Key takeaways
- Value depends almost entirely on the ISBN and whether that edition is still assigned.
- Compare several buyback sites, which can offer very different prices for the same book.
- Sell right before semesters start, when demand peaks.
- Old editions and access-code-dependent books often have little value.
Check by ISBN
Find the 13-digit ISBN on the back cover or copyright page. Enter it into buyback comparison sites (BookScouter is a popular one) to see offers from many buyers at once. Prices change frequently, so check close to when you plan to ship.
Timing and condition
- Sell in late July to August and December to January, before semesters start.
- Highlighting is often acceptable; water damage and missing pages are not.
- Books that rely on single-use online access codes usually sell poorly once the code is used.
- Professional, nursing, law, and engineering references tend to hold value longer.
Frequently asked questions
Why are buyback prices for my textbook so low?
Usually because a new edition was released, the course no longer uses it, or the book depends on a used access code.
Prices and tips in this guide are general guidance for U.S. sellers based on typical resale markets. They are not a certified appraisal or a guarantee of what an item will sell for. For insurance, legal, tax, or high-value items, consult a qualified appraiser.