Do you have old college textbooks collecting dust? You can turn them into cash while helping other students avoid buying new, expensive editions by selling your used textbooks.
When I was in college, I relied on used textbooks almost exclusively because new ones were prohibitively expensive. I also resold the books after the semester ended — it was easy, earned some extra money, and the books were no longer useful to me.
In this article you’ll find:
- Eight reliable places to sell used textbooks
- The best options depending on your priorities
- Tips for getting the highest price
- Who typically pays the most for used textbooks
- Whether Amazon or Barnes & Noble still buy back textbooks
Below are practical, SEO-friendly recommendations to help you sell your used textbooks and earn extra income.
Where to Sell Used Textbooks for Cash
Here are some of the best places to sell used textbooks, with notes on ease, payout, and what to expect.
1. World of Books
World of Books is an established online used-book retailer that buys back textbooks. You can get an instant quote using the ISBN or barcode, and they offer an app that lets you scan the back cover for pricing. They typically provide a prepaid shipping label, so you won’t pay shipping costs.
Payments arrive a few days after books are received and can be issued via PayPal, bank transfer, or check. World of Books also purchases general fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books in addition to textbooks.
2. Your college bookstore
Campus bookstores often buy back recent textbooks for resale to incoming students, making them a fast and convenient option. However, buyback policies vary: bookstores may refuse books if a professor switches editions, or they may offer store credit instead of cash.
College bookstores typically accept books in good condition with minimal highlighting, no missing pages, and clean covers. They generally only take current or commonly used editions. Expect convenience but usually lower payout compared with selling directly to other students or through comparison services.
3. BookScouter
BookScouter is a comparison tool rather than a buyer. Enter your book’s ISBN and it checks offers from many buyback sites to show which one will pay the most. It factors in shipping and makes it easy to identify the best payout without visiting multiple sites yourself.
Using BookScouter is free and can save time while helping you maximize returns.
4. BooksRun
BooksRun is a popular buyback and resale platform for textbooks. It’s user-friendly and known for fast processing and shipping. In addition to textbooks, BooksRun accepts various types of books for resale.
5. TextbookRush
TextbookRush works like many textbook buyback services: enter the ISBN for an immediate quote, print a prepaid shipping label, and ship the book. Payment is typically issued by PayPal or check once the book is received.
Book condition affects the offer; heavy highlighting, notes, or physical damage can reduce the payout or cause rejection.
6. Valore
Valore offers a straightforward ISBN lookup to see if they’re buying a specific textbook and for how much. They provide prepaid shipping and multiple payout options, including PayPal, check, or store credit. Their buyback prices are competitive with other online options.
7. eCampus.com
eCampus.com is another well-known textbook buyback site. Enter your ISBN to receive a quote; if they accept the book, they supply a free shipping label. Payment options usually include check, direct deposit, PayPal, or store credit (store credit often offers a slightly higher payout).
8. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is one of the best places to sell used textbooks if you want to keep the full sale price. There are no listing fees and you can meet buyers locally to avoid shipping. Post clear photos showing the cover, ISBN, and any wear or damage. Note any bonuses such as access codes or workbooks in the listing.
Local college or textbook buy/sell groups can help you reach students directly. Always choose a safe public meeting place, such as a library or a police station’s designated exchange area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about selling used textbooks.
Where is the best place to sell textbooks?
The best place depends on your priorities. If you want speed and convenience, a college bookstore is a simple choice for recent editions. If you want to maximize earnings and don’t mind more effort, selling directly through Facebook Marketplace or listing on a marketplace will usually bring higher returns. Comparison tools like BookScouter can quickly show the highest buyback offers if you prefer a middle ground.
How can I get the best price when selling my used textbook?
Compare offers across several buyback sites to find the highest payout — BookScouter makes this easy. Sell when demand is highest: just before the semester starts (typically July, August, and December). Clean the book, remove loose notes or sticky notes, and be transparent about any highlighting or damage to maintain buyer trust and avoid returns.
Who pays the most money for used textbooks?
Private sales through Facebook Marketplace or local college groups often yield the highest returns because you keep the full sale price and can target students who need the exact edition. However, this requires more effort and coordination than using buyback services.
Does Amazon buy back textbooks anymore?
Amazon discontinued its textbook buyback program in 2020. To sell on Amazon now, you must create a seller account, list the book with the ISBN and condition, and handle shipping. For most sellers, dedicated textbook buyback services or local sales are simpler and more efficient.
Does Barnes & Noble buy back textbooks?
Barnes & Noble does offer a buyback program in some cases, but participation varies by location. You can submit an ISBN online for a quote and, if accepted, ship the book with a prepaid label. Payment usually comes via check or PayPal after the book is received and inspected. Acceptance depends on demand and availability for resale.
Where’s the best place to sell used books for cash near me?
Try your local college bookstore or list books on Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell groups. These options are convenient and let you avoid shipping while reaching a local audience.
What’s the best place to sell used textbooks online?
If you’re willing to invest time to maximize profit, list the textbook yourself on marketplaces. If you prefer a quick, low-effort sale, use reputable buyback sites such as World of Books, TextbookRush, or eCampus.com. Comparison tools like BookScouter can show you the best offers across platforms.
8 Best Places to Sell Used Textbooks – Summary
Selling used textbooks is a practical way to earn money from items you no longer need while helping other students save on supplies. Whether you want a fast sale or a higher payout, there’s an option that fits your needs.
Summary of recommended places to sell used textbooks:
- World of Books
- Your college bookstore
- BookScouter
- BooksRun
- TextbookRush
- Valore
- eCampus.com
- Facebook Marketplace
I’ve bought and sold many used textbooks over the years and recommend selling yours if you want to save or make extra money. Being strategic about timing, condition, and where you list can increase your payout.
Where will you sell your used textbooks?
Recommended reading:
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