Textbooks.com’s earns a 2.0-star rating from 41 reviews, showing that the majority of students and educators are somewhat dissatisfied with purchases.
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Shipping
I ordered from Textbooks.com because they were cheap.. BIG MISTAKE! Trust me take your money somewhere else and don't even give them a chance. I spent $115 dollars on one book and got free shipping on it thinking I was getting a good deal, but it was nothing but headaches! They're shipping provider - DHL for free shipping doesn't include shipping information so you have no idea where your book is or has been until it actually gets there. And when I went to find out where my book was, I found out that they shipped it to the wrong address.. When I called textbooks.com to tell them about the missing tracking information their representative told me not to use their free shipping because it was more headaches than it is worth, and then told me to tell my friends the same thing. You know it's bad when the company representatives tell you not to use their own promotions! Because I didn't know when my book would get here I had to spend $25 dollars EXTRA to rent the chapters in the book so that I wouldn't fail my quizzes in my class. So you think 115+25 is a 140. I could have bought the book basically full price on Amazon.com and gotten it in two days with my Prime membership. Textbooks.com is nothing but a joke, and the whole time I was on the phone with them all I heard was nothing but excuses. Don't buy from them!
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
shady sellers and no customer service support
I wish I had read the reviews for textbooks.com ahead of time because I would have known to avoid them. Unfortunately, I ordered through one of their independent marketplace sellers called AmazingbooksM and got totally screwed. Never received any order confirmation and 1 week later, my order is still "in progress." There was no contact info provided by textbooks.com either. When I called the customer service line, I first got hung up on after an automatic message was played. Then I got hung up on a second time when I waited to speak to a service agent. I managed to reach someone on my third try and she give me the email of this shady seller which happened to be a personal yahoo email address from the UK. They wouldn't cancel my order and the email address I used was never replied to. I am livid and extremely behind on my reading. Will NEVER order from them again.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Avoid This One - There Are Better Book Sellers Out There
The prices look good . . .but, if you actually need a book for a class who knows when - OR IF - you'll actually get your order! Unreliable, poor service. When I placed my order the site promoted "Have your books in time for class!" And they posted a specific date, based on my order date. The price (including shipping costs) and how fast I get books are all important factors when making a purchase. The promise date came and went. I've been in touch with the company - instead of honoring their "promise date" they used the fall-back 5-10 business days (which passed)-still no book. Eating up more than the cost of the book driving to the library to keep up in class! They use DHL for shipping (not a BBB member, but rated "F" by the BBB) DHL held on to my order for days AND then passed it off to USPS - The company is wholly responsible for using a reliable, shipper - why not use USPS in the first place?
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Theft
I purchased a brand new textbook package for $225 from them for an 8 WEEK course. When I shipped the package back for buyback they informed me that they only received the study guide. They said the warehouse did no put a note in the computer that it was received opened/damaged yet they were missing the expensive textbook (with an enclosed CD). They informed me they would search the warehouse for it and contact me the next day. Two days later they called and still could not find it, but to call back in a week and they would search again. I contacted UPS and they said they would need to inspect the original shipping materials. I called textbooks.com back to notify them; they do not keep the shipping materials (even if you do not receive everything that is supposed to be in the package?). They also told me UPS does not require them to keep the packaging materials. Somebody got practically a new textbook or MY money for the buyback when they turn around and sell it to them themselves. I told them I have the code from the inside of the text to ID it as mine (though I am sure the employee will just rip that page out from what I have read from other complaints about them). DO NOT do business with this company!
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Refund/ Exchange Policy
Order #[protected]
I brought an access code from them to use in my online math class for 44.00 dollars. I called two times to make sure that if the code didnt work that i would be able to get my money back. When i recieved the code it was wrapped in plastic and the only way to see it was to unwrap it from the plastic. Guess what? The code didn't work and they told me that it was my fault because i ordered the wrong code. I didnt order the wrong code according to their website this was the code for the isbn number that i entered. I had to call several times before speaking to a supervisor and i finally got a hold of one named eric. He didnt seem very apologetic and simply told me that theres nothing he could do because i opened the package and they dont accept returns unless the item is in new condition. How can i know if the code worked if i didnt open the package? I was set up by them to fail in this situation. There should be a way for them to check to make sure i havent used the code yet, they think that i have used the code already and trying to scam them (Thats what a representative named brandi told me). I cursed out eric and i've contacted the better business bureau. Ive also contacted the department of consumer affairs. I will not be taken advantage of by these people. I will tell everyone i know to never order from this place. Im digusted with the service i recieved. They over promise the customer and under deliver. No one should ever give this company their money. I think everyone should boycott this company. I feel so offended, these people are low down dirty dogs. And eric is a poor excuse for a manager.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Their customer service is nonexistant
I purchased some used college textbooks from textooks.com. They were shipped through their "Marketplace" branch of the textbooks.com site which means that they are actually being shipped through an outside/private book dealer. Everything was OK until I saw the charge on my bank account (which was overdrawn!), there was one for the amount going through and another of equal money as a hold! So until the hold drops off it will continue to "use" or "hold" that dollar amount. The books have been shipped already and the "actual" charge has gone through my account and been processed. The hold is still out there and they (textbooks.com CSR) tells me it could be up to 14 days before the hold drops off. They (textbooks.com) gave me an email to contact the people at customer service for the "Marketplace" portion of their business BUT no phone number because "they just cannot do that"? It took 24 hours for the people at Marketplace to contact me back just to say the hold would drop off "eventually". So textbooks.com could not do anything (their site does not have a disclaimer about the double charge nor does the checkout area refer to anything to prepare the purchaser for this just in case), the Marketplace people could not do anything and BOA (Bank of America) where I have my account said to contact the people I made the purchase from to have them take care of it! WTF people! So, my account was in overdraw status and no one could/would help. I will never purchase anything through textbooks.com again (use half.com as I have never had issues with them on charges or anything else) and their customer service is nonexistant!
Buyer Beware. Textbooks.com is just a subsidiary of MBS Textbook Exchange, Inc. located in Columbia, MO. I am a former employee and can attest to the fact the "grading" guidelines are not consistent. One drop of water and they will deem it as water damaged. MBS is a textbook wholesaler and it is their goal to receive as many books as possible at the lowest cost possible to sell at huge mark ups to college and university bookstores. They also had an issue a couple years back where a customer service rep. made off with credit card numbers and purchased nearly $10, 000 worth of "stuff."
Did not receive order
I sold a couple of used books and put the money on account. Then, I ordered some books but they never came. Textbooks.com did nothing to recover my money which they had control of. This company sucks! I would never use them because their customer service does not exist. Forty bucks is not much. But, I work hard for my doe and do not appreciate it being ripped from my hands. Textbooks.com was a real bad experience. Stay away, stay far away!
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
So, with one bad experience you have blacklisted the most popular site for college students? Wow, that is pretty extreme. How come you did not contact your financial institution when the third party processor did not meet your expectations? I think this is your fault for not taking action.
Online scam
I ordered a college textbook from Textbooks.com back in September (for fall quarter). I got a used book, trying to save money. The reason I bought from them is they guarantee buying back your book at half the price of what you bought it for. What a great deal, right?
Well, I got my book. It was used and served its purpose. The book did have a little bit of water damage; but since Textbooks.com sent it to me, I figured they’re aware of it and it’s fine (the book is completely readable and that is what books are for: reading).
OK, so at the end of the quarter, I am sending the book back to them (they even send reminder e-mails telling you “they owe you money for the book” etc. I think that was a good feature. Anyways, I followed all of their instructions and a few days later, I get an e-mail saying that the book I sent them is damaged and cannot be bought. I was given an option to either pay them $12.50 in shipping to get the book back, or they simply throw it away.
Ok, so I e-mailed them back (this was on December 22, 2008) explaining that the book is in exactly the same condition as I received it from them. The representative responded, saying that I should have called them in September if the book was damaged and since I didn’t, it’s too late.
Well, here is the problem. I am buying a USED BOOK. Used books aren’t new. A little water damage, in my opinion, does not pose a problem in being able to use the book. Since Textbooks.com state that they inspect every used book by hand (as mentioned on their website), why would I be the one doubting them? They never mentioned that if a used book they sell me is water damaged, I should return it. Plus, they guarantee buying the book back, so of course, I wasn’t concerned or even had a reason to be concerned!
I am upset. I tried to resolve this issue directly with them via e-mail and I am being very reasonable. Textbooks.com should follow their claims and buy this book back. It is in exactly the same condition as they sold it to me. I am going to contact the Better Business Bureau, as I don’t think it is fair at all. I don’t recommend this company to anyone, as they obviously don’t hold themselves responsible for the condition of the books they sell (seeing that they weren’t aware of the condition of the book they sold me). Buyers: there are many other used textbook websites that don’t offer empty promises.
I bought this book for $74.50 from Textbooks.com. Now, they are going to throw it away.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I have been noticing charges from IC FreeShipping on my bank statements What does this mean, please cancel and refund all necessary funds ASAP.
Textbooks.com does not have a functional customer service department. I tried to let them know that I did not get my order. Their response was some wise cracks from some their employees. When I questioned their answers and lack of help, they just ignored me. DO NOT use textbooks.com
Exactly the same problem for me for exact same shipping $12.50 and exactly the same as upwards of 10+ other victims/complaints I've read on multiple sites. On bbb.org for example, one particular victim, who had the same issue with these scam artists, got a response from textbooks.com stating that the book was then shipped back free of charge. In my case I personally emailed them calling bs and included words "you will send my book back free of charge" and a follow up email after reading complaints in which I informed them that if I don't receive the book free of charge I'll post a complaint on bbb.org and on muttiple sites.
This site, which seems partially-legit has over 50 1-star ratings with complaints on one particular rating site, on multiple issues.
I have similar problem with them. I sent back my book as a buy back program. I put it in the UPS shipping box and they claim that my book was damaged beyond repair. Also, they ask $12.50 to ship it back to me or my book will discard. UPS card board box is a very sturdy and is use for international shipping purpose. I don't believe my book damaged that bad. Something is wrong here. I am waiting for them to send me the picture. Will see...
Buyback policy
Textbooks.Com buyback policy is misleading, unclear, and a ripoff.
I sent a textbook back for the guaranteed buyback price.
The quote creation date was 12/22/08 guaranteeing a certain amount. They list the book and an expiry date. Then under policy reminders on the same page, they say that "Books must be received in 30 days for full value", indicating that as long as they receive the books within 30 days that you will receive the full value of the quoted price.
I brought the book to UPS to be sent back, and my tracking doesn't show it was picked up from the location I dropped it off at, but from another city and gives a date further out than when I dropped it at my local UPS. Then, from there, it took a few days to get back to Textbooks.Com. Neither UPS or Textbooks.Com know the date it was dropped off in my town at the local UPS store, (I called my local UPS store to ask if they had a record and they don't), but Textbooks.com is going by the date it was brought to another location and then the date they had it in their warehouse.
When I called Textbooks.Com, the person who answered told me that HE knew the policy and remembered what the website said (of course he would, he works there). He said that it is on the website when you order the books and since he remembers that, everyone else should 6 months after ordering a book...He argued that expiry means it expires and I should have figured out myself that "Books must be received in 30 days for full value" applies only to books that aren't guaranteed buyback even though there is nothing indicating that on the quote creation page or anything else. What else do you go by but the quote creation page with the buyback packing list on it?
Their buyback and quote policy is extremely unclear, and they do not work with the customer at all. It is simply the customer's fault & problem that their policies are misleading and confusing, and they don't give an inch. The guy didn't care that I told them we would no longer do business with them unless they honored their quote because of the misleading wording which would make (I'm sure too many) customers miss the deadline to get full buyback. I consider this fraud - like bait and switch. The entire reason we didn't return the book to my daughter's school was because Textbooks.Com offered more cash back than the school. We ended up losing more than the school would have given us by trusting Textbooks.Com.
By the way, if you go by what the representative said instead of the 30 days policy, it means they gave me 7 days (including weekends, Christmas and New Years holidays) to get the book back INTO their warehouse...They try to make it as difficult as possible and a near impossibility for the customer to get it to them on time, especially since 2 holidays were in there, as well as weekends.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Ok, this is so not true. It says directly on the website "Books purchased between June 1 and November 30 must be received back at our warehouse by December 31 of the same year. Books purchased between December 1 and May 31 must be received back at our warehouse by the following June 30." this means 30 days from November 30th, NOT from the day you do the quote. You can't give them a bad rating because you can't follow directions or read. If this person dropped them off 12/22, you loose that day because it almost never goes anywhere that day. Also, holidays and weekends DO NOT COUNT IN BUSINESS-SHIPPING OR WAREHOUSING!. If you minus holidays and weekends for this time of year, it would have only had 4 days of transit time. Another thing that so many people don't understand is that UPS has tracking numbers for a reason. As long as it is registered as received somewhere by UPS at any date, you can file a claim with them as you are the shipper. Next time ask for a receipt from UPS. As with any company, a receipt is your proof. It is not anybody else's responsibility if you do not follow procedure or keep your paperwork. EVER. They are not your mommy.
Buyer Beware. Textbooks.com is just a subsidiary of MBS Textbook Exchange, Inc. located in Columbia, MO. I am a former employee and can attest to the fact the "grading" guidelines are not consistent. One drop of water and they will deem it as water damaged. MBS is a textbook wholesaler and it is their goal to receive as many books as possible at the lowest cost possible to sell at huge mark ups to college and university bookstores.
Fraudalent
I discovered textbooks.com in September by searching online. I did have other choices, such as purchasing this book at the school bookstore but finally I decided to purchase this book with textbooks.com for the convenience and for the GUARANTEED BUY BACK!
When I received the book some pages were wavvy and did seem like it had some water damage. Overall the book was in great condition, no handwriting in the book at all. I assumed this was OK because my book was used.
I have now followed all directions in sending my book back only to receive an email 2 weeks later advising me my book had NO VALUE due to water damage. Can you imagine? No value. Not even a decreased amount.
This book was in the same condition as I received it. I always kept the book in plastic and never wrote in this book at all.
I cannot imagine a college kid not wanting this book to work with instead of purchasing a new book for $184.00.
This company uses fraudalent tactics to lure the consumer to purchase from them.
Shame on them!
Fraudulent Practices
I ordered a college textbook from Textbooks.com back in September (for fall quarter). I got a used book, trying to save money. The reason I bought from them is they guarantee buying back your book at the price you bought it from them, plus 10%. What a great deal, right?
Well, I got my book. It was used and served its purpose. The book did have a little bit of water damage; but since Textbooks.com sent it to me, I figured they’re aware of it and it’s fine (the book is completely readable and that is what books are for: reading).
OK, so at the end of the quarter, I am sending the book back to them (they even send reminder e-mails telling you “they owe you money for the book” etc. I think that was a good feature. Anyways, I followed all of their instructions and a few days later, I get an e-mail saying that the book I sent them is damaged and cannot be bought. I was given an option to either pay them $12.50 in shipping to get the book back, or they simply throw it away.
Ok, so I e-mailed them back (this was on December 22, 2008) explaining that the book is in exactly the same condition as I received it from them. The representative responded, saying that I should have called them in September if the book was damaged and since I didn’t, it’s too late.
Well, here is the problem. I am buying a USED BOOK. Used books aren’t new. A little water damage, in my opinion, does not pose a problem in being able to use the book. Since Textbooks.com state that they inspect every used book by hand (as mentioned on their website), why would I be the one doubting them? They never mentioned that if a used book they sell me is water damaged, I should return it. Plus, they guarantee buying the book back, so of course, I wasn’t concerned or even had a reason to be concerned!
I am upset. I tried to resolve this issue directly with them via e-mail and I am being very reasonable. Textbooks.com should follow their claims and buy this book back. It is in exactly the same condition as they sold it to me. I am going to contact the Better Business Bureau, as I don’t think it is fair at all. I don’t recommend this company to anyone, as they obviously don’t hold themselves responsible for the condition of the books they sell (seeing that they weren’t aware of the condition of the book they sold me). Buyers: there are many other used textbook websites that don’t offer empty promises.
I purchased my Anthropology book for $74.50 from Textbooks.com. Now, they’re throwing my book away.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I'm having this exact same problem, how are they still in business!
I agree - buyer beware. I purchased several textbooks from their "marketplace". A day or two later, I received a confirmation message from both sellers that they had received the order and the book would be shipping shortly. A WEEK later, one was canceled (they couldn't locate the book they listed for sale), and I can't get any word from the other seller letting me know if they too are going to cancel the order, or whether or not the book was shipped. I know this isn't textbooks.com fault directly, but they are the one charging my credit card so they should hold these marketplace sellers to a higher accountability than they currently are. If you don't have the book for sale, DON'T LIST IT.
Buyer Beware. Textbooks.com is just a subsidiary of MBS Textbook Exchange, Inc. located in Columbia, MO. I am a former employee and can attest to the fact the "grading" guidelines are not consistent. One drop of water and they will deem it as water damaged. MBS is a textbook wholesaler and it is their goal to receive as many books as possible at the lowest cost possible to sell at huge mark ups to college and university bookstores.
Do they really throw them away or just resell...again! I have the same experience, bought a new book, returned it in exactly the same condition. They kept bugging me about buying it back. So, I sent the book back, they sent confirmation that they received it and payment was on the way. Low and behold, I received a subsequent email stating there was "water damage" and therefore, did not qualify for the buy back and told me they would discard the book, unless I wanted to pay for postage to have it sent back. They also said they could not guarantee they would send me back the same book...what? At any rate, it's been months since I gave them my credit card information to pay for the "ship back". Today, months later, still no book...I contacted them only to be told that they had no record of the transaction! These people are unbelievable and I will do everything in my power to spread word of their poor business practices...and I know alot of people!
Hello: I am a customer service agent from Textbooks.com and I am responding to the above complaint.
We do hand inspect every book we sell, however, we do not know what happens to the book during transit to the student nor do we know how the book is treated in the 6 months that it is in the students possession. That's why we have a 30 day, "no questions asked" policy, if the student believes the book is "too used" or has any sort of damages, we will provide a replacement copy.
On our site, we list "What's a used book" and we do state that water damage is a condition that is unacceptable for resell.
We do anything possible to keep the costs of textbooks down - buying damaged books would certainly play against that.
Buying online has many advantages, buying from us or anyone else, please inspect your books upon arrive (make sure that they are not international editions if you are buying from other online vendors) so that there are no surpises once buyback comes around.
Butterfly12 - please give me a call to discuss this further - [protected]
Best,
John
Customer Service
Textbooks.com Reviews 0
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About Textbooks.com
One of the key features of Textbooks.com is its user-friendly interface, which allows students to search for textbooks by title, author, ISBN, or keyword. The website also offers a variety of search filters, such as subject, format, and condition, to help students find the exact textbook they need.
In addition to its extensive selection of textbooks, Textbooks.com also offers a buyback program, allowing students to sell their used textbooks back to the company for cash. This program is a great way for students to recoup some of the cost of their textbooks at the end of the semester.
Another benefit of using Textbooks.com is its fast and reliable shipping. The company offers free shipping on orders over $25, and most orders are shipped within 24 hours of being placed. This means that students can get their textbooks quickly and efficiently, without having to wait for weeks for their books to arrive.
Overall, Textbooks.com is a great resource for students looking to save money on textbooks. With its vast selection, user-friendly interface, and fast shipping, it's no wonder that Textbooks.com is a top choice for students across the country.
Yes, Textbooks.com is a legitimate online retailer that specializes in selling textbooks for students.
No, Textbooks.com is not a scam. The company is a legitimate retailer that has been in business since 2002.
Yes, you can trust Textbooks.com. The company has a good reputation and has received positive reviews from customers.
Textbooks.com allows customers to shop for and purchase textbooks online. The company also offers a rental program for some textbooks.
Textbooks.com provides customer support through a toll-free phone number, email, and live chat. The company's customer service is generally considered to be good.
No, there are no hidden fees when purchasing from Textbooks.com. The company is upfront about its pricing and shipping costs.
Textbooks.com guarantees the authenticity of all products sold on its site. The company also provides a return policy for defective or incorrect items.
Like any company, Textbooks.com has received some complaints from customers. However, the company has a good track record and has resolved most complaints satisfactorily.
Textbooks.com is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with any other companies.
You can determine if Textbooks.com is the right retailer for you by researching the company, reading customer reviews, and comparing its prices and selection to those of other textbook retailers.
Yes, Textbooks.com offers competitive prices on textbooks by sourcing its inventory from multiple suppliers.
Textbooks.com offers various shipping options, including standard shipping and expedited shipping. Customers should review the company's shipping policies carefully before placing an order.
Yes, Textbooks.com offers international shipping to many countries. Customers should review the company's international shipping policies carefully before placing an order.
Textbooks.com has a return policy that allows customers to return textbooks within a certain timeframe for a refund or exchange.
Textbooks.com offers occasional discounts and promotions to its customers. Customers should check the company's website or sign up for its email newsletter to stay informed about these offers.
Yes, Textbooks.com has a loyalty program called TEx Rewards. Members of the program can earn points for purchases and other activities, which can be redeemed for rewards.
Yes, Textbooks.com provides order tracking information for customers to track their shipments.
No, Textbooks.com also sells used textbooks, and the company's rental program offers additional savings for students.
Textbooks.com provides customer support through a toll-free phone number, email, and live chat.
No, Textbooks.com does not have physical retail stores. The company operates entirely online.
Overview of Textbooks.com complaint handling
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Textbooks.com Contacts
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Textbooks.com phone numbers+1 (877) 292-6442+1 (877) 292-6442Click up if you have successfully reached Textbooks.com by calling +1 (877) 292-6442 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Textbooks.com by calling +1 (877) 292-6442 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Textbooks.com by calling +1 (877) 292-6442 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Textbooks.com by calling +1 (877) 292-6442 phone number+1 (573) 673-7319+1 (573) 673-7319Click up if you have successfully reached Textbooks.com by calling +1 (573) 673-7319 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Textbooks.com by calling +1 (573) 673-7319 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Textbooks.com by calling +1 (573) 673-7319 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Textbooks.com by calling +1 (573) 673-7319 phone number
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Textbooks.com emailshelp@textbooks.com100%Confidence score: 100%Supportaffiliates@textbooks.com99%Confidence score: 99%
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Textbooks.com address2711 West Ash Street, Columbia, Missouri, 65203, United States
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Textbooks.com social media
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Checked and verified by Maria This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn moreJun 13, 2024
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