5 Money Saving Tips for Purchasing Books & Magazines

Anyone who enjoys reading as a hobby would definitely know how expensive this hobby can get. The average hard back now costs over twenty dollars. If you read often, it can add up very quick. However, there are many ways that you can save on your book purchases. With a little effort, you can read as much as you want, without worrying about breaking the bank.

Read For Free

Visit your local library and you can get a large number of books without having to spend a penny. Many libraries now offer books, magazines, audio books, and even movies for checkout. Most libraries will even allow you to sign up for the newest books before they hit the shelves. Keep track of release dates and sign up early; you could be one of the first to read the latest title. In some libraries, you can even buy older books for a fraction of the cost at a book store.

Join a Book Club

You can now find many book clubs available to purchase books at a very low cost. Most clubs offer you a set number of free books just for joining. You can then sign up for the latest titles to be delivered every month. Book clubs often have periodic specials for members as well. It usually costs nothing to join; you just buy the books you like. However, some will have a set number you are required to purchase in a year or two to keep your membership current.

Magazine Subscriptions vs. Stand Pricing

If you are a magazine lover, you can save a bundle by subscribing rather than buying locally each week. Most subscriptions cost from 30-40% less than the stand price. The best aspect of a magazine subscription is that the magazines are shipped directly to you. This can be an added benefit if your local stand is always selling out of your favorite magazines.

Used Book Stores Can Save You a Bundle

If you are willing to be patient, you can often find used magazines and books at a fraction of the cover price. However, you may have to wait a few weeks for the newest titles to come available. Most of these stores allow you to trade in books you have already read for new titles as well. If you are only going to read a book once, there is no need to allow it to collect dust when you can trade it for something new.

Sign Up For Special Deals

Many book chains offer incentives for customers. You can join a mailing list to get discounts or use a loyalty card for free books. If you are a frequent buyer, you might want to purchase a membership as well. Most stores have a discount club that you can buy into and then you receive a special discount off of every purchase. They also offer special coupons to members often. In most cases, you will find your savings cover the cost of joining.