Buyback Info

Frequently asked questions about Book Buy Back:

1. What is book buy back?
Book buy back is a service operated by the Illini Union Bookstore allowing students the opportunity to sell unwanted textbooks at the end of each semester.
2. Do I need my receipt?
No, a receipt is only necessary at the beginning of each semester in order to obtain a full refund.
3. Which of my books will the bookstore buy?
Books are purchased for the upcoming semester only based upon instructors’ book orders. The bookstore will purchase books from the students at either (a) half price or (b) wholesale price, depending upon the need for each particular book for the upcoming semester.
We will purchase your books regardless of where you bought them. Just bring them in for the buyers to give you a price on their value.
4. What determines whether the bookstore pays half price?
-Bookstore receives book orders from the instructors before buy back
-Instructor will be using the same edition of the book during the next semester
-Bookstore is not overstocked on the particular book you’re selling
-Bookstore has not yet acquired the necessary number of copies of that particular book

5. What happens when none of the four previous instances occur?
The bookstore employs the services of two different national used book companies—they offer the customer a price on the book (from 0-30% of the retail price), based upon the national resale value. Those books are shipped off campus and are sold to other bookstores throughout the country. This gives all students an opportunity to sell unused titles if they so desire. Old editions of a textbook often have no value.
6. Why half price?
The bookstore purchases used books from 11 different textbook dealers across the country. They charge the bookstore half of the new price for the books; therefore the bookstore pays to the students the same amount it would pay to an outside supplier.
7. Half price of what? - VERY IMPORTANT TO YOUR POCKETBOOK!
The bookstore pays half of the current New Book selling price for those books purchased for the store, not necessarily half of the original purchase price. For example:

You paid: $50.00 for a new textbook
Current New Book Selling price: $50.00
You will receive: $25.00 at buyback - 50% back
Your total cost: $25.00 after buyback

You paid: $37.50 for a new textbook
Current New Book Selling price: $50.00
You will receive: $25.00 at buyback - 67% back
Your total cost: $12.50 after buyback

You paid: $50.00 for a new textbook
Current New Book Selling price: $55.00
You will receive: $27.50 at buyback - 55% back
Your total cost: $22.50 after buyback

You paid: $37.50 for a new textbook
Current New Book Selling price: $55.00
You will receive: $27.50 at buyback - 73% back
Your total cost: $10.00 after buyback

8. When is buyback?
-At the end of the Fall, Spring & Summer terms, during finals. (Check Website for dates and times)
-At the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters for three days each term.