Buyback - Making It Work For You
The bookstore provides what we call a "textbook buyback" (or just "buyback") as an opportunity for students to sell their unwanted books. Our primary goal is to gather used books for upcoming semesters (based on concrete book orders from faculty), but even books that won't be used again can be sold through our buyback.
Our next buyback is Finals Week, May 13-18. We will be buying books for the 2013 fall semester.
Current Buyback Specials (good through May 18)
Sell 20 books in one transaction, get a $5 bookstore gift card Donate a book, enter into a drawing for 1 of 10 $25 gift certificates 10% buyback bonus for putting your buyback money on your student account
BUYBACK FAQ
Click to find answers to the following questions:
Why don't I get a full refund for my books at buyback?
There are a few reasons why. First, our buyback is traditionally held during finals week, which is far past our refund deadline (traditionally the first two weeks of school). Second, a refund assumes that you did not use the book, and that it is in the exact condition that it was purchased in. Third, the bookstore pays based on demand (information below) - because of publisher return deadlines, strict condition rules, and basic mathematics, we simply cannot afford to fully refund all books at the end of term.
In general, how much will I get for my books at buyback?
Demand for each book is the primary factor in determining how much the bookstore can pay at buyback.
Books ordered by faculty for the next semester at Reed will get the most money at buyback - typically 25% to 35% of new retail (whether you purchased the book new or used). National demand, supply, and price impacts how much we can pay; the bookstore tries to balance buying at a fair price with offering a fair price to students buying books in the next semester.
The bookstore also speculates on books that may be used again at Reed (we're fairly selective: most are Humanities and intro level books). We pay less than we would if we had a firm book order from a faculty member (as we're taking a speculative risk), but usually pay higher than wholesale prices (see information below).
If you have books that are not being used in future semesters, or were never used at Reed, we act as an agent for several wholesalers who offer prices based on national demand. The price paid for these varies from 0-25%.
If we cannot purchase your book at buyback (for demand or condition reasons) we will have donations bins available - these books will be resold or recycled by the bookstore with all profits going to the student body (through the student senate).
Should I hold onto my books until a course is taught again?
This is a tricky question. If a course with a fairly standard book list is taught regularly (once a year, say), it can be worth holding onto a book to get the higher buyback price. However, books typically lose value over time, so if a book is not reordered by faculty it may be worth nothing later (if a book changes edition or goes out of print).
What if I want to sell my books, but won't be here for buyback?
We strongly recommend you sell your books at buyback (as you will get the best prices and the best service), but if you will not be on campus for buyback you can sell your books anytime. Contact Marianna Mullens at mullensm@reed.edu for more information.