It is no secret textbooks are outrageously expensive. This is a belief many college students share. At the beginning of each semester students buy hundreds of dollars worth of books. Getting a fraction of your money back during book buybacks makes many students wonder "Where is the money spent on books going, and why do students get such a small amount back," asks Junior Christine Rodriguez.
According to Charlene Krakowsky the bookstore manager there is a whole process behind book buybacks.
"The money we get to pay [students] back comes from wholesalers", explained Krakowsky. "The textbooks [the wholesalers] buy back are based on demand- wholesalers won't pay for books that aren't used".
Typically the amount of money wholesalers' offer per book is low. "The highest amount of money I have seen a wholesaler offer is $72", stated Krakowsky.
The low cost from wholesalers dictates the amount of money the bookstore has available to offer to students.
For the last three years $60 is the most the school has been able to pay out per book
"I try to do the best that I can [to get students their money back], but I need to make sure everything I need to pay is paid for, and the internet has become a huge competitor".
$60 is the high end of a book buy back. Other books are worth much less or worth nothing at all.
"New editions kill book buybacks" stated Krakowsky.
Krakowsky is just now starting to receive the list of books she needs to order for next semester. As soon as a full list is received she will know what books will be bought back, and the amount of money that will be given.
"Before buybacks I post what I am buying back. It is based on teacher's orders" said Krakowsky.
The delay in teacher's orders can also mean that a book may be bought back for more money at the end of book buy back week than the beginning" explained Krakowsky.
If you want to search for a better method for selling your books check out websites such as www.amazon.com, and www.bookfinder.com that may offer more money.
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1 comments
The delay in teacher's orders means less availability of USED not that more money is paid out at the end of the book buy back.