Textbook Buyback FAQ
Textbooks are unique. There aren''t too many items that can be purchased, used for a few months and then returned to the store for cash!
What do I do with my Textbooks at the end of the semester?The CSU Bookstore can buy many of your books. The amount of money you receive is based on several things; whether the book is being used next semester, the number of copies the bookstore needs, and whether there is a new edition of the book. The CSU Bookstore will buy your books back regardless of where you originally purchased them.
When is the next buyback period?
Wednesday, December 5 - Friday, December 14, 2007.
Do I have to wait until December 6 to sell back my books?
No, the CSU Bookstore buys them back all year. However, the highest prices will be paid December 5 - December 14.
How are Buyback prices determined?
The pricing formula is simple. Here''s how it works:
- If the CSU bookstore knows a professor plans to use the book again:
Then the CSU bookstore will pay 50% of the current new price of the book (whether the book was purchased ''new'' or ''used'') until we purchase the quantity needed for next semester. To give an example, let''s say a textbook costs $100.00 new. At Buyback, you will be paid $50.00 because the Bookstore has learned the book is going to be used the following semester, and the Bookstore still needs additional used copies. If you purchased a used copy of the same book for $75.00 at the beginning of the semester, at Buyback you would still get $50.00 -- the same price whether you bought the book new or used! - Once the needed quantity has been purchased, the CSU Bookstore works with a national used book dealer who purchases books directly from students. The price is determined by the used book dealer and the CSU Bookstore has no influence on this price. Books purchased by the national used book dealer are boxed and shipped daily.
If the CSU Bookstore doesn''t know if a book will be used again or if the Bookstore has been told the book will not be used again, then:
A national used book dealer purchases the books from the students. The price is determined by the used book dealer and the CSU Bookstore has no influence on this price. Books purchased by the dealer are boxed and shipped daily.
Can I sell a book I originally purchased used?
Yes. And whether you originally purchased the book new or used, you will receive the same amount of money at Buyback.
Do you buy study guides or CD ROMS ?
Sometimes. As long as it has an ISBN number the CSU Bookstore can search and you won''t miss any opportunities.
What if I bought the book somewhere else or don''t have my receipt?
No problem. You do not need a sales receipt to sell your textbooks to us.
Does the previous edition of my text have resale value?
It depends on which edition a professor will use the next semester. If they decide to use the old edition, that''s what the Bookstore buys. The computer buys based on ISBN so if the book has value, we''ll know it.
What if my textbook has no value?
Your text will always have value. The CSU Bookstore works with Books for Development, a non-profit organization that ships textbooks to developing countries. Boxes will be available at each Buyback location to hold any books you wish to donate.
What can I do if I find today''s price is too low?
Don''t be surprised. During the semester, prices shown will be those offered by a used book dealer. Then the day before buyback begins, prices for books being purchased for Bookstore inventory will be input. Since the Bookstore always pays more, this can significantly increase the price you get for your book. On the day the prices are input, we will send e-mail Alerts letting you know what we can pay for your books. To sign up for this free service, click here.
How firm is the price?
The demand for the book is finite and is maintained in real time. The demand decreases instantly every time a student sells a book at the CSU Bookstore during end-of-semester Buyback. To get the best price, sell your book early in the buyback, as soon as you are through using it.
What happens if I get a price using this website and demand expires before I get to the nearest Buyback location?
Unfortunately there is a limited demand for each title and the demand is updated continually as other students sell their books. So we cannot guarantee that the price from Buyback Online is the price you will receive. That''s why we recommend you consider selling your book as soon as you''re through with it.
What is an ISBN?
International Standard Book Number.
All books have one and each edition has a different ISBN. The ISBN is a ten or thirteen digit number - sometimes there will be a "x" at the end instead of a digit. 
The ISBN is usually located on the back of the book above the barcode. When entering your ISBN be sure to remove all dashes and spaces.
Can I sell back books in any condition?
We want used books; not abused books. We reserve the right to refuse to purchase damaged books or books that are unlikely to be repurchased by other students. Water damage, broken bindings, answers filled in and missing pages or CD''s, etc. are some common reasons we are unable to purchase a book.
Why are there not more titles on the list?
Not knowing a book will be used the following semester is the number one reason it''s not included on the purchase list. Other reasons include a change in the textbook edition, a different book being used for the same course, or courses taught only once a year. Only those books that are certain to be used at the CSU Bookstore make it on the list. However, thousands more are being purchased by the used book dealer. Ask your instructors to order textbooks before buyback to help increase the value of used textbooks during Buyback.
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