Sometimes I go to GameStop to sell back used video games. They will pay as much as $15 for recent ones. The next day, they put my games back on the shelf, priced at twice the price they gave me. This is normal profit. This is forgivable.

However, obese, ridiculous profits only belong in the most questionable areas of global finances. They are usually accompanied by pyramid schemes and shareholder fraud. They certainly do not belong in university bookstores.

Recently, I tried to sell back one of my books at the university bookstore. It was a wonderful book called “German Essays on History. “

The book was in almost flawless condition with a strong binding, and the hardcover had a texture that made you just want to hold it. It cost me around $50. I was disappointed to part with it, but my financial status allowed nothing else.

That was until I got to the counter, where I was offered $3. The joy at being able to keep my book was marred by my irritation at such an insult. I knew it would be back on the shelf at $30 tomorrow, the same used charge for it as last semester.

A 1,000 percent profit is unjustifiable. I spent as much on books this semester as some would spend on a decent used car. At least, I would have spent that much if I had not employed other means.

When a company fails you, it is your duty as a patriot and capitalist to help that company realize the error of its ways.

Thus I feel that I should do whatever is possible—within the law—to reduce the bookstore’s profits and help my fellow students. Hopefully, the bookstore will return to reasonable methods of conducting business after losing a considerable percentage of their consumer base, so I will provide you with methods for doing so.

The Internet is indispensable. Make an effort to find your textbooks online, used and in older editions. You can save anywhere from 20 to 80 percent—usually closer to 80.

For most of us, previous editions are completely fine. Brand new editions are a scam. Publishers print new editions, which only have a few pages and some technical errors changed, and sell them new for the full price. New editions are not essential to your education.

If you are majoring in the Natural Sciences or some other fast-paced field, the changes in new editions are crucial. I have pity on your debt-ridden soul; if it’s any consolation, you will probably have a higher salary than the rest of us.

Some textbooks cannot be found online, shipping can be unreliable, and some distributors take weeks to ship books. In these instances, I suggest that you buy from the bookstore and share with a classmate.

Sharing books with a classmate has several benefits. You save an immediate 50 percent by splitting the costs. It also forces you to plan your studying ahead of time to accommodate your colleague—always a good thing. On top of that, you will get to know your colleague better and perhaps make a new friend.

Using the Internet, buying earlier editions, and sharing books can drastically reduce the money you spend on textbooks. This is better for you and everyone because every purchase is a vote.

Each time you succumb to a company’s ridiculous fees, you are essentially saying, “Please continue to make destitute paupers of my fellow consumers and me. We don’t mind. We were only going to use the money for foolish things like food and clothes anyway.”

If every purchase is a vote for a company, you shouldn’t vote for companies with faulty business practices; and if you must, at least cut your vote in half by sharing books.

You, using the methods above, can send a message. Together we can coerce the bookstore into accommodating its customers.

 

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