Textbook Bundling & Customization: Is There Value?

Testimonials

The following are excerpts from actual correspondence between university professors and bookstore managers.

From (bookstore manager)
To: (professor)

TO: Prof. __________
FROM: __________ - ________ Bookstore

Hello, Professor __________, my name is _________ and I'm the textbook manager of __________ Bookstore. I would like to clarify your Fall 2004 textbook adoption for ________ 329. You have ordered a package containing the following components: O'Neil: Essentials of Comparative Politics w/password.

Will the additional materials be required for the students? Publishers often add unnecessary materials to force the sales of new textbooks. These bundles don't allow students the option of purchasing less expensive used textbooks or to sell books back to the bookstore at the end of the term.

I am not trying to influence textbook decisions, and I will gladly order this package for your students. I just wanted to bring this to your attention and make sure the additional materials are required.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
_________
Textbook Manager
__________ Bookstore

From: (professor)
To: (bookstore manager)
In response to above:

Just the textbooks, thanks!