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Buyback Q & A

Q: Do you buyback textbooks?

A:  Yes, at the end of the semester, during finals week. 

Q: How much money will I get back?

A: Textbooks are a commodity and buyback prices are based on national demand. When instructors at CSB/SJU order textbooks for courses next semester, we create a buyback list. If we know which books are needed and we are not already overstocked, we will pay up to 50% of the retail purchase price.  If the instructor has not submitted an order, you have the option to sell your books at the current market value to a used book company. That value, determined by used book companies, is based upon the national demand for the book and whether or not it is a current edition. Wholesale buyback prices typically range up to 30% of the retail price.

Some books are used in classes that are only taught once a year. In other cases, a book is replaced by a newer edition or by an alternate choice from another publisher.

Q: Why do some books have no value?

A: Books may have no value for the following reasons:

• Old edition
• Copyright packets are not eligible for buyback
• The book is a custom book that needs to be ordered new each semester in order for us to provide an access code or other technology
• The book has no national demand and it is not being used next semester on campus.
  • This can happen especially in our theology classes as theology books typically don't have a lot of national demand.

Q: Do I need my receipt to sell back book?

A: No

Q: Can I sell them back even if I didn't purchase them at the Bookstore?

A: Yes

Q: Can I sell them at either location?

A: Yes

Q: Can I sell the book back in any condition?

A: Books may not be bought for the following reasons:

• Binding is weak and close to coming apart.
• Pages are missing or separating from the binding.
• Pages are damp, rippled, or stuck together.
• Pages or binding show evidence of mildew.
• Writing is evident in a study guide.
• A book might not be resalable without an original insert, such as a CD-ROM.
  • If resalable without the insert, such a book probably has a lower buyback value without the insert.

Q:  How am I paid for the books I sell back?

A: We pay 100% of the total buyback price in cash.