by Angie Pollock

Created on: September 01, 2011

Buying used homeschooling curriculum is a key way of saving money on homeschooling expenses. Textbooks, workbooks and study guides – all of these materials are often purchased by homeschoolers, and all can be expensive. Used educational tools most often cost less than new items; however, there are some considerations to regard prior to making the purchase of used homeschooling curriculum.

Price

Depending upon where the used material is purchased, the prices can vary greatly. Ebay, Amazon and Barnes & Noble are just a few of the more popular online sites where new and used curriculum can be found. Before making that commitment, check all of the resources available to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Editions

Books, including textbooks, are often published with newer editions. The newer editions typically have current or up-to-date information over the older editions. Compare older and newer editions of books to decide which edition will best fit with your studies.

When choosing a workbook or study guide, you need to check if the one you are purchasing matches the edition of textbook you have or want to purchase. When unsure, ask questions of the seller. Older editions may cost less than newer editions; however, they may also be missing critical information or not match the particular curriculum you are in search of.

Condition

The most important tip to buying used homeschooling curriculum is asking questions. Used textbooks are generally not in new condition, but how used is used? If the information isn’t provided, ask the seller if the book has writing, highlighting or missing pages. This is especially important when buying workbooks.

A workbook that has been completed with all of the answers is probably not what you need for your lessons. If the seller lists that workbook with “a few” missing or completed pages, ask how many are “a few.” Your view of the book’s condition may not be the same as the sellers – so always ask questions.

Grade level

Not all books are created equal. Textbooks are generally published with a specific grade or age level in mind. Although you may want to study the solar system, a science textbook geared towards high school or college students may be beyond the learning level of a fourth grader. When purchasing textbooks, ask the seller the grade or age level of the book or search for the information online via the book’s ISBN number.

Safety

When purchasing from an online site like eBay or Amazon, check the seller’s selling reputation. This will help ensure a smooth and pleasant transaction. Sellers with a low reputation may cause problems such as not receiving the items you paid for or receiving merchandise that is not in the condition you expected. It is recommended to purchase your items through a safe portal like PayPal in case you need to dispute the transaction.

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