National Association of College Stores Offers Students Advice for Saving Money on Textbooks and Other Supplies
OBERLIN, Ohio--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Aug 26, 2002--For most college students, the lazy, hazy days of summer officially end with a visit to their college store to purchase required textbooks and supplies for fall classes. The visit can prove to be quite a wake-up call.
According to the National Association of College Stores (NACS), an Ohio-based trade group that represents nearly 3,300 college stores nationwide, the average price tag for textbooks and other supplies will approach $800 this year; about one-fifth the amount typically spent on tuition at a four-year public school.
“Textbooks are an expensive investment for students,” says Ken Bowers, president of NACS and director of the bookstore at the University of California in Santa Barbara. “But, they are fundamental to success in the classroom.”
Bowers notes that contrary to many students’ perception, college stores don’t capitalize on what might appear to be a case study on the laws of supply and demand in the marketplace. “Because most college stores are operated as a student service, they price textbooks in a manner that makes only a few cents for every textbook dollar sold,” he says. “Our real job is helping students access the tools they need to succeed in class and on campus.”
So, what can cash-strapped students do this fall when faced with long book lists and empty pockets? NACS offers students the following suggestions:
1) Go to class before buying. Make certain you understand what materials are required and how they will be used in your classes. Many items are “optional” or “recommended.”
2) Be cautious when making textbook purchases online. The exact items you need may not be available right away causing you to fall behind in your studies.
3) Buy “used” books whenever possible. Used books contain the same information as new books - and have a lower price tag. Just make certain to buy the correct edition.
4) Know your store’s refund policy, especially the deadlines. This way, you won’t be disappointed if you need to bring things back to the store.
5) Keep your receipts. Most stores require receipts for course material returns.
6) Don’t write in your books until you’re certain you’ll be keeping them. Most stores will not offer full credit for books that have been marked.
7) Before buying technology products make sure they comply with the standards on campus and can tie into the campus network.
8) Take advantage of campus license agreements for the software you need. This allows you to access software at a low cost.
9) Purchase the extra year of warranty service for your computer. There’s nothing more frustrating than a broken laptop during finals!
10) Finally, if you have a choice between buying a textbook by itself, or the same text packaged with a study guide or software package, make sure you need both parts. Packages can be a great value but are often non-returnable once opened.
Note to Editors: Additional information on textbooks including, statistics, downloadable photos and graphics, is available online at http://www.nacs.org/public/nacs/mediaroom.asp.
About NACS
Headquartered in Oberlin, Ohio, the National Association of College Stores (NACS) is the professional trade association representing the nearly $11 billion collegiate retailing industry. Members include more than 3,300 institutional, private and leased college stores along with 1,200 suppliers of books and other products to college stores. Additional information about NACS and college stores is available online at www.nacs.org.
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