It is no secret that the costs of textbooks can really add up. However, the good news is that various new options are emerging when it comes to acquiring textbooks including rental. However, there are a variety of pros and cons when it comes to textbook rental that you will need to consider first.
Pro: Saving Money
A major benefit to renting a textbook is potentially huge cost savings. Also usually the shorter the time period you need the book, the less you will be charged. This means that you will have more money left to spend on food, drinks, and living expenses.
Pro: Avoiding Long Lines
College students can easily waste hours searching for their textbooks in the bookstore and then waiting in a long time. Obviously, most people would rather spend this time doing something enjoyable.
Con: Penalties for Late Books
Some students become bogged down in final exams or perhaps go home for vacation and forget to return a rented textbook by its due date. Unfortunately, if this happens, you may actually end up spending more money than you would have to simply buy the book!
Textbook rental companies will charge a late fee that will usually be a significant percentage of the books list value. Other book rental companies will charge you as much as 140% of the textbooks price if its late.
Con: Damaged Book Policies
The costs can start to add up when the book rental company notices damage. Even creases and light damage can cost you a percentage of the book. Major damage can cause you needing to pay for the book in full.
Some textbook rental companies forbid writing in cheapest textbooks
. Unfortunately, students are charged the full price of the book as a penalty. Again, if this happens, you will likely end up spending far more than you would have if you had bought a discounted or used textbook.
There are a variety of considerations that could make renting a textbook a considerable advantage or disadvantage. If you find that you can locate a used book for only a bit more money than the book rental price, you may not want to rule out this option. After all, it could very well be worth a small fee to not have to risk getting charged a damage or late fee. Before you start renting, it only makes senses to compare prices for a specific textbook to ensure that renting is indeed the best option.
