FAQs About the Textbook Renting Business

Reportedly, a textbook rental business can spend approximately $900 annually on textbooks. And that business can save 70%-80% for students renting those books.

How the Whole Thing Works

Students do a search using a keyword, title or author or ISBN. Rental is roughly 20-30% of the actual retail price. The renter will receive the book in approximately 8 days. Renters return their book in an addressed, pre-paid box for shipping. You are not allowed to write in the book at all but highlighting in the book is allowed. In case you’re wondering if there’s any money in the textbook rental business, get this—a textbook rental entrepreneur that has been in business since 2007 is now at a 10 million dollar run rate. This little business man recently received funding for 15 million dollars on the assumption that the business will reach a value of 60 million dollars! Of course these numbers are not confirmed (they could be higher).

Renting Beats Buying

Money changes everything… so true. Money is something that most students have a severely depleted supply of. Spending it on pricey textbooks has, in the past, been a necessary evil… even used books cost a lot. When students rent textbook it frees up money for them to spend on other necessities… like beer pong. It’s a win-win situation for the renter and the ‘rentee’. Some rental book suppliers cater to certain universities and this assures the students who rent textbooks online of the receipt of the correct book for their class because the supplier is familiar with the university’s curriculum. Time can also be saved by no longer having to spend hours trudging through the campus bookstore. Hop on the computer, order your book and fly out the door to the nearest dorm party… or study group.

Yeah, study group… that’s the ticket.