Does anyone know of a website where I can buy multiple copies of a used book and pay combined shipping?  I'm trying to get sets of 8 books for my daughter's classroom, and while I have Gold Key and can order through here, the teacher has a list of about 10 titles she wants.  I don't want to have to use 80 credits to get them all here.  I've searched for deals through the Book Bazaar, but with very little response. 

So, now, I'm looking to buy used copies as this will most likely be simpler.  However, most companies charge you .01 for the book and $3.99 for shipping for each book.  I'm looking for a place that may charge more for the books ($1-$2?? these are small children's chapter books) and then charge shipping on the whole lot rather than have books shipped to me one by one.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Try www.abebooks.com.  Each listing for a book has Quantity Available from each book seller.

It's been awhile since I used Half.com. But you could try there.  When I used to order from there I found that many of the sellers did deals with multiple orders and combined shipping. 

I looked at Abe Books.  They are more like what I'm looking for, but the shipping is $2.95 per book.  The books I'm looking at are $1 each (great), but it's 3x that for the shipping.  I don't think paying $20.38 on an $8 order is very reasonable.  Any other suggestions?

thrift books at www.thriftbooks.com offers free shipping in the USA

better world books at www.betterworldbooks.com also offers free shipping.

half.com automatically gives you a discount for multiple books ordered from the same seller.  (Note that this is not multiple books ordered from different sellers!)  Of course, with eight books, this still adds up to a lot for shipping, so contacting the sellers through their own web pages (*not* through half.com) is probably better.

(half.com, amazon.com, and others make it tricky to offer special deals, and really crack down on people who make special deals that bypass their site (e.g., if you email a vendor through the half.com email system and they direct you to their own website, they can get kicked off half.com).)

Try:

www.bookcloseouts.com

They have thousands of books, and combine shipping.

Depends on the titles Shelia, but Dover publishes alot of popular school titles under their Dover Thrift line for approx $1.50 to $2 ea.  I was recently checking a classical lit title for a teacher, there's 17 copies of the Dover Thrift edition available here at PBS for a credit each (so that's about $2.50 ea.)  The same book brand new is $1.80 at Barnes & Noble, and no shipping since I'm a member so those same 17 copies would actually be cheaper in this instance if I purchased them new.

Fullfillment by Amazon could also be your friend.  I found 2 new books and three used that I wanted on Amazon recently.  Because the used books were listed as 'Fullfillment by Amazon' they are exempt from that $3.99 shipping fee the Amazon venders charge.  My combined order was over $25, so I received free shipping.  It's rather time consuming to do it this way, but can work.

Denise, the Dover Thrift editions would be wonderful (definitely the right price!), but they are mostly adult books or more like stuff you'd read in high school.  The books I'm looking for are for a 5th grade classroom.  There's a link in my signature line of the titles I'm looking for.  So far, I've spent 15 credits here ordering copies--I've gotten every hardcover of all the titles unless one has been posted since I last searched.

So far, the lowest price I've found is $4 per book NEW on certain titles (not all of them) through Scholastic.com, and they have free shipping.  That's basically the same as Abe Books in the long run.  UGH, this is so frustrating!

I would also say to not be afraid to e-mail the individual sellers.  These companies are in it to sell to you, let them know what your criterion are and see if they can match it.

Just my opinion, but finding books for less than $4 average per book shipped to you is probably going to be difficult, less than that and its not really worth the resellers time to sell the book. Buying 80 credits in the Bazaar  @ 2.50 and ordering from PBS is probably the cheapest you will get them. 

It's a long shot, but you could try calling a bookstore direct and asking if they have a discount for ordering classroom multiples.  Some of those titles don't appear to be available new at Amazon (or at least not in the binding you linked).

Yuppers, acquiring classroom books can be frustrating and time consuming.  But so rewarding, helping children enjoy reading!! 

I'm still searching for a couple more copies of a short stories book for the classroom.  Although it's OOP, apparently a couple schools still list it on their School Supply List and require students purchase a copy...can't imagine what the parents think of that.   All the reasonably priced copies in reasonable condition have been snatched up from online sources.  I've called all the HPB's in our region and recently bribed a PBS friend to search her local HPB (she lives half-way across the country from me).

Sheila and Denise,

What books are you looking for?  Having taught for 26 years (and been a book-loving mom for almost as long), I have a massive "library" here at school.  Since I started a non-teaching position this year, I am willing to part with some books if they are what you need, credit-free.  Obviously I wouldn't have 8 copies, but that would be less copies you would have to worry about!

Yeah, Denise, you've been helpful to me!  What's the book you're looking for, and I'll certainly try to help you as well!

I'm looking for a couple copies of 21 Great Stories, edited by Abraham H. Lass and Norma L. Tasman.  Our edition is tan with a navy spine & printing.  There's an earlier edition with white cover and black and/or red printing.  The books are the same inside, and we only care about reasonably clean copies with firm spine/binding.

Thanks!

Shelia, you might to try a local used bookstore I inhabit a lot. They work with a lot of schools and do special orders for schools on a regular books. Do a search for bountybooks.net in Vacaville if you haven't found another means for the books. This is from their website:

Students & Teachers:  Bounty Books works with schools and libraries in the community.  Students are given a 20% discount on books for their current class reading.   (Note:  This does not apply to text or specialty books.)  We assist teachers in building their reading libraries and offer a 20% discount on new books only needed for their classrooms.  

I've moved from the area to a major metro area and STILL go back to this store. it's the best ever!!!  (No affiliation and all that but they do know as a regular customer! lol)

Our local Barns and Noble is having Educator Appreciation Days through Oct. 23rd.  The flyer says 25% off list price, instore and online at BN.COM/educator.  Educator Discount Card is required, no idea what that is.

Thank you Shelia    

 Educator Discount Card is required, no idea what that is.

It means you have to be a teacher or classified employee. 

I actually do have an educator card, but amazingly the discount is only 5% more than what we usually get.  It's 20% every day.  Still, I'll check it out.