Textbook rentals are a fast growing trend for today’s college students. The opportunity to rent textbooks can offer substantial savings, however, renting a textbook may not always be the best option. It is important for students to understand their options when choosing to rent or buy a textbook to maximize savings.
Approximately 500,000 textbook titles are actively used each year at colleges and universities. However, less than 50,000 of those titles may be economical to rent. Students need to be able to make an educated decision when it comes to renting textbooks to ensure they get the best value. They need to be able to compare textbook costs for new, used, rental and purchase options all at the same time, according to TextbookStop.com founder and CEO Peter Hurtubise. “We recommend renting textbooks as long as you are saving at least $ 20 from the purchase price. If you need a textbook for more than one term, it is usually cheaper to buy.
There are times when a student has to have a new textbook instead of a used textbook. Some textbooks are bundled with other media such as CD’s or DVD’s or they come with internet-based accessories. These supplemental materials may be required or incorporated into a professor’s lesson plans. In instances where students need access to online programs or CD tutorials, renting a new textbook would be the best financial play for the student, states Mike Clear, Vice President of Operations at TextbookStop.com. It is far cheaper to rent a new textbook than to purchase one. Also, you have access to all of the supplements that are bundled with that book, adds Clear.
For students today, renting textbooks may be a cost effective alternative. Often a combination of textbook rentals and used textbook purchases will yield the largest savings. It is useful for students to have access to textbook rental and purchase choices to ensure they get their best value. Making informed decisions will guarantee students maximum savings.
TextbookStop.com, a leading online textbook rental and sales company, offers students new and used options on textbook rentals and sales. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the company’s mission is to make education more affordable by reducing the costs associated with renting or purchasing textbooks. To learn more, visit TextbookStop.com.
Textbook Rentals – Know When to Rent and When to Buy