As an avid reader and book collector, nothing gives me more joy than perusing – ( Fancy word alert😎: it basically means strolling around & reading in a relaxed way! ) – through a bookstore and finding that perfect new addition to my ever-growing library.
That being said, I’m also a college student trying to save money, so when it comes to buying books I need to find creative ways to do so on the cheap!
After doing some internet research and talking to fellow book lovers, I’ve come up with a few savvy strategies for scoring great books (for cheap!) without spending too much money.
Bookworms Rejoice: Get Your Fill of Books Without Breaking the Bank
If you’re a bookworm like me, you understand the constant battle to get new books without spending all your money. With a little time and effort, though, it is possible to save tons of cash while still getting your book fix
From discount websites to library hacks, there are lots of ways you can get your hands on books for cheap. I’m going to walk you through some of the best methods so that you can start saving money on books today!
So let’s get started and turn that page – literally and figuratively!
P.S. : Don’t forget to share this advice with other book lovers in your life! Even the most thrifty bibliophile needs help sometimes. Spread the word and let’s pass on the savings! 📚🤗💰
1. Compare prices between online and physical bookstores
It’s always wise to compare prices between online and physical bookstores – there are often big price differences that can save you a significant amount of money.
While online bookstores might have a larger selection and convenience, physical bookstores can often be cheaper when you factor in shipping costs. Additionally, you can often spot good deals at physical bookstores that offer discounts on older editions.
So if time permits, it can be worth checking out your local bookstore before making your purchase.
On top of that, some physical bookstores also offer loyalty programs and discounts for members, so it’s worth signing up for those if you visit the store regularly. A few additional dollars in savings can really add up over time!
In addition to that, don’t forget to do some online research and compare prices between different sites. With a quick search you can usually find the best deals for whatever book you’re looking for.
Plus, you can also look out for coupon codes and special offers that some online stores might have available. The savings can be significant.
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right balance between convenience, selection, and price. With a bit of patience and internet savvy, you can easily find great deals on books.
2. Amazon Prime’s Kindle First is the real deal!
Make use of Amazon Prime’s Kindle First program to get the latest releases without breaking the bank.
Every month, you can choose from six new titles and get one of them for free. It’s a great way to try out new authors without spending money or committing to buying their entire series.
To take advantage, simply head over to www.amazon.com/kindlefirst and sign up for Prime!
You can also find discounts on books through Amazon Prime’s Kindle Deals page, which features discounted titles from a variety of genres.
So if you’re looking to save some money and get access to new releases, Kindle First and Kindle Deals are definitely worth checking out.
3. Add character to your collection by buying used books
Buying pre-loved books is another great way to save money. You can often find used versions for a fraction of the cost, and in many cases, even for free.
If you’re looking for used books online, there are a few websites that specialize in pre-loved books. Sites like Thriftbooks and AbeBooks are great places to start your search, as they offer huge discounts on used titles.
If you’re more of a traditional bookworm, don’t forget to check out your local library or used bookstore. Libraries often have an extensive selection of used books available at a fraction of the cost, and you can even check to see if they have any special offers going on.
Used bookstores also tend to be cheaper than retail bookstores, so if you’re lucky enough to have one in your area, it’s worth checking it out for some pre-loved titles.
In addition to that, don’t forget to check out classified ads sites like Craigslist and eBay. You can often find some great deals on books here, especially if you’re willing to do some legwork and meet the seller in person. It’s also worth doing a quick search on your local Facebook marketplace or Nextdoor page, as people often post books they’re looking to get rid of on these platforms.
Related: 10 Online Marketplaces to Help Make Life Easier (and More Affordable!)
4. Download e-books and audiobooks for free or at a discount
Yes, you can get your hands on books without ever having to open your wallet. Downloading e-books and audiobooks is a great way to save money, plus you don’t have to worry about lugging around your books.
Sites like Amazon Kindle and Audible make it easy to download books onto your device, but if you’re looking for a cheaper option, try out Libby. With Libby, you can borrow e-books and audiobooks from your local library for free! That’s right, totally free. Plus, it’s super easy to use and you can browse the titles in just a few clicks.
5. Join a book club to get discounts on new releases
Joining a book club is the perfect way to get your hands on new releases without breaking your budget.
Not only do many book clubs offer discounts on books, but you can also benefit from free gifts and exclusive access to special events. Plus, book club members are often the first to be able to pre-order new releases at reduced prices.
So if you want to get your hands on the latest must-read novel without spending a fortune, then joining a book club is definitely worth considering.
And who knows, you may even make some new bookworm friends along the way!
6. Get your hands on a Book Subscription Box
Book subscription boxes are another great way to save money on books. These services usually offer specially curated collections of books, often at discounts up to 50% off the retail price. Plus, you get to choose from a wide range of genres and topics – so you’re sure to find something that interests you!
The best part about book subscription boxes is that they can be tailored to your specific interests and reading habits. So if you love a certain genre or author, you can subscribe to a service that delivers titles from your favorite authors directly to your door.
Related: Best Book Subscription Boxes to Add a little Magic!
Additionally, many of these services also include extras like bookmarks and other accessories, so you get an even better deal overall! And if you sign up for a recurring subscription, you can save even more money by getting discounts on each box.
So if you’re looking to save some cash on books, a book subscription box might be the perfect solution for you. Just make sure to do your research and compare different services before signing up – that way you can ensure that you get the best deal possible.
7. Browse the Bargain Bin at a Bookstore: Buy books for cheap!
If you’re looking for a good deal, check out the bargain bin at your local bookstore. Oftentimes bookstores will have a section with discounted books, ranging from recent releases to classic favorites.
With a little patience and luck, you can find some real gems here! I’ve stumbled across classic titles like “The Great Gatsby” for only $2 before.
Just remember that when you’re bargain bin-ing, don’t limit yourself! You might find something even better than what you were originally looking for. For example, I once found a hardcover cookbook with beautiful pictures. It made the perfect gift for my friend who loves to cook for others.
So go ahead and explore all of your options – you never know what treasures you’ll uncover.
8. Bargain websites are absolute gold!
If you’re looking for a real bargain, then consider visiting bargain websites like Book Outlet (www.bookoutlet.com). This site offers huge discounts off list price, with savings of up to 90%! Not only that, they offer free shipping on all orders over $35.
Another great option is AbeBooks (www.abebooks.co.uk), which specializes in rare and used books from all over the world, so you can be sure to find something unique. Prices start at as low as $1, with free shipping on orders of over $20 – you really can’t go wrong!
Plus, they offer a 14 day return policy, so if you change your mind about a book, you’re covered.
Here’s a short list of all the book bargain websites that are worth checking out:
- Thrift Books (www.thriftbooks.com)
- Alibris (www.alibris.com)
- Better World Books (www.betterworldbooks.com)
- Biblio (www.biblio.com)
- Cheap Books (www.cheapbooks.com)
- Powell’s Books (www.powells.com )
- Half Price Books (www.halfpricebooks.com)
9. The joy of finding cheap books at Book Sales
If you’re looking for a way to expand your personal library for very little money, consider going to book sales. These events are usually held in schools, libraries, and churches and can feature thousands of used books at bargain prices.
The key with book sales is to come early and act fast. Since these books are often one-of-a-kind and supplies are limited, it’s important to check out the sale as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out on any great deals.
Plus, some book sales may offer discounts for certain books when you purchase multiple copies, so it’s worth scouting around to see what kind of offers you can find.
Additionally, if you’re lucky you might even be able to find rare or hard-to-find books at book sales.
So there you have it – just a few tips and tricks to help you score some great deals on books, while still being able to enjoy your favorite titles.
Don’t be afraid to explore all your options when it comes to buying books on a budget – with a bit of digging, you can often find some amazing deals!
“A book is only as expensive as you make it – the secret is to find the bargains!”
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