Two weeks ago a University News article addressed the issue of purchasing books online. One side not recognized in the argument was that of the Barnes and Noble University bookstore. Although it served as the source of complaints for many students around the beginning of the semester, the bookstore claims that it offers better service than most internet sites and that advertisements on television and around campus are not true.
Sites such as Amazon.com and Varsitybooks.com offer bargains and speedy delivery, but not all the time. These sites sometimes leave students waiting up to two weeks or longer.
“We have had several students come in to purchase books in the second week of class because their online purchases had not arrived, and they were falling behind in class,” said University bookstore manager Debbie Schneider.
“In addition, many online sellers may appear to have bargains which are not true,” Schneider added. “Many advertise savings up to 40 percent, but upon review the savings between the online seller and our bookstore is less than 15 percent. This does not take into account shipping and handling. Nor does it take into account potential educational loss because of delays.”
Due to problems and errors with online shopping, the University bookstore has not experienced any setbacks and continues its commitment to SLU.
“As the Internet and traditional bookstore businesses grow, we continue to focus on the service the campus bookstore provides,” Schneider said. “Our goal is to have the right book, in the right place, at the right time. We will continue to have a selection of both new and used books. We will continue to provide services such as year-round buyback, flexible payment options, such as the Billiken Buck card, and hassle-free exchanges. No online bookstore does these things.”
Despite criticism toward new online sites, the University bookstore offers a textbook website at Textbooks.com. This site is similar to the other sites. It offers a range of textbooks and next-day delivery through UPS at the price of $14.95, or a “three-day guarantee” at $4.95. Many of the prices, before shipping and handling, are cheaper than the prices in the bookstore.
Recently, a committee was established by the Student Government Association to look into the advantages of online book buying.
“We have been open and cooperative with the task force, providing them information as they have requested,” Schneider said.
Despite actions by online sellers and the SGA, the University bookstore has no intention of lowering its prices or making any other changes in the wake of e-commerce.
