Frequently Asked Questions
What is eTassel?
eTassel was founded by a college administrator who felt there had to be a better way for students to buy and sell textbooks. eTassel gives students throughout the United States a free, dedicated way to buy and sell their textbooks with each other, avoiding the unfair textbook game and keeping more money in their pockets.
Are there any fees?
No. It is free to buy and sell on eTassel.
Do I have to register to contact a seller?
No. Anyone can message a seller using the “Contact Seller” link within a listing. As a buyer, if you do choose to register, you will also then be able to view the seller’s phone number if they included it in their listing.
How do I buy a textbook?
Simply click on the “Contact Seller” link within a listing to send a message to the seller. You and the seller can then arrange payment and shipping terms.
How do I sell a textbook?
Simply click on the “Sell a Textbook” link in the navigation bar to get started. You’ll need to quickly register on our website. When listing an ad, you’ll be asked to provide the book title, edition, ISBN, and condition. You can also provide any other information you’d like to potential buyers.
How do I determine book condition?
We suggest adhering to the following:
- New (Never sold or still in its original packaging)
- Like New (No markings or signs of use)
- Good (Some markings or light signs of use)
- Decent (Heavy markings or significant signs of use)
Note: If the textbook you are selling is missing pages, has significant damage, or contains markings which prevent reading certain passages, we suggest you do not sell it, or be very specific about its damage in your ad.
Can I sell an access code or a digital textbook?
Yes. You would advertise an access code the same way you would list a physical book. For digital textbooks, you would list the ad as you would with a physical book and we recommend providing the textbook to the buyer on a USB pen drive or simply emailing it to them if size allows. (By selling an access code or digital materials you acknowledge that you have permission to do so and are abiding by all copyright laws.)
Can I sell class notes or other school materials?
No. All books sold on eTassel must include an Edition* and ISBN (International Standard Book Number). *Some study guides or test prep books may not have an Edition but will have an ISBN.
I’m a vendor, not a student, can I buy and sell textbooks on eTassel?
Yes. While eTassel is intended for students to buy and sell textbooks from each other, retailers and other textbook vendors are not prohibited from buying and selling on eTassel.
Do you take returns or offer refunds?
eTassel is not a vendor and we do not buy or sell textbooks. Returns and/or refunds will need to be discussed between the buyer and seller. Please see our Terms of Use.
How long do listings run?
Listings run for 30 days. You can easily renew your listing with a single click when it expires.
How do I renew a listing?
Shortly before your ad expires, you will receive an automated email notification. In the email, you may click on the renewal link provided to immediately renew the listing. You can also log into your account, click on the applicable listing and click the “Renew” link. (Expired listings are saved in the system for 15 days and may be renewed during this time.)
How do I edit a listing?
If you are logged in and viewing your ad, simply click on the “Edit Ad” link displayed at the bottom of the listing. If you are not logged in, log in, then click on the “My Account” link in the top navigation bar. From your dashboard, click on the book title you wish to edit, then click on the “Edit Ad” link displayed at the bottom of the listing.
How do I delete a listing?
If you are logged in and viewing your ad, simply click on the “Edit Ad” link displayed at the bottom of the listing. Then, click on the “Delete Listing” button displayed at the top. If you are not logged in, log in, then click on the “My Account” link in the top navigation bar. From your dashboard, click on the book title you wish to delete, then click on the “Edit Ad” link displayed at the bottom of the listing. Then, click on the “Delete Listing” button displayed at the top.
How do I mark a listing as sold?
If you are logged in and viewing your ad, simply click on the “Edit Ad” link displayed at the bottom of the listing. Then, click on the “Mark as Sold” button displayed at the top. If you are not logged in, log in, then click on the “My Account” link in the top navigation bar. From your dashboard, click on the book title you wish to update, then click on the “Edit Ad” link displayed at the bottom of the listing. Then, click on the “Mark as Sold” button displayed at the top.
How do I “flag” an ad?
If you see a listing that you feel is inappropriate or questionable, you can flag it by clicking on the flag icon at the bottom of the listing. This will notify our site administrator.
How can I avoid scams?
While we take multiple steps to ensure the safety of all eTassel users, we encourage you to use common sense and practice safe buying and selling practices. A seller’s email addresses is never published on eTassel and we encourage you not to include it in your listing(s). A seller may choose to include their phone number in their listing(s). Only buyers who are also registered users can see a seller’s phone number. Here are a few more tips:
- As a buyer, never wire money.
- As a seller, never accept a personal check.
- We recommend using Zelle, CashApp, or Venmo to send money.
- When meeting in person, do so in a safe, well-lit location.