Wednesday, March 26th
2025 College Textbook Store Reviews
Valore Books
- 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 stakes its claim as a dedicated online marketplace catering specifically to students. One of the first of its kind, established in 2002, Valore Books hosts over 20,000 sellers and remains a trusted name in the realm of academic resources. The platform entices sellers with a straightforward listing process and zero upfront fees, only taking a cut when a book actually sells.
Don't always have every edition
During our review, we used two textbooks as test cases to assess the available inventory. Unfortunately, Valore Books didn't stock either of the editions we were looking for, which were required readings for a recent semester at a particular college. This could suggest potential difficulties in sourcing high-demand titles. However, your mileage may vary.
You could save $500 a year
Valore Books prides itself on its ability to access millions of inexpensive college textbooks from their thousands of sellers. They ambitiously claim an average annual saving of $500 for college students (although it should be noted this is when compared to buying your textbooks new, not from competitor services).
Marketplace model
Unlike other textbook buyback and resale sites, Valore Books doesn't own the inventory it sells. Rather, it acts as a bridge, connecting buyers to sellers. By showcasing numerous sellers vying for your purchase, they maintain competitive prices, leaving the decision-making power in the hands of the buyer regarding price and book condition.
Returns processed by sellers
One slight downside to this marketplace model is that experiences with returns may not be consistent, given they are processed by the individual sellers, not Valore Books itself. Before initiating a return with Valore Books, you must contact the seller. If they don't respond within 48 hours, you can reach out to Valore. You'll have 30 days to initiate a return and you should expect to pay your own shipping costs. For discretionary returns (change of mind or accidental purchase), seller approval is required. Sellers are, however, required to accept returns if the item's condition doesn't match its listing, it got damaged in transit, or the wrong item was received compared with the ISBN on the order. A 15% restocking fee might apply for discretionary returns. So, for a $50 item, expect a $42.50 refund.
Selling made easy (and profitable)
For those looking to declutter their bookshelves and make a few bucks, Valore Books is one of the better buyback sites. Sellers benefit from competitive buyback prices, free shipping, and a range of accepted titles. Payments are swift, with options for checks or PayPal. They will also let you list other kinds of books, like novels. If it's on your bookshelf, chances are you can sell it via Valore Books.
Price-matching on rentals
If you're not looking for a long-term commitment with your textbooks, renting might be the way to go. Valore Books promises economical rental rates, with the added benefit of free return shipping. Their marketplace model constantly compares rental rates to make sure students get the best deals available. Plus, with a flexible rental term structure, students can select the rental period that suits them best. If you spot a better rental price elsewhere within a week, they guarantee a refund of the difference.
$3.95 shipping
Although shipping is free for rental returns and sellers, it isn't free when you're ordering from Valore. Standard shipping takes between 4-14 business days and is priced at $3.95. Expedited shipping is $6.95 and will usually arrive in 3-5 business days.
"A+” with the BBB
Valore Books enjoys an "A+” grade from the Better Business Bureau, having been accredited by them since 2021. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive - reviewers report fast deliveries, low prices, and used textbooks in like-new condition. Where there were complaints, Valore's customer service representatives followed up.
A top choice
Valore Books is one of our favorite services in this review. We love their price match guarantee on rentals, and we like that their marketplace model encourages sellers to price their textbooks competitively. That "A+” from the BBB doesn't hurt, either. If you need affordable college textbooks this upcoming semester, make sure you stop by Valore Books to see if they have what you need.
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.
Compare College Textbook Stores
Select any 2 College Textbook Stores to compare them head to head
Trending College Textbook News
Related College Textbook Store Reviews
Since you're interested in College Textbook Stores, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
