foofoobunny Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 (edited) I'm assuming you buy it from somewhere like christianbook.com or other sites like that rather than the manufacturer's website?? I'm going to try to buy some used, but being a first timer, I'm not sure what I need as in teacher's manual, kid kit's...seems like a lot of people just sell bits and pieces of each thing, and I'm afraid I'll miss something. Anyway, popular websites for buying your materials new?? Thanks! Here's what I'm looking for and not sure where to buy... Saxon Math 3 and 65 Spelling Workout grade 3 & 5 Bob Jones English 5 Progeny Press study guides...Wrinkle in Time, Shiloh, Where the Red Fern Grows, Charlotte's Web, Sarah Plain & Tall, Stone Fox Story of the World: Ancients (the whole kit, I think) Apologia Astronomy (it's just the book, right?) Edited July 8, 2012 by foofoobunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samiam Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 (edited) That completely depends on what you are buying. And we are talking new here only: If you are going with a packaged thing, like Sonlight, or MFW, or even Memoria Press, type you go to their site directly. If you are going with some thing less, packaged, say a workbook here or there, then I price around. I check CBD, and Amazon mostly. Best prices and free shipping or cheap at least, for the most part. I don't use Rainbow Resource, cuz I hate their website and they never send me a catalog even though I ask for one every year. I also have an amaaaazing homeschool store here locally that often offers better pricing than CBD. That being said, I don't buy alot new if I can find it used, but like-new condition and save $$$. Edited July 8, 2012 by Samiam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakblossoms Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 Timberdoodle RainbowResource The Well Trained Mind Paper Scissors Stone for art supplies Amazon for the occasional book or item that might be less expensive Teaching Textbooks costs the same anywhere. So I purchase it directly from them. They make more money that way. We use Math U See for the younger grades. I buy it directly from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawna in North CA Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 Foo Foo...if you can give an idea of what kinds of curriculum you are specifically you are in the market for, I think we can offer better recommendations. I usually search the sale/swap boards here first! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 Rainbow Resource or Amazon. RR has free shipping on $50 orders right now. But some products, like MCT or Beast Academy, for example, you have to buy from the publisher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thejourney Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 I do order some items directly from the publisher. MCT, HWT, BFSU & RSO pdfs and Meet the Masters comes to mind Otherwise I primarily purchase new curriculum and trade books from Amazon and Rainbow Resource. For science related items I like Home Science Tools. Homeschool Buyer's Co-Op is another great place to check for group buy discounts on select curriculum and subscriptions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boscopup Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 Amazon Rainbow Resource (normally free shipping with $150 order, but currently $50) Christian Book (free shipping with $100 order if you call, but often has $35 coupons) Book Depository (not so much curriculum, but general books - just takes a little longer to get here, but sometimes costs less than Amazon... shipping always free, and books trickle in individually over the period of a week, giving you lots of box days! :D) For books in general (like books to go along with history/science/literature), I often shop Amazon used books, as they often are in like new condition at half the price. Some things you can only get at the publisher website, or it's not any cheaper at the other vendors or there is some type of guarantee involved, etc. For example, I could have bought IEW from Rainbow Resource, but I bought it from IEW directly because they have a "return for any reason any time" type of guarantee. As expensive as that was, it was worth it to have that "insurance" that if it didn't work out, I could return it. Plus I think RR wasn't actually any cheaper anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foofoobunny Posted July 8, 2012 Author Share Posted July 8, 2012 Foo Foo...if you can give an idea of what kinds of curriculum you are specifically you are in the market for, I think we can offer better recommendations. I usually search the sale/swap boards here first! Thanks! I added what I'm looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 Rainbow Resource, generally. Then I make a second order straight from Rod and Staff or their distributor (http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com). For used I frequent Amazon Marketplace the most. I find it far easier to deal with than hs forums sale section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugsMama Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 I was able to find 90 percent of our curriculum for the year from the forums here, in like new condition, for fractions of the price. Its AWESOME. The few things I needed otherwise came from Amazon. Some things, like logic of english, I get from the publisher because I would rather support them than anyone else. I feel like buying used from other home schoolers not only saves ME money, but it is helping another family make a little bit of money back from their stuff. Its a good thing :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foofoobunny Posted July 8, 2012 Author Share Posted July 8, 2012 I was able to find 90 percent of our curriculum for the year from the forums here, in like new condition, for fractions of the price. Its AWESOME. The few things I needed otherwise came from Amazon. Some things, like logic of english, I get from the publisher because I would rather support them than anyone else. I feel like buying used from other home schoolers not only saves ME money, but it is helping another family make a little bit of money back from their stuff. Its a good thing :D I know, I'd really like to get things for a cheaper price. I'm going to surf the sale stuff here. It's just that I'm unsure of descriptions, what edition it is, does it come with everything I need? It's very overwhelming!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NittanyJen Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 I always check the publisher website first for sales or PDF versions if buying new. Particularly in the HS market, many places will be a markup above that. And some publishers like ZTwist offer free shipping with no minimums and money back guarantees. Join the Homeschool Buyer's Coop; they get great buys on lots of stuff, but again, always check first! I found a much, much better deal via Amazon on a typing program they currently offer, and when I notified them, they basically got really snooty about the "value" of their smart points and also disregarded my complaint as me not understanding the software, but in general they are very good and very responsive. I truly believe the above experience is an anomaly, not the norm-- it just means look before you leap (and buy Type2Learn from Amazon, not HSBC if you have >1 kid, because you won't have to shell out an extra $20 per kid). Don't assume you must buy new. You can get great condition used stuff on Amazon and other places, including TM's. The more experience you get, the more comfortable you will become buying a piece here and a piece there, or knowing when a TM is a waste of money or absolutely necessary, or remembering to check copyright dates before buying assorted used bits ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugsMama Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 I know, I'd really like to get things for a cheaper price. I'm going to surf the sale stuff here. It's just that I'm unsure of descriptions, what edition it is, does it come with everything I need? It's very overwhelming!! Oh I agree! I think you'll find the people here are really nice, I often ask them to elaborate on condition, send a picture, is there anything else I would need to teach this, and everyone has been honest and helpful. Is there anything specific you are looking for that we can help with? The ladies (and gents!) here are EXPERTS and willing to answer questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 I buy a lot of pdf's so those I get from the publisher's site. I bought SOTW, RSO, Beast Academy, HWT, AAS, lots of Scholastic stuff from publisher sites. Most other things I buy new through Amazon. I've heard complaints that Rainbow takes a really long time to ship and I don't have that kind of patience. Used books I get from Amazon or by visiting a used book store. I've seen too many people have too much trouble ordering used items from individuals so I don't think I'm going to try that anytime soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugsMama Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 I will say that IEW is something you NEVER want to buy used. They have an amazing return policy, as in 100 percent, no time frame IF you get it from them. I used one of their products for 6 months and it just didn't work for us. We got all our money back. Even though that product didn't work, I know I will try them again, because their customer service was SO good, and they have so much faith in their products. You don't have the same protection buying their stuff used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoxcell Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 I buy a lot used but when I'm buying new I use: Amazon Rainbow Resource CBD and then private curriculum websites if I can't find it elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 For anything I did not pick up at conference my 2 main go to places are canadian home education resources and 4 your mind. I like shopping at 4 your mind because the owner is a homeschooling mom that I have known for years now. I knew her in our homeschool support group when she was first thinking about starting the business, I was there for her grand opening and I like supporting her while I buy what I need. Otherwise, Sonlight, Amazon, occasionally RR, and a few other Canadian homeschool companies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foofoobunny Posted July 8, 2012 Author Share Posted July 8, 2012 Oh I agree! I think you'll find the people here are really nice, I often ask them to elaborate on condition, send a picture, is there anything else I would need to teach this, and everyone has been honest and helpful. Is there anything specific you are looking for that we can help with? The ladies (and gents!) here are EXPERTS and willing to answer questions. I updated my first post with what I'm looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indigomama Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 Buying new, I like Rainbow Resource and Christian Book Distributors. For used literature books, I really like powells. All the used books I've bought from them have been in excellent condition and they have good prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegirlwhopaintedtrees Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 Rainbow Resources had the best prices for what I needed this year, except for STOW - I got that new on Amazon for considerably less. I like RR for large orders so I won't have to pay shipping. Some moms from my CC group organized ourselves to order together to save on shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 My orders have been rolling in from Amazon, Royal Fireworks Press, All About Learning, The Critical Thinking Co. and Half.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 (edited) Here's what I'm looking for and not sure where to buy...Saxon Math 3 and 65 Spelling Workout grade 3 & 5 Bob Jones English 5 Progeny Press study guides...Wrinkle in Time, Shiloh, Where the Red Fern Grows, Charlotte's Web, Sarah Plain & Tall, Stone Fox Story of the World: Ancients (the whole kit, I think) Apologia Astronomy (it's just the book, right?) If that were my shopping list, I'm quite sure I'd end up getting the vast majority from Amazon - I think they carry every single one of those things. I buy used whenever possible, except for workbooks (and even then, if you're careful, sometimes in the used listings you can find a new one with a bent cover or some such thing). First, I'd settle on the exact books I wanted, which may or may not involve going to publishers' sites for ISBNs. Then I look at Amazon and abebooks.com to see what's available and to compare prices. Amazon and abebooks are usually less expensive than most other places (including Rainbow Resource, if I'm not mistaken), especially when shipping is taken into account. And, of course, used books may be even less, if you can find what you're looking for. I tend to stay away from materials listed as being in merely "acceptable" condition unless I'm really desperate to avoid buying new. If it's something on the rare side, googling the ISBN will turn up most copies for sale. One more site, especially for hard-to-get older textbooks: http://www.fes.follett.com/ http://www.fes.follett.com/follett_fes_general/used-textbook-clearance.cfm Edited July 9, 2012 by wapiti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crazy 4 Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 http://www.heartsathomestore.com/ 30% off Sale -7/31/12 Each time you make a purchase at Hearts at Home you will earn 2% of your subtotal in the form of a store credit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugsMama Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 Story of the World I got from amazon- the first set (everything but the tests, including the cds) cost me 55 dollars which is less than the used boards normally have them for. Saxon tends to be cheapest on amazon, every once in a while they are less on rainbow resource. This is one that often comes up on the used boards here and you can get insanely good deals. Its a program people often buy and hate, which works for those of us who love it. I picked up saxon 1 (the full set) here for 40 dollars new. I would watch the used boards here for as long as I can hold out on those. I don't have an opinion on the rest of your list since I haven't used those things :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoot Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 CBD mostly and then Amazon for supplemental stuff that is cheaper there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janie_ranae Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 When I haven't found AAS used, I have purchased from Sonlight. They have free U.S. shipping for purchases over $25. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlylocks Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 If I was buying the items you need NEW, I would shop either CBD or Amazon. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatmansWife Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 That completely depends on what you are buying. And we are talking new here only: If you are going with a packaged thing, like Sonlight, or MFW, or even Memoria Press, type you go to their site directly. If you are going with some thing less, packaged, say a workbook here or there, then I price around. I check CBD, and Amazon mostly. Best prices and free shipping or cheap at least, for the most part. I don't use Rainbow Resource, cuz I hate their website and they never send me a catalog even though I ask for one every year. I also have an amaaaazing homeschool store here locally that often offers better pricing than CBD. That being said, I don't buy alot new if I can find it used, but like-new condition and save $$$. Egads! :eek: I've bought from them every year for 16 years....goodness, I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't order from them. I get their catalog but rarely use it. So....there you have my answer: Rainbow Resource. Occassionally CBD....I use their site mainly to see samples. Timberdoodle for Teaching Textbooks. I'll be ordering some really awesome stuff this year from Remedia. Some stuff you have to buy directly from the publisher....like MUS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegeyser Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 I second Hearts at Home. http://www.heartsathomestore.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy Jo Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 I buy from Amazon because I have Prime (and I'm going to get my money out of it! :P) I was able to find a set for FFL, but the picture was old. I emailed the seller, and they confirmed it was the new kit, and had everything MP listed. I occasionally buy off the forums (slim pickings lately), Christian Books, or Rainbow Resources. If I have to I'll buy from the producer or where ever the item is available. (I had to get Mrs. Stewart's Piano from fun-books.) I usually research what I'm buying, then decide what pieces I want to have. Sometimes I don't want the whole kit for various reasons. Just research - asking/searching here is a great place to start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 http://www.exodusbooks.com/ It's my new favorite place to buy from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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