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)

Instr. ________,

While processing your _______ 202 book order, I noticed that you have included a textbook package that includes the "ContentSelect Research Database." Just to clarify, will you be using the added material or will the textbook alone serve your students?

I ask because, though the additional material comes free with the text, it is only available with a new textbook ($74.25). Because this text is due for a new edition in June, students will not be able to sell it back at the end of the quarter - whether they buy it new or used. We have enough used texts ($56) to provide for all of your students. I (and I'm sure they) would prefer to save them about $20, especially when they won't be able to sell the book back.

I don't mean to influence your choice of course materials. If you do intend to utilize the additional material, I will certainly order it. But I wanted to make you aware of this situation. Please let me know what you prefer at your earliest convenience.

Thanks,

________
Store Manager

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

Dear_____,

Thanks for checking. No, I most likely will not use the "ContentSelect Researach Database." I would rather give the option (to students) of the ability to buy and sell used texts. Please just order the textbooks (and the Annual editions reader for the course). Do you need another ISBN number? Let me know.