In Canada, the price of textbooks can be a daunting factor for students. New textbooks for just one semester can quickly sum up to a few hundred dollars, which burdens students who already have constrained budgets. Fortunately, the economy of buying and selling second-hand books makes it possible to save money on learning materials while ensuring that all learning materials are available.

In this guide, find out what to consider when looking for used and cheaper textbooks for sale in Canada, such as the advantages of second-hand books and the right places to purchase or sell rented books. We will also focus on some of the used books websites available in Canada, used bookshops, and how to post old books for sale online, making it even more convenient to acquire the required textbooks.

Why Buy Used Textbooks?

The primary reason why students resort to acquiring second-hand textbooks is to cut down on expenses, but this is not the only merit. Let’s analyze in detail why buying old textbooks is a sensible decision for students in Canada:

  • Financial Benefits
    One of the major benefits of buying used textbooks is the cost-saving as opposed to buying new versions. New textbooks could come at a price of hundreds of dollars, while the used ones often go for 30-60% lower prices. There are instances where some textbooks have been sold or offered to the market at very low prices out of their normal retail prices. Therefore, it becomes far more convenient for students to manage their finances, and they can also be spared from the finance-related anxiety usually experienced with the onset of new academic semesters.
  • Contributes towards Saving the Environment
    Fewer new books are produced for students when those textbooks are bought as used ones. Thus, helping save natural resources such as tropical rainforests used for making newspaper and the making and conveyance of new text material. This is ideal in promoting a green purchase as it helps in making the earth a better place to live in.
  • Use of Previous Versions
    A number of instructors permit students to use even the previous versions of the textbooks, which are often much lower in pricing compared to the latest edition. Enabling you to buy used textbooks also gives you access to older editions, which are perhaps not sold new, even giving further chances to save money. As much as some changes, if any, are made between editions, most of the time the core contents do not change, which means older versions are acceptable for many of the units.
  • Access at Once
    Purchasing academic books on the Internet has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to receiving new books that are often out of stock. On the other hand, old editions of textbooks are always easily found and even purchased from the internet or local second hand bookstores. This makes it possible for you to acquire your reading materials without any delays, thereby helping you prepare for the semester in advance.
  • Pre-Highlighted or Annotated
    Some students feel that they can benefit from purchasing older edition used books that have highlights or notes from previous owners. These notes can emphasize the relevant information or sections that would save you work while reading the book. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a pristine book, it is still possible to obtain many second-hand books in very good condition without any marks or writing.

Where to Find Used Textbooks in Canada

Canada has ample resources to help you save money on academic materials, especially if you want to buy used textbooks either in-store or online. Here, the following places do more than quoted above on the purchase of used textbooks:

  1. Book Buy Express
    Book Buy Express is one of the best platforms where one can search for used textbooks in Canada. It’s an online platform that allows students to buy and sell old textbooks, rendering it useful and dependable for students, searching for cheap educational resources.
  • Assortment: Book Buy Express possesses an assortment of textbooks of every subject, encompassing even the extreme ends of the spectrum, i.e., arts and science. The students need not worry because they can also look for the textbooks by ISBN or the book title.
  • Pricing: The wider applicability of the site covers old books and their sales, so a student will find the costs of K-12 students’ new textbooks cheaper than that of ordering a fresh copy.
  • Sell Your Textbooks: After one has read and enjoyed the contents of a book, they can return it to Book Buy Express and get cash back from what is known as the ‘sell-back’ program so that the book can be reused again.
  • Shipping Services Available All Over Canada: There is no region in Canada that Book Buy Express will not ship to, enabling students from any region to access reasonably priced textbooks easily.
  1. Bookshops on Campus
    Most of the universities and colleges in Canada tend to have bookstores, known to sell both old and new versions of textbooks. This book-selling approach, that is, campus bookstores, usually comes with a buy-back provision, which helps cushion students who are usually forced to sell their old books at the end of every semester.
  • Local Availability: For those students who live near their campus, it is preferable to make purchases from the university’s own bookstore, as there will be no costs or delays incurred. You can pick up your used textbooks on the same day you order and pay for them.
  • Certified Editions: These are also reliable sources of used books since these managed book-selling places are part of the institution to which the course is offered, and hence the used course books have the right editions.
  1. Amazon Canada
    Amazon is undoubtedly one of the most popular online sites in Canada when it comes to the purchase of used textbooks and other academic materials. With so many sellers posting inexpensive textbooks for students, the search for second-hand books is quite vibrant.
  • Using Amazon: The FBA service enables other sellers to offer used textbooks for sale with stunning discounts. These may not be in their fresh, brand new condition but are available in a considerably good state.
  • Fast Shipping: Amazon provides fast shipping across Canada, especially for its Prime members. This makes Amazon ideal when the time is almost out, for example, at the start of the semester.
  • Special Offers for Students: It is not uncommon for Amazon to have student offers, even more so during the back-to-school period. This comes in handy for students who wish to purchase several textbooks or any other items for studies that are not transportable.
  1. ThriftBooks
    ThriftBooks is a company based in the United States that ships to Canada. It specializes in used books, which it sells at highly economical rates. Their stock, which mainly consists of Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Self-Help books, also has a great range of academic textbooks.
  • Best Discounted Stores: ThriftBooks sells second-hand books at prices cheaper than most retailers. In addition, if you are buying a lot of them, you qualify for further discounts.
  • Free Shipping Deals: Most ThriftBooks have periods of promotions during which consumers within a certain threshold can earn free shipping on all orders, which makes buying from them cheaper.
  1. Kijiji and Craigslist
    Kijiji and Craigslist are classified ad sites that are popular in Canada, and many students use them for posting adverts for used textbooks on sale. Books are often found at these local stores conveniently in a matter of minutes, avoiding shipping costs.
  • No Middleman: Being these are outsider networks, you are purchasing directly from other students, which gives room to haggle over the price.
  • Cash and Carry: When you see a seller that is within your geographical location, you have the option of a cash-and-carry style purchase, which means you don’t have to wait for shipping or incur any extra expenses.
  1. Facebook Marketplace and Buy and Sell Groups
    The Facebook Marketplace has rapidly gained acceptance among students in Canada wishing to buy or sell old textbooks. It is worth noting that many, if not all, of the Canadian universities have students’ Facebook groups that are meant for members buying/selling books.
  • University-Specific Groups: On many campuses, there are specially designed buy/sell groups where students post their books at the beginning and at the end of each semester. This is a nice place to score some deals from students who took the courses you own.
  • Immediate Communication: Within the app, Facebook Messenger quenches the ability to communicate with the seller, allowing easy ways to pose concerns, haggle among rates, and set up orders for the items.

Online Platforms for Buying Used Textbooks

In Canada, it is quite easy to locate second-hand academic books through online bookshops and markets. A few of the well-known sites include the following:

  1. AbeBooks
    AbeBooks is a marketplace for both buyers and sellers of books, both new and used, as well as rare. It is especially useful for students who wish to purchase used textbooks, which typically cost much less than what most stores charge.
  • Worldwide Customer Base: Although this company has its operations out of Canada, AbeBooks has sellers from all corners of the globe, so you are not restricted to Canadian suppliers.
  • Difficult-to-Find and Outdated Readers: If you are interested in hard-to-find textbooks that are no longer stocked by retailers, then AbeBooks would come in handy.
  1. TextbookRush
    TextbookRush is widely known and used when it comes to purchase of used textbooks and selling them. Orders above a particular threshold are eligible for free delivery across Canada, which is convenient for students wishing to purchase the books.
  • Buy Back Scheme: In case students have some textbooks left with them and do not wish to use them again, TextbookRush buys them back from them. This buyback feature comes in handy for students to cover up some of their expenses after the semester has passed.
  • Bulk Deals: If you have an inclination towards purchasing many titles, TextbookRush has an assortment of bargains which can help you save further on expenses.
  1. eCampus
    eCampus is a textbook rental service that sells and rents textbooks in the Canada region. Its ease of access and variety of available textbooks has made it popular among Canadian students.
  • Affordable Rentals: If you don’t want to commit to buying a textbook, eCampus allows rentals for much lower prices than what is normally found on textbooks.
  • Order Confirmation: Each textbook you order comes with a confirmation that contains a shipping number, which can help you track your order on its way.
  1. Chegg
    Chegg is a popular platform that allows students to buy and rent textbooks in Canada. It is also widely used for online tutoring and homework help, allowing students to save on costs.
  • Helpful Resources: Aside from offering textbooks, Chegg also gives students access to homework help, which can make studying for exams easier.
  • Easy Access for International Students: Chegg offers rentals for international students as well. Those who are studying abroad will find Chegg convenient for accessing textbooks in Canada.
  1. ValoreBooks
    ValoreBooks is another option for students wishing to acquire used textbooks in Canada. Like the other platforms, ValoreBooks allows students to rent or purchase textbooks.
  • Excellent Shipping: The website works to ensure that students receive their books as quickly as possible with free delivery on specific orders.
  • Returning Rentals: At the end of the semester, it is important for students to know that they can return their rentals without incurring any fees.

Selling Used Textbooks Online

Most students will eventually find themselves in a position where they have books they no longer use or want. The best approach is to sell these books, allowing you to recoup some of the money spent on them. To help you sell those unwanted books, we provide a few options below:

  1. Create an Online Ad
    You can create online ads, either on social media platforms or through classified ads. Create an enticing listing that describes the title, edition, and condition of the books you are selling. You may also include photos, especially if the book is in good condition, which will help you sell faster. Ensure you put a reasonable price.
  2. Online Platforms
    You can also make use of some of the sites we discussed above that offer selling opportunities, such as:
  • Amazon
  • Kijiji
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • AbeBooks

These platforms allow you to sell directly to other students.

  1. Campus Buy-Back Programs
    Most college and university bookstores have buy-back programs. This is a good option if you want to sell your textbooks immediately and don’t mind receiving a lower amount than if you were selling them directly to another student.
  2. Book Swaps
    You can also participate in book swaps organized by your school or student groups. This provides a chance for students to trade books and get what they need for the next semester.
  3. Social Media Groups
    Join Facebook groups dedicated to your school or city where students buy and sell textbooks. This allows you to connect directly with other students looking for textbooks you have.

Conclusion

For students who want to save money on their academic books, purchasing and selling used textbooks in Canada is a great way to go. Used books not only cost less than new textbooks, but they also help the environment while providing access to materials necessary for success in school. Use the resources we have provided to find used textbooks for sale, rent or even post ads for the books you wish to sell.