Today I thought I would create a list of my favorite sites to purchase homeschool curriculum and materials. I want you to know that I am not being compensated by the companies listed below, but I truly buy most of my homeschool items from them.
Rainbow Resource: I bought my very first books for homeschooling from Rainbow Resource. I believe their prices are competitive and their selection can not be beat. They not only have books, but they carry almost anything you would need to set up your schoolroom. Their site is fairly user friendly, but I prefer getting the enormous catalog they send out once a year; it is a momentous day when it arrives, though I always feel a bit sorry for the postman having to lug it around on his route. Shipping is free with orders over $150. Also, their reviews are fairly good, but there is another site I go to get an honest opinion.
Exodus Books is my go to site for when I want not only a well written and insightful opinion, but also an honest one. I think Exodus Books has done the best job of any homeschool curriculum supplier out there when it comes to their reviews. They charge a base shipping fee for the order and their prices are about the same as Rainbow, but what I have purchased mostly from them is their used books. Every used book I have bought from Exodus looks brand new and their prices are comparable or even better than other used book store prices.
Lately I have been purchasing most of my books used as I figure they are going to be read by all 3 of my children, and by the time the last one gets a hold of them it will look used anyway so I might as well save some money by purchasing the books second hand. The following sites are where I usually go: Amazon, Ebay, Better World Books, Roland, Inc., and Alibris. My best luck for the look and quality of the used books has been Roland, Ebay and of course Exodus Books. With Roland the books looked brand new and with Ebay you not only get to see a picture of the books, but the sellers usually have good descriptions of their items. Amazon has been pretty good and when there has been an issue with the description of the book not matching the one sent I have always had a good resolution with the seller. Better World Books and Alibris are, in my opinion, a place to get cheap books that almost always look extremely used and sometimes are even filthy. When I am in a bind I will purchase from them, but only as a last resort.
Home Science Tools is my go to site for our science materials. If I don't have it in my kitchen and Rainbow or Amazon doesn't carry it I head over to Home Science Tools. Their prices are fairly competitive, but what I hate is their shipping: they charge according to your order amount. I am so used to free shipping and this irritates me, but not everyone carries owl pellets or other science supplies and so I have had to bite the bullet and order from them.
Woodwind and Brasswind has been the music store I purchase the children's reeds, books and other musical supplies when Amazon does not carry it. Also, lately Woodwind and Brasswind has not been charging shipping which is a plus.
One last thing, I hardly ever purchase directly from the publisher as their prices are almost always inflated and you can usually get them cheaper from another seller.
This list is not set in stone as I am always looking for a better deal and I would love to hear where you buy your homeschool curriculum and supplies, so drop me a line if you have time.
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