Is it legal to buy and sell used homeschool curriculum?
Asked by families. Answered by Peabody editors from the sources below.
You may resell a book you bought: the Copyright Act's first-sale rule, 17 U.S.C. 109, lets the owner of a lawfully made copy sell it. Do not sell copies you made. The CPSC says it is unsafe to sell recalled products, and the FTC warns that a buyer who overpays by check and asks for a refund is running a scam.
Checked October 29, 2026.
This is a plain-words summary, not legal advice. Laws change: check your state's current law and its education department before you act.
Where to read more
Read the full page: Buying and selling used curriculum safely.
Sources
- 17 U.S.C. 109, the first-sale rule (Cornell Legal Information Institute) (checked October 29, 2026)
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission: Resale and thrift stores (checked October 29, 2026)
- Federal Trade Commission: How to spot, avoid and report fake check scams (checked October 29, 2026)