Textbook Buyback & Rental Return

Information about Textbook Buyback at the End of the Academic Year

Our traditional process of buying back selected textbooks is not taking place at this time. At the end of the academic year, we will provide online market options for students to sell their textbooks. Additional information and guidance will be provided soon. It is recommended that you keep your textbooks at this time.

Information about Textbook Rentals

We are extending the rental return deadline beyond the original May 16, 2020 return date to Saturday, September 5, 2020. If you are not returning to Cornell for the fall semester, we will provide a solution for returning your rentals at no expense to you. Again, it is recommended that you keep your rented textbooks at this time. If you wish to permanently keep your rented textbooks, you may do so by converting your rental to purchase by contacting us.

Textbook Buyback Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How does the textbook buyback program work?

At the end of the term, students are encouraged to sell any unwanted textbooks. During a typical term, The Cornell Store offers semester end sellback in in the store. Due to the current circumstances, The Cornell Store will provide buyback options online for students to sell their unwanted textbooks. These vendors will provide a quote, prepaid shipping label, and issue direct payment. More information about these providers will be updated in early April 2020.

Do I need a receipt to return a book?.

No, a receipt is not needed. You will need to provide your NetID or your Cornell ID card. We buy books no matter where you purchased them.

Can I sell back a book that I bought used?

Yes, used books are typically in high demand to sell.

How much money will I receive when I sell my books back to The Cornell Store?

Pricing is generally based entirely on demand. Please note the amount quoted is dependent upon you correctly identifying the condition and edition of each book.

Will you personally notify me when it’s time to sell back my books?

Yes. If you provide your Cornell ID card or your Net ID when you purchase textbooks, you will be signed up to receive an email at textbook buyback time.

What kind of condition is acceptable?

The books must be in good condition. Highlighting and underlining are fine, as long as it doesn’t make the text illegible. Some wear is fine, but the bindings must be in good shape, with covers and pages intact. Books that are water-damaged will not be purchased.

Can I sell back examination copies, teachers’ editions, and international editions?

We do not buy back or sell any of these formats.

Can I sell back coursepacks or ebooks?

No, the contractual terms with the owners of the intellectual property do not buy back on course packs or ebooks.

What about selling online or to another student at Cornell?

This may be a legitimate option for you, but keep in mind that there may be very little market for old editions.

Rental Textbooks Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How do I return my textbooks at the end of my rental period?

The Cornell Store has extended the rental return deadline for spring 2020 textbooks to Saturday, September 5, 2020. If you are not returning to Cornell in the fall, you may obtain a prepaid return label by submitting a contact form request or calling us toll free at (800) 624-4080. If you wish to keep your rented textbooks permanently, you may do so by converting your rental to purchase by contacting (800) 624-4080 or by submitting a contact form request.

Where do I find my textbook's due date?

Rented textbooks for spring 2020 are due back to The Cornell Store by Saturday, September 5, 2020. This date has been extended from the original May deadline.

What happens if I am late returning my textbooks?

If a rented textbook is not returned to The Cornell Store by the due date of September 5, 2020, you will be bursar charged for the buyout price: purchase price at the time of rental plus a 10% fee, less any rental fees already paid. Please do not mail or drop off any overdue rental books that have already been charged for buyout.

How do I know if I have any rental textbooks?

Reminder emails will be sent for each textbook that is rented under your NetID. If you notice an error or are unsure of which books you rented, please reach out to us immediately: textbooks@cornell.edu.

I mistakenly sold back a book that I rented. What do I do now?

A rented textbook that is not returned to us as a rental will be charged the buyout price plus a 10% fee.

What if I have a damaged rental?

Rented books that have visible signs of water damage, missing pages, damaged cover or spine, excessive markings, or other physical destruction of the book will not be accepted for return. Rented textbooks deemed as an unacceptable return will be converted to a purchase plus a 10% fee and payment will be due at the time of buyout.

Can I extend my textbook rental?

At this time, all spring 2020 textbook rentals will automatically be extended until September 5, 2020. To send us your rentals earlier or to request to convert a rental to purchase, please contact us at (800) 624-4080 or by submitting a contact form request.

Can I purchase the textbook during my rental period?

Please contact us at (800) 624-4080 or submit a contact form request.

Can I have someone else bring back my rented books?

Yes. Rented books are checked in under your NetID, so the person you designate to bring back your rentals will have to know your NetID. For best results, we recommend returning your own books.

Do I receive any money back for rented textbooks?

No. Rental fees paid to rent the book for the semester are not refunded. At the beginning of the semester, rental refunds are permitted during the refund period. At the end of the term, rented books are simply “checked-in” the same way a rented car is returned at the end of its rental period.