Saturday, March 15th
2025 College Textbook Store Reviews
TextbookX
- Operational since 2001
- Affiliated with over 500 educational institutions
- Provides a platform for independent sellers
- Average rental prices
- Free shipping on retail orders over $49
- "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Year-round buyback opportunities
- Wide range of academic materials
- Positive customer reviews and ratings
In business for over 20 years, TextbookX's mission is to offer students the lowest prices for their course materials by combining their own inventory with that of third-party sellers. With one of the largest inventories of new, used, digital, and rental books, TextbookX provides lots of options to students.
More than just textbooks
TextbookX offers more than just textbooks. They also list school supplies, best-selling books, magazines, study guides, and more.
Benefits of school-partnered online bookstores
TextbookX partners with colleges, and they offer custom websites for partnered schools. When you buy through your school, you'll benefit from a dedicated inventory tailored to your courses. Students can search for textbooks by course name, code, instructor, or ISBN. The platform also offers school-branded merchandise and multiple payment options, including financial aid where applicable. Note that availability of the textbooks you need isn't guaranteed - it's based on stock and demand, so plan to purchase as soon as you get your required reading list.
Benefits of buying from TextbookX directly
Students can benefit from average savings of 60% off the list price when purchasing from the Marketplace. The platform allows users to search for books by ISBN, title, author, or keyword, and offers year-round buyback opportunities. You can also get free economy shipping on retail orders over $49 - note that this is almost double the minimum amount to qualify for free shipping with some competitors.
Standard search functions
TextbookX offers standard search functions and provides detailed listings that show all available copies of books along with their corresponding prices. Additionally, the platform includes notes from sellers that provide information about any damage, inclusion of access codes, and shipping or satisfaction policies. Make sure you pay attention to these - some sellers do not accept returns.
Marketplace textbooks don't qualify for free shipping
Through TextbookX's Marketplace, you can shop from sellers nationwide and choose from books available in their warehouse as well as from trusted third-party sellers. The sellers range from big volume sellers to individual students, and you can generally tell what kind of seller you're buying from based on the listing where there is a section for notes indicating their return policies and the book's condition. However, please note that free shipping offers do not apply to items purchased from the Marketplace, although some sellers might cut you a deal.
Shipping is a few dollars more than competitors
For orders below $49, the shipping cost is $4.89 plus $2 per book. The estimated delivery time is 3-10 business days. Standard Ground shipping takes 2-5 days and costs $8.49 plus $2.99 per book. For marketplace and rental orders, Economy shipping costs $6.89 per item, with an estimated delivery time of 3-10 business days. Standard Shipping is $11.49 per item, with an estimated delivery time of 2-5 days.
New rental program
As a response to customer feedback, TextbookX recently introduced a rental program, which further reduces prices for students. The rental books are always in at least "good” condition and are never international or reprint editions. However, it's important to note that supplemental materials are not included with the rental, unless otherwise indicated. Students are required to return the rental books at the end of the term - they don't seem to have options for shorter or longer term rentals.
If you're late to return your rental, you buy it
Students have the flexibility to purchase a rented book at any time during the rental period. Late returns result in a charge of the book's buyout price - less the amount you paid to rent it, but still, TextbookX is not playing around with these fees. Their grace period only covers the time it would reasonably take for your return to be sent out and delivered.
10% restocking fee and no returns on Pearson eBooks
The return policies for TextbookX can be summarized as follows: for items to be eligible for a full refund, they must be returned in their original condition, unmarked if sold as "new," and with intact software media. Refunds are subject to a 10% restocking fee, and marketplace returns are subject to the policies of individual sellers. eBook refunds are possible under certain circumstances, such as within two weeks of purchase and with limited viewing or printing of the content. eBooks from Pearson can't be refunded at all, nor can rental returns.
Trusted by customers
We're glad to see that TextbookX has an "A+" Better Business Bureau rating and a 4.3-star average on Trustpilot. Customer reviews for TextbookX have been generally positive. Students have praised the platform for its international shipping services and customer support. Many have found their textbook prices to be competitive compared to an online retail giant, also included in our review. The efficient book listing system for registered courses has been appreciated, along with reliable and timely delivery. Students also value the ability to sell their books back to TextbookX. While some reviewers experienced occasional issues with delivery delays, there have been reports of positive experiences with customer service to resolve these issues.
Not a bad choice
Overall, we would recommend TextbookX for your college textbook needs. While we do wish their rental return policy was a little less strict (college students can be messy, and it could be easy to misplace a textbook in a cluttered dorm), we didn't find any major faults with them. We like that they make it so easy for students to find the books they need by partnering with colleges, and their BBB rating is encouraging. While not an outstanding service, they do pretty well.
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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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