Do you buy new or hunt and peck for the cheapest prices?

[KIN]

I hunt and peck, but wish I could just let go and buy from the publisher and be done with it! It gets so frustrating, by the time I finally figure out what I'm going to purchase through lots of research, I now have to do lots of research to figure out where to purchase the items. :rolleyes:

Anyway... what do you do?

[Jenny in Atl]

I go back and forth about this all the time. I do both for the most part. Like last year, I bought Core 6 SL, even though I'm only using part of it. It was so much easier just to buy it and sell off what I don't need. Next year will be different as I already have a bunch of the core items, so it looks like used will be the way to go. I got all my HO new, SM new, but some other math items like Lial's were used. I'm sure I am not being the best consumer and often wish I was a better bargain hunter.

[KH_]

One year (when I was using SL), I tried piecing together a core used, and after all was said and done, didn't end up saving all the much money (especially for the hassle involved). So now, I generally buy new, unless it's something that is only available used (older books). I do check around online for the best new prices, but that's a lot easier than searching for used books and trying to determine which used copy to buy :)

[Robin Hood]

I used to research it out, but now I buy new. It is more $$$, but time is valuable, too. I am always glad when I run across a great used deal, and I do still go to used bookstores, garage sales,etc, but I don't look anymore, unless what I want is just too much and then I usually just do without. I have also found that it is cheaper to buy 2 of the same work books (in money and time) that it is copy pages to save a book.

[Beth in Central TX]

I make the majority of my purchases directly from Rod & Staff Publishers or from Rainbow Resource. I do watch the Sale & Swap board for a good deal on items that I plan to buy. However, Rod & Staff has a 10% off sale in March & April every year, so if I haven't found it used by the time I order in April, then I purchase it new.

I don't mind buying new items for my oldest son because, in most cases, it will be used at least 2 more times.
I've been trying to buy the items for my youngest son used since I won't be needing it again. The only problem with looking for used items is that I do more impulse buying on the sale & swap board. It's hard for me to pass up a good deal or to view a new program that I can't find locally. In the end, I probably break even with a mix of used and new items (including the items I never planned to purchase).

Of course, buying books is my favorite hobby...

[readwithem]

but the further we've gone, the harder it's been to find upper level books and texts. Some books (i.e. Selections from Thomas Aquinas' writings) are downright impossible to find. I finally found it at a local Catholic college. But neither Amazon nor Barnes and Noble carried it.

[RoughCollie]

I research every textbook available in a subject to death. Here's one site I like a lot:

http://www.textbookleague.org/

After I finally make a selection, I look for it used.

www.tomfolio.com
www.abebooks.com
www.amazon.com
www.bn.com
www.alibris.com

If it's not available, I buy it new. I buy workbooks new.

Until this year, I hs'd 4 kids, all in the same grade, so I needed a lot of copies of the same books.

[Fourmother]

I don't have a formula. It all depends on which resource is scarcest at the moment, money or time. Sometimes I've found that the money I save by shopping around wasn't worth the time I invested in the search. Other times I've regretted making a purchase too quickly after discovering that I could have saved significantly by further investigation. Making decisions early and shopping far in advance of when I need the materials allows more time to save some money, but sometimes this isn't possible. I just try to balance my budget against my time constraints.

[Kris]

I try to buy used, but it rarely works out. By the time I figure out what I'm wanting to use, I need to quit messing around and get it here.

I'm further hampered by the fact that I refuse to use credit cards. I cut all of them up ten years ago and I wouldn't have it any other way, but most of the time when I find used books -- at abebooks for instance -- the sellers won't accept anything but MC or Visa.

If we don't have the cash, we don't make the purchase. In some cases, it costs more money because I have to buy new books, but it's saved us big dollars in the long run. And our income isn't steady -- January, in particular, is *very* tight here because the freight isn't reliable. It seems like no matter what I do to try to save up for the "dry" periods, something always happens that makes the money tight. So I really like not having to worry about having bills I can't pay when cash flow is slow.

I do check the sale boards here, but for some reason the things I'm looking for never seem to get posted. That goes both ways, though -- no one wants the stuff I'm wanting to part with, either. ;-)

[Kathie in VA]

I tend to buy new but glance at the used boards to see if what I have already chosen is there for a good price. Now I do compare prices AND shipping costs. I've found that sometimes one place will have a cheaper price but a higher shipping cost. Now this differs even more when you compare the shipping cost if you get lots of your stuff from a particular seller or just the one item. I love free shipping, so I tend to look at those places first, then the flate shipping rate places. I use an excel spreadsheet to sort it all out!

amazon.com, homeschoolingsupply.com, theoldschoolhousestore.com, epsbooks.com, and bethsbookshop.com
have all been pretty good places to shop.

hth

[Paula in PA]

My dh and I decided when we started that I wouldn't spend huge amounts of time trying to buy most things used. If I can do so with just a short time spent, ok. Time is money and all that. :) But I do try to buy from Rainbow Resource or Amazon when possible.

Paula in PA

[Beth in Central TX]

Hi Kris,

We don't use credit cards either, but I did get a debit card (ours is a MC, but they can also be VISA) on our checking account specifically for my on-line purchases. It works just like writing a check because the money comes directly out of your checking account. I thought I would mention this option because it has kept me on budget (the moeny has to be in the account) and opened up more options as I shop for our homeschool items.

[prairiegirl]

I do both. I make up a list of all that I want. Then I peruse the Sale @ Swap board to see if I can find anything there. Whatever I don't find used then I buy it new from RR. The only problem with buying used is that I am tempted to buy things that are not on my list. The prices are so good that I talk myself into buying more than I should. :o

Julia
mom of 3 (8,7,5)

[prairiegirl]

Hi Kris,

We don't use credit cards either, but I did get a debit card (ours is a MC, but they can also be VISA) on our checking account specifically for my on-line purchases. It works just like writing a check because the money comes directly out of your checking account. I thought I would mention this option because it has kept me on budget (the moeny has to be in the account) and opened up more options as I shop for our homeschool items.

My husband doesn't like me to shop online either. I like the idea about the debit card. I will have to look into it. Thanks for the tip.


Julia
mom of 3 (8,7,5)

[PinkInTheBlue]

Years ago, when I first started homeschooling, I was great at 'hunt and peck'. I'm extremely thankful to now be in a financial situation where I don't have to do that. When I research and read and ask a zillion questions and finally decide what to use, I can just buy it. I don't buy on whims though. Before I would buy Classical Writing, I really researched before hitting the buttons. Regardless of financial situation, I want to limit my wrong-for-us purchases by as much as I can. :)

[Paula in PA]

Another option besides a debit card would be one of the pre-paid credit cards available. My sister did this for my niece for her birthday, so she could get whatever she wanted online more easily. I know there is some kind of fee, but I don't know how much.

Paula in PA

[GVA]

I seriously wish I didn't have to do it that way, but I do. I usually have to sell things before I buy too, which makes it harder (anyone want to buy my Sonlight Core 2 IG and books?).

[Cathy in TX]

I first search on Amazon.com or www.campusi.com to find a "like new" copy of whatever I need. If I can't find it used, I break down and buy new.

Cathy

[BabyBre]

I've got the kids' tenative curriculm planned out for several years in advance (of course it's tenative, so if something changes, and it often does, no problem), so I give myself plenty of time to become comfortable in what I want to buy and search for a good price.

Also, dd isn't scheduled to finish up all of her subjects at the same time (just by circumstance), so I can buy a little at a time. She'll finish her math program in March, so I found a good deal on the next level. She'll finish her spelling program in April, so I'm currently deciding if we want to switch or stick with what we've used so far. I'll need to buy SOTW 3 by June, etc, etc.

My favorite swap website is www.homeschoolclassifieds.com (http://www.homeschoolclassifieds.com). I do like to pay the publishers, but when that's very difficult, it's also nice to help out other homeschool families.

[BabyBre]

Hi Kris,

We don't use credit cards either, but I did get a debit card (ours is a MC, but they can also be VISA) on our checking account specifically for my on-line purchases. It works just like writing a check because the money comes directly out of your checking account. I thought I would mention this option because it has kept me on budget (the moeny has to be in the account) and opened up more options as I shop for our homeschool items.


My dh warns me not to ever use a debit card online because, if worse ever comes to worse, the purchases can't be disputed like they can with a credit card company.

My solution to not overspending is to require PayPal payment for what I sell, and then only use that account to buy new curricula. If I have to use a credit card (like on Amazon which doesn't take PayPal), I transfer the amount to my credit card immediately to pay it off.

[Beth in Central TX]

Hi Breann,

I've researched this and the benefits from a regular credit card are the same for a debit card. I can dispute a charge and have it reversed on my debit card just like a credit card. There's no difference except for the payment processing; a debit card takes the money directly out of your checking account and a credit card accumulates the charges and bills you monthly.

[mcconnellboys]

I enjoy finding a deal, so I do look for things I need and buy a lot of used things. I get as much as I can free from our library, first. If I can't find it free or cheap, then I may buy it new if I really, really want to own it and can use it more than once.

Regena

[Sandy in Indy]

I shop...lots...before I purchase most things. I do buy some things new, but even then I want the best price I can find. Our $$$ are just too tight to do anything else.

Another good place to price shop for books is www.fetchbook.info.

[nukeswife]

I've had some really horrible luck buying used. I don't like buying something I can't see in person that's used because too many times I have gotten something that was supposed to be "like new" or "excellent used" and to me it was lucky to be called fair. I guess my idea of "excellent used" and "like new" can be very different. Luckily here in VA where I am there is actually a homeschool book store that buys and sells used curriculum. They sell some new as well but 85% of their stock is used and I can go in a look for what I need. I'll go there first this year and then what I can't find there I'll order from Rainbow resource. I know that they are the lowest price on the things I want.

[mcconnellboys]

I agree. I don't buy used online either. I shop discount bookstores, like Half Price Books. I also shop our library book sales and homeschool sales every spring/summer. Goodwill and places like that also have books sometimes; and we've found some things in yard sales, too.

Regena

[Julie in MN]

I enjoy buying used so I can "try" lots of different things. I feel like I've tried everything out there over the past 5 yeras.

But when I find something I like & "use it fully," then I feel a personal obligation to purchase something new from that publisher. I know of too many homeschool publishers who can't seem to finish their curriculum because of the used market. We really are a limited market & most materials are reasonably priced, so there is no comparison to major public school or private school publishers.

Also, I talked with the gal at Heart of Wisdom once and she said that she only sells thru Amazon for advertising. She said they gave her only about $1 profit after she took their forced discount, paid shipping, etc. She was willing to give me somewhat of a discount when I bought from her, to compensate for the hugely discounted price I could have gotten at Amazon.

Just my perspective,
Julie

[Diane]

I buy my main curriculum new (usually RockSolidinc. beats other's prices) but I buy supplemental things used.

[Jenny in Florida]

First of all, I will say I use very little packaged curriculum. The core of our homeschool is the history and literature combo, and for that we use mostly "real books." I rarely buy used (just because we don't have a really good used bookstore in our area), but I do buy the majority of those books at deep discounts. I keep lists in my purse of both specific titles and general themes I plan to cover for the next couple of years. That way, as I browse used and bargain bookstores and the close-out tables at Barnes & Noble, I can collect things slowly. By the time the new academic year rolls around, I usually have 75% of what I need sitting on the shelf, all of which I purchased at least 50-75% off.

I have flirted with hitting the used curriculum sales at local homeschool organizations, but I found it to be too much time and effort for way too little return. So, when I do want to purchase a text or curriculum, I just look at various suppliers to find the best price. Much of the time, I find it works out about as well to order from a mainstream retailer like Barnes & Noble and use my educator's discount or membership, along with any special coupons or deals I may have at that store.

--Jenny

[Lizzie in Ma]

I almost never buy new. With a small to none budget Amazon's used section is my best friend. I also go to our state used curriculum sale every July which is better than Christmas and CBD's warehouse sales. I also buy on http://www.homeschoolclassifieds.com

[kalanamak]

I hunt and peck for a little. For an inexpensive item, I'll look online once, including Amazon's 4 for 3 offers. Then I get new. My time is valuable, but the internet is so handy, a once over (or twice over for expensive items) has been worth it, to me.
I'm really enjoying The ABCs and All Their Tricks, but I'm glad I got it off ebay for 99cents plus a very reasonable shipping, with a couple of extras, but I didn't find it for 6 months (had an alert going on for me).
My local teacher's store has a small HS section and if it the same price, I get things through them, just to encourage them.

[Closeacademy]

On a budget here and so I buy used and spend a lot of time searching for what we need and want at a good price. If I just bought from the publisher/Rainbow Resource we wouldn't be able to have near as much enrichment items.

What has really helped me is deciding to use curriculums/guide books that I can use for many years.

SWR is a K to 13th level

Composition in the Classical Tradition is a great book on writing that I interlibrary loaned and was able to write my own writing curriculum for my girls.

Copywork is free--just costs us paper or the downloads for new pretty papers to use.

My biggest expenses come from:

Singapore Math (at least I can pass the texts down)
Singapore Science (it is inexpensive and again I can pass the text down)
Latin (Minimus wasn't too bad but not looking forward to the typical $100 a year price tag of most programs)

We do like living books and try to rely on the library but sometimes you just have to buy the book and I always try to find it local or used online before buying new.

[MelissaMinNC]

Tapestry of Grace itself I will probably buy from the publisher, everything else will be picked up whereever I can get the best deal. Books to use with TOG will be used or from the library.

:)
Melissa

[Narrow Gate Academy]

because we operate on a tight budget. I make as much of my list in advance as possible. There are usually 1 or 2 things that I want to wait to actually look at during the convention before purchasing. On my list I include the best new price that I could find (often RR). Then I determine what the most I would pay for a used book. At a certain price it just makes more sense to me to go ahead and buy new since most likely all of our kids will be using it.

[Beth in TN]

When I first began homeschooling I purchased most of our curricula new, but over the past year or two found that it was cheaper (due to time and quality of materials) to buy new. I try to keep a running list of what I need/want so that when I happen to be at a used bookstore, my local homeschool store, used curriculum fair, or on the swap boards I can purchase things I don't need immediately but can get for a good price.

[SandraDumas]

nt

[Tap, tap, tap]

I have been burned by buying used curriculum online, so I don't do that much anymore. It was an Ebay auction and she blatantly lied about the condition of the books. She had a fantastic score before I ordered so I was pretty shocked at what I received. There have been a few other iffy times and I just don't want to waste my time anymore.


We are fortunate enough to have a homeschool store about 30 minutes from our house that also sells used items. I will buy used there, only because I can see it first. I won't buy used unless it will save me more than 25% (or at least $5on a small item) though. And even then, it has to be in like new condition. I am way too picky! I resell my items and if I buy used and then use it myself, it definitely affects the condition of the book. I end up selling it for less money and that is why I have a limit on how much I have to save to justify buying used.


We use some expensive curriculum that requires a lot of literature. So, I buy the books for that online new and use a pricing search engine like Campusi.com or addall.com. They save me a lot on of money on literature. I am careful to never pay shipping. I can usually save 30-40% on most books and then I resell for 50%. The few dollars I loose is worth not having to worry about the library or the condition when I get it used.

[one l michele]

With three close in age, the ones that are keepers we get our money's worth from. I also look at non consumable products like SWR and things I can use for multiple levels like MWS. I hestitate buying the Sonlight books, but am glad I did, most of the ones we've read together, one or the other ds has asked to read again himself.

[Jennefer@SSA]

I make an excel spreadsheet of every single item I want to buy - major curriculum purchases to math manipulatives to supplemental readers....

Then I start the search. I start by checking every online retailer - B&N, Borders, Rainbow and on and on. Then I also check the local stores, Half-Price Books, swap boards and the hunt goes on until I get every thing I want. I saved 100's of dollars last year doing it this way. I found tons of stuff on clearance at Barnes and Noble.com, even more at Half-Price Books and several sales at local stores too!

Now I need to go back and read all the other posts to see what you all do!
Jennefer

[Sweetpeach]

You have a fabulous blog -- I'm going there right now to read and hang-out!

Cheers,
T

[mom2abcd]

We can't afford what I want new. (We can't afford all I want used either;o) I plan ahead and have saved searches at ebay for ages before I find something for the right price. Amazon.com's used marketplace and paperbackswap have yielded treasures. Homeschoolclassifieds.com is great.

I use search sites like fetchbook.info, campusi.com, bestbookbuys.com, etc. to look for low prices.

Cbd.com has excellent prices, too, though they sell new things.

I enjoy finding good deals. If I haven't found what I want at a great price, though, I will buy new if time has run out.

[Shari]

My dc are still at an age where many of their "school books" are consumable, and therefore must be purchased new.

Dh told me years ago -- when I would spend hours on the 'net trying to save $5 -- to consider my time (and stress) as money. Is it really worth saving $20 to neglect schooling (gulp), chores, and the kids (guilt trip!) to search and search and email and wait and search some more for a used vs new TM or program? In most cases, no.

I keep my eyes open through the year for what I know I will need. The fall season from Oct - Dec is the best time I've discovered for finding used materials cheap. After that, I may spend a month casually looking for used curriculum; but when the tax return comes in, I buy everything we need. Period. No more shopping, no more stress. Works here :)

[momo4]

Hunt and peck until I know for sure I have to buy it new. I think my hunter/gatherer sense is really strong! :) If I had more money than time, I would probably do this less.

[Mom2GirlsTX]

if it is at the local homeschool store. I have bought used several times on EBAY and gotten burned a couple of times. The only time I have been burned on EBAY is for homeschool things and I buy on ebay alot.

I once tried to buy here on the boards and wow, I ran into a doozy of a liar. ( I finally ran a google search of her name and found thread after thread on other boards where she had taken peoples money and never sent item) .Thankfully paypal resolved that one for me and I got my money back.

So basically I buy new, I love homeschool conventions where I don't have to pay for shipping.

[BizyPenguin]

I do a little of each. I do feel, however, that it's important to buy new at least once in a while to support the homeschool businesses who put out those wonderful catalogs that I find so very helpful. When I do buy new I like to shop from companies with reasonable or free shipping.

[tinkgumby]

I think I like the thrill of the hunt! (: I wish, though, that I would have taken someone up a couple of weeks ago on the offer of a SL Core 1 they had for $150. I didn't think I could come up with it in a lump sum, but I have now spent MORE than that trying to get it in bits and pieces - and I'm not done yet! It's all a learning experience, I guess. ;)

[H0MEFree]

Budget constraints do not allow this BOOK FREAK to buy new.
Sometimes I buy new if it is a better deal to buy new (like from Overstock.com).

[Lynn in WI]

Well, I just placed a $235 order with Rainbow Resource. Does that answer your question? :)

I try to buy used but eventually I have to pull the trigger if a used option doesn't present itself. That's what happened this week. I ran out of time and placed the order so I can have the books and start planning for next year.

It also happened that the books I need were just updated. I'm not interested in trying to resell old editions so, in this case, needed to purchase new.

[JFS in IL]

I try and just have one big order from Rainbow Resources (free shipping then - esp. if I merge an order with Rebecca C.) . The few things I can not get from them, I usually have to buy from the publisher.

[6packofun]

Typically, I purchase new...after I've hunted and pecked for the best price and looked for coupons or deals. LOL I just cannot work with the whole used book thing. Too much of a snob and I got burnt a couple times! :blink:

Plus, I really do like to support the authors and publishers if I can. Just not necessarily by paying full price. lol

[Danestress]

I tend to be someone who "makes due" with things because I hate shopping. I hate making decisions. I am not someone who will easily drop curricula. I tend to keep trying to make things work, because I like to economize, and I hate thinking about, researching, and shopping for things.

So once I decide what to buy, I just buy it. I like the get the best price, but I am not someone who will drive around looking. I tend to just fire the gun, get what I need, and move forward.

In a way, I think it comes out as a "wash." I buy less because I tend to put myself less "in the market." But when I buy, I probably spend more than some of you who are willing to really research. When I wanted a digital camera, I asked my sister - who is someone who will research things to death. She sent me three suggestions - the cameras she thought would meet my needs and were good values. I asked her which she would buy if she were me. She told me, and I just purchased it. And I am happy with the purchase - probably because I don't really know what the other options were. But I also saved myself hours and hours of shopping - a hateful job.

[Kari C in SC]

This is my 9th year of homeschooling. I used to always buy used as much as I could. Especially math programs. More and more I am finding that it does not pay to buy used. The cost when you add in shipping doesn't seem to be that great of a deal anymore. It could be that I am using more newer curriculum and just not finding it on the used market. I don't know. I know a few times I have seen an Apologia Zoology or Botony book for $25 shipped. If I order it from Rainbow Resource or pick it up at the convention, I am about the same cost for a new book. I figure if it isn't that much savings, I should support the vendors to keep them coming to the conventions.