|
|
|
|
|
|
Volume CXVIII, No. XXIII |
December 8, 2005 |
Book buyback myths revealed
Are the bookstores ripping us off?
Why do we sometimes pay $150 for one textbook and only receive $20 when we sell it back?
Are the bookstores making a profit at our expense? How does the textbook buyback really work?
We set out to find the answers to these common questions about the CSB/SJU Bookstores' Textbook Buyback Event by talking to Cindy Dirkes, the assistant director of the bookstores.
Because many students hold negative perceptions and are skeptical of the buyback process, she had a lot of explaining to do. But she gladly responded to the following questions, and some of her answers might surprise you.
Q: Do we have to return our books to the same bookstore where we purchased them?
A: No. You can return your books to either Sexton Commons or Mary Commons.
Both locations have a master list of books that can be bought back, either by the CSB/SJU bookstores or by a wholesale book company.
Q: How much money will we receive when we sell back our books?
A: It depends on whether the bookstores or the wholesaler buys back your book.
The bookstores will buy it back if the following two criteria are met: (1) a professor has requested your book for the upcoming spring semester and (2) the bookstores still need additional quantities of your book.
If both of these conditions are met, you will receive half the amount you originally paid for the book.
If both aren't met, you will still be able to sell your book at the buyback event, but it will be sold to the wholesaler at a price set by that company — not by the bookstores.
Q: When would we receive less than half back or no money back for our textbooks?
A: The bookstores bring in a wholesaler to buy back books that they cannot accept for reasons listed in the previous question.
In this situation, national demand for your book determines its resale value, which is usually less than half back.
Your book may have little or no resale value if it's in poor condition or if it's an old edition.
Additionally, Dirkes said the bookstores realize they cannot buy back every single book, so they choose to bring in a wholesaler for the students' benefit.
When you think about it, it's better to receive some money back than none at all.
Q: Are we better off buying our books online?
A: Professors can change or drop their required texts.
In this situation, the bookstores will refund your money if you purchased the book from them, but such a hassle-free return policy is rare for Web purchases.
In addition, some textbooks purchased online are international or incorrect editions and may be inadequate for your class.
So, are the Bookstores really ripping us off?
That's up for you to decide.
We just wanted to give you the information to make an educated decision and shed some light on the book buyback process.
After all, the bookstores exist for the students.
