<p>Hi everyone. I'm going to be an entering freshman, and already the cost of my textbooks is about $600 despite finding the best prices (amazon, used, etc...). One of my books is only available from my university, and to save I got a used copy. When I got it in the mail today, I saw that it was scribbled in with tons of profanity written in it (not any highlights or notes, just profanity like swearing or other generally distracting stuff) that my parents immediately wanted me to call and request another copy from my bookstore. I'm not really offended by what what written but the book is at the point where I won't be able to use it. Is this normal for used college books? Should I take my chances on another used book or just spend a little more ($30 in this case) to get a new one? Could I ask the bookstore for a "cleaner" used copy? Do I have any other options? Any help would be truly appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>Nah, that’s not normal. (Though, it does make me afraid to try ordering online now!) If you don’t think you’ll keep the book afterward, I wouldn’t bother spending more on a new one. Definitely complain to the bookstore, as there should be (or ought to be) a certain level of acceptability in place for when they accept used books. Good luck!</p>
<p>That’s strange. I would definitely ask for a replacement copy. What were they thinking?</p>
<p>That’s not normal. Even buying books online… That’s not normal.</p>
<p>I’d call and complain. You did buy a book and if it’s not legible, then you really didn’t get what you paid for.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help! Yeah I’m definitely going to call and ask for another copy now. I hope I don’t run in to more experiences like this again!</p>
<p>I’ve bought some used books from our bookstore, and I’ve never had that problem or heard a lot about it, so I don’t think that’s normal. I usually try and order them online somewhere instead of paying ridiculous bookstore prices anyways. I just ordered some books online for the same price for a new copy as my school’s bookstore charged for used.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any tips on buying used textbooks and/or finding unused access codes cheaper than retail? I know there are people out there not using their codes.</p>
<p>I buy the book used from Amazonand the access codes from the company website once I know it will be used to be on the safe side. It might be $70 but that plus the $10 book is still cheaper than the bookstore.</p>