Gather the text books you would like to sell. Textbooks must be in good condition: most bookstores do not mind highlighting in a textbook, but they will not purchase water-damaged, torn or soiled books.
Bring them to a local bookstore. Chicago has many local bookstores that will buy used textbooks, such as Beck’s Book Store (which has locations on two Loyola University campuses), The University of Illinois at Chicago’s on-campus bookstore and Chicago Textbook, Inc. Most places have a limit on how many books you can bring in per visit: if you have more than ten books, check with the bookstore before you bring them to the store.
Give the store clerk the textbooks you wish to sell. Most stores have a limit on the quantity of each textbook: if the store has too many copies of a book in stock, it will usually not purchase it from you. If there is a newer edition of a textbook, the store usually will not buy an older edition. If the store is interested in purchasing a book, they will look it over: as long as it is in good condition, they may purchase it.
Collect your payment. Most bookstores offer store credit or cash. Bookstores usually pay a standard rate: they will not usually negotiate the offered price.
Create an account on the website you prefer to sell your textbooks on. Both college websites and online retailers may offer textbook buyback websites. College websites often only require your student ID number, but online retailers will require your name, email address, mailing address and a username.
Enter the textbook’s ISBN number. The site will notify you if it is currently offering a “buyback” of that textbook and what amount it is offering for the book. Some sites allow you to specify an “asking price.” If the buyer is not required to pay for shipping costs, include them in your asking price.
Box up the textbooks. College websites will often offer free shipping and the option to print out a prepaid mailing label, while online retailers often require you to pay for shipping.
Bring the textbooks to a local post office and ship them. Always keep copies of your shipping receipts and tracking numbers.