Save Money by Swapping and Buying Books, CDs and DVDs Online

If you love reading, music and movies as much as I do, you've probably noticed that these can be expensive habits. Over the years, I have found several ways to save money without skimping on quality or waiting months for new releases to find their way to the bargain bin. Of course, you can save even more if you are willing to buy or swap used items, but by using the resources below, you can also find new books, CDs and DVDs at discounted prices.

Where to Swap Online

There are several websites dedicated solely to swapping goods via the Internet. Most of them are easy to use and have a wide selection of items to choose from. This is a great way to exchange books, CDs, DVDs and other items that you no longer want for things that will be "new" to you.

Swap Tree - This is my favorite swapping site for books, CDs and DVDs. When I began using this site it took me about 5 minutes to register and list the books that I had chosen as test swaps. Within 24 hours, I already had two swaps and was completely sold on this great site.

So, here's how it works - you find books, CDs or DVDs that you no longer want and list them on the site simply by typing in their ISBN or UPC. With that info, the site automatically creates a listing with a picture and description. Then, you enter items that you want on your "want list," or browse the site and click on available items to add them. Once a trade has been found, you receive an email with the option to accept or deny the trade. If you accept, you print a media mail shipping label right on the site and send your item off to your trade partner.

Most of the items I swap were purchased used or on sale either online or at stores, so I didn't pay full price for them in the first place. Now, swapping them for something else that I want and only paying shipping (about $2.50 per book) makes my little frugal heart smile. And, here's a tip to save even more money - keep the shipping envelopes from the swaps you receive and reuse them for your next swap!