Each quarter, despite being short on cash, students must buy several textbooks. And in this economy, most everyone — especially students — is looking for a great bargain. Although there’s usually no way to skirt around buying textbooks, there are ways to trim expenses.

Here, we compare the prices of some foundation-level textbooks in SCAD-Atlanta’s Bookstore to the same books found Amazon.com.

1. COMM 105 – Speech & Public Speaking — Text: “A Speaker’s Guidebook: Text and Reference”

SCAD-Atlanta Bookstore: New: $74.00 — Used: $59.50
Cheapest: Amazon.com: New: $62.77 — new from other sellers: $35.99 — used: $10.00

2. DSGN 100 – 2-D Design — Text: “Launching the Imagination 2D”

SCAD-Atlanta Bookstore: New: $75.00 — Used: $56.52
Cheapest: Amazon.com: New: $65.31 — New from other users: $33.97 – Used: $4.38 (without CD)

3. ARTH 100 – Survey of Western Art I — Text: “Art Across Time: Volume One”

SCAD-Atlanta Bookstore: New: $109.50 — Used: $82.25
Cheapest: Amazon.com: New: $79.97 — New from other users: $62.31 — Used: $48.00

Conclusion: Amazon.com wins. The total cost for the above three foundation books (used) at the SCAD-Atlanta Bookstore is $198.27. The total cost of the same three used books on Amazon is $74.35, including shipping. Amazon saves you $123.92.

More tips to save on textbooks:

Wait until the first day of class — This ensures that you purchase the correct book for the course. Sometimes students will purchase a different version of a book than the one required, or a professor will decide a book isn’t needed at all. Waiting until the first class could save you the hassle.

Head down to the bookstore and jot down the title and ISBN — This unique 10- or 13-digit number is usually located near a book’s barcode. Typing these numbers into Amazon or any other search engine will cut down on search time.
Start with Amazon — This is a proven money-saver. You also can find comparable deals on Half.com, eBay.com and Allbookstores.com. However, if you’re buying from individual sellers instead of retailers, make sure they have a good seller rating.

Factor in shipping costs and delivery time — Some items on Amazon.com are eligible for free shipping. The site charges a shipping fee for all others. Amazon.com ships via UPS Ground, which arrives in 3-7 business days. Half.com uses the U.S. Postal Service to ship packages, which takes 4-10 business days. Both Web sites offer expedited delivery. Those costs add up, though, and could cut into your money saved.

Keep your eye out for unconventional deals and other ways to save — Look for SCAD students trying to get rid of textbooks through Facebook or other social networking sites. Ask friends if they’d be willing to part with any textbooks they aren’t using. Search for deals at bookstores at other universities in the area. Textbook rentals are another option available from Web sites like Chegg.com. Ask professors about using earlier editions of certain books, which are often much cheaper than current versions.

Initial assigned reading can be done with copies of textbooks, many of which are on reserve in the ACA Library, in the meantime.

Let the books go — Make extra cash and help other students save by reselling books you no longer need at the end of each quarter.