Sorry, this is no longer possible. Amazon loves to ruin a good thing that is actually working, so in 2020 they discontinued their popular Textbook Buyback Program in April of 2020. What great timing, right?  Stop buying back textbooks in the midst of a global pandemic?  Classy.  Apparently the decision was made as part of “broader changes in their textbook and book reselling operations,” possibly influenced by the rise of alternative marketplaces and shifting priorities within Amazon’s services.

Here’s a whole comprehensive list of retired book-related Amazon programs in case that interests you.  Shockingly, Barnes & Noble still has textbook buyback if you want to just go over there!

Anyhow, if you still have a pile of textbooks you want to get rid of and are now disappointed by Amazon getting rid of that program (they totally suck, I agree), here are some things you can do:

1. Selling Textbooks on Amazon (as an Individual Seller)

Although Amazon’s textbook buyback program has been discontinued, you can still sell textbooks on Amazon by listing them as a third-party seller. Here’s how:

1. Set Up a Seller Account:
   • Go to the Amazon Seller Central website and create a seller account. You can choose between:
     • Individual Plan: No monthly fee; you pay $0.99 per item sold, plus other fees.
     • Professional Plan: Costs $39.99/month but eliminates the $0.99/item fee.
2. Search for Your Textbook:
   • Use the ISBN (found on the back of the book) or title to find the exact listing for your textbook on Amazon.
3. Click “Sell on Amazon”:
   • On the textbook’s product page, click the “Sell on Amazon” button.
   • If the button isn’t visible, it means the book might not be allowed for sale due to restrictions (e.g., old editions).
4. Set the Condition:
   • Amazon has specific condition guidelines. For textbooks, the most common options are:
     • Like New: Pristine, with minimal signs of use.
     • Very Good: Minor wear but no highlighting or writing.
     • Good: Noticeable wear, possibly with some highlighting.
     • Acceptable: Heavy wear with highlighting, notes, or damage, but still readable.
5. Set a Price:
   • Check the “used” listings for the book to gauge competitive pricing. Lower-priced books sell faster.
   • Factor in Amazon’s fees, which include a referral fee (15%) and a closing fee ($1.80 for books).
6. Ship the Book:
   • When someone buys your book, Amazon notifies you. Package the book securely to avoid damage during shipping.
   • Use the shipping method the buyer selected. If you’re enrolled in Amazon’s shipping services, print the shipping label directly from Seller Central.
7. Get Paid:
   • Payments are deposited into your bank account after deducting Amazon’s fees.

2. Selling Textbooks on Other Platforms

Here are a few alternative sites to consider for selling your textbooks:

• Chegg:
  • Enter the textbook’s ISBN to get an instant quote.
  • If you accept the quote, print a prepaid shipping label and send the book. Payment is issued after the book is received.
• BookScouter:
  • Compares buyback prices across 30+ book-buying websites.
  • Choose the best price, ship the book, and get paid.
• eBay:
  • Create a listing with clear photos, an accurate description, and competitive pricing.
  • Offer free shipping to attract more buyers.
• AbeBooks:
  • Similar to Amazon, but specifically for books. Create an account, list your book, and wait for a buyer.
• Facebook (Meta) Marketplace or Craigslist:
  • Sell locally to avoid shipping hassles. Post clear photos, include details (edition, condition), and set a fair price.
• Campus Bookstores:
  • Visit your campus bookstore, especially during textbook buyback periods at the end of the semester.

Tips for Selling Textbooks

• Clean Up the Book: Remove sticky notes, bookmarks, or loose papers.
• Check for Restrictions: Ensure the book isn’t missing pages or supplements (like access codes or CDs) if they were originally included.
• Consider Timing: Sell right before the semester starts when demand is high.
• Bundle Multiple Books: Sell books for the same class together for convenience.