The University of Virginia Bookstore is dedicated to providing as many used books each semester as possible. We encourage faculty to submit their textbook orders early to maximize the number of books we can purchase from students during buyback. Early orders also allow us to secure larger number of used books from used book wholesalers. The typical used book is 25% off the new retail price. If a faculty member chooses to use an old edition, we can sometimes purchase these at a savings which we pass onto the students. Books that require one-time use components, such as online access codes, will be less expensive used to accommodate the price of a new online component.

Q: Why aren't all books available used?
A: If it's a new edition there are no used books available. Also, obscure or specialized titles have little national demand and few used book wholesalers will stock them.

Q: My book is in a set with an online component but you don't offer it used? Why not?
A: Either the set is a new edition, or the online component was so expensive separately that we could not purchase the used book cheap enough to keep the combined price below the new set price.

Q: Can I return a used book if I drop the class?
A: Yes, you can return used books in adherence to our textbook return policy.

Q: On the shelf there are hardback and paperback used copies of the same book. Is the hardback more expensive?
A: No, once the book is available in paperback, all used hardback copies are the same price as used paperback copies.

Q: Aside from their condition, are used books identical to the new books ordered for my classes?
A: Yes, the edition of the book is the same and the pagination is consistent with that of new books.

Q: Can I highlight in my book and still sell it back?
A: Yes, although on occasion the value at buyback of some books may be affected by their condition.