Has anyone purchased used textbooks??

Question

and recieved them in the condition they were told to be in?? or does everbody just make their book sound like its in great condition just to get rid of it??

i bought four books on the internet from half.com and none were in good condition (folded covers, strong smoke smell, bent/written on/highlighted pages). all were advertised as great condition and like new! i couldnt believe it?!

HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS HAPPEN?? or has anyone else sold a book under false conditions to get rid of it??

Answer 1

I have purchased used books online from sites like half.com. I would say 9 times out of ten the items were at least as good as described. I was usually careful to buy from sellers who had a very good rating/track record.

Answer 2

i've bought a lot of used books on the internet (from amazon, but dont mean to advertise for any one site) and always been pleasantly surprised that the books are in at least as good, if not better, shape than advertised.

i might try ordering from a different vendor who polices their site better.

Answer 3

Normally, I buy used books directly from the person himself/herself. That way, I get to see the condition of the book before i purchase them.

And when I sell them off again, it's also person to person. No online bids or whatever.

Answer 4

I never did it, but it happens all the time. The way to avoid it is to only buy from established sellers who have numerous positive ratings. At least that's how it works on amazon.com.

And if you get screwed, give a negative rating, complain to the seller, demand your money back, etc. Might not do any good, but it's worth a try.

Answer 5

I've usually bought used books off amazon.com. They were in ok condition (such as a slight fold or binding problem) when they put good. Unless it says like new, don't count on it being like new.

Answer 6

Internet...used a reliable source? Try university bookstore? Sometimes highlighted is good- features important stuff from other people's experience in the classroom. Try bn.com that works with reputable dealers in their network.

Answer 7

I'm not that "picky" when it comes to buying a book for half or a quarter of what it would normally cost at a campus book store. As long as if its "read- able" I can always sell it for less to someone who needs it for the class.

Answer 8

I have never purchased a used book online.
I buy at the school bookstore and page through them before I purchase.
Maybe you have recourse through the seller - I'd be pissed off if I were you!

Answer 9

i've biought used books, but never over the internet....i bought them at the college bookstore...u can actually look at them and see the condition....besides that...if its got writting in it...read what it says...they could be giving you the answers...hehehe

Answer 10

That's horrible! You should report them if you can.