Why should I buy or sell my textbooks at Big Dog Textbooks?

We specialize in providing the highest quality used and new textbooks at the best prices. We also buy your textbooks back when you are through with them year round, no matter where you bought them, and at the best prices. We strive to offer you the most convenient service and the best value. You can reserve your textbooks in advance through our website with no deposit or payment required until you pick them up at our store.

What is "Buyback" and what is "Rush"?

We buy textbooks year round working with all major wholesale companies to offer you the most money for your books everyday. During our main “Buyback” period, which centers around the exam schedule, the store is set up solely for the purpose of paying you top dollar for your textbooks.

The time we like to call “Rush” refers to the several weeks surrounding your first days of class. During this time we strive to carry the largest selection of used and new textbooks in town. We offer fast and friendly service and want you to get the right books for your classes at the right price. During this time our store hours are extended for your convenience (see our current hours for updated times). You can also reserve your books early through our website to make sure that you get the first selection of used books and save some time shopping in the process (click here for details.)

How can I get the most money back for my books?

The amount of money a college textbook store can offer you for your books is based on two major points:

1) We can offer you the most cash for your books when we know that an instructor is planning to use that book again for the upcoming semester and we still need copies for our shelves. When that is the case, you get the very best money for your books.

2) When your book has not been ordered for next semester, we have access to multiple textbook wholesale companies which allows us to give you the best price when buying back your books. (Most college textbook stores only use one and can only offer you their price).

Why are my books no longer worth any money?

There are two main reasons why we may not be able to buy your book:

1) Textbook publishers often change to production of a newer version or “edition” of books. Teachers most often agree to use this newer version in their classroom making the older version obsolete. National wholesale companies recognize this as the predominant trend and drop the prices on older books accordingly.

2) Some books required for college courses are vastly more popular across the nation than others. National textbook wholesalers base what they pay for a book on supply and demand. If they do not get enough orders for a particular title, they simply don't offer any money for it on the wholesale market. But don't despair! Often times, books like this are only required for a class one semester out of the school year and sometimes one semester every two to four years. Remember, when the book is required for a class, it is valuable to us. Ask your Big Dog Textbooks buyback representative for some friendly advice on the future value of your book.

When can I sell my books back?

You can sell your books back to Big Dog Textbooks year round during our normal business hours.

How can I find out how much my books are worth?

Just bring your books into our location at 1331 15th Street. We will look them up in the computer and tell you how much we can give you for them. We do have to physically see the books to quote you a price so we are, unfortunately, unable to give out buyback prices over the telephone.

Will you buy my books even if I didn't buy them from you?

YES. It doesn't matter where you bought your books or what school you go to. We will buy your books if they have current value.

How much cheaper are used books?

Used textbooks are priced at 25% less than the new copies.

When can I buy my textbooks for classes?

We begin having our textbook shelves ready for shopping several weeks before classes begin. You can buy textbooks from us at any time of the year but our stock is lower in the middle of the semester and many instructor's haven't ordered their required textbooks yet. It's good to shop early, but not too early. Call us anytime for some quick advice on when the best time to start shopping is for each semester.

What is your return policy?

Our return policy is explained in detail here.

What if you don't have the book in stock for my class?

We do our best to carry enough books to fill all of our customers needs but, sometimes, we do run out of certain titles that exceeded our sales projections. If this happens, ask one of our sales associates and they will be more than happy to order you a copy at no additional cost. Our orders ship fairly quickly and it is usually possible to have the book in your hands in 2 to 5 business days.

Keep in mind that it IS possible to order you a used copy of a book in many cases. Special ordering doesn't necessarily mean that you get stuck buying a brand new textbook.