buying your textbooks online can save you a significant amount of money and hassle!
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Online college textbook stores have revolutionized the way students acquire their academic resources. These platforms offer a convenient, often cheaper, alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. With just a few clicks, students can purchase new or used books, rent textbooks, or even access digital versions.

How much could you save? In some cases, students might spend over $1,000 per semester on required course materials, especially if they are studying in fields that require expensive textbooks or access codes for online resources. It's obvious that every penny counts, so why not take advantage of every possible way to get your textbooks for less money? You could cut that $1,000 in half (or even more) by skipping the school bookstore and opting to source your books online.

When choosing a college textbook retailer, it's important to consider several factors to be sure you get the best deal and the resources you need. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

  • Cost. How much does the textbook cost on this site compared to others? Look for competitive prices. Are there any special deals or discounts? It's always a win to save some money.
  • Selection. Does the website have the textbooks you need? Check if they offer both e-books and physical copies. It's best to have choices to fit your study style.
  • Shipping and return policy. Can they get your textbook to you before classes start? Consider shipping costs and speed. If the textbook isn't what you meant to order, is returning it easy? A good return policy can save you from headaches later on.
  • Access codes. Do you need an online code for your course? Some books come with codes for online materials. If buying used or renting, is the code still valid? Make sure you're getting everything you need.

Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best online stores to buy college textbooks, both secondhand and new. We hope these reviews help you get the books you need for school quickly and without spending too much.

See the Best College Textbook Store
The Best Reviews of College Textbook Stores