Used Homeschool Textbooks - 5 Things You Should Know Before You Buy

Homeschooling does not have to cost a fortune! By purchasing used homeschool textbooks, you can reduce your homeschooling cost.

There are many places to find used homeschooling materials online. Some homeschool curriculum providers have homeschool message boards where you can buy or list used homeschool books for sale. You can also find used books at Veg Source, The Swap, Homeschool Classifieds, This Little Piggy Stays Home, and Ebay.

If you would rather buy used homeschooling books in person, check local garage sales, thrift stores, library sales and used bookstores. Half Price books often has curriculum available for sale. You can also contact area homeschool support groups to see if they sponsor book swaps or used curriculum sales for homeschoolers.

In order to truly save money, be wise when making a purchase. Before buying used homeschool curriculum, you should:

1. Know what materials you need. Make sure you know exactly what materials you need for each subject for each child. Don't forget to put teacher's manuals, workbooks and flashcards on your list.
2. Know the exact name, grade level, edition and publisher of each product you want to buy. Check each product carefully before purchasing to make sure you are getting the materials you want.
3. Know the retail price of the materials. In order to make sure you are truly buying at a discount, make sure you know how much the materials would cost if you purchased them new. Write down the maximum amount you will pay for the materials before you begin looking. Include shipping and handling costs in your calculations if you are buying online.
4. Know the condition of the books you plan to purchase. If you cannot view the materials in person or look at pictures of the materials, ask the seller for specific details about the books. Find out if the seller smokes or has pets. Ask the seller if the books have any missing or damaged pages, or pages that contain writing.
5. Know the terms of sale. Make sure you understand the total cost of the products and how the seller wants to be paid. Ask how the items will be shipped and when you can expect them to arrive. Find out the seller's return policy.

Here are some additional tips for buying used homeschool textbooks.

Visit Carletta's website, Successful Homeschooling, to find other ways to lower your homeschooling cost.