My wallet under attack... The scholar vs. the evil textbook companies!

So, I kind of made it through my math pre-requisite test.  I'm just planning on attending the review sessions for the re-takes, that's all.  I can take a re-take, I'm not too proud for that anymore .

Now, to get ready for the real lectures, I need some books.  I need some... money.  I might need to win the lottery!!

 I guess to get a good, price, you know the old saying.You gotta shop around... (sha-na-na-na... oh maybe I'd better stop).

Nothing will motivate one like looking a $200 book price tag for my Macro-Econ course in the eye serial numbers.  Yikes!!  Books, can't do class without 'em, can't pay the rent with 'em!

I usually have a policy: books in my major I buy and keep, other books are rent-worthy; however, I folded when I saw what that would run me.  I though of the shoes that could have been purchased bills that could be taken care of, and realized I am going to have to be a little more resourceful.

How does that benefit you, you say?  Well anything I learn, I'm passing on!  Here is a brief rundown of some of the sources I use to find cheaper textbooks:

University Bookstore Price

Purchase (new): $190 (my wallet cried, I couldn’t do it)

Purchase (used): $143 (I think this grown woman cried a little, too!) 

Rental:  $95 (Is Warren Buffet going to help me study or something?  Really!?)

Cheap textbooks-

www.Amazon.com:  Purchase (used):  83.00 with free shipping (3^rd party re-seller)

Purchase (New): $131

Kindle version: $118 (Prof allows the book and notes for quizzes, but no e-devices. Boo.)

www.Chegg.com  Rental:  62.99

You can rent or buy books online with a 21-day guaranteed return policy. E-books are available with a 14-day guaranteed policy.  I haven’t used it.  Reviews are welcome.

www.Coursesmart.com

E-book rental: $74.99

 E books only.  I used this for a previous course where I knew I wasn’t keeping the book.  Good variety of intro/core course books.  I like the fact that you can print out book pages and your notes and highlights.  

I did find another book, for another class, I’ll need through the semester, but don’t plan on keeping, that wasn’t available for rent at the bookstore.  It is going to be $15 bucks cheaper here. (Woo-hoo.)

www.Half.com by Ebay

Purchase (used): $82.39 lowest

This is an ebay website, so all of the books are re-sales.  Most ship through media mail, but there were faster options available for additional cost.  Lots of instructor copies (I guess profs are selling their books, too!)

www.Alibiris.com

Purchase (new): $85.00

 Also $74.79, but an international version (BOO).

Also a re-seller, its carries quite a few textbooks and specializes in rare books.  Watch out for International Editions of books here (a problem if you are dealing with math or measurements, etc.).

Happy shopping (and learning)!