Buyback FAQ | Buyback Packaging Guidelines

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Help > Buyback FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Book Buyback

Last updated 5/4/09

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Fast cash for your new and used books. TextbooksRus buys the most titles and gives you the most cash for your books! Click here to start a book buyback now!

The Buyback Process

How do I sell my books to TextbooksRus.com?

Selling your books to TextbooksRus.com is easy! Follow our instructions on how to sell your books

How do I determine the condition/edition of my book?

It's important to give accurate information about your book. This helps us make the best and most accurate offer. We buy items in "Brand New" or "Used" condition.

Brand New books must be in perfect condition to be considered new. This means an unbroken spine, no writing or highlighting, no bent or dented cordered, no scratches on the cover, no torn pages--Basically no wear or damage to the book whatsoever.
Used books must be in at least "good" condition. A used book is considered in good condition even when it contains highlighting, notes, or other markings (with the exception of study guides, workbooks, and law books which must be clean). However, books must be generally clean in appearance with no torn or missing pages and with the cover in good condition. The spine of the book must be intact and in good condition. Books with broken spines and loose or missing pages will be discarded and will not be bought back.

Sometimes there are different editions of the same title, so be sure to select the correct edition:
US Edition Textbooks: These are the most typical books you find and include paperbacks, hardbacks, textbooks, and non-textbook items.
International Edition Books: Sometimes softcover, these books may have "IE" printed on the spine, or the front cover may contain "International Edition" markings. This information will also appear on the title page of the book.
Complimentary Textbooks / Free Copy / Sample Textbooks: These books are considered USED. We can only pay the used price even if the book is new. This is standard throughout the industry, as we cannot resell the book as new. They will contain markings or imprinted stamps displayed on the front or back cover, such as "Complimentary Copy", "Free Copy", "Instructor's Edition", or "Not for Sale". Please note that books marked "Instructor Edition" that still contain all answers to even AND odd questions are considered annotated and will be checked in and paid at the annotated edition price.
Annotated Instructor's Editions: These are often marked as "Annotated Instructor's Edition" and usually contain answers and/or instructor's notes.
Eastern Economy/Low Price/Indian Edition Textbooks: These books are a subset of international edition textbooks that are commonly softcover, printed on cheap paper, and contain only black and white photos and illustrations. Please note that we do not buyback Eastern Economy/Low Price/Indian Edition textbooks.

We strongly suggest that you review our Packaging Guidelines to ensure your book arrives at our warehouse safely. We try to be as liberal as possible when checking-in the books. A sturdy box may make all the difference in how your book is rated.

Does selecting the correct condition/edition of my book really matter?

Yes. Please give accurate information about your book and pack your shipment well. Prices paid are based on the condition and edition of the book when it is received in our warehouse. If the condition or edition received does not match what you've submitted, your quote will be adjusted. Once you send your books, they cannot be returned for any reason.

What happens if I send a book that you do not buy back?

If you sent a book that we do not buy back, we will discard your book. Some examples of books that we do not buy back are: Water damaged books, books with damaged bindings (e.g., pages missing or falling out), defective books, and books with torn/taped covers, law books or study guides/workbooks with any highlighting/writing/answers filled in.

I've only had my book for a short period of time. Does that affect my buyback condition or quote?

No. The length of time you have owned your books has little or nothing to do with the condition we can buy your book in. The most important factor is the condition of the books when they arrive at our facility.

How long does the entire process take?

After we receive your items at our warehouse, it usually takes 1-3 business days to check your books in plus 1-3 business days to issue payment. During peak buyback periods, processing can take somewhat longer. Peak periods are usually late December through January and late May through June.
The time it takes you to get your buyback payment depends on two factors:

Shipping Method
- FedEx (Pre-paid label): This is the default carrier for buyback shipments. FedEx guarantees delivery in 1-5 business days.
- Media Mail (Pre-paid label): From the day you send your book(s) to us, Media Mail usually takes between 3-14 business days to arrive.
Payment Method
- Check: Mailed within 1-3 business days after your shipment is processed and normally takes an additional 1-5 business days to arrive.
- PayPal: Payments issued within 1-3 business days and credited to your PayPal account within 2-7 business days. Please note that if your PayPal account information is returned to us as invalid, then your payment will be defaulted to a check.
- Store Credit: Issued within 1 business day after your shipment is checked in.
Please note that these times are estimates and we are not liable for delays that are out of our control.

What is the difference between using FedEx or Media Mail to ship buybacks?

Both shipping methods allow you to generate as many free shipping labels you require. However, FedEx is the default shipping method for buybacks because it is faster and is insured up to $100. FedEx typically delivers packages in 1-5 business days versus 5-15 business days for Media Mail. Media Mail prepaid shipping labels do not come with insurance. Optional insurance for packages sent via Media Mail may be purchased separately when you drop your package off at the Post Office. However, optional insurance for Media Mail packages is not an expense TextbooksRus.com covers.

How does shipping work?

TextbooksRus will provide you with a prepaid and trackable shipping label that you can print out from your computer. Delivery Confirmation is included with the label, so you can verify that the item successfully arrived at our location.

The cost of this label is billed to us, so you never have to worry about it.

Fed-Ex: All TextbooksRus buybacks receive a free FedEx label. This will expedite the shipping time considerably, so you will get paid faster! FedEx rates also include insurance up to $100.

Need more labels? No problem, just visit Your Account and click on the buyback in question. Then click "Add a shipping label." You can request as many free labels as you need.

Why was I issued a USPS Media Mail label instead of a FedEx label?

FedEx does not operate on holidays or weekends. Therefore, buybacks submitted during those periods may receive a Media Mail shipping label instead of a FedEx shipping label. Please note that both the FedEx and Media Mail labels are pre-paid so the shipping charges are billed to TextbooksRus.com

What happens if the items are damaged in transit?

Damage incurred during shipping does not happen very often. However, every time we've received a damaged buyback it's been due to woefully poor packaging. TextbooksRus.com will grade the books we receive in the condition received and make any necessary adjustments to the amount paid. We cannot pay you for items that arrive bent, mangled, torn, or otherwise dismembered. TextbooksRus.com will not pay you for books we do not receive.
Packages sent Media Mail can take up to three weeks to arrive at our location. It may take longer depending on where you are shipping from and whether it is a busy time of the year. Packages shipped around major holidays may take an additional week to arrive. If you have not received confirmation that we received your package within 30 days of shipping, please contact us. If you ship via Media Mail, we strongly suggest that you purchase insurance when shipping your buyback to us. If your package is received damaged and books are missing, we will not be able to pay for any missing books.

How do you determine prices?

Pricing is based entirely on demand. We can usually beat your local college bookstore on price, since your bookstore will only pay you a low wholesale rate unless they can immediately sell the item. Additionally, we have the largest buyback catalog on the web, so we can almost always make an offer.

How can I change my buyback?

You can make changes in your buyback from the My Account area of our website. Click on My Buybacks and then click on your buyback number. Then click "Change this buyback" and make your changes.
Note: You cannot make changes to your buyback once after it has been received at our facility.

Why aren't you buying my book?

Our ability to purchase your book is based on demand for the title. If there is very little or no demand for your book, we are unable to purchase it. The price we offer for a used book is based on its future value.

How long do I have to send my books?

You should send your books immediately. In extreme cases, Media Mail can take a up to 3 weeks for delivery. If we do not receive the books within 4 weeks from when the order was placed, we cannot guarantee the quoted price. After 6 weeks your order will be cancelled. We may still pay you for the books, but they may not have the same value they did when the order was placed. Instead, your books will be received at the current quoted value, which may be different from when you originally submitted your buyback.
Your books will not be returned to you.

Can I sell under multiple accounts?

No. Selling under multiple accounts is not permitted. We set our quantity limits on a per merchant basis. If multiple accounts are created and the maximum number of items that can be sold is exceeded, the additional items we receive will be discarded. Do not create multiple buybacks to sell more copies of a single ISBN. All items received in excess of the quantity limit will be discarded. Items are not returned for any reason. It is the seller's responsibility to read, understand, and follow our guidelines.

What Items to Sell

Do I need to send CDs/Software with my books?

Yes. All items that originally contained CDs, software, or other supplemental materials (also: access to online resources, study guides, etc) must be sent with the textbook. The quoted buyback prices are for items that contain all original supplemental materials

Do you only buyback textbooks?

No. TextbooksRus.com will buy all types of books provided there is a demand for that item. However, we do not buy ebooks or digital versions of books.

Do you buy Instructor's or Annotated editions?

Yes, we buy instructor’s and annotated edition textbooks. Make sure you select the proper edition when adding the items to your buyback cart. Note: Even though your item may be labeled "Instructor's Edition", it will be considered an "Annotated Edition" if it has extra notes and / or answers to all questions in the back of the text.

Do you buy CD's or movies?

No. TextbooksRus.com only buys textbooks and other books.

Do you buy ebooks or digital books?

No. TextbooksRus.com does not buy ebooks or digital versions of books.

Do you accept loose-left textbooks?

Yes, but they must be brand new and still in the original shrink-wrap. Used loose leaf items will be discarded.

Do you accept custom editions of textbooks?

No. We do not accept custom editions. Custom editions are school-specific selections of textbooks and usually do not contain every chapter. If your book has your school name printed on it (e.g., "Florida State Edition" or "University of Wisconsin Chem. 128 Edition") it is likely a custom edition.

Do you buy library books?

No. We do not buyback library books at this time.

Do you buy used Software?

No. We do not accept used software such as SAM CDs, InfoTrac, etc,, because they can only be used once.

Do you buy law books, workbooks, or study guides?

Law books, workbooks, and study guides must be completely free of any highlighting, writing, fill-ins, and other markings. If these items are received with any markings or missing any pages they will be discarded and your quote will be adjusted. Any rejected items cannot be returned.

What are quantity limits?

All ISBNs have quantity limits, ranging from 1 to 5 copies. Our system is primarily designed for individuals who are selling back one copy of various books. Please contact us if you wish to submit more copies than the system will allow you to.

BuyBack Payments

How and when will I be paid?

Check: Payments mailed within 1-3 business days after your shipment is processed.
PayPal: Payments issued 1-2 business days after your shipment is processed.
Store Credit: Payments issued 1 business day after your shipment is processed.

What is the advantage of choosing Store Credit as my payment method?

If you opt to receive store credit, your payment will be the amount quoted plus 5%. Please note the amount quoted is dependent upon correctly identifying the condition and edition of each book.

How long should I wait to receive my check?

You should receive your check within 7-10 business days after your shipment is processed. However, if you have not received your check within 30 days, please contact us immediately.

How long do I have to cash my check?

You must cash your check within 30 days of the check date. The check will be voided after 30 days.

Why did I receive a check when I selected PayPal as my payment method?

If your PayPal email address is returned as invalid when we issue payment, then a check will be sent to your billing address the following business day. We will also default your payment method to check. In order to receive payments via PayPal in the future, please login to your account and re-enter your PayPal address and verify that it is correct.

I cannot find my check or I’ve lost my check. Will you reissue one?

If it has been less than 90 days from the date you’ve submitted your buyback, you may request a one time reissue of your check provided it has not been cashed. Be sure to include a note detailing your buyback number and the address the new check should be sent to. Please note that we reserve the right to assess reprocessing fees when applicable.

I have my check, but I’ve forgotten to cash it within 30 days of the check date. May I request a new one?

If it has been less than 90 days from the date you’ve submitted your buyback, you may request a one time reissue of your check provided it has not been cashed. You must include your original check and a note detailing your buyback number and the address the new check should be sent to. Please note that we reserve the right to assess processing fees when applicable.

It’s been over 90 days since I’ve submitted my buyback, will you reissue my check?

No. We highly recommend that you cash your check as soon as you receive it since we cannot reissue a check more than 90 days beyond your buyback submission.

May I change my payment method?

No. Once a buyback payment method is selected and your payment is processed, it cannot be changed. For example; we are unable to change a store credit to a check or PayPal payment.

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