William Paterson University students have been getting annoyed about the rising campus bookstore prices. With tuition costs going up, students feel that the university should at least provide cheaper books. Though this is a problem for students, the university doesn’t make the book prices just to make us mad or frustrated.
The book prices depend on the distributor of the book and how much it costs to buy those books. Many universities and colleges across New Jersey and the United States have similar textbook prices. Between 2006 and 2007, students estimated spending $702 on college textbooks across the nation according to National Association of College Stores.
Katie-James Schwester, a WPU junior, said, “I don’t think kids should be complaining; the textbooks are the same amount of money at most universities.”
With the end of the semester approaching, selling textbooks and getting some money back is important to money-saving students. Selling back books to the campus bookstore has been another issue students face. I spent $130 on a used biology book and I expected to get at least half or a good portion of the money back--I got $30. I wasn’t too thrilled; I wasn't even happy that I needed the book in the first place.
Jason Odio said, “It should be a crime for what they are doing, you pay so much and get little money back.”
Even if you buy textbooks at the campus bookstore, usually any website that sells books will buy a textbook from you or you can post it to try and sell. eBay, Half.com, BookByte.com, Amazon.com and even Barnes and Noble buy and sell used books. It may be a tough search to find the best way to get rid of it and shipping time may be an issue, but you will get a better price for selling it.
Those websites are great for buying books, too. On Amazon.com, you can choose from a variety of books and pay based on their condition. I bought a public relations book that was about $120 at the campus bookstore and got it for $80 online. The book came really fast and looked brand new.
“Why would I buy a book from the bookstore when I can buy it on Half.com or another website that will sell it for a low price?” said Steve Febick.
My first fear with ordering books online was that it would take too long to get delivered. I always check with my professors to make sure there is a copy of the book in the library before I order it.
The downside to ordering books online is that you have to pay shipping and handling costs. If the textbooks in the campus bookstore are $10 more than the one online, I just buy it at the bookstore since it’s close and convenient.
The next time you go to the bookstore, make sure you do your research first to see if you can find what you’re looking for cheaper online or at another store.
Our Campus Bookstore: Overpriced or just right?
Published: Thursday, April 23, 2009
Updated: Thursday, April 23, 2009
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