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We have been discussing curriculum options all week, but we have not really discussed all of the different places to buy or find curricula and school supplies. Here are some different ways to purchase both new and used homeschool curriculum and supplies.
Direct from the Publisher
Under most of my curriculum reviews, I have a link that allows you to purchase the curricula directly from the publisher's website. While this may be one of the most expensive options, there are a few key benefits to purchasing curricula in this way.
By purchasing directly from the publisher you are supporting a company that you like. You are helping that company stay in business so that they can continue producing materials that you will probably like as well.
Many homeschool publishers have guarantees on their products, online resources and message boards, and customer support available if the materials are purchased directly through them. Some companies even have loyalty discounts for parents that repurchase through them.
By purchasing directly, you are also ensuring that you have all of the components that you need for that curricula. It can be frustrating to purchase something used and then realize that you are missing a worksheet or a book that you need, especially if you are expecting to open and go and realize that you need something that day!
I purchased a used student book once thinking that it was a completely self-contained book (meaning I did not need anything else to teach that subject). It turned out that the book came with a PDF download of the teacher’s manual and student sheets that were necessary for using the book I purchased. The PDF download required the parent to login to the account they used to purchase the book. I had spent $5 on an unusable book.
If you are using a particular curriculum (or multiple), search for groups on Facebook. What you are most interested in when buying curricula are any boards listed as Swap, B/S/T, or Buy Sell Trade.
Many moms will sell their used curricula for a much lower price than they originally paid. A lot of times, this will include any extra prep-work they did, such as cutting out and laminating pieces. When I sell used curriculum, I also tend to include any additional resources that I have for that curriculum that I no longer need, such as printouts or supplemental books.
Two big risks with purchasing used curricula include missing pieces and not being sent what you paid for. As far as missing components, this might not be a big issue if you are missing a few worksheets from a 300 page workbook. It is a far bigger issue when you are missing an entire book from a set or a key piece to the program.
When it comes to being scammed, there are means of protecting yourself. If you pay with PayPal, do not use the friends and family option. This might save the seller a small fee, but you will not be protected if the materials you paid for are not sent.
Used Bookstores and Local Homeschool Shops
In today’s world, there are fewer and fewer used book stores. There are also not many homeschool bookstores. However, if your area has either of these types of stores, they can be great places to save money and also get the opportunity to flip through materials before you buy them. Many of the existing homeschool shops sell both new and used curricula, so you can go in and purchase everything you need in one place.
Homeschool Consignment Sales
If you live in an area where there is a large homeschool population, you may be able to find homeschool consignment sales. These sales are typically held in Spring or Summer and give homeschoolers the opportunity to sell their materials at booths. Sales usually last a few hours or a few days. The multi-day sales typically have a half-price day at the end of the sale.
Homeschool Conventions and Conferences
One of the best ways to get your hands on new materials and flip through the pages is at homeschool conventions. These conventions are typically held in Spring and can be one day or an entire weekend. They often feature exhibit halls, where curriculum companies can host booths with samples of all of their materials.
Two of my favorite conventions are the Great Homeschool Convention and Teach Them Diligently.
Amazon
Amazon has many homeschool resources available, from curriculum and books to fun teaching aids. Make sure that you do price comparisons. I have found that they are not always priced comparably with other options.
Rainbow Resources and Christian Book
Rainbow Resources and Christian Book are two companies I purchase from at least once per school year.
Rainbow Resources offer over 50,000 different school related products at some of the best prices I have found. They also offer free shipping on orders over $50. I have found a lot of my curriculum, manipulatives, art and craft supplies, school supplies, and educational games on their site. I also use them for Christmas shopping!
Christian Book is also a great online resource. They are know for selling Bibles, Christian books, and church resources. They also sell a lot of popular homeschool curricula and resources. They are usually priced well and run a lot of sales. Look out for free shipping offers.
Online Classifieds
You can find sites online that allow people to list their used homeschool curricula for sale. Buyers can then sort through classified ads and purchase used curricula. This comes with the same pros and cons of purchasing through Facebook.
One of the biggest online classified sites for used curriculum is Homeschool Classifieds.
eBay
It seems like you can find anything on eBay. Homeschool supplies are no exception. Shop with caution as you would with any online used resource.
Used Homeschool Curriculum Sites
Many sites exist where you may purchase used homeschool curriculum. These typically carry a little less risk than purchasing used from an individual as many of these companies will ensure that the product includes all of its components.
Some sites to consider:
Online Used Bookstores
Online used bookstores are a great place to purchase novels and readers for your homeschool. Some of these sites may also carry used workbooks and curricula.
Some sites to consider:
Paperback Swap
With Paperback Swap, you list a book you would like to “swap.” Once you have mailed your book, you can then choose any book you would like from their site. All you have to pay for is the postage to send your book.
Nature's Workshop Plus and Miller Pad and Paper
I am throwing these two gems on here at the end because they are two of my favorite booths every year at homeschool conventions. They also have online stores!
Nature's Workshop Plus is a great place to buy anything related to Nature Study and Science. They have field guides, science kits, dissection specimen, STEM activities, microscopes, and craft supplies.
Miller Pad and Paper has quality paper products at great prices. I really love their writing journals, penmanship pads and paper, timeline notebooks, and blank books. They also sell art supplies, games, activity books, and popular brands such as Dover, Usborne books, and Melissa and Doug.
One of my son's favorite Christmas gifts was a make your own board game set from Miller.
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