First Online Shopping Experience and Medical Books

There are so many online stores in the world wide web and many times have I wanted to buy something yet my cautiousness told me not to. I finally ordered something online when I decided to buy second-hand medical books to save money. Books used by medical students are really pricey if bought brand new!

Jill, mom, and I scoured for prices of second hand books in Recto a few weeks ago. We only bought two books: Textbook of Medical Physiology by Guyton 11th ed and Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 25th ed. The Physiology book was a great find since it's the newest edition and a new book costs about P3350 in bookstores and Jill got it for only P2200. It's also in great condition and it seems that the previous owner did not read it much. Hopefully, we'll be able to read a lot more! The newest edition of our biochemistry book is 28th so Jill's copy is three editions back. A new book costs a little above P1400 and Jill got the second-hand 25th edition book for P500.

We don't plan to buy an atlas for Anatomy anymore since Janelle has a Netter's atlas which Jill and I will share since we're probably going to be classmates. Our youngest sister also has a Histology bookthat we can use. Brief recap: Jill still lacks an Anatomy and Neuroanatomy book.

Now to my finds...

Jill and I looked online for other books since we need a set of books each. Other not so necessary books, we'll try to share. I was very fortunate to come across an ad in sulit offering various second hand medical books at cheap prices. I contacted the owner and after clearing it with mom, placed my order. The only snags in this first time shopping was that the doctor selling the books was very busy and was not able to reply right away at times because of her time schedule. When I was finally able to deposit the payment (Wednesday afternoon), the seller had them sent the day after and I received it the next day (Friday).

The books were in good condition. The original owner really read them (basing on the highlights) but was very careful with the books. There are no tears, wrinkles or anything of that sort. I hope I could take care of the books as well as her and also that I would read them and put them to good use.

Anyways, it was great that my first online shopping was favorable. I wasn't duped  by the seller. I wasn't disappointed with the products. I am very happy with my purchase and savings. Before I forget, one thing I don't like about buying stuff online is the expensive shipping fee. The fee for the five books I bought was P750. They were heavy though, but still.

Here are the list of books I was able to buy and their prices.
Guyton's Textbook of Medical Physiology 10th ed (newest ed is 11th) P1500
Junquierra's Basic Histology: Text and Atlas with CD 10th ed (newest ed is 12th) P500
Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 26th ed (newest ed is 28th) P500
Snell's Clinical Anatomy by Regions 7th ed (newest ed is 8th) P600
Snell's Clinical Neuroanatomy for Medical Students 5th ed. ((newest ed is 7th) P500

The books' total cost is P3600 and there P750 for the shipping so altogether that's P4350. The good doctor discounted it further (I asked even if I knew it was already a good price) and the final payment was only P3800. Hurray for a great find and for such a generous doctor. She also gave freebies in the form of powerpoint presentations and lectures in a DVD. God bless you, Dr. Chette.

I saved a whole lot which can be used for other necessary things for school. The estimated costs for those five books (new edition prices) would be P12000+. Yes, medical school is THAT EXPENSIVE. I just pray we'd be able to find good books that are inexpensive for Jill and for our future years in school.