Website with cheap used physics/math texts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding websites that offer cheap used physics and mathematics textbooks, including both older and newer editions. Participants share various platforms and their experiences with purchasing books, while expressing preferences and concerns regarding specific sites.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for websites that sell old physics and math texts, specifically looking for options beyond Amazon.
  • Another participant questions the exclusion of Amazon, arguing it offers the best selection and prices for used books.
  • Several participants recommend sites like abebooks, eBay, and others, citing their positive experiences and competitive pricing.
  • There is a suggestion that university libraries are unlikely to sell books for very low prices when they can sell them for more through platforms like Amazon or eBay.
  • Some participants express a preference for older books, noting that they often find value in them despite their condition.
  • Multiple participants mention specific websites such as DealOZ, allbookstores.com, TextbooksRus.com, Betterworldbooks.com, Alibris.com, and Goodwillbooks.com as alternatives for finding used textbooks.
  • Concerns are raised about the rising prices of certain textbooks over the years, indicating a trend that may affect availability and affordability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best site for purchasing used textbooks, with some advocating for Amazon while others prefer alternative platforms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to finding cheap used texts.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of satisfaction with different platforms, and there are mentions of changing market conditions affecting textbook prices. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and preferences without definitive conclusions.

andrewkg
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Hello I was just wondering I anyone knew of a good site to get old physics and math texts, at whatever age from new to 70+ years, possible a site that conects university libraries wishing to clean out texts. Also not just into calc and intro physics but assortments of intermediate to advanced topics. Please not amazon!
Thanks!
Also if this is not in the specific section, please do not infract me I thought this was an acceptable place to post this question.
 
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Why not Amazon? You are not going to find a better place for what you are looking for.
 
abebooks try it. very cheap.
 
Amazon, abebooks and ebay. But amazon has some amazing prices if you know how to look. I recently got 6 texts from them recently including 2 new books (Dover ed.s), 1 used book printed in 2012 (sold for 80 new), and 2 older used books for less than 35$ shipped total.
 
The only reason I say not amazon itis because I have viewed most of the cheap books they have on there. I was curious if there was a sure that sold books universities were getting rid of for only a couple bucks.
 
Why would a uni library sell its old books for $2, if they can get $20 through amazon or ebay? Plus there would be the cost of paying somebody to run up their own e-commerce site, etc.
 
I have gotten a lot of books that way the books aren't perfect usually very old, but I like them. I just wanted to know if there was a site for this. Their actual value is usual only a couple dollars.
 
phinds said:
Why not Amazon? You are not going to find a better place for what you are looking for.

I think there are plenty places better than Amazon. Most of my texts were bought from Abe books, Valore books or Half.com.

A good thing to use is www.DealOZ.com. Its a metasearch engine that will search Amazon, Half and many others.
 
allbookstores.com is another site that searches a number of different vendors (including used books at amazon) for price comparison.
 
  • #10
TextbooksRus.com
 
  • #11
abebooks is my standard place. Over the years it is by far the best and most comprehensive site. But if their offering is not cheap enough, I also try amazon. One useful thing about amazon is their good return policy. just try searching abebooks for an old book you want and see for yourself.

they have resnick and halliday for $3.49 from a few decades ago.

abebooks is my standard place. Over the years it is by far the best and most comprehensive site. But if their offering is not cheap enough, I also try amazon. One useful thing about amazon is their good return policy. just try searching abebooks for an old book you want and see for yourself.

e.g. here is resnick and halliday from a few decades ago, for $3.49 .

But the prices have gone up a lot in the past decade or so. LNM volumes that used to sell for $5. have been seen for over $100 more recently. Booksellers have learned that science types really want those good books.
 
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  • #12
I've tried a few places. Notably:
Betterworldbooks.com (You can also donate to reduce the carbon footprint due to your shipment)
Alibris.com
Goodwillbooks.com (Less selection, but some gems)
 

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