Viable Options Make Book Buying Easier

Textbooks have become a method for a typical low-income college student to go practically bankrupt; so to get the best deals available is priceless.

The options to purchase your books range from the Valley College and Off-Campus bookstores to the Associated Student Union textbook boards and web sites such as half.com. What you have to look for are the price and return policy differences, which can be helpful when choosing where to buy this semester's books

"The more options the better because the prices of the books are so high! Students don't make that much money to be paying so much," said photojournalism major Van Trieu.

The LAVC Bookstore is arguably the first source that most students explore. The convenience of its location offers all students the opportunity to buy books in between classes.

"It is affiliated to the school district, so all the money goes back to the campus," said Faith Brewer, a cashier at the bookstore.

In addition to this, the return policy is beneficial to students because it is based on the school schedule, according to Brewer.

Generally, science and math books win the title for most expensive, according to sources from the bookstores. The prices can vary from $40 to $300 depending on how advanced the subject is. This is when the option of buying used books comes extremely handy.

"It is easier to find used books in the ASU textbook boards for better prices than the bookstores," Josh Bovill, ASU secretary said.

These boards, located on the Campus Center building are packed with the postings of students selling books that they no longer need. Thus, it gives the sellers the opportunity to gain a profit, and the buyers the chance to receive a better price. Everybody wins.

The Off-Campus Bookstore, located on the corner of Fulton Avenue and Burbank Boulevard, is another alternative. It guarantees five to 10 percent cheaper prices than the LAVC bookstore.

"You don't have to wait so much in line and we are much cheaper," said Kay Jeong, supervisor of the bookstore and the owner's brother.

In addition to offering availability on different colleges' books, the store has expanded to buying and selling books for the general public. You can even place special orders as a student or instructor just like with our campus bookstore.

"We don't only want to offer great prices, but also the best customer service by creating personal relationships with all our clients," the manager Grace Eo said.

When it came down to it, the prices of Half.com were incomparable, with the most expensive science book I found for only $104. The only downside to the web site is the uncertainty of the date your book will be delivered.

All these alternatives can be beneficial to your wallet. Choose wisely and you may save enough money for extra gas.