When students at The University of Memphis sell an expensive textbook back to The University or Tiger Bookstores, they may only get a few dollars for it.
"Buyback is great," said Mandy Mitchell, sophomore psychology major. "But they don't give you enough back for something you spent so much on. My English book was $60, and they offered me 50 cents for it."
According to the policy of both bookstores, students will get back 50 percent of what they paid if the professor is using the same book again next semester. If that is the case, the bookstore will adopt the book again. Otherwise, the amount paid back is based on national demand.
Christina Meek, a junior English major, said she rarely gets 50 percent of her money back.
"The only time I've gotten half of what I paid is when I sell back smaller books that don't cost much," she said.
"We know how much students spend on books," said Beth Cain, manager of The University Bookstore. "We want to give back as much as possible, and we want to have plenty of used books. We hope to give back up to $750,000 in buyback money."
Cain says The University Bookstore is the first line of communication with professors when it comes to additions or problems with ordering textbooks.
"Our relationship with The University of Memphis is the official one," she said.
While both bookstores have similar buyback policies, there are other factors that determine which one students prefer when they shop for textbooks or merchandise.
Chris Hawk, a junior journalism major, conducted a survey for his PR Research class last year and found most students who live off campus or come from out of town prefer the Tiger Bookstore, whereas those who live on campus tend to go to The University Bookstore.
"It's just a matter of convenience," he said. "Plus, the Tiger Bookstore is more visible, with the TV commercials and the flashing signs you see as you drive by."
Hawk prefers The University Bookstore not only for it's convenience, but also because it is more spacious and has a better selection.
"I know they will have exactly what I want," he said. "I just wish they sold Greek merchandise."
Marvell Bond, textbook manager of the Tiger Bookstore, said they strive to have more used books every semester.
"That is why I like the Tiger Bookstore," Meek said. "They seem to have more used books."
Buyback officially starts on the first day of exams. Though students can sell their books back all semester, the best time, according to Cain, is during or after finals.
"We hope to have 90 percent of adoptions in by then," she said.
