Choose buyback if you want guaranteed cash today; choose consignment if you want the most money and can wait for your book to sell. Here is how each option works and which one pays more.

What is textbook buyback?

Textbook buyback is an instant sale. You enter your ISBN, get a fixed quote, ship the book with a prepaid label, and get paid right away. It is the fastest way to turn textbooks into cash, with zero waiting.

What is textbook consignment?

With consignment, you keep your book while we list it for sale on your behalf. When a buyer purchases it, we email you a prepaid shipping label and pay you. You wait longer, but consignment usually earns more than an instant quote because your book sells closer to its full market price.

Buyback vs. consignment: side by side

Buyback Consignment
How much you earn Good, fixed Usually more
How fast you are paid Right away When it sells
When you ship Now Only after it sells
Effort Minimal Minimal
Best for Fast cash Highest return

Which pays more, buyback or consignment?

Consignment typically pays more because your textbook sells at market price rather than a discounted instant quote. The trade-off is time: you wait for a buyer instead of getting paid today. If a book is in high demand and you are not in a rush, consignment is the better choice.

Which should you choose?

Choose buyback if you need money now, the semester just ended, or the book is a common title. Choose consignment if you can wait a few weeks and want to maximize what you earn. Start a consignment quote → or get an instant buyback quote →.

Frequently asked questions

Is consignment worth it?

If you can wait for your book to sell, consignment is usually worth it, it often earns more than an instant buyback quote, and you keep your book until it sells.

How long does consignment take?

It depends on demand for your title. Popular textbooks sell quickly; niche ones take longer. We only list books we are confident will sell.