free stuff

The following is a guest post from Claire at Choyster Cash.

Although I use libraries and garage sales for most books I need, when I am looking for something in particular and need to “own” or “gift” a copy of that specific book, I turn to Half.com, where I can find any book I am looking for. Tonight, after ordering a number of books for my grandmother, my mother stood over me shocked. “How do you pay *so little* for books?” she asked.

Once again, I thought this was one of those things everyone did.

Here is how I “work the system” to get the cheapest books possible online:

1. I log in to Cashbaq or Ebates so that anything I do buy I will be receiving a percentage back on for what I pay. If you do not have account at either of these places, sign up *now* for a $5 bonus directly deposited to your account!

2. I then do a search on Half.com for the most important book I am looking for on my list. This would be the one that you have to buy in this transaction.

3. Of the options available, I find the cheapest ones (usually $0.01-$0.99 for me).

4. Of those cheap options, I find the seller with the highest number of books sold (the number is right next to the name).

5. Then, in another screen I open up the seller’s store to see if they have the other books I am looking for.

Essentially – it’s important to buy all the books from the same seller so as to reduce the shipping cost of the $0.01-$0.99 books you are ordering.

I have been doing this for years, and I swear that I usually find 90% of the books I am looking for at a price of far less than one dollar ($0.01 is actually common!).

Although you simply *must* be using your local library for most all of your book needs – this is the way to buy the ones you do need at a price far cheaper than anywhere else with an endless selection!

Are you a Choyster? Do you have too many choices? Is the whole world your oyster? Choyster Cash is a blog devoted to helping you wade through the many financial choices in this world. I recommend checking it out!