Is it safe to buy textbooks from other students?
Buying from another student is usually simple and safe. Most problems come from paying before you see the book, or meeting somewhere quiet. These steps avoid both.
Check the listing and the seller
A good listing has real photos, the ISBN and an honest description of the condition.
- Look at the seller's rating and reviews on the listing
- Compare the ISBN with the one on your syllabus
- Ask for another photo if anything is unclear
Keep messages on the site
Use the chat on the listing. Your phone number and email stay private, and you have a record of what you agreed. Never share bank details, passwords or login codes.
Meet in public, during the day
Pick a busy place on campus:
- The library entrance or lobby
- The student union or a campus café
- Outside a staffed building
Check the book, then pay
Flip through the book before any money changes hands. Check the edition, missing pages, water damage and how much writing there is. If it does not match the listing, it is fine to say no.
Pay in cash or with an instant payment app when you have the book in your hands. Never pay in advance for a book you have not seen.
If something goes wrong
If a seller asks you to pay in advance, pressures you, or makes you feel unsafe, stop and contact us. Leave an honest review after the meetup so other students know what to expect.
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