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What is textbook rental?

Getting an education costs more than ever before and books are big ticket items. (Like we needed to tell you that.) So your campus bookstore is offering textbook rental through Rent-A-Text, saving you, on average, more than half off the sales price on every single book you rent.

Because your campus bookstore has direct access to your instructors’ book lists, it can guarantee that the books you rent are the right ones for your classes. And unlike online rental companies, your campus bookstore carries all your other course materials too. It’s the ultimate in one-stop-shopping. With Rent-A-Text, you pick up your rental textbooks at the bookstore instead of having them shipped, so there’s no waiting by the mailbox for them to show up. And no shipping costs either, which means more money in your pocket.

Sweet.

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What’s new with Rent-A-Text?
We won’t lie…we’re very proud of the savings our students have received from our rental program. We've learned a lot from our pilot program and we’re working hard to improve the way students rent their books. For example, by Fall 2011 we will be able to rent books online. We also will be streamlining our in store experience to allow quicker rental sign-ups to reduce lines and get students back to class!
Where is textbook rental?
Today, Follett is proud to offer textbook rental at the following bookstores:

As we expand from this group of pilot stores, we will continue to increase our title selection and refine our rental processes. We just announced broader expansion across Canada. Keep checking back for details on program expansion and improvements!

Please note that it is not possible at this time to rent textbooks directly from efollett.ca Online rental will begin for the Fall 2011 academic term.

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FAQ

Just as with anything else, renting has some advantages and disadvantages over buying. Here are some answers to a few commonly asked questions to help you decide if renting your books is the right choice for you.

Q: I’m a faculty member and new to Rent-A-Text, where do I start?
A: Rent-A-Text is a great way to control the costs of higher education, specifically, what students are spending on materials in your classrooms. We’re maintaining a large list of titles eligible for rent, and we’ll work with you to identify existing titles, and possibly expand our rental assortment to include your classroom materials with some term commitments. Contact your campus bookstore for more details.
Q: What is Rent-A-Text?
A: Rent-A-Text provides you with the option of renting a new or used textbook for an academic term rather than purchasing it. At the end of the term, you simply bring the textbook back to the bookstore where it is checked in. Renting instead of buying can save you more than 50% on average compared to the purchase price of a new textbook.
Q: Why is the bookstore rental option better?
A: When you rent from the campus bookstore, you have more choices, which means more convenience because every book you need is in one place. We accept all forms of payment, from cash, to credit. You have the option to buy the textbook during the rental term, plus you have the assurance of seeing the book you're renting before making your decision.
Q: Can I use my debit card to rent my books?
A: Yes, we allow debit cards as a form of payment for renting books, however, debit cards will not be able to be used as collateral for renting. Please make sure you bring a credit card to use for collateral and let the cashier know you want to use a different form of payment to complete the transaction.
Q: Why would I rent my textbooks?
A: When you rent your books, you'll pay, on average, less than half the new price. Guaranteed! That's right, the exact same book, over half off. What other reason do you need?
Q: More than 50%? Sounds great. But is there a catch?
A: No catch. Inquiring consumers, such as you, will find that our rental price is, on average, over 50% off the new book price. How many places do you know that will offer their favorite customers an "Over 50% Off Sale" during their busiest time of the year?
Q: Sounds good so far. How do I actually rent my books?
A: Well, here's what you'll need to get started: First, you just need to be 18 years or older, with a valid credit card. An email address and a driver's license/ provincial ID is also a must. Finally, you'll need to fill out a rental agreement, which signifies your commitment to bringing your book back by the check-in date.
Q: How many times do I have to fill out the rental agreement?
A: Great question. You will need to fill out a new agreement for each new rental transaction. If you’re renting two books at one time then one agreement will be enough. If you come back later to rent another book you will need to fill out a new agreement.
Q: How can I pay for my rental books??
A: You can pay for your rental books with a credit card, debit card, by cheque, or with cash. But no matter how you pay, we'll only charge the card number you provide on your rental agreement form if you don't bring your books back by the return date.
Q: I'm not 18, can I still rent?
A: Sadly, you cannot. However, your parents (or guardian) certainly can! Just remember that they probably won't be here at finals to return the rented books… and nothing will get you a stern talking to like an unwanted credit card charge.
Q: So when is the return date? Right before my finals?
A: We ask that all rented books be returned to the bookstore at the end of the final examination period. This should give you plenty of time to glean an entire semester's worth of knowledge and carry you through finals. We'll also send you a reminder email at the end of term to help you remember to bring your rented books back.
Q: OK, let's say I forget to bring my books back. Then what?
A: A: We ask that all rented books be returned to the bookstore at the end of the final examination period. This should give you plenty of time to glean an entire semester's worth of knowledge and carry you through finals. We'll also send you a reminder email at the end of term to help you remember to bring your rented books back.
Q: Why the extra fees if I check-in my rental book past the deadline?
A: If you don't check in your rental book on time, the bookstore will need to source another copy of the book in order to have enough quantities on hand for the next semester. The fees cover the additional expenses of finding another copy of the book.
Q: What if I rent a book and then decide I NEED to keep it?
A: So, you’ve decided that Biology is your life’s calling and not just another “Gen Ed” class, huh? If you want to keep a book that you've rented, you just need to let us know sooner rather than later. Within your store’s refund period, you'll have the option to convert your rental into a standard, everyday purchase. You'll simply receive a refund of your rental fee and be charged regular retail price based on the book's purchased condition: new or used.
Q: What happens if I drop a class?
A: Rental refunds will be allowed during the normal store refund period. Of course, the regular refund rules will still apply: the book needs to be in the same condition as it was when it was rented and you'll need a copy of your receipt.
Q: Can I highlight and take notes?
A: Yes we respect you and your learning style enough to not dictate what you do (or don't do) with your books….within reason, of course. Normal highlighting and note-taking are perfectly acceptable. So, what's prohibited? Any excessive markings that would render the book unusable for the next customer. It's the note takers golden rule!
Q: Rental sounds great! So can I rent all my books?
A: Unfortunately, not every title is available for rent right now. But we're working hard with your professors and textbook publishers to identify as many rental titles as possible. Generally speaking, a book needs to be a popular title early in its lifecycle (a recently released edition) to be rentable. The good news is that these are the types of books that you may have generally had to buy "New" in the past, so hopefully you'll really feel the savings!
Q: So I don't HAVE to rent my books, right?
A: Nope. At the bookstore, we're all about giving you options. Some people are going to want to rent new books. Others may want to own a used book. No matter what your studying style or budget, you can get what you need here.
Q: Can I use other discounts with rental?
A: Fair question, thrifty student… With text rental already being the cheapest way to buy your books, we can't honour other bookstore discounts.
Q: How will I be able to tell if the book I need is rent-able?
A: Just find the book on the shelf, like usual, and see if there's a "FOR RENT" shelf tag. Simple!
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Visit the bookstore; we'll be glad to tell you more about it.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Contact the bookstore.

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