STUDENT TEXTBOOK BUYBACK PROGRAM
Updated Textbook Buyback Service
To serve you better, the Campus Store has moved to a year-round online buyback program. Students can now get a quote anytime and complete their textbook buyback directly through our trusted partner’s secure online portal.
Please note that we are no longer offering in-store wholesale buyback. This updated process provides faster service, real-time pricing, and the convenience of completing your transaction whenever it works for you.
Thank you for choosing the University of Utah Campus Store. We appreciate your continued support.
TEXTBOOK BUYBACK FAQ
Why is buyback no longer offered in-store?
To better serve students, the Campus Store has transitioned to a year-round online wholesale buyback program. As demand shifted toward national wholesale channels, offering buyback exclusively online ensures faster quotes, real-time pricing, and 24/7 convenience. All transactions are now completed directly through our trusted third-party partner. No middleperson!
What books are eligible?
Eligibility is determined directly by our wholesale buyback partner through the online buyback portal. Most standard physical textbooks with a valid ISBN may qualify. Enter your ISBN on the portal to check.
The following items are generally not eligible:
- Damaged books (missing pages, water damage, broken bindings, excessive markings)
- International editions, instructor/review copies, library copies, loose-leaf editions
- Course packs, class notes, or custom printed materials
- Access codes, components of sets, workbooks, study guides, or solution manuals
- Non-textbook items such as lab goggles or study aids
How do payments work?
Payments are issued directly by our wholesale buyback partner once your books are received and inspected. Available payment methods may include:
- Check by mail
- Direct deposit (if offered)
You will select your preferred payment method during checkout on the buyback portal.
How do I see if my books are eligible for Textbook Buyback?
Eligibility is now determined directly through our online wholesale partner. Most physical textbooks with a valid ISBN may qualify. You can check eligibility instantly by entering your ISBN on the buyback portal.
The following items are typically not eligible:
- Damaged books (tears, stains, water damage, missing pages, broken bindings)
- International editions, instructor/review copies, library copies, loose-leaf editions
- Course packs, class notes, or custom print materials
- Workbooks, study guides, solution manuals, access codes, or items missing required components
- Non-textbook items such as lab goggles or study aids
What price will I get for my books?
All pricing is provided directly by our wholesale buyback partner and reflects real-time national demand. Your quote may depend on:
- Current market demand for the title
- The physical condition of the book
- Whether a newer edition is available
- Whether the ISBN is eligible for resale
To view your exact buyback price, enter your ISBN on the online buyback portal for an instant quote.
What can I do to help keep textbook prices low and get the most cash back?
- Keep your textbooks in good condition—clean, undamaged books receive higher offers.
- Check buyback quotes early, as prices can fluctuate based on national demand.
- Sell books promptly after you're done with them—eligibility and pricing change over time.
- Shop early each semester for the best chance at affordable used or rental options.
- Consider digital or rental formats to reduce overall textbook costs.
How do I ship my books after completing my buyback quote?
After you complete your online buyback quote, our partner MBS will provide you with a prepaid, trackable shipping label. Here’s how the process works:
- Print the prepaid shipping label provided at checkout or emailed to you by MBS.
- Package your books securely in a sturdy box to prevent damage during transit.
- Include all books listed on your buyback quote inside the package.
- Attach the shipping label to the outside of the box.
- Drop off the package at the carrier indicated on your label (usually UPS or USPS).
Once MBS receives and inspects your books, they will issue payment using the method you selected during checkout. Shipping is free when using the provided label.
Where can I go for more information?
For more details about online buyback, shipping, pricing, and payment options, please visit our partner's website below:
MBS Buyback FAQ
Textbook Refund & Return Policies
- Original receipt and University ID are required for all refunds and exchanges. Online refunds are processed by Campus Store staff upon request.
- Refund periods apply only to textbook orders fulfilled after the last day of finals (previous term) and before the posted partial refund deadline.
- Partial Refunds: Books returned after the full refund date but before the partial deadline will incur a 10% return fee per book.
- Backordered items not canceled before the return deadline will be charged when received. To cancel a backorder, please call (801) 585-3234.
- Please purchase your textbooks early. The Campus Store begins returning unsold textbooks to vendors five weeks after classes begin to prepare for the next semester.
- Course materials not picked up within 30 days are considered abandoned. Abandoned items will be returned to inventory for resale, and original charges are non-refundable.
UPCOMING RETURNS DEADLINES
| Semester | Deadline Type | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Full Refund | January 17 | Store Hours |
TEXTBOOK RETURNS & REFUNDS FAQ
What books are elligible to be returned?
School textbooks purchased from the Campus Store are eligible for returns. For other textbooks, view the buyback details to see if they are eligible. The University of Utah reserves the right to determine which items qualify for returns. Books must be in good condition based on our assessment.
The following are not eligible:
- Damaged books, such as books with missing or torn pages or covers, books with stains or water damage, books with broken bindings. Returns must be in pristine condition.
- Digital versions, some loose leaf (binder-ready) editions, and textbook bundles
- Other exclusions are:
- Class notes or course packs
- Components or parts of sets, such as CDs or access codes
- Workbooks, study guides, and solution manuals
- Non-required study aids such as Barcharts, 501 Verb Title, and Dictionaries
- Any supply items, such as lab goggles
Can I return a looseleaf textbook or textbook bundle?
Looseleaf textbooks are returnable if they're in good condition. Textbook bundles are not eligible for returns at this time. Check the wrapping material for notes about non-returnability when purchasing.
What do I need to bring to process my return?
Make sure to bring your textbook, UID, and original receipt. We will not process the return without all three!
Who can I talk to if I have additional questions?
Any member of our textbook department is able to help! You can reach us at 801-581-3518.
What if I miss the refund deadline?
To be eligible for a refund, you must turn in your textbook before the deadline. If you miss both deadlines, and/or if you have additional textbooks from past semesters that you would like to get rid of, you may be able to sell them to the Campus Store through our textbook buyback program.