You’ve just spent $160 on a Biology textbook for the upcoming Spring semester. However, two weeks into the semester, you realize Biology is not the course for you and you immediately fill out a “drop” form. You head on over to the bookstore to return that dreaded Biology book that cost you two day’s salary. However, you quickly learn that your university, like many, has strict return policies. Your next bet is to try to sell the textbook online for about half the price.
Many students are unaware of their university’s textbook return policy and are shocked to find that one or more of their actions have voided the possibility of a refund. There are four main factors that determine whether a student can return a textbook to the university store:
1) Time
Generally, university bookstores will only return textbooks during the first 5-10 days of the semester. Many bookstores correspond the university’s drop/add period with their refund policy. If the textbook is for a late start class, the refund period is generally 5-10 days after the purchase date.
2) Condition
Another important factor in the refund process, the new textbook must be returned in the condition it was purchased. It must be free of writing, highlighting, stains, tears, or spine damage. If the textbook includes software, it must be unopened. If the bundle included study guides, access cards, etc. they must also be returned.
Most universities also require the textbook to be in the original shrink wrap. However, some may simply charge you a fee to shrink wrap the bundle if you have already opened it.
3) Receipt
Nearly every university requires an original receipt in order to issue a refund. The receipt will clearly display the date of purchase, often important in determining the refund eligibility. The receipt policy also helps deter fraudulent refunds or theft. In most cases, there is no exception; no receipt, no refund.
4) Reason
Many universities require you to provide them with a reason for the return. A majority of bookstores will only refund the textbook if you have dropped the class. This policy has been put in place for students who purchase a textbook to have but are also doing online price comparisons.
If you are simply on a waiting list for a class, do not purchase a textbook until you have officially been enrolled. If you do not get into the class, you may be stuck keeping the book should your university have a similar policy.
Many bookstores will require you to provide photo identification before a refund can be made. There may also be policies regarding forms of payment. A purchase made on a credit card may only be refunded on the same credit card. Or, a purchase made with a personal check may have a waiting period before a cash refund is issued.
Each university bookstore has its own refund policies. The refund policy is generally printed on the back of your receipt. As you pick up your textbooks for next semester, note your university’s refund policy and how it may affect your returns.
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