Used Book Buyback

Upcoming Buyback Date and Time

Ask for dates at the bookstore or look for posters on the information boards around campus.

Notes on Used Book Buyback

Used Book Buyback runs for several days during exam period each semester. Each year buyback runs up to 3 times: April, September, and January. Buyback times, campus locations and dates are posted towards the end of each semester.

Buyback is a simple concept. When you are finished with your textbooks, you take them to the buyback location (CSA Office) where the book buyer offers you a price on your books.

Appearance of the books, while important, is not the major consideration determining how much you are offered for your books. The best price is offered on the titles the bookstore needs for the upcoming semester. The most offered is 30 percent of the original purchase price. Highlighting is not a problem.

The store may not need the book at the moment you wish to sell it. Lower amounts may be offered (known as "wholesale" price) if the bookstore does not need the book for its own stock. That price depends on whether the book is needed at another college or university.

In all instances, your book must be the current edition; editions change frequently and there is no market for non-current editions.

It is easy to determine if the book is being used; just check with the bookstore's staff for the booklist for the upcoming semester. This list is usually completed 1 to 2 weeks before classes begin.

It is easier to explain why the store may not need your title; usually because the store already has ample stock of a title.

Commonly asked questions about buyback

What is Buyback?

A time to get credit for books you do not want.

When is Buyback?

September, January and April

How does Buyback work?

Bring your books to the buyback location (CSA Office) and the wholesaler will tell you what it is worth.

Who determines the price I get for my book?

The demand or need for the book, on campus, or throughout North America, determines the price.

Why do I get different amounts of money for different books?

If it is needed by the Bookstore, you will get 30 percent of the selling price. If it is not needed by the Bookstore, but is required anywhere in North America, the wholesaler will offer you a percentage (usually 10-30 percent) of the retail price.

If the book was bought "used" can it still be sold?

Yes, it does not matter if the book was bought new or used.

Why does buyback sometimes not take a book still needed on campus?

The bookstore buys as many books as it needs but has a quota on a specific title and may not need anymore. In that case, the wholesaler may offer you a percentage and ship the book to where it is needed.

If the book is highlighted or written in, can it still be sold?

Yes, as long as it is usable, it has value.

Can I have the money right away?

Yes, you get cash for your book from the wholesaler.

Are there any alternatives to selling your book at the bookstore's used book buyback?

The buyback program is designed to give you "fast cash" and is not a reflection of what your books are "worth". If you want to get more value, the process takes a little longer.

• You can advertise them yourself - check with Student Services
• You can bring them to the bookstore for consignment. You will get 35 percent of the selling price after your book is sold.

Used book buyback is a service for Concordia students. Feedback on how to make the service work better for you is appreciated.