Do you ever stand in your favourite bookstore, coronary heart set on that stack of books you’ve been dreaming of… after which blink twice on the complete? Similar. I really like books, like actually love them, however I additionally know too properly what it seems like to decide on between the most recent bestseller and staying on price range.
For years, I’ve been on a mission to feed my studying obsession with out blowing our month-to-month price range, and alongside the way in which I’ve discovered so many good locations to purchase books with out paying full worth.
You’ve in all probability heard about learn how to get books totally free by way of the library or swapping with mates (and people are nice), however generally, you simply wish to personal a e-book, otherwise you’re trying to find a selected title that’s nowhere available totally free.
That’s the place sensible e-book shopping for is available in. Whether or not you’re trying to find paperback favorites, hardcovers to your shelf, and even textbooks for college, listed here are my favourite tried-and-true locations to search out low cost books that don’t make your pockets cry.
The place to Purchase Low-cost Books Regionally:
Native Used Bookstores
One in every of my favourite book-hunting adventures is visiting native used bookstores. These outlets typically have deeply discounted books (suppose 25–75% off retail) and you’ll browse titles you may by no means discover on-line. Many shops additionally provide retailer credit score while you herald books to promote or commerce. This implies your previous books grow to be new-to-you titles with virtually no out-of-pocket value.
Professional tip: Ask if they’ve particular low cost days or sections; generally children’ books are priced particularly low as a result of households undergo them shortly.
Thrift Shops
Should you love a cut price like I do, don’t skip the e-book part at locations like Goodwill, Salvation Military, or native thrift outlets. Reader Stephanie as soon as shared that she discovered hardbacks at Salvation Military for simply 79¢ every — together with books on her personal want record! Thrift shops typically have books for a fraction of retail worth, and stock modifications on a regular basis, so popping in repeatedly can repay.
Thrift shops additionally typically have fill-a-bag offers or costs so low they’re almost free.
Goodwill, specifically, is usually a incredible possibility. In keeping with reader Teri from Readers Gotta Learn: “Grownup hardback books are $2.99, grownup paperbacks are $1.99, and children’ books are 99¢. Plus, gadgets with the colour of the week are sometimes 50% off — and even 99¢ on Sundays.”
You may also generally purchase books cheaply after which commerce or swap them later at a Little Free Library or with mates.
Library Guide Gross sales
Libraries typically obtain extra donated books than they will shelve, so that they host e-book gross sales to boost funds — providing you the prospect to attain an enormous low cost on books and assist your library ! Win-win!
Most library e-book sale costs vary from $0.50 to $3, relying on the e-book and your location, making it simple to get a cut price. And don’t neglect to ask in case your department retains a year-round sale shelf so that you don’t have to attend for the following large occasion.
Greenback Offers & Low cost Retailers
Don’t neglect about low cost retailers like Ollie’s Cut price Outlet, Greenback Tree, and even clearance sections at big-box shops. These locations generally carry overstock or writer closeouts at extraordinarily low costs.
And right here’s an thought I’ve completed myself: hold a watch out for youngsters’s e-book offers, like when websites provide a number of books for only a few {dollars} shipped. For instance, there was a latest provide the place you would get 5 kids’s books for simply $5 shipped — that’s about $1 per e-book!
Offers like that don’t come on a regular basis, however after they do, they’re a good way to fill up inexpensively.
Storage Gross sales
Storage gross sales and property gross sales are additionally goldmines for affordable reads, and don’t be afraid to bundle books and ask for a deal if you happen to’re shopping for various.
The place to Get Low-cost Books On-line:
On-line cut price e-book retailers are like treasure chests for frugal readers and there are such a lot of glorious choices. Teri from Readers Gotta Learn shares this recommendation about purchasing on-line used e-book websites:
“These websites allow you to select the standard of the e-book (new, like new, excellent, good, and acceptable situation), which impacts the value of the e-book. If I’m after only one e-book, I’ll often order it on Abe Books with free delivery on that one e-book. If I’ve a number of titles I need, then I’ll attempt to get my order to achieve $15 to qualify totally free delivery for Thrift Books or Higher World Books. Moreover, you may obtain coupon codes for gross sales if you happen to join these websites’ e mail lists. The banners on the homepages of those websites promote offers as properly.”
Guide Outlet
A private favourite of many readers, Guide Outlet gives discounted books, each children’ titles and grownup favorites, typically at 50% off record worth or extra. You possibly can join their emails or e-newsletter for further coupons and particular offers.
ThriftBooks & World of Books
On-line shops like ThriftBooks and World of Books specialise in used books with very low worth tags, and infrequently provide free delivery as soon as your order reaches a threshold (like $15). You possibly can browse by style, format, or situation so that you just solely pay what you’re comfy with.
Professional tip: Request e-mail notifications for when the books in your wishlist drop in worth!
Abe Books
Abe Books is a large market the place you purchase books straight from third-party booksellers. They typically provide free delivery, relying on the e-book. Abe Books is very good for purchasing out-of-print titles.
Psst… Do you’re feeling like there’s by no means sufficient time for all of the books you wish to learn? You should definitely take a look at my FREE Time-Saving Cheatsheet!
eBay
eBay has probably the most selection on costs and delivery, which means you’ll generally pay greater than you’ll elsewhere, however it’s an possibility if you happen to can’t discover a e-book cheaper on one of many websites above. It’s particularly good for textbooks or homeschool curriculum.
Amazon & Barnes & Noble Used Market
Typically the only path to an inexpensive e-book is correct by way of a spot you already store.
Should you use Amazon or Barnes & Noble, examine the used market listings earlier than shopping for new. You possibly can typically discover paperback and even hardcover copies for considerably lower than new pricing and if you happen to use present playing cards you’ve earned by way of rewards packages (like Swagbucks) and/or store by way of a cashback web site, you may primarily get books at no money value in any respect.
Worth-Matching & Sensible Timing to Get Low-cost Books
Right here’s a savvy tactic that doesn’t get sufficient consideration: worth examine and worth match. Should you discover a e-book cheaper on one web site however wish to purchase it regionally right now, ask your native bookstore or store in the event that they’ll worth match the web worth. Some shops will, particularly smaller indie outlets making an attempt to maintain enterprise in the neighborhood.
Additionally, seasons matter! Retailers typically mark down books round back-to-school, end-of-year gross sales, or vacation clearances. Watching costs over time can actually repay for titles you’re affected person about.
Reader Ideas Price Sharing
Readers have discovered another inventive methods to purchase low cost books too!
- One reader prompt taking note of Goodwill cut price methods, like purchasing “coloration of the week” stickers for further reductions. This helps you snag books even cheaper.
- “I’ve at all times used my Swagbucks to purchase books from Amazon.com however not too long ago started going to thrift outlets.” – Stephanie
- “Netgalley.com offers away e-reader advance reader copies as properly. It’s essential to write evaluations and put up evaluations on-line afterwards, however I’ve gotten fairly just a few books from there.” – Sara
Stick with Your Guide Price range With out Sacrificing Pleasure
Books are one among life’s biggest joys, and so they shouldn’t have to interrupt your price range. With a bit endurance, creativity, and willingness to discover secondhand choices or offers, you may hold your cabinets full and your pockets pleased.
Whether or not you’re shopping a thrift shelf, buying and selling on-line, or scoring a fantastic low cost on a used copy, there are such a lot of methods to make your studying behavior extra inexpensive.
Associated Hyperlinks:
- The place to Get Free Books (Sure, Actually!)
- The 43 Books I Learn in 2025
- My Prime 4 Favourite Reads From 2024
- Ask Crystal: How do you discover time to learn?
- How one can Discover Extra Time to Learn — Even When Life is Busy
- Our Prime 20+ Favourite Audiobooks
- Meet Your Purpose to Learn Extra with My FREE Purpose Setting Worksheets
And, be sure you take a look at all our latest offers on books!
The place do you get low cost used books? Share your expertise within the feedback beneath!
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