Textbook Rentals

Student Book Store - Big Blue Rental Program Frequently Asked Questions Textbooks are expensive, you know it and we know it. Each year the book prices set by textbook publishers across the country seem to go up and it is becoming very difficult for our customers to afford the textbooks necessary to achieve success at Penn State University. We hear it every day from our customers and we hope that the Big Blue Rental Progaram will help to make buying, selling and returning textbooks easier and a little more affordable. Here are the nuts and bolts of the Big Blue Rental Program: 1. What are we talking about? The Student Book Store is offering a rental program that allows customers to rent new or used textbooks for the semester instead of buying them. Renting textbooks can save our customers up to 50% or more over the cost of purchasing new textbooks! 2. We have all rented DVD's before, is it like that? Actually, it is like renting a movie. You are renting a textbook for a predetermined period of time. As long as you return it to the store within that time frame and in good condition, you are going to save $$$ 3. Why should you use the Big Blue Rental Program? For starters you save up to 50% or more over the cost of purchasing new textbooks. You don't need to spend countless hours searching the internet to save a couple bucks and then wait days for the textbook to arrive and hope it is the correct book! Just come to SBS, pick out a copy of the textbook and rent it. You return your rental right at our store - no shipping necessary. It's easy, simple and saves you money! 4. What is the procedure for renting textbooks? We need a payment on the textbook you are renting which can be made in any form- we currently accept (cash, check, credit card, Lion Cash, money order, etc…). We also need a valid credit card number and your email and home address to be kept on file in the unlikely event that you don't return or damage the textbook you are renting. 5. How long is the rental contract? We are renting textbooks for the semester. It begins when you complete the rental transaction and ends on the rental completion date (at the end of the semester - 3 days after the final exams are over). Just return your rented textbook back to SBS within that time frame and if you have other textbooks we will buy them back for cash! 6. What if I drop the class? No problem, The Big Blue Rental Program textbook refunds are the same as if you were buying the textbooks. With the receipt you have the first week of classes to drop, add or exchange your rented textbook. 7. What if I don't return to book or I am late returning it? As mentioned earlier, in order for the rental program to work we have to get the book back on time and it has to be in good enough condition that we can sell or rent it again. Replacement and / or late fees will be applied if these conditions are not met. It will be clearly spelled out in your actual rental agreement. 8. Will you remind me to return my rental textbook? Absolutely, we will send you an email late in the semester to remind you to return the rental textbook and provide you with a discount "thank you" coupon for the Student Book Store! 9. What about the condition of the rented textbook? Long story short, treat it like it you bought it and you want to sell it back at the end of the semester. You can highlight in it and write in the margins, just don't go crazy and damage it beyond normal wear and tear. We want to rent it again; if we can't because the book has a broken spine, water damage, your dog ate it, etc…. we have to charge you for a replacement copy. 10. Can I still buy textbooks at SBS? You sure can. Not all textbooks will be "rent-able" and SBS has the most USED textbooks in town. Buying used textbooks saves 25% off the new textbook prices. We want to be your one-stop shop for all your textbook rentals and purchases. SBS pays more for your purchased textbooks at the end of the semester. We buy back textbooks every day. No matter where you bought them you can sell them at SBS! 11. Can I rent textbooks from SBS on-line? Not yet…but we are working on it. At the present time you will need to come into the store to complete the rental transaction. You can look up on our website the textbooks you need for your course and reserve a rental copy. You just have to come in to complete the transaction. Just check out our textbooks on-line at www.thestudentbookstore.com and see the pricing and textbooks that are available to rent or purchase. 12. More questions? No problem. Just contact or visit the store or you can send us an online feedback question and it will be answered promptly.