By Justin Muszynski
With the pending closing of Another Bookstore and an increase online vendors it begs the question ‘where are students getting their books from?’
While CCSU has its own books available at the campus bookstore, who partners with Barnes & Noble College, many students find its offerings rather pricey.
Parth Dholakia, a senior, says he always buys his required textbooks on Amazon.com.
“It’s cheaper compared to the bookstore here,” said Dholakia. “Ever since I came here I knew I could find better process online.”
He also shares his thoughts about what the CCSU Bookstore needs to do in order to benefit students.
“They need to do something to make the books more affordable,” said Dholakia. “Often times I could find a new copy of the book I need for cheaper than the campus bookstore sells it for used.”
After investigating, it’s found that most books are considerably cheaper on sites like Amazon or Half.com. Even ones offered on Barnes&Noble.com can sometimes fall under the list price at the CCSU Bookstore.
Jack O’Leary, manager of the CCSU Bookstore, says that it’s impossible to compete with online prices, even ones at Barnes & Noble.
“Website prices are generated from third party vendors,” said O’Leary. “Usually a lower price is available in 1 or 2 copies from an independent bookseller. Unfortunately we do not source our inventory in this manner. Our commitment in fulfilling the needs to this academic community requires us to order for an entire classroom. The bottom line is acquiring enough textbooks for all 12,000 students.”
However, freshman Joe Abele feels despite whatever efforts the bookstore is putting forth, his main interest is saving money and he does that in an interesting manner.
“To tell you the truth I usually buy my books at Half.com and sell them to the campus bookstore,” said Abele. “Last semester I bought my books online for about $250 and sold them back here and got like $200. I don’t even know if that’s allowed,” he joked.
Sites like Amazon are always encouraging students to purchase their textbooks from them by offering prime accounts for free if you’re currently in college. The only thing you need to provide is an .edu email address and you can receive free two-day shipping which allows for books to arrive quickly in time for classes.
O’Leary points out that the markup in the bookstore is minimal, 25% gross margin. He also says that a lot of that money goes back to the school rather than towards Barnes & Noble’s bottomline.
“We have a great relationship with the school and every time a student buys a book here it helps the university,” said O’Leary. “If you go online and get your book all that money is profit for that particular company.
Torrie Wojick, a senior, says that she’s always bought her books at the CCSU bookstore even if they cost a little more. She also likes the idea that money goes back to the school.
“I think it’s a good thing that you’re supporting your school when you buy books at the store on campus,” said Wojick. “It’s going to benefit students who are coming in if the school gets more money like this.”
However, Salam Measho, a freshman, points to all the other costs a student faces as a reason why they need to cut corners whenever possible.
“If my $20,000 tuition isn’t enough then I guess I’ll consider shopping at the bookstore,” Measho joked in response to being asked if students should buy from the bookstore in order to support the school. “I rented two books for a grand total of $60 from Chegg.com. Those books would have cost a lot more had I chosen to support the school and buy them here.”
Jessica Plourde, a sophomore, likes the idea that the bookstore isn’t just making pure profit but still thinks the prices are “outrageous.”
“I had to get two books for my physiology class that each cost over $100,” said Plourde. “I think in the future I’m going to have to find a cheaper way to buy my books.”