Books on the cheap?

As students, we get inundated with tips and tricks for finding really cheap textbooks: amazon.com, online versions, the library, making a copy of your roommate’s … I mean…

But, what about those of us who actually enjoy reading books OTHER than the ones our professors test us on? After I hunt for textbooks on the cheap, I’m so over my cost-cutting ways to even consider looking around town for used books that I can read for fun. There are some public libraries and used bookstores around Norman that I should probably give the benefit of the doubt and step through their doors. But, after being spoiled with Half Price Books in Dallas where you can pretty much guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for, I haven’t found a solid competitor for my novel woes.

Then I found the mothership: about a year ago I was told about Bookins.com and signed myself up. The idea is that you list out all the books you have that you’d like to trade in and all the books you’d like to receive. Bookins does all the legwork and matches its users up. You pay $4.95 for each book received, but there’s a point system that keeps everything fair and Bookins makes sure everyone delivers. At first I was a bit annoyed that I wasn’t getting any money for the books I traded in, but after thinking about it, even at Half Price Books most of my purchases were around $7, so I consider it a wash. Plus, this is way easier – I just sit and wait for Bookins to find matches for me. I guess it’s sort of like Match.com for the novel nerds such as myself.

There are definitely the critics out there that would prefer to peruse through a bookstore or are ooged out at the thought of reading a used book. But, for those of us who can deal with those two things, I think this is the best deal out there. Also, I’m still a bit of a 12 year old inside who gets excited when I get packages in the mail.

-erin
too exhausted to hunt around town for good deals

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No Comments on "Books on the cheap?"

  1. cassie
    24/02/2009 at 3:07 pm Permalink

    This is very cool! I am always looking for the best dealio, too. Craigslist should become more advanced like Bookins… that would make my life so much easier. =)

  2. Baby Huey
    24/02/2009 at 4:18 pm Permalink

    What’s the return policy on books that smell like a gym sock full of chowder?

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