by Lynn Truong

Where to Find Cheap Books Online

Reading doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. I'm not just talking about borrowing books from the library -- although I highly recommend that. I'm talking about wanting to own a book and build a mini library at home. There's just something very nice about having a bookshelf full of, well, books.

By the way, if you're looking for audiobooks, our sponsor, Audible.com is offering our podcast listeners a FREE audiobook download of your choice when you sign up today. Go to Audiblepodcast.com/dealista for details.

The Best Websites for Finding Cheap Books

There are many places you can get books for less -- both used and new.Check out these popular sites just for bookworms.

PaperBack Swap: This site lets you trade your books with others online. First you post the books you are willing to swap. You get credits for sending books to members who request them. Then you use your credits to buy books from other members. All you pay is the postage to send your books to members.

BookMooch: This is another trade-for-points system. You first list the books you want to give away and then you receive points once you’ve mailed the books others have requested. You can use your points to ask for books from other members.

Swaptree: This site allows you to trade books ,music, movies, and games. The best part is they match your trades for you. Their super smart algorithm instantly shows you thousands of items you could receive in trade for any item.

Bookins: This is another full-service swap site that arranges the swapping for you. You get points for your trade-in, but you don't need to arrange the swap with other traders.

Novel Action: You don't have to wait for someone to select your book. Select any books you want and send them an equal number of your books in exchange. Just pay the flat rate shipping and your exchanges are shipped to you once your books are received.

HamiltonBook: This site offers new books at discounted rates. Most books are closeouts or overstocks, but there are also current titles at special prices.

Alibris: This site offers a large selection (100 million titles) of used, new, out-of-print, and hard-to-find books from their large warehouse or in their network of indie booksellers.

AbeBooks: This site connects thousands of professional booksellers that offer rare, new, and used books.

A1Books: This site has partnered with the top ten major wholesalers and distributors to offer books, media, games, and electronics.

Overstock: Better known for their rock bottom prices on clothing and home accessories, Overstock also has a large selection of books on sale.

Amazon: Amazon usually has a good discount on all their books, but their marketplace lets any vendor to compete and offer the same book, used or new. Look for the "More Buying Choices" link to see available offers for any given book.

eBay: Make sure to drop by eBay to check available listings when shopping for a title.

BookFinder: This website lets you compare prices across many sites for any particular book. Enter the title or ISBN number of the book you're looking for and get a list of all available sellers across various vendors and sites.

Quick and Dirty Tips for Finding Cheaper Books

While you're shopping for the best book deals, keep these quick and dirty tips in mind.

Shipping fees. When comparing prices, don't forget about the price in shipping. A book that's marked a little higher might come out on top if it has a very low shipping rate.

Buy bulk. While you're browsing eBay, look out for sellers who offer large collections. It could be a collection of books by your favorite author, or a group of books in a particular genre. Don't just look for single titles.

Member discounts. Large retailers offer discounts to their members. They require a yearly fee, but it could be worth it if you end up saving more than the cost of membership.

Bargain bins. Don't forget that large retailers also have bargain bins where you can find great deals on books.
Library sales. Many people don't realize that libraries often have book sales, and the books go for cheap. Check out your local library and ask them about their book sale events.

Sell your books. Get cash for the books you have lying around that you know you'll never pick up again. Fund your new collection with your old! If swapping and listing your books for sale isn't your thing, you can get easy cash via sites like CKY Books, Cash4Books, and Blue Rectangle. Just enter the ISBN number and see what you could get for them. Even better, use BookScouter to find the very best price your book can sell for.
Good hunting!

Dealista’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Getting More for Less is brought to you by Wise Bread, a personal finance blog that helps you live large on a small budget.

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