An aspect of student life is buying books to study. And in order to save money, second hand books are usually the way to go. However, before going straight to Amazon.com it is important to explore the internet for cheaper prices.
Amazon is a great website for second hand books, although not always the answer. It can be a good stepping stone into finding other online book stores as they provide sellers with a webpage to advertise their business.
A particular example of a website first discovered by buyers through Amazon is awesomebooks.com. This website does not specialise in second hand books, but offers a cheaper delivery, good quality and the prices for second hand are usually below £10. Although this website can be accessed through Amazon, it is best to go to them directly.
Although the website play.com is well known, it is often forgotten that they sell books and good quality second hand books too. The delivery is free if you live in the UK and comes within 3 to 5 days.
Tartanfrog.co.uk does not immediately register as a book seller. However, through personal experience and other buyer’s comments this website has a high rating of good quality second hand books. They offer a quick delivery service and the books are of good condition. It is vital to check the comments of the books’ state so as to not be disappointed if it is more dog-eared than hoped for. The prices are reasonable too.
Backandlime.co.uk deal exclusively in new book, although they do offer a forum for people to selling their old editions. However they are usually best if the work is fiction. The delivery is free and they appreciate comments which mean that you are able to look at honest feedback. It is also vital to check the condition of the books on this website and they will occasionally have previous highlighting in them.
Greenerbooks.co.uk and goldstonebooks.co.uk are not so much hidden gems of the second hand book world, as they are successful publishers. However, they both offer free delivery and respond well to feedback. Again, it is the buyers’ responsibility to read the comments on the state of the books and to return them within seven days to receive a refund.
Amazon.com is an amazing website for all second hand and new books, however it is not always the answer – there are plenty of other specialised websites. The best idea is to shop around and find a website that fits your specifications, because student finance is not just to spend on expensive books!