Frequently Asked Questions

What is buyback?

Buyback is a service we offer to our customers which enables us to provide used textbooks to other students.

Buyback services are provided by MBS Service Company, Inc (MBS).

How do I sell my books back?

If you would like to check the current buyback value of your book(s), click on the "Sell My Books" button on the main page of your Virtual Bookstore. Follow instructions to complete your buyback quote.

Materials must be received prior to the expiration date located on your buyback quote.

Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing.

What is PayPal™ and how can I use it in the Virtual Bookstore?

PayPal™ is a popular online service that allows individuals to create accounts they can use for sending and/or receiving payments electronically without sharing financial information. When signing up for a PayPal™ account you can provide your bank account or credit card information, which is held securely within the PayPal™ encrypted site. You may also choose to only have a PayPal™, account that does not require either of these.

Within your MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore, you now have the option of receiving your buyback funds from MBS through direct deposit into your PayPal™ account. To take advantage of this service you will be asked to provide your PayPal™ email address, which is used to verify the PayPal™ account you wish to credit. PLEASE NOTE: that you must enter the correct PayPal™ email address in order to receive your funds.

I tried to select PayPal™ as a payment option but now it won’t let me?

To avoid fraudulent activity or the possibility of crediting the wrong PayPal™ account, our system is set up to allow you to enter your PayPal™ email address only three times. Each time you enter the email address our system checks to ensure it is a valid PayPal™ account. If the email address you enter is incorrect all three times, you will not be allowed to select PayPal™ as a payment option. 

What is your Customer Loyalty Program?

We believe the process of earning your business never stops. When you buy from your online bookstore you'll receive a buyback notification email at the end of the term with instructions on how to sell your books back online. If you choose to sell your books back and create a quote through our online buyback program, for each book that is in-demand, you'll receive top-dollar, plus an additional buyback bonus for being a loyal customer. This Customer Loyalty program is just one more way we are working to earn your business.

Will you accept my books in any condition?

No. MBS does not accept any books with:

You will not receive payment for books that do not meet our minimum standards of quality. If you are unsure of whether or not your book is acceptable, simply ask yourself if you would be satisfied if we sold it back to you.

Do you buy back Course Manuals?

No. Course manuals, working papers, and reprints have no buyback value. Do not send items of no value.

What happens if I send materials with no buyback value?

Books submitted to us for buyback that do not meet our minimum standards of quality will either be discarded or returned to your at your expense. If there is no value on your items, you will receive notification in the form of a letter or email. You have 1 week to request to have the materials returned to you. A replacement copy will be shipped at your expense. You may not receive the original book you returned.

I have a few extra books that are not on my buyback quote. Can I send them to you in case you need or want them?

No. Any items that are received with a buyback quote and are not listed, can cause delay in processing, and items will be discarded.

Do I need to send you the original CD, passcode, access code, curriculum card or study guide that came with my textbook?

Yes, please include all components that are part of the ISBN listed on your buyback quote. Please contact our customer service department before shipping your package if you have any questions about the components needed to complete a package.

My buyback quote includes the package I ordered and one of the items contained in the package is listed separately. Will I receive payment for each item?

MBS often buys back books either as the text only or as a package. We list both items on your buyback quote to give you an opportunity to sell back just the text if you have discarded or used the supplemental items that the package originally included. The price paid is for either the textbook by itself OR the package.

How do I know what is covered by Guaranteed Buyback?

Titles that are Guaranteed Buyback are indicated with a symbol next to the condition of the book at the time of purchase, along with the guaranteed price. Once you have purchased the book, you can revisit the Virtual Bookstore when you are ready to sell the book back at the end of class, and access your Guaranteed Buyback titles by clicking "Sell Your Books" from the homepage.

How do you determine buyback values?

Buyback values are based on anticipated future demand for a book and current stock level. If your book does not currently have a buyback value, check back closer to the end of the next term. It may have a value at that time.

What is an ISBN number?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identification number assigned to every book sold anywhere in the world. The ISBN allows a title to be located quickly and accurately, wherever it is sold.

Where do I find a book's ISBN number?

An ISBN is usually located on the back of a book, or you can find it in the inside front cover of your book near the copyright date. It looks like this:

What if I can't find the ISBN number?

If you purchased your book from MBS Direct and you can't find your book's ISBN number, you may need to use the MBS Book Number to sell back your book. The MBS Book Number is located on the sticker that is on the back of all books MBS sells, and does not have an ISBN. The MBS Book Number is eleven characters, both beginning and ending with a letter. The MBS Book Number is printed beneath the barcode on every MBS label. The MBS Book Number looks like this:

How do I pack my books for shipping?

Pack your textbooks in a strong, sturdy box suitable for shipping. Fill the empty spaces with clean filler. Remember, the received condition determines the final value of your shipment. We will not accept books that have been damaged during shipping, so be sure you have packaged your shipment well to protect your investment. Enclose a copy of the packing list with your shipment and keep a copy for yourself. If you need to ship in multiple boxes make sure to include a copy of the email in each box. Tape the box securely using appropriate shipping or box tape. Securely attach the prepaid UPS shipping label to the top of the box and make sure there is no other address information on the box you are using.

What paperwork do I need to include in my package?

As stated above, be sure to include a copy of your packing list with every shipment you send MBS. If you are sending multiple boxes, please place a copy of the packing list in each box. We are not able to provide payment for shipments that lack all required paperwork.

Do I have to pay for shipping?

No! MBS provides a pre-paid UPS shipping label that you will receive via email after your generate a quote. When you receive the email containing a link to your packing list, be sure to click the link to your complimentary shipping label. Print the UPS label and affix it to the package containing your books. Simply drop your package off at the nearest UPS shipping location and the process is nearly complete. Please Note: The postage paid UPS label does not insure your package. MBS is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged books.

Can I use a shipping method other than a pre-paid label?

Yes. Although MBS only pays for shipping with the provided UPS label, you are welcome to make whatever arrangements you see fit at your own expense.

Please Note: MBS Direct is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged books.

When will I receive my check?

Checks normally arrive within 2-3 weeks from the time we receive your package.

I am a Used Textbook Dealer and have a large number of books to sell on a frequent basis. Can I sell them to you through your Buyback Program?

No. The MBS buyback program is only intended for individual students attending one of our client schools. The MBS buyback program is not intended for bulk used textbook dealers. We are happy to purchase bulk quantities, please contact Nelson Durk at 573-445-2243 ext: 5345 for additional information.