The Varsity News

Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Michael Finkenbine At most, the bookstore will pay half of retail value for used textbooks.

With just nine days left until the start of Christmas break, students will soon begin selling their textbooks back to the UDM Bookstore - a process that
disappoints some students who feel they don't get much bang for their buck.
"I'm not selling back my books to UDM because I won't get back enough to justify what I paid," said junior Nick Zyren. "They should tell Barnes and Noble to lower the prices or not partner with them."
But giving ultimatums doesn't appear to be in the future for UDM Bookstore manager Brenda Dubay.
"It's all about supply and demand," said Dubay. "If we need that book for our courses, then we will pay you half of what you paid for the book."
Not only is it important for students to understand that idea, but they should also realize that receiving 50 percent means bringing back your book as early as possible.
"The best time for a student to bring back … books is right before finals," she said.
What about those who need their books to study for exams?
According to Dubay, once you get done taking a test, you should immediately bring back any book that is not needed. Waiting until the very end of the semester can mean getting less money.
"The prices go down because we buy it back at wholesale for someone else and ship it out," she said.
But for some students, the concept of only receiving 50 percent - or even less - doesn't sit well.
"I think that the bookstore really rips you off," said senior Annie Moore. "You can get much more money back by selling your books online."
According to Moore, the process is fairly simple. She said through Amazon she enters the barcode on the back of the book to register it. Then she sets the price and lists the current condition of the book. After that, she said the only thing left to do is wait until someone makes a purchase. Two weeks later, a check is in the mail.
"One of my books still has the packaging on it," said Moore. "I know I can sell it new online, and the bookstore won't give me anything."
Senior Michael Ingram still has yet to sell some of his books online. However, he said, he recently started buying books via the web to save money.
"It's cheaper to buy from Amazon or other websites," said Ingram. "Personally, I'd like to know how much they mark up the new books for resale."
For those buying at the UDM Bookstore, the best time to do so is the week after finals, Dubay said.
"We can also hold books online when you purchase them, and they can be picked up in-store or shipped at your earliest convenience," she said.
In addition, Dubay warns students that book thieves are especially active this time of year.
"When you are at the library, don't leave your possessions unattended," she said. "And don't leave your books in your cars where they're in public view because people might be tempted to turn your books into cash."
Finally, for those students who feel as though they are not reaping all the benefits of the bookstore, Dubay offers a quick reminder.
"Essentially, you're renting the book and no one else in retail does that," she said.
"Students should not forget that they are also paying for the knowledge that a book has to offer."

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