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Let's face it: books are expensive. Whether you are an economizing college student or you are just an avid reader, you know that the prices of books will just keep climbing higher. So, you turn to buying used books. But, you also have some inhibitions: is buying used books, especially online, safe? Can you trust the person who is selling them to you?

First of all, you should always follow the rules and tips for buying anything online. Remember that there is always the risk of scams and frauds, and beware of any guarantees. But, also know that if you purchase from a reliable site, you have a better likelihood of a great online purchasing experience.

When you buy used books online, you always have to be wary of what kind of condition the books will be in. Many sellers will provide useful and helpful comments describing the condition of the books, but some will try to make the actual book seem "newer." You can't really tell unless you have the book in your hands.

There are a couple of great places online where I have bought used books in the past, and the sellers there are quite honest. I always look for money-back guarantees (or 100% satisfaction guarantees) before I order the book. I also check out the seller's feedback, and how many people this person has sold to. However, if there is ever a dispute, remember that if the site is reliable, you will get your money back.

The first great place you can find used books is www.amazon.com. This is perhaps the number one used books seller online, partly because the inventory is so huge. You can buy books priced from $0.01 and up. The shipping and handling, however, always starts at $3.99. However, that's a great deal compared to a book that might be worth well over $10 at a bookstore.

The second great place you can find used books is www.alibris.com. This site has a lot of specials and coupons, so make sure you sign up for their e-mails. Many sellers from www.amazon.com also sell on alibris, so it's like getting two reliable websites to rate the same seller. The prices on www.alibris.com are pretty similar to www.amazon.com, but sometimes, with their coupons, the end price is dramatically reduced.

You can also check www.half.com, which is part of Ebay. But, some of their prices are quite high compared to the first two sellers above.

When you buy the book, try to contact the seller about the conditions of the book. If you still aren't sure, you might want to ask for pictures. But usually, however the person describes the books should be true. The websites above encourage their booksellers to determine the most accurate "condition" of the book, or the buyer is guaranteed their money back.

So, remember, when buying a used book online, always practice the guidelines and precautions you normally would use when you buy anything online.

Learn more about this author, Joan Inong.
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