Welcome to University of Hawai'i Kaua'i Bookstore

808-245-8273 Store Hours / Contact Us
skip to main content

Buyback Info

The prices paid for books are dependent on the nationwide demand for each title so prices may fluctuate daily. Come early for the best prices. For more information about Buyback please refer to our Buyback FAQ below, or give us a call at (808) 974-7348 .

Upcoming Dates

You may sell your books back in-store.

Fall 2023 Buyback
Monday - Thursday
(12/11/23 - 12/14/23)		 8:00am - 2:30pm
Friday
(12/15/23)		 8:00am - 1:00pm

Textbook Buyback FAQ

What is textbook buyback?

  • Textbook buyback is a service provided by the bookstore at the end of the spring and fall semesters. This is an opportunity for students to sell back textbooks that they no longer need or want to keep for future reference.
How often is Buyback held?
  • Buyback is usually held 2 times a year: during finals week at the end of the spring and fall semesters.
What if I miss the Buyback period?
  • If you miss a buyback period, you can try and sell your books at the next period. However, While Used textbooks are always in demand, the title(s) you are selling may not be in use for the next term. We encourage you to sell your books back as soon as you can.
Why do you buy textbooks back from students?
  • The bookstore buys textbooks back from students because:
    • Textbooks are a reusable resource.
    • Buying textbooks back from students helps to defray the cost of books for the next semester by converting unwanted textbooks into cash.
    • Used textbooks are a cheaper alternative to new textbooks.
Do I need to bring my receipt to sell back my books?
  • No, you do not need to bring your receipt to sell back your books. However, you will need your receipt if you wish to return books during the extended return period in the beginning of the current semester.
Do I need to go to the store where I purchased my books?
  • You can sell back your textbooks at any of the stores in the University of Hawai'i Bookstore system. Each store has varying dates and times for Buyback so be sure to check what the dates and times are for the store that is most convenient for you.
Why did my friend get more back for his textbook than I did for the same book?
  • The price paid for books depends on the demand for the book. There are different scenarios that could happen:
    • If the bookstore has received a textbook order from the instructor indicating that the textbook will be used in the upcoming semester, we will pay up to 50% of the current new book price, regardless if you bought it new or used, if we have not yet fulfilled our need for the title.
    • Because we work with a wholesale textbook company, we may be able to buy your textbook back at the wholesale price if we have fulfilled our requirements and there is a nationwide demand for the title. The wholesale company works with other schools and this creates a nationwide demand for certain titles.
    • The wholesale price for the title may be less than 50% of the new book price.
    • Unfortunately, if there is no demand for the title we are not able to buy it back from you. This is usually the case when a new edition of the textbook is published and there is no instructor using the book for the next semester, or the book is a custom publication.
What if the book I bought came packaged with other disks, workbooks, etc.?
  • It is best to try and bring all of the items with you when you sell back your books in order to get the best price. Some of these items may be required by the instructor for the upcoming semester and we are not able to buy back the book without all of the items.

Online Buyback FAQ

How do I create a sellback transaction?

  • To create your transaction, follow these steps:
    1. Search the ISBN(s) for the book(s) you would like to sell. If we are buying the book, you will see a quote for the ISBN(s).
    2. If you don’t already have an account, you must create one. It is imperative that you double check to ensure all payee and mailing information is entered correctly because that is where payment will be sent.
    3. Upon submitting your transaction, print and enclose your packing list in the package. If you do not include the packing list with your books, you may not be credited for the sellback. If you are sending multiple packages, please place a copy of the packing list in each package. Keep copies for yourself.
    4. Print the free shipping label provided and follow the instructions regarding mailing your package. Securely attach the label to the outside of the package. Make sure there is only one mailing label on the package you are using. Drop the package off at the nearest US Post office or blue post office drop box.
Who should I contact with questions? How can I find out the status of my sellback? Will you accept all books or books in any condition?
  • In most cases, as long as the book is in saleable condition and there is a demand for the book you should be able to sell back your book. Even if you marked up and highlighted the book you may be able to sell it back.
  • No, we will not accept:
    • International editions
    • Instructor editions
    • Counterfeit books
  • We will not accept books with any of these conditions:
    • Excessive stains or water damage
    • Mold
    • Missing torn or loose pages or covers
    • Broken spine or damaged binding
    • Books that are over-highlighted or excessively marked in
  • We will accept books with missing supplemental material, though we strongly recommend including these materials.
  • NOTE: Sellers accept full responsibility for shipping damaged or unaccepted books. Please ensure you are shipping the same ISBNs as are listed on your packing list. Textbook(s) identified as damaged or unacceptable upon receipt will yield no reimbursement and will not be returned to the seller.
  • Sellers take full responsibility for shipping incorrect or damaged books. Please ensure you are shipping the same ISBNs as are listed on your packing list. Textbook(s) identified as incorrect or damaged at the point of receipt will yield no reimbursement and will not be returned to the seller.
What is an ISBN number?
  • ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identification number assigned to every book sold anywhere in the world. The ISBN allows a title to be located quickly and accurately, wherever it is sold.
Where do I find a book's ISBN number?
  • An ISBN is usually located on the back of a book, or you can find it in the inside front cover of your book near the copyright date. It does not matter if you use the 10- or 13-digit ISBN.
Can I use a shipping method other than a pre-paid label?
  • No, please use the shipping label provided.
How and when will I be paid?
  • Your package with the provided shipping label can take 7-10 business to arrive in our receiving facility. After your book(s) is checked in, payment will be issued via check in 3-5 business days. You will receive your check within a week after we mail it. Please ensure the payee and address information you entered is correct before submitting your sellback transaction.
  • Canadian customers, please note all prices and payments are in U.S. dollars.
What if I accidentally submit my transaction with duplicate or unwanted book(s) on it?
  • Don't worry! We will only issue payment for the book(s) we receive. If you change your mind about about a book(s) you listed, simply don’t include the book(s) in the package you ship.
What if I want to cancel my sellback transaction?
  • We only issue payment for transactions received, so there is nothing you need to do to cancel your transaction.
Rental Books
  • Do not attempt to sell back a book that you rented from your campus store or any other source. Please contact your campus store or the vendor from whom you rented your book for instructions about how to make your return.