Craigslist is a good resource to use if you want to buy cheap college textbooks. You can find a Craigslist for many different locations. Transactions are done face to face, which means you can look at the textbook before you buy it.  You could find someone who has just completed the class you are about to take, which is convenient.

First, type the word “Craigslist” into Google, or your favorite search engine. I suggest selecting the Craigslist site for the city closest to where the college you attend is located.  Different cities can be found on the right hand side of the site.

At the center of the site there is a heading that says “for sale”. Click on the link that says “books”.  This will bring up a list of all the books that are being sold on Craigslist right now.  At the top are the ads that were placed today, followed by the ones placed yesterday, and so on.

You will need to know the title, author’s name, and edition number of the textbook that you want to buy.  Click on a link to find more information about a book and the price the seller wants for it.  Towards the top of the ad, there will be a link in blue text that the seller will be using as an email address.  This is the most reliable way to contact the seller.

When the seller responds, this is the time to ask any questions you may have about the cheap college textbook you are about to buy.  Get clarification about the price.  Arrange a place where you and the seller can meet up, and make the transaction, at a time that will work for you both.  Public places, such as a local coffee shop, are a nice, safe, choice.  Keep in mind that the person you are about to buy something from is a complete stranger.

It is generally expected that you will be paying in cash for anything that you buy from an ad you found on Craigslist, so, take the time to visit an ATM before you meet the seller.  There isn’t a good way to use a credit card in this case, and many sellers are not comfortable being paid by personal check.  Look over the book to make sure it is what you expected.  Buying cheap college textbooks is quick and easy through Craigslist.