A. The value of a used book depends on whether it will be used in classes next semester. If an instructor orders a book for the next semester, the bookstore will buy it back for resale here, usually offering a higher price. However, if the book won’t be used next semester, the bookstore will check with wholesalers to determine its national market value. Wholesalers buy used books for resale at other campuses, but they typically offer less money because they factor in shipping and other costs.

If another student got more money for a book they sold back than you, it could be due to timing. The store may have already met its campus quota for the book by the time you sold yours, or they may not have received the instructor’s order yet when you sold yours. The store can only buy back books for resale on campus once the instructor’s book order is confirmed.

A. There are several reasons why a book might be turned down for buyback. The bookstore or wholesaler may have already met their quota, or the book may not be used anywhere next semester, especially if it’s specialized or customized. It could also be replaced by a newer edition or be part of a required package that can’t be sold separately. Additionally, if the book is damaged (like a broken cover, missing pages, stains, or water damage) or missing items of a package/set, it may not be accepted.

A. The bookstore offers used books as a more affordable option for students. The store must add a fee to all merchandise, including used books, to cover the costs of processing and preparing them for resale. To keep prices low, they can’t pay higher prices for used books at sell-back, as this would require raising the retail prices.

A. Since the books have no resale value and won’t be used on campus next semester, the store cannot buy them back. These books are donated to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City.