Ordering used copies of Lial's--BEWARE!!!

[Margo out of lurking]

I've attempted to order my Introductory Algebra book using the ISBN which Jann in TX has shared. Each time I've received a book that did not match the description and I reordered each time from a different seller.

 

#1 Seller specifically stated "no markings" and book contained 50-80 pages of pen markings (answers to the problems in margins!)

 

#2 Seller sent Instructor's Manual.

 

#3 I specifically contacted the seller to confirm the ISBN. He is selling a few personal books, I figure it can't be that hard, he only has 5 items for sale. He confirms the ISBN, so I order it. The book that arrives does NOT have the same ISBN and is indeed different from the description under which he sold it.

 

SO. If you are ordering this book, check, check, and double check with the seller. Be sure you get some type of guarantee that they will pay for your costs of returning the book if it has been misrepresented. I've bought used materials for many years, and I've never encountered anything like this. :/

 

(I'm going to keep Book #1. I can use whiteout, and the seller offered me a small--not worthwhile--refund. But at least it's the copy that I need!)

[Jann in TX]

I usually pay a few dollars more to get a 'like new' or better yet 'new' text... I also only purchase from professional book resellers if possible-- the ones with good ratings and LOTS of completed sales...

 

I've only received one text that was not as described--it was a TE (many community college students use the TE instead of the student text--they get tired of turning to the back to check their answers!). I was considering ordering the TE --so I kept it and ordered an additional student text.

[AnitaMS]

I've always had good luck with used books, but it's good to know. I'll start getting the newer versions!

[Murphy101]

Yes, I always for new and from the seller with the most ratings and the highest ranking.

 

Still stinks when it isn't what you expected though.

[elegantlion]

I don't know if it's an issue with Lials, but I ran into it when ordering conceptual physics. The ISBN on the back of the book is different than the ISBN on the inside front title page. :confused: I don't know if other book publishers do the same thing or not, but it was a PITA to get the right book.

[Margo out of lurking]

Yes, all copies were represented as "used--very good" condition. The first seller (with the pencil markings) had several hundred great reviews. He's been great to work with, but I still would have wanted a book that was not marked.

 

At that point, I figured I could get at least an accurate response from a newer seller, but I was wrong.

 

Last year, I did buy Lial's BCM used without any problem. This has just been really surprising, unlike any past experience. Blah. It sours me on used purchases for awhile.

[lisabees]

Sorry you had that experience. I have had nothing but great experiences with the last two Lial's texts I bought. They were both listed in "like new" condition, though.