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Where to Buy Used Homeschool Curriculum

Best Places to Save Money on Homeschooling Books and Resources

Jul 7, 2009 Linda Hayase

Frugal families searching for used homeschool curriculum, books and supplies can find many bargains online and locally.

Homeschoolers, like many in the current economic climate, are searching for ways to trim costs. One area that’s often targeted is the curriculum shopping list, which can add up quickly, particularly for families with multiple children.

With a little time invested in planning and sleuthing, parents can locate the resources they need for the school year without breaking the bank. Here are the best places to find used homeschool curriculum, books, and supplies.

Shop Where Homeschoolers Gather

One of the more fruitful places to hunt for inexpensive books is the used curriculum area at a large homeschool convention, where attendees sell the books they no longer need. Friendly competition often keeps prices low, inventory is plentiful, and out-of-print gems are sometimes up for grabs.

Local homeschool support groups also host used curriculum sales run by their members. While the inventory may not be as large compared to a convention book sale, support group sales offer the added bonus of friendly networking with other homeschooling families.

Check With Homeschool Curriculum Publishers

Publishers occasionally offer scratch-and-dent sales of their books with minor defects, such as a stain on the cover or bent pages. The books cannot be sold at full price, but rather than let the books sit unsold in a warehouse, publishers will slash prices to move them out of inventory.

Some curriculum publishers like Sonlight and Tapestry of Grace also host areas on their websites where people can list their used homeschool books for sale. Be sure to check their guidelines for buying and selling before placing transactions.

Shop Online for Homeschooling Bargains

Homeschool Classifieds is a popular online venue for finding good buys on curriculum. The search feature makes it simple to locate specific titles, including information such as author, edition, condition, and price. Buyers can also post free “wanted” ads to list needed books.

Other active websites where homeschoolers shop for used curriculum include the Well-Trained Mind Sale and Swap board and the Vegsource Homeschool Talk and Swap board.

Other Online Resources for Used Curriculum

If the desired books remain elusive, don’t discount Internet giants such as Amazon Marketplace, Half.com, and eBay, where closeouts and discounts on used books and supplies are numerous. Homeschoolers may also find giveaways listed on Craigslist and Freecycle.

Before spending a wad of cash on homeschool books and resources, investigate local and online used curriculum sites first. It’s easier on the wallet, and saving money on books will leave room in the budget for other important expenses, such as the month’s supply of ice cream.

Related Article:

How to Buy Used Homeschool Curriculum

Trade Used Homeschool Curriculum and Books

The copyright of the article Where to Buy Used Homeschool Curriculum in Homeschooling is owned by Linda Hayase. Permission to republish Where to Buy Used Homeschool Curriculum in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Homeschool Books, Sanja Gjenero Homeschool Books
Save Money on Curriculum, Flickr/stopnlook Save Money on Curriculum
 
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