Textbook bubble
When I visit John at college, one of my favorite places to visit is the college bookstore. The sweatshirts are nice but the most entertaining part of the store is the textbook area where a book worth $20 will sell for $75. Add a compact disc to the book and the price tag can be reset at $200.
Carpe Diem looks at Amazon.com's effect on textbook prices and the reaction from their competition.
Bought nearly all of my daughter's textbooks thru Amazon and their third party sellers. Occasionally thru other resources but always with a savings of anywhere between 30-50% in the second hand market. Books arrived within 1-3 days of order and in the condition promised.
Never calculated the resale amount but I'd say about 50%.
I always resented it as a college student to pay what I viewed as exorbitant prices to a college bookstore who would buy them back at $1.00 each since they were no longer being used at the school.
Welcome to the free market...love the internets...
- J.
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Two of my students this semester rented their texts and one used an online version. The renters could mark it up all they wanted, as did the previous renter. I don't know if I would like that. I want my marks to be mine.
I'm happy when any cartel gets busted. Now what about the college tuition bubble itself?
Thanks for sharing. E.
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