Thursday, January 16th
2025 College Textbook Store Reviews
eFollett
- Offers textbooks (new and used), digital learning materials, college apparel, and school supplies
- Curates book listings based on specific institution's courses
- Consistent pricing with physical campus stores
- Offers shipping options and free delivery to some campus stores
- Allows highlighting and note-taking in rented textbooks
eFollett, also known as Follett, is like an online extension of a campus bookstore, teaming up with them to provide textbooks, apparel, and school supplies tailored to specific institutions. You pick your school, get redirected to its specific bookstore site, and see books relevant to your courses. While there are advantages like the ability to pick up books on campus, the company has a shaky reputation. Numerous customer complaints include missing orders, books damaged by the rain, and unresponsive customer service. Moreover, their Access Program has faced criticism for auto-charging students without clear opt-in. Despite potential minor savings, the overall customer satisfaction leaves much to be desired here.
Pearson
- Access to 1,800+ eTextbooks and study materials for $10.99/month
- Includes flashcards, audio, and study tools
- Additional Channels feature offers curated study videos, quizzes, and summaries for $7.99/month
Pearson+ is a subscription service referred to as the "Netflix for textbooks." For $10.99 a month, students gain access to over 1,800 eTextbooks and study materials, including flashcards and audio tools. However, the catalog only includes textbooks published by Pearson, so students may still need to purchase resources from other publishers. Users have reported technical issues with the platform, such as clunky navigation and frequent logouts. Accessibility features and customer support have also received criticism. Despite the allure of affordable digital textbooks, students have found that the platform's glitches and unsatisfactory support make traditional textbook options more reliable. Pearson earns our lowest possible score.
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Picture this: Emma is a sophomore majoring in Economics. A new semester is approaching, and she's been handed her list of required readings. Instead of braving the long lines at the campus bookstore and potentially paying high prices, she turns to online college textbook stores.
In a matter of minutes, she's located every textbook she needs, some at heavily discounted prices or even available for rent. Not only does she save money, but she also saves time, making her semester preparations smooth and hassle-free. Right on, Emma!
College Textbook Store FAQ
Continued from above...
Online college textbook stores have revolutionized the way students acquire their academic resources. These platforms offer a convenient, often cheaper, alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. With just a few clicks, students can purchase new or used books, rent textbooks, or even access digital versions.
How much could you save? In some cases, students might spend over $1,000 per semester on required course materials, especially if they are studying in fields that require expensive textbooks or access codes for online resources. It's obvious that every penny counts, so why not take advantage of every possible way to get your textbooks for less money? You could cut that $1,000 in half (or even more) by skipping the school bookstore and opting to source your books online.
When choosing a college textbook retailer, it's important to consider several factors to be sure you get the best deal and the resources you need. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Cost. How much does the textbook cost on this site compared to others? Look for competitive prices. Are there any special deals or discounts? It's always a win to save some money.
- Selection. Does the website have the textbooks you need? Check if they offer both e-books and physical copies. It's best to have choices to fit your study style.
- Shipping and return policy. Can they get your textbook to you before classes start? Consider shipping costs and speed. If the textbook isn't what you meant to order, is returning it easy? A good return policy can save you from headaches later on.
- Access codes. Do you need an online code for your course? Some books come with codes for online materials. If buying used or renting, is the code still valid? Make sure you're getting everything you need.
Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best online stores to buy college textbooks, both secondhand and new. We hope these reviews help you get the books you need for school quickly and without spending too much.
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