The textbook resale market has transformed dramatically, with the used textbook sector reaching $8.2 billion in value according to StellarMR Research. For students looking to recover some of their educational expenses, selling textbooks online has become increasingly lucrative, with some platforms offering up to 70% of the original purchase price for in-demand editions.
Whether you're a recent graduate or current student, trading in your used textbooks can help offset the rising costs of education. With multiple competitive platforms vying for inventory, sellers now have more options than ever to maximize their returns. Let's explore the best places to sell your textbooks!
Jump to
Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| BooksRun | $5-$150 | Quick sales with free shipping | Visit Site |
| Amazon | $1-$200+ | Direct student-to-student sales | Visit Site |
| eCampus.com | $3-$175 | Multiple payment options | Visit Site |
| Mybookcart.com | $2-$125 | High school and college textbooks | Visit Site |
| BookScouter.com | $1-$200+ | Price comparison across vendors | Visit Site |
| TextbookRush | $4-$160 | Fast payment processing | Visit Site |
| CampusBooks.com | $1-$180 | Buyback price aggregation | Visit Site |
| TextbookX.com | $2-$170 | Higher resale value potential | Visit Site |
Sell Textbooks Guide: 8 Smart Ways to Get More Money (2025)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. BooksRun
BooksRun streamlines the textbook selling process with instant ISBN-based quotes and prepaid shipping labels. Students can quickly get cash for their course materials without paying any shipping costs, making it an efficient option for end-of-semester sales.
Key features:
- Free shipping with provided labels
- Payment within 4-5 business days
- Multiple payment options including PayPal and check
2. Amazon
Amazon's textbook buyback program lets students sell their course materials directly to other buyers through the world's largest online marketplace. Unlike some platforms, you only ship after securing a sale, and you can set your own pricing for maximum profit potential. Learn more about optimizing your listings in our complete Amazon Trade-In guide.
Notable benefits:
- Set your own prices for better margins
- Access to massive buyer marketplace
- Ships only after confirmed sale
3. eCampus.com
eCampus.com offers two ways to sell academic materials: direct buyback with instant quotes or marketplace listings to other students. Their 15% commission rate on marketplace sales is competitive, while the direct buyback option provides immediate payment quotes.
What you get:
- Free shipping on buyback orders
- Choice of payment methods (PayPal, check, or store credit)
- Extra 15% when choosing store credit option
4. Mybookcart.com
Convert unwanted textbooks into quick cash through Mybookcart's streamlined buyback process. Simply enter your book's ISBN to get an instant quote, then ship your books for free using their prepaid shipping label. The platform specializes in both college and high school textbooks, with payment sent via check or PayPal shortly after books are received.
Key features:
- Free shipping with prepaid labels
- Payment within 2-4 business days of receipt
- Accepts both college and high school textbooks
5. BookScouter.com
Compare textbook buyback offers from over 30 vendors simultaneously to maximize your selling price. Rather than checking multiple sites individually, BookScouter aggregates quotes in seconds, showing you exactly which buyer will pay the most for each book. For frequent sellers, their mobile app enables quick ISBN scanning and price tracking alerts. Learn more about maximizing your earnings through our guide on top sites to sell books online.
Notable features:
- Price comparison across 30+ buyback vendors
- Free mobile app for ISBN scanning
- Price drop/increase notifications
6. TextbookRush
TextbookRush offers a straightforward three-step process for converting academic materials into cash or store credit. After receiving your quote and shipping books for free, sellers can choose payment via cash, store credit (with bonus value), or PayPal. The platform typically processes payments within 4-5 business days of receiving books.
What you get:
- Free shipping on all buyback orders
- Extra 5% when choosing store credit
- Price match guarantee on buyback quotes
7. CampusBooks.com
Compare textbook buyback offers from multiple vendors simultaneously to maximize your selling price. CampusBooks.com aggregates quotes from dozens of buyers, saving time while helping you find the highest payout for your used course materials.
Key features:
- Price comparison across 30+ buyback vendors
- Free shipping from most vendors
- Historical price tracking to time your sale
8. TextbookX.com
List and sell your textbooks directly to other students through this marketplace platform, potentially earning up to double compared to standard buyback programs. The site handles secure transactions and provides seller protection while letting you set your own competitive prices. For more options to maximize your textbook sales, check out our guide to selling books online for cash.
Notable benefits:
- Free shipping on qualifying orders
- Competitive commission structure
- Direct student-to-student marketplace
Final Words
With these 8 reliable options for selling your used textbooks, you can easily compare buyback prices and choose the method that gets you the most money back. Whether you opt for online marketplaces offering up to 70% of the retail price, or local campus bookstores for immediate cash, take time to check multiple sources before selling to ensure you get the best possible return on your educational investment.
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Textbooks
What information do I need to sell my textbooks online?
You primarily need the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) of your textbooks to get quotes and sell them online. Most buyback sites and marketplaces require you to enter the ISBN to receive price quotes or list your books for sale.
Do I have to pay for shipping when selling textbooks?
Most major textbook buyback services offer free shipping with prepaid labels, including BooksRun, eCampus.com, and Mybookcart.com. You simply package your books and ship them using the provided label at no cost to you.
What payment methods are available when selling textbooks?
Common payment options include PayPal, check, and direct deposit, with some services like eCampus.com also offering store credit. Payment processing times vary by company but typically occur within a few days of the books being received.
How can I get the best price for my textbooks?
Use price comparison tools like BookScouter.com or CampusBooks.com to compare buyback offers from multiple vendors simultaneously. These services scan over 30 vendors to help you find the highest offer for your textbooks.
