How to Save Money on Books, CDs, & DVDs June 5, 2008

I’m an avid reader – I’ll read almost anything recommended to me and find that I don’t easily “give up” on books, even if they’re terrible 99% of the way through.  Coupled with my desire to not let “stuff” pile up around the house, this means I acquire, then want to get rid of, a lot of books.  Everyone is familiar with the online giants (Amazon, Half, etc.), that allow you to sell your new or used wares at a price determined by the marketplace, and these work okay for trading in your old stuff for things that interest you.

In my quest for the most cost-efficient way to offload my unwanted items while receiving something in return, however, I’ve found a new website that yields slightly better results called Swaptree.  Create an account, list the books, CDs, DVDs, or games you’re willing to trade along with a brief description of the condition of the item, then search for some items you’re willing to trade for and voila!  Swaptree magically finds people across the country willing to trade with you.  You pay for shipping the item (use Swaptree’s postage function which will set you back a little more than the going rate plus a $1/month fee, or DIY super cheap if you use Media or First Class mail), and nothing else – that’s right, no point system, no other fees, nada.  You don’t even need a credit card to participate (assuming you’re going to use your own postage).   I’m in love.

Some tips to get you started:

• When you first sign up, you’re limited to 5 concurrent trades.  After you’ve successfully completed trades (i.e., received positive feedback from your trade partners), your limit will increase
• Ensure you are absolutely willing to trade anything on your “Have” list for any single item on your “Want” list.  Move “hot items” (recent CDs, books, DVDs, etc.) to your “Have but Not Trading” list if you’re really not ready to part with it just yet.
• Be careful about turning down swap requests – swaptree is serious about discouraging this behavior and will eventually kick you out.
• Use this link to ship your items via Paypal, which also includes a tracking number.  Remember that it’s actually cheaper to send most CDs via First Class mail instead of Media Mail.

Outside of people who collect 1st editions (I can respect that) or want a book the week it comes out, does ANYONE pay full price for books any more?  Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves while I finish this chapter of my new David Sedaris book.