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)

Professor ________,

While processing your order I noticed that you have ordered a package that contains SANTROCK/CHILDREN with a CD and Multimedia Courseware. Just to clarify, will you be using the additional components, or will the text alone serve your students?

Even though the additional materials are packaged free with the text, it is only available with new copies of the textbook at $96.05. The book is scheduled to come out in a new addition in May, and the students will not be able to sell it back at the end of the quarter. There are plenty of the used textbooks available at $72. Since they won't be able to sell it back in June, I think they would appreciate the savings.

I don't mean to influence your choice of course materials, and will certainly order it. I just thought that I would make you aware of the situation. Please let me know which you prefer at your earliest convenience.

Thank you,
_________ Bookstore

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

Dear_____,

________ has agreed to sell me the book with the CD courseware for the same price as just the book alone. I will not require the CD for the course, but for those buying new books, it will be a bonus. If students want to buy the used book that will still be OK.