Rahl Shares Textbook Zen: Why Easier Isn't Always Better.

I'm feeling a bit better, so this afternoon I devoted some time to textbook pricing and shopping. Here's a few simple tips I've amassed over the past seven semesters that would have made textbook buying a great deal cheaper (though perhaps not easier) had I known.

1. Give yourself plenty of time. Start early so you don't have to pay extra because you don't have time to shop around or order online. If you want the best deal on textbooks, you must research and you must do the math. Textbook deal shopping is a time-consuming and sometimes irritating endeavor, but think of all the lovely money you'll save! Think of it in terms of six-packs. I've saved $150 on textbooks this semester, so that's 16.68 six-packs of Stella or Spaten--or 25.04 six-packs of Yuengling.

2. Use the bookstore--for research, if not for purchasing outright. Many schools have a link directly to the university bookstore from their home pages. The bookstore site should allow you to see the book lists for each of your classes several weeks in advance so you can begin comparison shopping as early as possible. You can also wander the shelves of the bookstore, taking down ISBNs and costs for comparison but that's so 1875.

3. Ask your friends. If you know others in your department who may have taken the same classes before you, be sure to ask them before they complete the course if they'd be willing to sell you their textbook directly. That way, you can buy a used book cheaply without middle-man charges and shipping costs, and they'll receive more money than they would have received from the university bookstore's textbook buyback.

4. Use the Internet. Many of the best deals are available on various textbook websites which allow dealers to sell to students or students to sell directly to each other. You can also use Facebook or Myspace to post your next semester's class list as soon as you've settled it, and ask if anyone has textbooks for any of the classes you plan to take.

5. Watch your shipping costs. One of the hazards of buying the cheapest possible textbook over the Internet is the cost of shipping. Often, you won't be able to buy all your textbooks for the least possible cost from the same retailer. Keep an eye on your shipping costs. You may be able to purchase the same textbook from the school bookstore for as much or less when you factor in shipping costs. Look for great deals from retailers such as Amazon.com, which offers free shipping on all orders over $25.