Wednesday, January 15th
2025 College Textbook Store Reviews
Textbooks
- 10 million books in stock
- Up to 90% off retail prices
- Free shipping on orders over $25
- Guaranteed Cash Back feature in place of renting
- High inspection standards for used textbooks
- Buyback quotes locked in for 30 days
- Positive customer feedback
- Supplemental materials included in order when in title
- Good customer support
- Sincerity and understanding of students' needs
If there's one thing that rings true about Textbooks, it's sincerity. In business since 2006, it's a platform crafted by a community who understands the trials and tribulations of juggling academic responsibilities: students, parents, readers, and tech enthusiasts. This collective understanding makes Textbooks stand out.
Pricing and savings
With up to 90% off on textbook prices and free shipping on orders over $25, Textbooks appears to be a haven for budget-conscious students. They stock over 10 million books, leaving buyers spoiled for choice. Their "A+” BBB rating attests to their credibility.
Guaranteed Cash Back
The "Guaranteed Cash Back” feature promises 50% cashback if you sell your textbook back in good condition at the end of the semester. Essentially, you're renting a book at half its price, although there is no official option to rent.
High inspection standards
Every used textbook undergoes meticulous inspection to ensure it's free from excessive wear and tear. From ruling out water damage to broken spines, Textbooks' standards are commendably high. Even for used textbooks, the worst you can expect are a few highlighter streaks, faded covers, or dog-eared pages.
Buyback quotes are locked in for 30 days
Selling your used textbooks is a breeze. Just enter the ISBN, get a quote, and they'll even cover your shipping costs. Plus, their quotes have a 30-day validity, much longer than many competitors (who give you only 7 days).
Positive customer feedback
Textbooks' commitment to satisfaction and sincerity shines through in numerous reviews. From prompt deliveries to appreciation for their buy-back feature, the praises are aplenty.
Areas of improvement
There are a few areas of improvement, though. Textbooks' search engine could use some tweaks. Even after typing in several versions of the title we were looking for, we couldn't find the correct edition. Other editions were selling for around $50 to $60 a copy, but on competitor sites, they were available for under $30.
Discount categories
The website does offer categories that allow you to browse textbooks available at discounts of up to 70% off retail price. However, this may not be helpful for someone who needs a specific textbook assigned by their professor. We can imagine these discount categories might be a good place for a budget-conscious homeschool parent to find educational material for their children, though.
Supplemental materials included when indicated
We do like that if the listing's title includes supplemental materials (CDs, codes) you can actually expect those things to come with your order - which isn't true for some competitors, and can lead less discerning buyers to feel scammed.
eTextbook woes
eTextbooks seem to be Textbooks' Achilles' heel. The most common complaint we found was about long delivery wait times after buying eTextbooks. One user said they spent $50 and the purchase was stuck processing for days. Another paid $30 for an eTextbook they needed immediately for quizzes, but didn't receive an access link for several hours. Another complaint was about not being clearly informed that their eTextbook access was only for 30 days, which caused problems for midterm study after that period.
Good customer support
However, it's heartening to see prompt and attentive responses from customer support to these complaints. Every negative review we found had a reply from a representative offering to resolve the issue. That's more than we can say for some other services in our review.
Buy direct or through Marketplace
The Marketplace on Textbooks serves as a hub where independent sellers, authorized and vetted by Textbooks, can offer their books for sale. While these sellers operate within the platform, they manage their own order processing and returns. All marketplace sellers undergo a thorough vetting process to make sure they meet Textbooks' high standards of quality and reliability. However, for optimal service and speedier deliveries, it's advised that customers purchase directly from Textbooks.
30 days for returns
Regarding returns, if you've purchased directly from Textbooks, you have 30 days from the purchase date to send back your items. Do note that refunds can take up to two weeks, shipping fees aren't reimbursed, and the returned book should be in the same condition as received. If you've made your purchase from the Marketplace, it's crucial to send your returns directly to the individual seller, as mentioned in the packing slip, within the same 30-day window. For eTextbooks, returns are only possible before activation, and if unactivated, they must be returned within 30 days from the purchase date.
One of our favorites
Textbooks emerges as a platform genuinely dedicated to serving its community. Their vast collection, pocket-friendly prices, and guaranteed cashback options make them an attractive choice. While there are areas they can improve, their commitment to customer service is evident. In an age where every dollar counts for students, Textbooks, with their blend of value and sincerity, is a worthwhile option. Just keep in mind to double-check eTextbook terms and be clear about where you're sending your returns, and you're good to go.
More College Textbook Store Reviews
The 10 Best College Textbook Stores
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!
College Textbook Store FAQ
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.
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